Episodes

Several warning signs suggest the possibility of a recession. Unemployment is rising, material rates are increasing, and there are issues with the supply chain. In addition, site costs and mortgage rates are going up. These factors lead many experts to believe that an obviously looming recession is on the horizon. In this episode, Doug and Greg talk about recent headlines on the global economy, what surveys and analysts are saying about the current state of the economy, and how high mortgage ra...

The market has continued to be volatile over the last month. This situation has left many investors wondering what they can expect in the coming weeks and months. Despite speculation surrounding investment banks, the financial market, and the housing market, many experts believe there is potential growth in the long term. In this episode, Greg Stokes and Doug Stokes talk about the market performance over the last month, the speculations surrounding investment banks, and their outlook on the fin...

Historically, leaders communicated with their employees in a transactional and hierarchical manner. However, these tactics no longer work in today's environment. The traditional, command-and-control leadership style is no longer as effective. What leadership techniques do effective leaders employ in the modern business and working environment? In this episode, Doug and Greg talk with Michelle Johnston, a management professor, executive coach, and leadership expert who serves as the Gaston Chair...

Inflation is commonly discussed in terms of its impact on commodity prices. However, its effects go much deeper than that. Businesses, the stock market, and even interest rates are affected by it. As inflation ripples through the economy, what is the federal government doing to deal with this problem? In this episode, Doug and Greg talk about inflation trends and their associated risks. They speak about the impact of inflation on commodities, businesses, and the stock market, the federal govern...

For centuries, families have passed down their wealth from one generation to the next. However, with the modern-day challenges, the need for a more formalized approach to multi-generational wealth stewardship has never been greater. In this episode, Doug and Greg talk with Jason Baker, a former NFL punter who is now the CEO and Partner at Paterson Center. This organization helps individuals and organizations be very intentional about their strategy and performance. After going through a life pl...

Real estate has long been considered an attractive asset class by investors for several reasons. This investment offers many benefits, including high returns, stability, and inflation protection. With real estate investing being an excellent way to diversify portfolios and build wealth over time, what are some of the investment strategies that can take advantage of these opportunities? In this episode, Greg and Doug talk with Drew Pearson, the Managing Partner at Pearson Partners. Drew began hi...

The focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing has grown in recent years as more investors are looking to put their money into companies that align with their values. While this investment can positively impact the world, some unforeseen consequences come with it, especially in a tight supply chain. In this episode, Greg and Doug talk about the recent updates on markets and economies. Focusing on the impact of the increased price of energy, they speak about the result of Eur...

The stock market is often seen as a leading indicator of economic activity, with movements in share prices reflecting changes in underlying conditions. For this reason, analysts closely watch stock markets for clues about future inflation trends. While inflation has been one of the most feared economic events, periods of high inflation have often been followed by bear market rallies. What does this phenomenon mean, and how does it impact investors? In this episode, Greg and Doug talk about infl...

What are the narratives in the market? Bullish or bearish? This is a question that is always on the mind of investors. The stock market is constantly bombarding investors with news, analysis, and commentary, and it can be overwhelming to try to make sense of it all. However, looking at the market narratives from a different perspective can give you a better understanding of what is happening in the market. In today's episode, Greg and Doug debunk market myths. They explore the market narratives...

In this episode, Jamaul Ford, a serial entrepreneur in New Orleans who runs High Level Speech and Hearing Center with his wife, Dr. Lana Joseph-Ford, talks with Greg and Doug about launching a product-based business alongside a service-based venture, the R&D behind Jamaul and Lana’s product Jrumz, why culture is invaluable within big and small operations, and the challenges and opportunities associated with launching a business in New Orleans. Key Takeaways [00:23] - A brief introduction to Ja...

This week, Doug and Greg discuss the confusing state of today’s economy, their predictions for economic growth and recovery years down the line, how the Feds can successfully avoid an economic recession, which parts of today’s inflation might stick around, and what you can control financially in a time of mass financial uncertainty. Key Takeaways [00:22] - What Greg’s thoughts are on Lisbon, Portugal vs. Madrid living. [03:55] - Are we in a recession or not? [08:31] - What the economy may lo...

This week, Doug and Greg discuss how consumers and big business are responding to sky-high inflation, which income bracket is struggling the hardest and which brands are selling out faster, the bright side to a recession in vibes, why midterms matter, and why despite it all, the market is up. Key Takeaways [00:16] - What inflation means for consumer spending and where prices have (surprisingly) gone down. [05:29] - Why despite the constant bad news, the market is looking up. [15:12] - A gues...

This week, Richard Chen talks with Doug and Greg Stokes about overcoming obstacles and becoming a successful attorney, what the ultimate value-add is for both Rich and the advisors he serves, what prompted Rich to launch his own firm, and how Rich experiences life to the fullest without eyesight. Key Takeaways [01:12] - A brief introduction to Rich. [03:48] - Rich’s journey with sight. [04:44] - How Rich operates a law firm without sight. [06:15] - How Rich remained competitive in school an...

This week, Doug Stokes and Greg Stokes discuss the state of corporate America, why stock-based investors should treat dividends like rent, the fluctuation of global currency, and why the Federal Reserve is stoking your recession-based fears. Key Takeaways [00:31] - What to make of the dividends increase per share versus price increase per share. [05:15] - What the current housing market means for a potential recession. [08:42] - Why it feels like a recession is approaching. [11:39] - The im...

This week, Doug Stokes and Greg Stokes discuss the unique and successful American experiment, what’s going on with the U.S. housing market, when inflation will eventually end, and what they believe is an even bigger issue than inflation itself. Key Takeaways [00:47] - What the American experiment (and America itself) means to Greg and Doug. [10:51] - The state of the U.S. housing market. [16:15] - What Doug believes inflation will look like one to two years from now. [18:48] - When will thi...

In 2008, as a recession raged on in America, Jonathan Shafer believed it was time to make a difference elsewhere. After meeting a family searching for someone to launch an investment strategy company in West Africa, Jonathan jumped on the opportunity. Planning to be in Africa for only one year, Jonathan and his family ended up staying for seven years. Despite its challenges, Jonathan saw tremendous opportunity in Africa, both financially and through humanitarian work. Given that 600 million peo...

The happiness and contentment we feel surrounding money doesn’t end with the number in our bank account. Take it from Brian Portnoy, founder of Shaping Wealth, a financial wellness company that helps clients make smarter financial moves. Brian understands the psychology behind financial decisions as much as he does the strategy behind investment. For instance, as human beings, we instinctively compare ourselves to others, seeking comfort in status and discomfort when our social media is flooded...

After spending years going through a tough academic program, one dissertation away from achieving a degree, Wes Gray chose to take a step back and join the Marine Corps. Following five years of service, Wes finished his degree at The University of Chicago, studying under the acclaimed Eugene Fama. While working as a professor, a cold call from a billionaire in New York prompted Wes to begin moonlighting as an internal due diligence agent. That decision to take on a second job became his inspira...

It’s no secret that cryptocurrency has been a trending point of contention for financial experts and the general public. But is it worth the hype or a bubble waiting to burst? David Chase of Crescent City Capital has become an expert on the subject. But David’s desire to explore crypto was not for the sake of hopping on a fintech fad. Spending his early career learning the nuances of central bank policy, David had a hunch there was a better way to regulate policy. After diving into the subject,...

Sometimes, the best places to invest are the places no one’s looking. Ian Bezek has become an expert on under-the-radar places to spend his time and invest his money. Having spent the last eight years living in South and Latin American countries, he’s an advocate for exploring countries that cost less for a higher quality of life. Not to mention, he’s diving headfirst into the international markets and is here to share his tips for investing overseas. Rather than looking where everyone else is ...

At the heart of Il San Pietro in Positano, one of Italy’s – and the world’s – finest hotels, is a family business with a fascinating story. Il San Pietro was built by Carlino Cinque when Positano was a simple fishing village. Carlino’s family believed him crazy for pursuing a life outside their home and even had Carlino impeached for his entrepreneurial aspirations. Luckily Carlino overcame obstacles and his grand hotel came to fruition. Today, Vito Cinque co-owns Il San Pietro with his brother...

What would you do with a family fortune? Taking a hard look at the downfall of the Vanderbilt dynasty tells us a few things about wealth, purpose, and the importance of a trusted financial advisor. History can tell us what to expect during unpredictable global events, how bear markets typically come to a close, and the surprising similarity between institutional and retail investors. This week, Doug and Greg why wealth alone won’t buy happiness, what the market corrections of the past mean for...

While times may feel unsteady and unpredictable, if you take a look through history, you’ll see these very market fluctuations repeated, time and time again. The tricky part is convincing your psyche to invest during a downtime when the market’s on sale. So how can you override your human instinct to hoard cash in a downturn? And when will there be resources available to prevent ourselves from acting on less than financially favorable inclinations? This week, Doug and Greg discuss their point o...

Bull or bear? Always the question and (almost) always difficult to answer. Especially in 2022. Between the Russia-Ukraine invasion, rising interest rates, and spiked inflation, the markets have been up and down. And it’s incredibly difficult to take a hint from what’s happening when deciding whether to invest or play it safe. Given today’s turmoil, it’s important to consider what’s worked in crisis markets of the past and what indicators signal it’s time to “go long” with your investments. CNN,...