Wealth is a choice Podcast

In this episode of Wealth Is a Choice, James sits down with veteran journalist and FOX 2 anchor Roop Raj for a fascinating conversation about media, technology, human connection, politics, curiosity, and what it means to stay authentic in a rapidly changing world.
Roop shares the incredible story of how he began pursuing journalism at just 14 years old, long before YouTube or social media existed, by walking into a public access TV station and creating opportunities for himself from scratch.
Together, James and Roop explore:
How AI is changing journalism, communication, and human behavior
Why authentic human connection may become MORE valuable in a tech-driven world
The dangers of misinformation and algorithm-driven outrage
How social media shapes our perception of politics and society
Why curiosity and listening are essential leadership skills
The psychology behind attention spans, outrage culture, and online behavior
How journalism has evolved from traditional broadcasts into live, interactive storytelling
Why nature, community, and real conversations still matter deeply
Roop also opens up about interviewing presidents, lawmakers, and political leaders over decades in journalism, explaining how he prepares for difficult conversations, identifies scripted talking points, and works to create authentic dialogue instead of conflict-driven interviews.
One of the most powerful themes throughout the episode is the idea that despite what social media often suggests, most people have far more in common than they realize. James and Roop discuss how real-world interactions are often filled with kindness, respect, and cooperation — even among people with very different political beliefs.
The conversation also dives into:
The impact of AI on attention spans and modern news
Why live, unscripted content is becoming more important
The value of curiosity over certainty
How young people can pursue their dreams earlier than ever before
Why “wealth” may ultimately begin with awareness and consciousness
As always, the episode closes with the signature question:Is wealth a choice?
Roop’s answer is thoughtful and deeply human — centered around self-awareness, gratitude, growth, and the importance of understanding where we truly are in life before deciding where we want to go next.
This is an insightful, honest, and timely conversation about media, politics, technology, relationships, and what it means to stay human in an increasingly digital world.
Learn more about JP Studinger Wealth Advisors:https://www.jpstudinger.com/
#RoopRaj #WealthIsAChoice #Journalism #AI #HumanConnection #Media #FOX2 #Politics #SocialMedia #Curiosity #Podcast #Authenticity #FinancialWisdom #Leadership #Communication #AttentionSpan #Technology #IndependentThinking #Detroit #PodcastInterview

In this episode of Wealth Is a Choice, James sits down with Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP, to discuss the future of economic development, manufacturing, talent retention, and long-term growth in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Marty has spent years working at the intersection of business, policy, and regional development, first in the Michigan legislature and now leading InvestUP, the Upper Peninsula’s private sector-led economic development organization. Under his leadership, InvestUP has helped launch major housing initiatives, innovation funds, workforce partnerships, and some of the largest economic development projects in U.P. history.
The conversation explores:
Why population decline and workforce shortages are some of Michigan’s biggest long-term risks
The challenge of keeping young talent in rural communities
The importance of housing, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship in economic growth
Why domestic manufacturing, mining, forestry, and innovation still matter deeply to America’s future
How small communities can compete in a rapidly changing economy
Marty also shares insights into the realities of regional leadership, balancing economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability in communities that are often overlooked in national conversations.
From attracting investment to creating opportunity in rural America, this episode is ultimately about one thing:How do you build places where people actually want to stay, work, and build a life?
As always, the conversation closes with the deeper theme behind the show what wealth really means. Beyond money, wealth can mean opportunity, purpose, community, freedom, and building something meaningful that lasts for future generations.
Learn more about JP Studinger Wealth Advisors: https://www.jpstudinger.com/
Learn more about InvestUP: https://www.investupmi.com/
#michigan #upperpeninsula #economicdevelopment #manufacturing #ruralamerica #leadership #workforcedevelopment #smallbusiness #investup #entrepreneurship #wealthisachoice #economicgrowth #michiganbusiness #communitydevelopment

In this episode of Wealth Is a Choice, James sits down with Gary Perala to explore the deeper meaning behind one of the most unique endurance events in the country: Tour Da Yoop, a 10-day, 1,200-mile cycling journey around Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
But this conversation quickly becomes about much more than cycling.
Gary shares how Tour Da Yoop has evolved from an ambitious ride into something profoundly human. A place where people “start off as strangers and end up as family.”
Together, James and Gary reflect on:
The power of endurance events to transform people mentally and emotionally
Why Tour Da Yoop celebrates humanity and support, not just speed or competition
Stories of riders overcoming fear, self-doubt, injury, and impossible odds
The incredible role of the SAG teams, volunteers, and Lions Club members who make the event possible
How challenge, service, and community help people discover they are “capable of more than they realize”
Gary also shares powerful insights about:
Leadership through service
The mission and culture of the Lions Club
Why volunteering and helping others improves our own mental health and well-being
The importance of positivity, resilience, and “love you for you” in today’s world
Throughout the episode, the conversation returns to a core idea:The greatest victories in life are often not about finishing first, but about helping others finish at all.
The episode is filled with incredible stories from the Tour Da Yoop community, including riders sacrificing their own performance to support others, emotional breakthroughs on Brockway Mountain, and the life-changing perspective that comes from doing something you once thought was impossible.
As always, the conversation closes with the show’s signature question:Is wealth a choice?
Gary’s answer is deeply rooted in health, mindset, relationships, and personal growth. He explains that while money matters, true wealth is also found in community, positivity, service, and having the health and perspective to enjoy life fully.
If you’ve ever wondered what people are truly capable of—or how challenge and community can change lives—this is an episode you won’t forget.
Learn more about JP Studinger Wealth Advisors:https://www.jpstudinger.com/
Learn more about Tour Da Yoop:https://www.tourdayoopeh.com/
#GaryPerala #TourDaYoop #WealthIsAChoice #Cycling #Endurance #HumanSpirit #Leadership #Service #LionsClub #Michigan #UpperPeninsula #MentalStrength #Community #PersonalGrowth #HealthIsWealth #Adventure #Volunteerism #Resilience

In this episode of Wealth Is a Choice, James sits down with Jennifer Watson, CEO of Limestone Federal Credit Union, for a powerful conversation about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and what it truly means to invest in a community.
What starts as a discussion about small-town life in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula quickly becomes a deep exploration of how communities grow stronger when people choose to show up, give their time, and believe in young people.
Jennifer shares the incredible story behind The Grind, the student-operated coffee shop and entrepreneurial project that involved more than 200 students over several years. Together, students, local businesses, engineers, contractors, and volunteers transformed a deteriorating building into a thriving business and real-world classroom.
Throughout the conversation, Jennifer and James discuss:
Why financial literacy must go beyond textbooks
The importance of teaching students confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurship
How volunteerism builds stronger communities
Why “showing up” matters more than simply writing a check
The power of experiential learning and real-world problem solving
How small communities create opportunities for innovation and growth
Jennifer also shares how Limestone Federal Credit Union continues to invest heavily in youth education through programs like:
Financial Reality Fairs
Adulting 101
Learn It, Plan It, Pitch It
Student entrepreneurship initiatives
Hands-on financial education programs in schools and colleges
One of the most inspiring parts of the conversation centers around the creativity and potential of today’s students. Jennifer explains how programs like Learn It, Plan It, Pitch It give young people the confidence to turn ideas into real businesses, and how communities often underestimate the talent sitting inside their classrooms.
The episode also dives into practical wealth-building principles:
Why small financial decisions matter over a lifetime
The importance of saving early
Understanding the true cost of debt
Building financial independence intentionally
Why Jennifer encourages young workers to start contributing to retirement accounts immediately
As always, the conversation closes with the signature question:Is wealth a choice?
Jennifer’s answer is thoughtful and deeply aligned with Limestone’s mission of helping people build financial independence on their own terms. She explains that wealth looks different for everyone—but intentional choices, education, and community support can dramatically shape a person’s future.
This episode is a reminder that real wealth is built not only through money—but through mentorship, service, relationships, education, and creating opportunities for others.
Learn more about JP Studinger Wealth Advisors:https://www.jpstudinger.com/
Learn more about Limestone Federal Credit Union:https://limestonefcu.com/
#JenniferWatson #LimestoneFederalCreditUnion #WealthIsAChoice #FinancialLiteracy #Entrepreneurship #CommunityLeadership #Volunteerism #StudentSuccess #FinancialEducation #UpperPeninsula #SmallBusiness #CreditUnion #YouthLeadership #FinancialIndependence #TheGrind #LearnItPlanItPitchIt

In this episode of Wealth Is a Choice, James sits down with Cara Macksoud, a former Wall Street professional turned behavioral finance expert, to explore one of the most misunderstood topics in personal finance.
Cara shares her powerful journey from stepping onto Wall Street at just 17 years old to witnessing firsthand how extreme wealth, ego, and pressure can lead people to make irrational and often damaging choices.
But what she discovered next changed everything.
After transitioning from working with some of the wealthiest individuals in the country to serving lower-income communities, Cara noticed something surprising:The behaviors around money were often the same regardless of income level.
This realization led her deep into the world of behavioral finance, where she began studying the real drivers behind financial decisions, things like:
Ego, dopamine, and the need for validation
How childhood experiences shape our relationship with money
Why “enough” is different for everyone
The hidden influence of comparison and social pressure
Cara also shares deep personal insights, including:
Watching wealthy professionals lose everything despite having more than enough
The emotional trade-offs between money and life experiences
A powerful exercise that helped her define what truly matters, and what’s simply not worth sacrificing
The conversation expands into practical, eye-opening ideas:
Why financial education should start as early as childhood
How small habits and time, not just income, create real wealth
The dangers of outsourcing financial knowledge in relationships
And why understanding your own mindset may be more important than any investment strategy
The episode closes with a powerful reflection on the question we ask every guest: Is wealth a choice?
Cara’s answer brings the entire conversation full circle. She explains that while external circumstances matter, true wealth is deeply connected to self-awareness, understanding your behaviors, your triggers, and your definition of “enough.”
For her, wealth isn’t just about how much money you make, it’s about whether your decisions align with what actually fulfills you. When they don’t, even unlimited resources won’t feel like enough. But when they do, you gain something far more valuable: control, clarity, and intention in how you live your life.
This is a deeply human, thought-provoking conversation that will challenge the way you think about money and yourself.
 
#BehavioralFinance #MoneyPsychology #MindsetMatters #FinancialBehavior #HumanBehavior #MoneyTalks #RichLife #SuccessHabits #LifeLessons #PodcastClips #FinancialEducation #InvestingMindset #WealthStrategies #MoneyHabits #FinancialLiteracy #WealthIsAChoice #FinancialFreedom #MoneyMindset #WealthBuilding #PersonalFinance

What’s really happening inside Michigan’s government—and what needs to change?In this episode of Wealth Is a Choice, James sits down with Donnie Steele, current Michigan State Representative and candidate for State Senate, to break down the realities of state politics, policy-making, and the challenges facing Michigan residents today.Donnie shares an inside look at how government actually works—from committees and budgets to the political dynamics that determine which bills move forward and which never see the light of day.The conversation dives into:- How Michigan’s legislative system really operates behind the scenes  - Why political party control has a major impact on what gets done  - The complexity of infrastructure funding, including roads, transportation, and public services  - The realities of government inefficiency—and where taxpayer money gets lost along the way  Donnie also shares her firsthand experience working on the transportation budget, including efforts to increase funding for roads without raising taxes, and the challenges of balancing priorities across hundreds of municipalities.Beyond policy, this episode explores the human side of leadership:- Helping constituents navigate real-life issues—from licensing problems to financial hardships  - The gap between available government assistance and people actually accessing it  - Why simplifying support systems could make a major difference for struggling individuals  A major theme throughout the episode is accountability and efficiency—with Donnie emphasizing that government can do better with the resources it already has.Looking ahead, she outlines her motivation for running for State Senate: greater autonomy, a stronger voice at the table, and the ability to drive meaningful change at a higher level.The conversation closes with a powerful perspective on success—not just in politics, but in life—reminding us that wealth, in all forms, is ultimately a choice shaped by mindset, education, and action.Learn more about Donnie Steele and her campaign:https://www.donniesteele.com/
#MichiganPolitics #StateSenate #DonnieSteele #PublicPolicy #GovernmentAccountability #Infrastructure #Leadership #Elections #LocalGovernment #WealthIsAChoice #CivicEngagement #Michigan

Can America become a manufacturing powerhouse again or is that just a dream?
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Vandemergel, a manufacturing leader with over 25 years of experience working across Ford, Tier 1 suppliers, and operational leadership roles, to unpack the reality behind American manufacturing today.
From launching major vehicle programs like the Ford F-150 Lightning to leading plant operations and rebuilding struggling facilities, Chris brings a rare, inside-the-factory perspective on what’s really happening behind the scenes of U.S. production.
Together, we explore the big questions:
Why manufacturing dropped from ~30% of the economy to under 10%
Whether reshoring is actually realistic—or just political talk
The hidden complexity of global supply chains and why parts move across borders multiple times
Why small businesses struggle to manufacture in the U.S.
The real reason jobs moved overseas—and why they haven’t fully come back
Chris also breaks down something most people never see: what manufacturing jobs are actually like today. Long hours, physically demanding environments, and wages that often don’t match the cost of living have fundamentally changed how these careers are viewed.
We dive deep into:
The erosion of the middle class and its connection to manufacturing
Why skilled trades are disappearing—and why that’s a major problem
The shift toward “college-only” thinking and its unintended consequences
Labor challenges, employee turnover, and why companies struggle to retain workers
Whether automation and AI can realistically solve these issues
One of the most eye-opening moments comes through a real-world example: trying to manufacture a simple product in the U.S. vs. overseas—highlighting just how broken the system is for small businesses.
Chris closes with a grounded and honest reflection: manufacturing can come back—but only if we fix the workforce, rethink education, and create real career paths instead of just jobs. He emphasizes that the future depends not just on policy or tariffs, but on how companies value their people and how society views skilled work.
The conversation ends on a powerful note about what “wealth” really means—reminding us that it’s not just money, but fulfillment, purpose, and choosing the right path in life.
This is a practical, eye-opening, and deeply human conversation about manufacturing, opportunity, and the future of the American worker.
Listen now to understand what it will really take to build again.

In this episode, James sits down with Tom Leonard, former Michigan Speaker of the House and gubernatorial candidate, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, justice, and what it takes to build a thriving state.
Tom shares a powerful story from his time as a prosecutor, one that shaped his entire philosophy on leadership. Rather than focusing on convictions, he explains that “the role of a prosecutor is to seek justice every day,” and recounts a moment where listening, compassion, and action kept a young man out of prison when the truth was uncovered.
That story becomes the foundation for a bigger message: people don’t want noise, blame, or politics they want leaders who will listen, identify problems, and go to work fixing them.
Throughout the conversation, Tom dives into the real challenges facing Michigan today:
Population decline and why keeping young people in-state is critical
The importance of economic growth, small business support, and “economic gardening”
Mental health, especially among young people, and the urgent need to remove stigma
Law enforcement, education, and nursing as some of the toughest (and most essential) professions today
Infrastructure, healthcare costs, and accessibility across both urban and rural communities
He also shares his vision for leadership, one rooted in accountability, accessibility, and action. From answering calls in the governor’s office to working late nights to solve real problems, Tom emphasizes that leadership isn’t about holding the title, it’s about doing the job every single day.
Beyond policy, this episode explores something deeper: mindset. Tom reflects on what wealth really means not just financially, but in life. He shares a personal story about spending time with his son and how true wealth comes from intentional choices, relationships, and presence not just money.
👉 Learn more about Tom Leonard and his vision:https://www.tomformichigan.com/
Mike closes with a powerful reflection on the meaning of wealth, reinforcing that while circumstances may differ, true wealth is built through the choices we make—how we show up, how we lead, and how we live.
#TomLeonard #MichiganGovernor #LeadershipMatters #JusticeSystem #WealthIsAChoice #PublicService #MichiganFuture #MentalHealthAwareness #EconomicGrowth #SmallBusinessMatters #PolicyAndPeople #MoneyMindset #CommunityLeadership #PurposeDriven

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger sits down with Kara Murphy, CFA, Chief Investment Officer of Kestra Investment Management, where she leads a team focused on market research, portfolio construction, and investment solutions for financial professionals. She’s known for making complex market and economic topics accessible, engaging, and practical for investors and advisors alike.
James and Kara dive into the connection between the economy, the markets, and the real-world choices investors must make. They unpack why understanding the Federal Reserve, interest rates, labor markets, and manufacturing trends matters, but also why self-awareness, humility, and discipline may matter even more. Along the way, Kara explains why diversification is about building the whole puzzle, not obsessing over one piece, and why some of the hardest investing principles are actually the simplest ones: stay disciplined, keep buying, and don’t confuse recent trends with permanent truth.
In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
• Why “don’t fight the Fed” still matters for investors
• How interest rates work their way through the economy and impact daily life
• Why the AI boom and the Mag 7 created an unusual market environment
• How recency bias can lead investors into poor decisions
• Why diversification is essential—but too much can dilute conviction
• The difference between understanding the economy and understanding yourself
• Why time is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools
• The case for trades, manufacturing, and practical skills in a changing economy
• How disciplined investing through downturns can create long-term opportunity
The conversation closes with Kara’s thoughtful answer to whether wealth is a choice. Her view: for most people, the roadmap is not a mystery. The challenge is not knowing what to do, it’s having the consistency and discipline to actually do it over time.
Listen now and discover why “wealth is a choice”—and how to make it yours. Follow us and never miss an episode. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments—what does “wealth” mean to you?
#WealthIsAChoice #Investing #EconomicOutlook #Diversification #FinancialDiscipline #FederalReserve #MarketInsights #LongTermInvesting #FinancialWellness #PortfolioStrategy

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger sits down with Mark Schoenbeck, Head of Community and Business Development at Kestra Financial, where he focuses on building meaningful connections among advisors and fostering a culture centered on collaboration, authenticity, and shared experiences.
Mark has spent years helping financial professionals strengthen relationships through thoughtfully designed events, conversations, and experiences that go far beyond traditional networking. In this conversation, he shares how powerful human connection can be when people step outside their comfort zones, practice curiosity, and intentionally create space for vulnerability and gratitude.
In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
• Why meaningful connections often come from shared experiences outside traditional networking environments
• How vulnerability and authenticity help build stronger professional and personal relationships
• The power of handwritten appreciation and gratitude in strengthening relationships
• Why curiosity and active listening are foundational skills for building community
• How strong cultures develop through clarity, intentional leadership, and the right people
• The difference between transactional relationships and true community
• Why human connection may become even more valuable in an increasingly digital world
• How small acts of appreciation can create powerful ripple effects
The episode closes with Mark’s perspective on wealth, not as money alone, but as the abundance created through relationships, meaningful experiences, gratitude, and the choices we make about how we show up in the world.
Listen now and discover why “wealth is a choice”—and how to make it yours. Follow us and never miss an episode. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments—what does “wealth” mean to you?
#WealthIsAChoice #HumanConnection #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #Gratitude #Authenticity #BusinessCulture #PersonalGrowth #MeaningfulRelationships #Abundance