Welcome to "How Did We Get Here?" - the podcast where our two Talking Heads, Jess Bost and Mark Newfield, bring on guests to learn more about their past lives before landing where they are today. As you know, life is super simple, straightforward and never makes people ask "Wait, you did what?!" So join us for an honest convo on career exploration, overcoming setbacks, considering when to pivot, and offering encouragement on how to find value in your career and life choices. Let's ask the qu ...
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29. From Sushi Entrepreneur to Financial Advisor with John Stoj
39:24
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39:24John Stoj’s career took some unexpected turns—Wall Street trader, sushi entrepreneur, and reluctantly, a financial advisor. Along the way, he realized he loved helping people with money, just not in the way big firms do it. This may just be the least straight-line journey we’ve gone through yet! Stay tuned as we get into John’s story, where he “kic…
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28. From Lacrosse to Cross-Border Finance: Building Bird’s Eye with Sam Rook
36:12
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36:12In this episode, Mark and Jess talk to Sam Rook, a Canadian financial advisor who went from studying physical education to becoming a go-to expert in cross-border and founder of Bird’s Eye Wealth. How did that happen? A $10,000 investment, and an inspiring mentor who changed his path forever. In this episode: - Sam’s career switch from teaching to …
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27. From College Dropout to Grief Guru with Kathi Balasek
40:36
40:36
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40:36Kathi Balasek shares her remarkable journey from flunking college, becoming a physical education teacher and then eventually, a grief expert. Kathi demonstrates how seemingly unrelated skills create a unique path for helping others navigate loss. Key Takeaways: • Grief is not a competition – "the only loss that matters is your loss" • Focusing on e…
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26. How Did We Get From Rock ‘n’ Roll to Financial Planning? Part 2 with Matt Zeigler
28:37
28:37
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28:37Matt Zeigler’s journey shows the power of curiosity and adaptability in navigating one's career through uncertainties. From his unexpected pivots during the global financial crisis to initiating his podcast "Just Press Record," Matt emphasizes the importance of embracing chaos as a path to growth. Key takeaways: • Resilience during the global finan…
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25. How Did We Get From Rock ‘n’ Roll to Financial Planning? with Matt Zeigler
29:04
29:04
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29:04Matt Zeigler started out as a guitarist, hustling to make it in the music industry. Then, the dawn of the internet sent him along a different path, to financial services. He talks about how he was able to see his ADHD as a strength, and inspires listeners to embrace setbacks and not be afraid to pivot towards finding their passions. Key Takeaways: …
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24. How Did We Get From Manufacturing to Financial Planning? with Cris Wallace
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37:35Cris Wallace shares his remarkable journey from being a plant manager to becoming a dedicated financial planner. We discuss his motivations, the challenges he faced, and how relationships and understanding emotions around money can lead to success in financial advising. Key Takeaways: • Cris’s shift from plant management to financial planning • The…
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23. How Did We Get From UConn Track to Index Funds? with Justin Carbonneau
48:59
48:59
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48:59Justin Carbonneau’s journey from track and field to military service to the world of finance is a powerful example of turning challenges into opportunities. Justin has had to navigate tough transitions, from a demanding New York City internship to managing financial crises. Whether it’s finding encouragement online or the power of teamwork, his sto…
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22. How Did We Get From Wall Street to CEO? with Ryan Krueger
40:16
40:16
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40:16In this episode, we chat with Ryan Krueger about how discomfort can lead to real growth. Ryan shares his thoughts on staying positive, finding joy in your work, and creating success that aligns with your values. We also talk about how challenges can teach us important lessons and why discomfort is often the key to becoming stronger and more resilie…
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21. How Did We Get From Advisor to Mentor? with Julie Johnson
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48:45Today we chat with Julie Johnson, a financial advisor turned mentor, as she shares her journey of helping families and advisors navigate the challenges of wealth transfer. Julie blends empathy and expertise, shaped by her own personal experiences, in a fresh perspective to managing finances across generations. We also explore the growing role of wo…
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20. How Did We Get From Theology to Financial Planning? with Morgan Ranstrom
57:56
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57:56What makes someone trade academia for financial advising during a recession? In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Ranstrom as he takes us through his remarkable journey from theology to finance. Combining technical skills with a deep understanding of human behavior, Morgan proves that financial planning is about more than numbers—it’s about peo…
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19. How Did We Get From Baghdad to Entrepreneur? with Van Smith
42:29
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42:29Imagine starting a law firm with just a laptop and an iPhone. That’s exactly what Van Smith did! In this episode, Van shares how he grew his Virginia-based firm from scratch into a team of 30. His background wasn’t entrepreneurial at all, but after tackling challenges like undergrad during 9/11, a stint in Baghdad, and the 2008 financial crisis aft…
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18. How Did We Get From a Childhood Goal to Estate Law? with Jenny Rozelle
39:21
39:21
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39:21Join us as we chat with Jenny Rozelle, an estate and elder law expert who brings a down-to-earth approach to legal planning. From her small-town beginnings to leading a successful law firm, Jenny shares how hard work and community-focus drive her success. She breaks down why estate planning matters for everyone, and gives simple, practical advice t…
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17. How Did We Get From Failed Classes to Fitness in Finance? with Aravind Sithamparapillai
43:56
43:56
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43:56In this episode Aravind Sithamparapillai shares his journey, facing family expectations and self-doubt as he built a career in finance. Aravind opens up about overcoming struggles, including mental health challenges, and finding his way back to university. His story shows the power of self-belief, resilience, and the importance of doing what you ac…
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16. How Did We Get From History Major to Financial Advisor? with Dennis Morton
46:32
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46:32Meet Dennis Morton—a former history major, band musician, and missile operator who’s now the founder of a financial advisory firm. In this episode, Dennis talks about his winding career path from military life to finance, and shares his hard-earned lessons and stories. Learn how he found his true calling, built a new career from scratch, and used h…
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15. How Did We Get From Answering Phones to Index Funds? with Perth Tolle
1:04:26
1:04:26
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1:04:26In this episode, we chat with Perth Tolle, a finance trailblazer who mixes personal values with smart investing. From her time as a Fidelity advisor to creating a freedom-focused index for emerging markets, Perth’s journey shows how staying true to your beliefs can lead to success. We also talk about taking risks, changing careers, and how communit…
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14. How Did We Get From Investment Banker to Artist? with Dave Ross
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51:45Join us as Dave Ross shares his unique journey from asset management to transportation executive to artist. He talks about chasing impact over following a set career path, the value of self-awareness, and learning from mentors. We also dive into career transitions, personal growth, and lessons from 2020 on finding clarity and building strong relati…
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13. How Did We Get From Pageant Queen to Queen of Alts? with Shana Orczyk Sissel
1:09:03
1:09:03
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1:09:03Join us as Shana Orczyk Sissel, founder of Banríon Capital, shares her journey into finance without a traditional finance degree. From her experiences in sports, theater and pageants to overcoming ADD and navigating challenges in a demanding industry, Shana’s story highlights resilience and creativity. She talks about building her business and bala…
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12. How Did We Get From Astrophysics to Editor-in-Chief? with Lara Crigger
52:27
52:27
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52:27In this episode, Lara Crigger talks about her journey from studying astrophysics to becoming a writer and working in commodities and ETFs. She shares how she followed her passion for storytelling, turned down scholarships, and balanced a busy career with motherhood. Lara also talks about overcoming challenges like burnout and grief, rescuing her do…
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11. How Did We Get From Internet Newbie to Nitrogen? with Aaron Klein
1:16:43
1:16:43
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1:16:43Aaron Klein’s childhood struggles with money and near foreclosure shaped his approach to risk and opportunity in his career. Despite early failures, he founded Riskalyze (now Nitrogen), a company that revolutionized financial advising by creating a way to measure risk with a "risk number." Through his story, Aaron touches on resilience, timing, and…
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10. How Did We Get From Dishwasher to CFA®? with Derek Hagen
1:00:04
1:00:04
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1:00:04In this episode, we share the inspiring story of Derek Hagen, who overcame poverty and started working at a young age to eventually become a successful financial advisor. Derek’s journey shows how hard work, education, and perseverance can change your life. He talks about finding his passion for finance, navigating career choices after college, and…
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9. How Did We Get From Farm School to Financial Planner? with Cullen Roche
1:20:39
1:20:39
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1:20:39In this episode of “How Did We Get Here?”, Cullen Roche shares his journey from a unique childhood to becoming a leader in finance. Raised on a farm in Washington, DC, Cullen’s large family helped shape his independent yet team-oriented mindset. Cullen discusses how his wife’s influence guided him from stock picking to financial planning, and how m…
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8. How Did We Get From Concert Promoter to CFP®? with Nick Gertsema
47:23
47:23
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47:23In this episode, we explore how unexpected career twists can lead to fulfilling paths. Nick Gertsema shares his journey from concert promoter to financial advisor, showing how embracing change can open new opportunities. We also discuss the story of a father and son who took unconventional career routes, offering lessons in resilience and finding o…
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7. How Did We Get From Paperboy to Wall Street? with Bob Seawright
47:42
47:42
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47:42In this episode, we talk with Bob Seawright, who went from being a paperboy in his hometown to becoming a Chief Investment Officer and a well-known writer. Bob shares how his early jobs, like delivering newspapers in the cold and umpiring baseball games at 14, taught him important lessons that shaped his career. He also opens up about his journey f…
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6. How Did We Get from Gender Bias to Thriving in Finance? with Arlene Moss
38:35
38:35
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38:35In this episode, we talk with Arlene Moss about her 30-year journey in the financial world. Arlene shares how she stayed true to herself, even in an industry that often pushes people to fit in. Starting on Wall Street in the early 2000’s, Arlene faced challenges like gender bias but used these experiences to grow and change. She also discusses bala…
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5. How Did We Get From Furniture Mart to Finance? with Stoy Hall
37:56
37:56
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37:56What if everything you know about money is wrong? Join us as Stoy Hall, the founder of Black Mammoth and host of the NoBS Wealth podcast, shares his story—from growing up with a hardworking single mom to delivering appliances. Stoy's experiences teach us what real wealth means. We also explore four common money mindsets and how they shape your fina…
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4. How Did We Get From Proofreading to Morningstar? with Christine Benz
50:42
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50:42In this episode of "How Did We Get Here?", we chat with Christine Benz, an expert in retirement and investment planning. Christine shares her unique career journey, starting from proofreading medical journals to building a long career at Morningstar. We explore how her dedication and curiosity led her from being a copy editor to a mutual fund analy…
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3. How Did We Get From IT to Finance? with Meg Bartelt
43:13
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43:13In this episode, we sit down with Meg Bartelt, a financial planner with a background in tech writing, to talk about smart money moves for your 20s, 30s, and 40s. Meg shares her personal journey, from working in IT during the dot-com boom to helping people navigate their finances today. She explains why your habits and emotions often matter more tha…
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2. How Did We Get from Film to Finance? with Dave Nadig
29:46
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29:46Ever wondered what it takes to make a big career shift or take a life-changing sabbatical? In this episode, we chat with Dave Nadig, who shares his journey from Hollywood screenwriter to finance professional. Dave talks about pursuing an MBA and diving into finance, showing how understanding money and embracing the unknown can lead to unexpected, f…
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Ever wonder how a college dropout becomes a top financial advisor? In the very first episode of "How Did We Get Here?," hosts Jess Bost and Mark Newfield share their own remarkable career journeys. From Mark's days under the hood of cars to his rise in finance, you'll find inspiration in their stories. Jess adds a heartwarming touch with an anecdot…
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