Wealth is a choice Podcast

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger sits down with John Amore, President of Kestra Financial, to explore how the financial services industry works behind the scenes, and why independent financial advice can play such a powerful role in helping families make better financial decisions.
The conversation also dives into leadership in a rapidly changing technological era. As AI begins to reshape industries, John discusses how leaders must become more technologically fluent while still prioritizing the human side of business. His philosophy is simple but powerful: human intelligence first, then artificial intelligence.
In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
• How the financial services industry works behind the scenes
• The differences between banks, wire houses, insurance firms, and independent advisors
• Why independence gives advisors more flexibility to serve clients’ best interests
• The importance of financial literacy, and why schools often fall short teaching it
• How advisors have become educators helping families navigate complex financial decisions
• Why leaders today must be technologically fluent in the age of AI
• The balance between technology and human relationships in a service business
• How generational shifts will change the way wealth is managed and transferred
• Why teaching kids about investing early can shape lifelong financial habits
The episode closes with John’s thoughtful reflection on the podcast’s central question: Is wealth a choice? His answer highlights the deep connection between wealth, health, happiness, intentional decision-making, and why true wealth should be seen not as the goal itself, but as an enabler of a meaningful and fulfilling life.
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 #FinancialLeadership #WealthManagement #FinancialLiteracy #IndependentAdvisors #ArtificialIntelligence #FinancialPlanning #GenerationalWealth #LeadershipInsights #FinancialEducation

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, James sits down with Mike Pedlow, a respected leader in the compliance world, for a conversation about one of the most misunderstood and most important parts of the financial services industry: how we communicate about money responsibly.
They discuss the challenges of modern financial education in a world shaped by 401(k)s, social media, unlicensed influencers, and now AI. Mike offers thoughtful insight into how the industry can embrace new technology without losing the human connection people still need when making important financial decisions.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
• Why behavior matters more than hot investment picks
• How compliance can support education instead of just restricting it
• Why the best financial advisors act as coaches and teachers • What people really need to hear about saving and building wealth
• The limits of financial education inside the 401(k) system
• How social media and unlicensed voices shape public money beliefs
• Why AI can be useful, but still needs human judgment and validation
• How trust between advisors and compliance creates better public education
• Why happiness, mindset, and perspective may be the truest forms of wealth
Mike closes with a powerful reflection on the meaning of wealth, explaining that while some people may begin life with more advantages than others, true wealth comes from choosing your mindset, your response to hardship, and your commitment to living with joy and purpose.
This is a thoughtful, practical, and uplifting conversation about compliance, communication, and the human side of money. Listen now and discover why wealth is more than numbers — it’s also a choice in how we think, live, and grow.
#WealthIsAChoice #MikePedlow #FinancialEducation #FinancialPlanning #Compliance #WealthManagement #MoneyMindset #PersonalFinance #FinancialAdvisor #AIAndFinance #BehavioralFinance #FinancialLiteracy #RetirementPlanning #MoneyChoices #Podcast

In this powerful episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger sits down with Steve Crane, a professional investigator whose career took an unexpected and deeply meaningful turn after opening a single letter on Christmas Eve. His career began with and still includes fraud investigation work but he’s added a new calling: helping uncover wrongful convictions and fighting for people who have been incarcerated for crimes they did not commit.
Steve shares gripping, firsthand stories from his work including the case of James Clay, a man wrongfully convicted decades after an alleged crime, and ultimately freed through relentless investigation, truth-telling, and compassion. Through these cases, Steve pulls back the curtain on how mistakes happen within the criminal justice system, the devastating impact on innocent lives, and why getting someone out of prison can be far harder than putting them there.
In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
How one letter changed the direction of Steve’s career and sense of purpose
What wrongful conviction cases reveal about interrogation tactics, false confessions, and systemic pressure
Why innocence is often overlooked and why correcting mistakes takes years of effort
The emotional and human toll of incarceration on innocent individuals and their families
The role of investigators, journalists, and conviction integrity units in uncovering truth
Why many exonerees display extraordinary resilience, forgiveness, and perspective
How choices, both good and bad, can dramatically alter the course of a life
The episode closes with a deeply personal reflection on what wealth truly means. Steve explains how, after years of chasing financial success, he now views wealth as time, relationships, integrity, service, and the ability to give back especially to those who have been forgotten by the system.
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 #JusticeMatters #WrongfulConvictions #InnocenceProject #PurposeDrivenLife #TrueStories #ServiceAboveSelf #HumanResilience #LifeChoices #Abundance

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger sits down with Dr. Greg Gogolin, Distinguished Professor of Information Security & Intelligence and Director of the Center for Cybersecurity & Data Science at Ferris State University. Dr. Gogolin helped design Ferris State’s nationally recognized Information Security & Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence programs and is a Fulbright Scholar whose work spans digital forensics, cybersecurity, and AI.
Together, James and Dr. Gogolin unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes with artificial intelligence. Using clear, real-world examples, they explore how AI models are trained, where bias creeps in, how large language models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude work.
They also dive into the human side of AI: what professionals should never type into an AI tool, why medical and financial note-taking with AI can potentially create long-term risks for clients and patients, and how hackers are already using AI to make cyberattacks easier. Finally, they look ahead at careers, asking where young people can still thrive, and how to build a future where AI is an ally, not your replacement.
In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
How AI and machine learning models are actually trained, and why data cleaning and scaling matter.
Why large language models can be both powerful and dangerously confident when they’re wrong.
The privacy risks of feeding client, patient, or proprietary information into public AI tools.
How criminals and nation-states can weaponize AI, from misinformation to hacking.
The AI “arms race,” data centers, and why talent and education may matter more than hardware.
Practical ways professionals can use AI for research, brainstorming, and efficiency without abandoning critical thinking.
Guidance for students and young professionals on building AI-resilient (or AI-powered) careers.
A thoughtful reflection on wealth as relationships—and why human connection still matters most in an AI-driven 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 #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #DigitalForensics #DataPrivacy #FinancialWellness #TechTrends #CareerAdvice #EthicalAI #InformationSecurity
 

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger welcomes Dr. Greg Gogolin, Distinguished Professor of Information Security & Intelligence and Director of the Center for Cybersecurity & Data Science at Ferris State University. A Fulbright Scholar and one of the early pioneers in digital forensics and cybersecurity education, Dr. Gogolin has trained law enforcement and intelligence professionals across the world and helped design Ferris State’s nationally recognized cybersecurity and AI programs.
James and Dr. Gogolin dive into the rising wave of cybercrime, how it exploded after COVID, how work-from-home culture changed the threat landscape, and why criminals increasingly target everyday people. Through real stories from investigations he has worked on, Dr. Gogolin explains why cyber scams are so effective, how criminals exploit institutions and emotions, and why law enforcement can only pursue a tiny fraction of the crimes committed each year.
Together, they break down the practical steps anyone can take to protect themselves, their money, their identity, and their aging parents from modern cyber threats:
In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
Post-COVID cybercrime spikes: Why remote work environments and public Wi-Fi created new opportunities for criminals.
Why your personal data is everywhere: And why you should assume your information has already been leaked.
How scammers operate: Including pig-butchering schemes, romance scams, impersonation attacks, and international crime rings.
Where law enforcement struggles: Minimum thresholds, limited resources, jurisdiction issues, and why most cases aren’t investigated.
Protecting aging parents: Code words, oversight strategies, and early-warning setups to safeguard their accounts.
Password and device security: Why strong passwords, authenticator apps, device registration, and dedicated “financial-only” devices matter.
Home network safety: Updating routers, using guest networks, enabling VPNs, and avoiding risky apps.
The danger of oversharing online: How social media posts—even by friends—feed scammers information.
Why companies and criminals both rely on thresholds: And how this affects which fraud cases get pursued.
Dr. Gogolin also shares industry insights on corporate espionage, international hacking groups, identity theft, cloud storage risks, and why cybersecurity ultimately comes down to vigilance and layered defenses, not fear.
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 #Cybersecurity #DigitalForensics #IdentityProtection #FinancialSafety #ScamPrevention #OnlineSecurity #InformationSecurity #RiskManagement #ProtectYourMoney

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger reconnects with professional triathlete Carrie McCoy to revisit her incredible solo cycling journey around Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Carrie became the first woman to earn plaid by completing 1,200 miles in just 10 days during the Tour Da Yoop, Eh.
James and Carrie reflect on the powerful moments from that adventure, from the people she met and the challenges she faced, to how those experiences shaped her perspective on life, resilience, and gratitude.
Carrie’s story is one of courage, connection, and continuous self-discovery. Her belief that we “get to” take on life’s challenges, rather than “have to,” reveals a mindset rooted in appreciation and perseverance.
Together, James and Carrie explore key themes including:
Mindset and Motivation: Why perspective defines how we experience difficulty and growth.
Purpose in Connection: How recognizing what’s unique in others strengthens us personally and professionally.
Resilience and Reflection: What it means to finish strong, even through pain and setbacks.
Service and Helping others: How helping others provides insights to ones self and can provide a “get to” mentality.
Carrie’s story reminds us that life is about knowing what drives us, staying disciplined, and finding joy in the journey.
**Listen now and discover why “wealth is a choice”—and how to make it yours.**
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**Follow us and never miss an episode:**   - Share your thoughts and questions in the comments—what does “wealth” mean to you?  
#WealthIsAChoice #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #Mindset #Triathlon #Endurance #Motivation #TourDaYoopEh #FinancialWellness #Performance #Discipline #LifeLessons

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger welcomes Brandon Geisler, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager of the Alger Mid Cap Growth Fund.
It’s ironic, the tool that builds more American wealth than any other, the mutual fund, is also one of the least understood. In this episode of Wealth Is a Choice, we explore why so many investors never master the very asset that defines their financial lives, and how understanding it can unlock real, lasting wealth.
Making Investing Tangible: Connecting portfolios to real-world companies and the emotions that come with ownership.
Active vs. Passive Investing: Insights into the process behind managing the Alger Mid Cap Growth Fund.
Long-Term Thinking: How Brandon’s approach evolved from short-term reactions to disciplined, patient investing.
Beyond the Numbers: Why employee turnover, culture, and workplace happiness matter when evaluating a company’s strength.
The “Sweet Spot” of Mid-Caps: Why this often-overlooked segment can offer both growth potential and stability.
Three-Bucket Approach: Understanding the balance between Growth Compounders, Aggressive Growers, and Life Cycle Changers.
This episode gives listeners a deeper look into the art of staying rational amid market emotion, understanding the businesses behind investments, and thinking like a long-term wealth builder.
**Listen now and discover why “wealth is a choice”—and how to make it yours.**
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**Follow us and never miss an episode:**   - Share your thoughts and questions in the comments—what does “wealth” mean to you?  
#WealthIsAChoice #FinancialWellness #Investing #MutualFunds #MidCapGrowth #ActiveInvesting #LongTermThinking #Discipline #FinancialGrowth #PortfolioStrategy #PersonalFinance
 

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger welcomes endurance cyclist Kevin Liberacki, who recently set a course record in the Psycho 48 bike race. Kevin and James first met during the Tour Da Yoop, Eh, an event James hosts and have since shared a passion for cycling.
Together, they explore the mindset and methods behind Kevin’s remarkable achievements. Kevin shares what he learned works for him from hydration and nutrition to improving efficiency on the bike all while continuing to learn and grow at 59 years old.
James notes that Kevin didn’t begin as a phenom athlete; instead, he built his success through discipline, experience, and intentional growth. Their conversation covers performance in cycling, but the takeaways easily expand to other aspects of life.
Whether you’re chasing fitness goals, financial goals, or both, this episode offers insight into what it takes to push limits and find fulfillment in the process.
**Listen now and discover why “wealth is a choice”—and how to make it yours.**
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**Follow us and never miss an episode:**   - Share your thoughts and questions in the comments—what does “wealth” mean to you?  
#WealthIsAChoice #FinancialWellness #EnduranceMindset #PersonalGrowth #Cycling #Performance #Discipline #TourDaYoopEh

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger welcomes Stephen Merz, owner of Trek Bicycle Grosse Pointe, to explore the art and science of proper bike fitting—and the surprising parallels it shares with personal finance.
Stephen explains how no two cyclists are alike. To create the perfect fit, he considers each rider’s injury history, athletic background, and personal goals—whether that’s competitive racing, building endurance, or simply enjoying more time outdoors. The process is about optimizing comfort, power, and aerodynamics so riders can perform their best and stay healthy for the long haul.
James connects these same principles to financial performance. Just as a customized bike setup helps riders go farther and faster, a well-structured financial plan helps individuals get more out of their resources while reducing unnecessary strain. Both require personalization, balance, and long-term sustainability to achieve meaningful results.
Together, they discuss why prevention is key—whether it’s avoiding injuries before they happen or making proactive financial decisions to prevent future setbacks. Stephen also reflects on the idea that “average” doesn’t truly exist; every rider (and every investor) brings their own unique variables that demand a tailored approach.
This thoughtful conversation is a reminder that whether on a bike or in your financial life, progress is built through intentional choices and an individualized plan that fits you perfectly.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
The importance of personalization in both cycling and financial planning
How optimizing bike fit parallels optimizing financial performance
Why prevention and sustainability matter more than short-term fixes
The myth of the “average person” and why success must be individualized
Insights from Stephen Merz on achieving comfort, power, and balance on and off the bike
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 #FinancialPerformance #TrekBicycleGrossePointe #BikeFitting #FinancialPlanning #WealthMindset #MoneyManagement #Optimization #SustainableSuccess

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger welcomes Ben Heller, an accomplished architect and builder, to discuss the striking similarities between constructing a home and building personal wealth.
Together, they explore how the same principles that guide great architecture—strong foundations, careful planning, and long-term vision—also apply to financial success. James and Ben share how patience, structure, and adaptability play vital roles in turning both physical and financial blueprints into lasting achievements.
The conversation also touches on the principles of Feng Shui and how thoughtful design can influence not only the feel of a home but also the mindset and balance of those who live within it. It’s a powerful reminder that both wealth and wellness are shaped by the environments we create.
Whether you’re designing your dream home or shaping your financial future, this episode offers insightful, real-world lessons on how intentional design and disciplined planning can help you build something truly enduring.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
The shared foundations of great building and great financial planning
How to approach wealth-building with a designer’s mindset
Insights from architect and builder Ben Heller on structure, balance, and growth
The role of Feng Shui in creating harmony between space and success
Practical ways to turn your financial “blueprint” into a strong, lasting reality
**Listen now and discover why “wealth is a choice”—and how to make it yours.**
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**Follow us and never miss an episode:**  - Share your thoughts and questions in the comments—what does “wealth” mean to you?  
#WealthIsAChoice #BuildingWealth #FinancialBlueprint #DesignYourFuture #BuildYourWealth #FinancialPlanning #WealthMindset #MoneyManagement