In this episode, John sits down with CandorPath's newest advisor, Brandon Hatcher, to talk about purpose, passion, and what fulfillment really looks like; long before and long after retirement. Brandon shares his journey to CandorPath, why knowing someone’s “why” matters, and how money can simply fuel the life you want to live. They also touch on family, coaching, community, and how to stay grounded in your identity as seasons change. A great conversation for anyone thinking about purpose, not just planning. 01:02 Brandon Hatcher's Background and Joining the Team 03:59 The Philosophy of Financial Advising 06:48 Building Client Relationships 14:53 Team Dynamics 20:57 Coaching Your Kids: Balancing Involvement and Engagement 23:06 The Influence of Simon Sinek's 'Start with Why' 26:13 Finding Purpose in Retirement 29:27 The Importance of Community and Routine 34:26 Your Purpose Doesn't Retire 38:03 Parting Words

John sits down with mental health coach, author, and speaker Judith Belmont to unpack why our thoughts shape so much of how we feel, and what we can actually do about it. Judy breaks down Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in a practical, down-to-earth way, from spotting cognitive distortions to managing anxiety, reframing stress, and building real resilience. It’s an encouraging conversation about self-talk, self-worth, and learning to see yourself with a little more compassion (and a lot less pressure). If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, stuck in your head, or just human…this one will land. Explore more of Judy’s work at BelmontWellness.com and her latest book 110 CBT Tips & Tools: https://a.co/d/f5SN67u   00:00 Guest Welcome 01:09 Understanding CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 02:13 Practical Tips for Positive Thinking 05:07 The Role of Self-Help Books in Therapy 08:28 Dealing with Anxiety: Real-Life Examples 15:35 Stress: The Spice of Life 20:59 Understanding Team Dynamics and Personality Types 21:50 The Mental Health of High Achievers 24:23 The Positive Side of Stress 26:13 Facing and Managing Emotional Avoidance 28:59 The Importance of Self-Worth and Self-Compassion 33:44 Building Resilience and Learning from Failure 38:07 Parting Wisdom

Retirement isn’t the finish line... it’s the start of a new financial chapter. In this episode, John explains why shifting from “getting to retirement” to “planning through retirement” is essential. He shares real examples, the impact of staying invested, and what long-term risk actually looks like for retirees. A clear, practical conversation to help you protect your lifestyle, keep your money working, and stay confident for the decades ahead. 00:00 Introduction to Retirement Misconceptions 00:25 The New Race: Finding Purpose in Retirement 01:21 Financial Strategies for a Secure Retirement 03:15 Retirement Journey 05:32 The Importance of Investing Through Retirement

John and Rich dive into the hard but necessary work of setting boundaries, letting go of people-pleasing, and choosing peace over approval. They talk about recognizing one-sided relationships, protecting your energy, and why saying “no” is actually an act of self-respect. A practical, honest conversation for anyone feeling stretched thin or ready for a reset. Rich also shares highlights from his new free mini-guide, The Fulfillment Reset, and how simple mindset shifts can help you reclaim clarity and calm. Download his free eBook here: https://payhip.com/b/Tg3np 00:50 Catching Up with Rich! 02:08 The Crossroads of Growth and People Pleasing 04:24 Setting Boundaries and Ending Toxic Relationships 10:18 The Power of Saying 'No' 21:05 Supporting vs. Saving: Lifeguard vs. Swimming Instructor 22:42 Confusing Compassion with Responsibility 23:30 Learning from Difficult People 26:08 Signs to Detach from a Relationship 27:24 The Impact of Chronic Negativity 33:33 Modern Acts of Self-Preservation 36:08 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 40:34 The Fulfillment Reset

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, John talks with Shellee Howard, college planning expert, founder of College Ready, and author of How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money. Shellee shares how families can navigate the college process with confidence by finding the right school, minimizing debt, and making smart decisions from start to finish. Whether your student is a freshman or a senior, this conversation will help you plan with purpose and peace of mind. Learn more at www.collegereadyplan.com Get Shellee’s book: How To Send Your Student To College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money   00:18 Meet Shelly Howard: College Planning Expert 01:17 Shelly's Personal Journey into College Planning 02:56 Building a Strategy for College Planning 06:48 The Importance of Passion and Purpose 12:01 Challenges Faced by High School Counselors 16:49 Empowering Students to Make Big Decisions 23:04 Starting College Planning Early 27:39 Financial Planning for College 28:54 The Importance of GPA and Test Scores 29:59 Creating a Unique Test Strategy 31:03 Maximizing Scholarships Through PSAT 31:45 Community Service and Passion with Purpose 33:39 The Role of Athletics and Extracurriculars 39:54 Understanding Different Buckets of Money 41:13 Negotiating College Scholarships 42:53 The Student Aid Index and FAFSA Insights 48:01 Wrapping Up and Additional Resources

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, John talks with Brian Ahearn, Chief Influence Officer at Influence People and one of the few globally certified trainers of Dr. Robert Cialdini’s principles of persuasion. Brian shares ideas from his new book, Influence from Above: Where Faith and Influence Meet, exploring how persuasion, ethics, and love come together in leadership and life. They discuss how to lead with integrity, build trust through authenticity, and use influence in ways that create real connection and impact. A great listen for anyone who wants to lead with purpose and influence with heart. 📚 Learn more about Brian Ahearn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfahearn/🌐 Visit his website: https://influencepeople.biz📘 Order Influenced from Above: Where Faith and Influence Meet (don’t miss the special announcement on how you can get a free copy of Brian’s book!): https://a.co/d/bqsfWfS   00:17 Brian Ahearn's Background and Expertise 01:06 Recap of Previous Episodes 01:24 Understanding Persuasion and Pre-suasion 04:35 Principles of Influence: Liking and Reciprocity 05:28 Inspiration Behind 'Influenced from Above' 10:24 Transitioning into Retirement 24:17 Principle of Unity and Its Importance 29:32 Ethics in Influence

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, John Kennedy sits down with Eliana Goldstein, a certified career coach who helps ambitious professionals build careers they love without burning out. Eliana shares her own journey from corporate ad tech to coaching, what she’s learned about finding purpose at work, and why true fulfillment comes from alignment, not a job title. They also talk about burnout, confidence, and how to know when it’s time to make a change. A great listen if you’re rethinking your career or want to feel more energized and connected to what you do every day. Find more helpful success coaching resources from Eliana and her team here: https://www.elianagoldsteincoaching.com/ 00:51 Eliana's Career Journey 04:27 Making the Leap to Coaching 06:59 Mindset and Confidence Building 08:26 Investing in Yourself 11:24 Finding Career Fulfillment 16:36 Navigating Career Seasons 20:58 Understanding Millennial and Gen Z Workforce Dynamics 24:00 The Shift to Hybrid Work Environments 29:29 Addressing Burnout and Job Fulfillment 35:30 Building a Coaching Business and Team 38:04 Career Development Programs and Final Thoughts

We often talk about compound interest when it comes to money, but character works the same way. The small choices you make every day, how you lead, how you treat people, how you show up, build on each other over time. In this episode, John Kennedy, CFP®, shares how integrity, consistency, and humility play a bigger role in success than most people realize. It’s an honest look at how character compounds in business, leadership, and everyday life. 00:26 The Power of Compounding Beyond Finance 01:18 Character and Consistency: Building Trust 01:58 Personal Accountability and Candor 04:44 The Invisible Returns of Character 06:27 Reflecting on Character Development

In this week’s episode, John Kennedy shares why “getting in over your head” might be exactly what you need to grow in your career, your finances, or your personal life. He breaks down a powerful idea inspired by Carl Richards: real progress happens just beyond the edge of your comfort zone. Whether it’s taking on a new challenge, saying yes before you feel ready, or finally stepping into something that scares you a little. This episode will remind you that safe equals stagnant, and growth happens at the edge.   00:29 The Power of Getting in Over Your Head 01:00 Carl Richards' Insightful Analogy 02:08 Personal Experiences and Growth 02:59 Facing Financial Challenges 04:50 Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone 05:36 CandorPath's Mission and Vision 06:27 Final Thoughts and Challenge

In this episode, John chats with his longtime friend Kimberly Stevens—national champion swimmer, bestselling author, speaker, and breast cancer survivor. Kim has faced heartbreaking loss, her daughter’s life-threatening diagnosis, and her own battle with cancer. Instead of letting those moments define her, she turned them into a mission to bring hope to others through her movement Extend the Rose. We talk about resilience, grit, gratitude, and why hope is something we all need to share. Kim’s story is raw, inspiring, and a reminder to never give up. - Learn more or get involved: https://extendtherose.org - Be one of the first 10 listeners to text us at 407-904-8414 and get a free copy of Kim’s book! Want your own right away? Grab ALTAR’d here: https://www.amazon.com/ALTARd-Finding-through-GRATITUDE-NEVER/dp/B0BQ9LLP7H 02:16 Kimberly's Early Life and Swimming Career 03:52 Facing Personal Tragedies and Losses 07:55 The Birth of Extend the Rose Movement 17:06 Finding Gratitude in the Midst of Struggle 18:29 The Rose Acronym: A Path Through Grief 23:50 Celebrating Milestones Amidst Challenges 29:03 The Power of Extending to Others 30:25 Hospital Events and Future Plans 32:01 The Roar Gallery Initiative 35:35 Faith, Grief, and Rediscovery

We hear a lot of the same questions when it comes to money—because navigating your finances isn’t always straightforward. In this episode, we’re answering some of the most common things people ask us, from budgeting basics to feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Whether you’re just starting out or reevaluating your financial habits, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone—and there are simple, practical steps you can take to move forward. 00:39 Viewer Questions: Financial Strategies 01:36 Question 1: Saving and Retirement Planning 05:39 Question 2: Paying Off Mortgage vs. Investing 09:38 Question 3: Raising Financially Responsible Kids 19:38 Question 4: Roth vs. Traditional IRA 29:39 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

In this episode, John shares how one book—Unreasonable Hospitality—reshaped how he and the team think about service. From handwritten notes to surprise welcome boxes and even personally delivered cookies, it’s all about making people feel seen. He dives into why a little extra effort in human connection still matters, even in a world racing toward automation. You’ll also hear how companies like Disney create “magic moments” to outweigh the “tragic” ones—and how you can apply the same mindset to your own work and life. 00:15 The Book Study: Unreasonable Hospitality 00:37 Personal Experience with Poor Service 02:32 The Future of the Service Industry 03:13 Balancing Technology and Personal Touch 04:14 The Value of Strategic Planning 05:41 Creating Memorable Client Experiences 06:38 Examples of Exceptional Hospitality 08:00 Empowering Employees to Create Magic Moments 11:43 The Importance of Human Interaction

Why does losing feel so much worse than winning feels good? In this episode, John and Matt revisit one of their most honest conversations—from a time when markets were down and emotions were running high. They break down the concept of loss aversion and how it quietly shapes our decisions, often without us realizing it. 00:32 Revisiting Loss Aversion 02:26 Behavioral Insights and Market Reactions 06:12 Practical Strategies for Managing Loss Aversion 11:55 Personal Experiences and Professional Advice 19:29 The Importance of Professional Guidance 32:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Your portfolio might be balanced on paper—but what about your emotions? In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, John Kennedy, CFP®, explores how fear, bias, and past experiences can quietly steer your financial decisions. From holding too much cash to sticking with a stock out of loyalty, emotional allocation can derail even the best strategies. John shares practical ways to check in with yourself and stay grounded—because real balance isn’t just in your investments, it’s in how you think about them. 00:34 Understanding Emotional Allocation 01:37 Real-Life Examples of Emotional Allocation 05:23 Behavioral Finance Concepts 06:42 Strategies to Balance Emotional Allocation 10:42 Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Above Board podcast, hosts Rich and John get into the timeless wisdom of Theodore Roosevelt's 'The Man in the Arena' speech. They discuss the importance of courage over criticism, valuing effort over perfection, and the significance of showing up every day. Along the way, they share the challenges of facing naysayers, and the inspiration drawn from observing and supporting others. Listen in for motivational insights, practical advice, and the drive to dare greatly in all aspects of life. 01:47 Theodore Roosevelt's 'Man in the Arena' Speech 03:48 Dealing with Critics and Social Media Trolls 05:44 The Importance of Effort and Resilience 08:11 Courage Over Criticism and Personal Reflections 15:53 Turning Negative Energy into Positive Motivation 23:17 Encouraging Young Financial Advisors 24:01 Embracing Competition and Legacy 24:54 Effort Over Perfection 25:59 The Importance of Trying and Failing 26:37 Legacy 27:35 The Power of Showing Up 32:28 Supporting Others and Atomic Habits 37:38 Balancing Criticism and Praise

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, John Kennedy gets real about something most people overlook—the basics. You can’t build wealth if you don’t know where your money’s going. You can’t stay fit if you stop showing up for the small stuff. Whether it's tracking your spending, sticking to a simple routine, or just being consistent, John shares why the fundamentals aren’t just for beginners—they’re for anyone who wants lasting progress. This episode is your reminder that real growth isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters, and doing it well. 00:30 The Importance of Basics 02:40 The 10,000 Hours Rule 05:01 Mastering Financial Basics

Feeling mentally drained by the end of the day? It might not be a motivation problem—it could be decision fatigue. In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, John Kennedy shares how the daily pressure to make constant choices adds up, and what you can do to protect your energy. From setting daily priorities to creating decision boundaries, this episode offers simple ways to feel more focused, less overwhelmed, and back in control. 01:01 Decision Fatigue 03:00 Decision Fatigue in Financial Matters 04:10 Prioritizing Your Decisions 05:30 Creating Decision Boundaries 06:16 Simplify, Delegate, or Delete

In this episode of The Above Board podcast, John chats about the significant changes in markets and life over recent weeks, reflecting on episode 154 (Tariffs, Trade Tension, and the Economic Outlook). The discussion centers around the concept of not just 'staying the course' but instead staying aligned, informed, and intentional. John examines the pitfalls of blindly following the 'stay the course' advice and emphasizes the importance of proactive course corrections in response to life changes, market conditions, and evolving goals. We encourage you to re-evaluate your approach, aligning your strategies dynamically and purposefully in various aspects of your life. 00:00 We Missed You! 00:27 Reflecting on Episode 154 01:36 Challenging the Status Quo 02:12 The Importance of Course Corrections 03:36 Staying Aligned vs. Staying the Course 04:11 Proactive Market Strategies 04:55 Applying Financial Lessons to Life

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, we delve into the 'Let Them Theory' by Mel Robbins, exploring the often overlooked but powerful concept of 'Let Me.' Learn how to stop managing others’ reactions and focus on prioritizing your own happiness, health, and peace. John shares personal experiences and tips for implementing this mindset shift in various aspects of life, including leadership, family, and career. Tune in for practical advice on setting boundaries, handling overcommitment, and making self-care a priority. Don't miss this enlightening conversation! 00:08 Introduction to the 'Let Them Theory' 01:49 The Importance of 'Let Me' 02:16 Learning to Say No 03:52 Leadership and Letting Go 05:12 Practical Applications of 'Let Me' 05:32 Weekly Challenge and Final Thoughts

In this episode, John Kennedy opens up about learning to let go of people-pleasing and the pressure to be understood by everyone. Inspired by The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, he shares how this mindset shift is helping him show up with more peace—in parenting, leadership, and everyday life. If you’re ready to stop carrying what isn’t yours, this episode is for you! 00:16 Personal Impact of 'The Let Them Theory' 01:38 Key Lessons from the Book 03:25 Real-Life Application 05:29 Leadership and Letting Go 07:08 Call to Action