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TAMMA Capital
Welcome to the Emotional Balance Sheet, the go-to podcast for parents with multiple kids, especially those with twins, triplets, or more, who are navigating the maze of modern family life and personal finance. Whether you're overwhelmed by education costs, retirement planning, career transitions, or trying to define your purpose and plan, we're here to guide you with empathy, expertise, and encouragement. Hosted by Paul Fenner, Founder of TAMMA Capital, a Certified Financial Planner®, and parent to 4 kids, including a set of triplets, our podcast is your ally in the quest for financial peace of mind, proving that money matters, but family comes first. We understand that today's parents are juggling multiple financial and lifestyle priorities. That's why each episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world solutions that fit the needs of busy families. Subscribe now and join our community of empowered parents at tammacapital.com.
Total 184 episodes
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Cristin Wipfler – Helping You Feel Your Best

Cristin Wipfler – Helping You Feel Your Best

Have you ever wondered what a health coach does?  If you are like me, you may have assumed that a health coach primarily deals with food, nutrition, and eating.  I was wrong. Cristin Wipfler, a registered dietician and health coach, put it this way, "health coaching is to help you feel your best, and is not a one size fits all process." Cristin takes a unique approach and is focused on helping people shift their mindsets when it comes to how they feel about themselves.  While diet and nutrition are an essential part of her health coaching practice, it is far from the most critical aspect in how she helps people. Cristin uncovers "why" people want to change their health rather than only what they want to change. Peeling back the layers of an individual's unique personality, Cristin helps people find a voice to their story.  To which she then helps to identify triggers and reframe potentially negative triggers into positive ones. Please enjoy my conversation with Cristin Wipfler. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit https://tammacapital.com/34-health-coach/. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
36:4424/06/2021
Dr. Paula Ruffin – It's All Gonna Be Okay

Dr. Paula Ruffin – It's All Gonna Be Okay

For parents, have you ever thought about how your child has made you refocus your own life?  For Dr. Paula Ruffin, an unexpected pregnancy forced her to re-evaluate her own life, which brought her to the brink of bankruptcy as a single mom and business owner.  While not seeking any empathy for being a single mother and entrepreneur, there is a difficult balance to be struck that all working parents tend to face.  In our conversation, Paula and I talk about balance coming from our ability to make decisions (good or bad). And the ability to be able to switch our focus from one person or activity to another as seamlessly as we can. While convenience may be all around us, Paula talks about how her mother help lead her into the healthcare field because of inconveniences growing up. Paula talks about her strong sense of community and wanting to grow the area where she lives and works by partnering with other businesses that want to support one another.  As Paula puts it, you need to like the people you are around to be effective.  Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Paula Ruffin. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit https://tammacapital.com/33-parenting/. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
47:5917/06/2021
Sarah Green Carmichael – How to Tame Your Inner Workaholism

Sarah Green Carmichael – How to Tame Your Inner Workaholism

What if you had a heart attack, but instead of calling your spouse or partner to get medical attention, your first thought was, "I need to meet with my manager tomorrow; this isn't convenient?" This is precisely what Jonathan Frostick, an IT lead at HSBC, experienced and explained in a LinkedIn post that went viral.  A post that caught the eye of Sarah Green Carmichael, an editor with Bloomberg, and she needed to know more about why someone would think about a meeting before calling for medical help. Sarah talks us through the process that led her to research and writing multiple articles about workaholism. A critical takeaway from Sarah's work is that workaholics often pin the blame anywhere but on themselves. Instead, it's your overbearing boss, an always-on company culture, or rising economic inequality.  However, we have the power to control what we do, the ability to "reframe" our experience to choose what is best for us. During our conversation, Sarah shares tactics on reducing workaholism from learning how to embrace trade-offs to developing other identities outside of our work/careers. Please enjoy my conversation with Sarah Green Carmichael. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit https://tammacapital.com/32-2-workaholism/. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
40:3410/06/2021
The College Planning Process Part 3: Taking Out the Financial Guesswork

The College Planning Process Part 3: Taking Out the Financial Guesswork

Do you know what financial aid optimization is or means?  Or, what about the tax and financial aid implications that taking money out of a retirement account could cause? In part three of our three-part series focused on our college planning process, we dive deep into the financial aspects of sending your child off to college.  Specifically, we will address saving, how schools optimize financial air packages, loans, and much more. My objective with this college planning series is to help educate parents on becoming better consumers with it comes to planning for college. In addition, we want to help you take the emotional and financial guesswork out of the college planning process at TAMMA. Recall that this three-part series focused on the college planning process is not just about saving, financial aid, or loans. Instead, the college process that I am building at TAMMA is a comprehensive look at how to plan, have conversations with your kids, and the right questions to ask students and college administrators, and professors. I hope that you enjoy part three of our college planning process series. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit https://tammacapital.com/31-2-college-financial-aid/. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.    
27:2303/06/2021
The College Planning Process Part 2: Finding the Best Fit for Your Kid(s)

The College Planning Process Part 2: Finding the Best Fit for Your Kid(s)

Do you know the right questions you should be asking schools for how they will be teaching your kids to learn at their institutions?  Or how the skills they may learn will translate into the working world? In part 2 of the college planning process, we build off part 1, where I spoke about the cruel optimism we face as parents when balancing all the financial and lifestyle challenges facing us.  In this episode, we focus on how to find a college or university that best fits your kids.  Our need to be having conversations early with our kids about college and the blunt questions we should be asking them. Additionally, we talk about the transfer process and how it could or could not be a good option for your kids.  And, we set realistic expectations with it comes to obtaining an athletic scholarship to pay for undergraduate education. Recall that this three-part series focused on the college planning process is not just about saving, financial aid, or loans. Instead, the college process that I am building at TAMMA is a comprehensive look at how to plan, have conversations with your kids, and the right questions to ask students and college administrators, and professors. I hope that you enjoy part two of our college planning process series. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit https://tammacapital.com/30-best-college-fit/. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.  
22:0727/05/2021
The College Planning Process Part 1: Cruel Optimism

The College Planning Process Part 1: Cruel Optimism

Are you concerned about the rising costs of college?  What college or university would best fit your kids? Or curious about how critical a mentor for your kids in college could be? This week I kick off a special three-part series focused on the college planning process.  It’s not just about saving, financial aid, or loans.  The college process that I am building at TAMMA is a comprehensive look at how to plan, have conversations with your kids, and the right questions to ask students and college administrators, and professors. In part one, I look at the cruel optimism we face as parents when it comes to balancing all the financial and lifestyle challenges facing us.  Part two is focused on how to find a college or university that best fits your kids.  And part three, I cover how to take the financial guesswork out of the college planning process. I hope that you enjoy part one of our college planning process series. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit https://tammacapital.com/29-college-planning-process/. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.  
27:3320/05/2021
Justin Bright – Passing the Bus Test

Justin Bright – Passing the Bus Test

What is the difference between seizing an opportunity and not?  The ability to take action in the face of fear and anxiety? Husband, father, and serial entrepreneur, Justin Bright, has believed in himself to start not one but three businesses within the last ten years.  One of which he launched in 2020 during the COVID pandemic.  Justin felt that he had some to offer in starting each of the three businesses, which are all in completely different industries and unrelated to each other. Like most entrepreneurs that I have met, Justin has this enate mindset to persistent, be consistent, and have an ability to always figure things out when challenges arise, which they always do with running a small business.  According to Justin, having a positive mindset is a powerful asset. "Passing the bus test," as Justin described it, meant that he was doing everything necessary to prepare his businesses and family for the unfortunate day that he would not be here for them.  A noble endeavor that was cemented by a conversation that he had with his oldest son. Please enjoy my conversation with Justin Bright. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit https://tammacapital.com/28-entrepreneur-bus-test/. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
55:3113/05/2021
Leah Nauseda – Being Open in Raising 6 Boys and to New Opportunities

Leah Nauseda – Being Open in Raising 6 Boys and to New Opportunities

People often ask me what it is like raising triplets?  However, I have often wondered what it has been like for a mom with a full-time career to raise six boys ranging from age 29 down to 7?  Leah Nauseda is just the person to help answer this question. Transitions have been a way of life for Leah as she talks about going through a divorce, being a stay-at-home mom, and then slowly working her way back into a new sales career.  A career that highlights her natural abilities to be a great networker but an even better connector of people. The true success of Leah's ability to raise her six boys while developing her new career has been to be open with herself, her boys, and to opportunities when they uniquely present themselves.  Her ability to stay open has helped to deepen the strong relationships that she has developed with her sons and the deep connections her sons have built with each other. Please enjoy my conversation with Leah Nauseda. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/27. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
52:2606/05/2021
Chris Dyer – Finding an Opportunity to Change How We Work

Chris Dyer – Finding an Opportunity to Change How We Work

Have you ever heard the phrase, "never let a good crisis go to waste?" Whether it is a global pandemic, a housing crash, or a great financial recission, recognizing and seizing an opportunity can be a life-changer. This is precisely what Chris Dyer decided to do back in 2009 amongst one of the worse recessions we have seen since the great depression.  Faced with cutting costs and laying off people to keep his business alive, Chris went from a sticks and bricks business to a completely virtual company. To succeed in a remote working environment, Chris points out that employees need to set boundaries, communicate those boundaries (both internal and external), and have the discipline to stick with it.  Chris acknowledges that there is no natural start or stops when it comes to working remotely, which is why it is so critical for people to set boundaries so they do not fall into the trap of working constantly. Chris advises both employees and employers to figure out how to create the right environment and determine what the practical methods necessary are to make virtual work successful for all parties.  Please enjoy my conversation with Chris Dyer. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/26. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
52:4929/04/2021
Daniel Crosby – Seeing the World Through New Eyes

Daniel Crosby – Seeing the World Through New Eyes

Did you know that financial planning is more emotional than it is financial?  That your cognitive biases help to shape your lifestyle and financial decisions? Daniel Crosby is a psychologist and behavioral finance expert who wrote the book on investor and financial psychology that dovetails into our individual biases.  In our conversation, we talk about Daniel's New York Times best-selling book, The Behavioral Investor, where Daniel lays out the four consistent types of behavioral risks - Ego, Emotion, Attention, and Conservatism underpinning our psychological makeup. We also discuss the impact that COVID has had on our cognitive ability to make decisions.  Social connectedness is essential to good mental health, which is one reason why we likely felt more stress during the past year because of social isolation. Daniel talks about how his life transitioned from being a clinical psychologist who wanted to help people with eating disorders to being the chief behavioral officer for a financial company.  A path that was heavily influenced by his father, who is a financial advisor. Please enjoy my conversation with Daniel Crosby. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/25. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
45:3722/04/2021
Mark Salisbury – Walking the Tightrope of College Planning

Mark Salisbury – Walking the Tightrope of College Planning

What if you were about to make a massive investment but were unsure what you would have to pay for the investment?  Add on the fact; this investment would be one of the most emotional decisions that you would make not only in your life but the life of your child. This is the situation that most parents find themselves in when determining what they will pay for their kids to attend college.  Mark Salisbury, who spent much of his career working in higher education, wanted to change this by helping parents and students be better informed when deciding what college to attend and how much it would cost them. Mark created a company called TuitionFit.  Think of it as the Kelly Blue Book of college pricing.  It is a free process where parents can upload their kids' college award letters and compare apples to apples what other kids have received from various colleges and universities. I believe in Mark's company so much that I have decided to partner with him to create a better college planning experience for families.  The first ten families who contact me, Mark and I, will personally walk you through the TuitionFit process at no cost to you.  Please enjoy my conversation with Mark Salisbury. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/24. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
01:01:2115/04/2021
Paul Fenner – Everyone Has a Story

Paul Fenner – Everyone Has a Story

You often hear the phrase, "when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade." We don't need to be in a global pandemic for this phrase to ring true.  Imagine a doctor staring you in the eyes and says, "congratulations, you are having triplets." As much as we try to plan for our futures, I often tell my Family Office clients that financial and lifestyle goals will take a back seat to unexpected priorities.  You cannot prepare for everything, and that is okay.  Being told that I was having triplets in 2010 was just one of many unexpected surprises that I have had to start my Family Office firm TAMMA Capital. In this episode, I answer questions that many listeners have asked, such as what is my background, why did I start TAMMA, what life transitions have I gone through, and what does Family Office really mean? Every person and family has a story.  What is your story?  How can TAMMA help to create the change that you want in your family's life? For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/23. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.  
25:0308/04/2021
Kim Shepherd – Working Remote

Kim Shepherd – Working Remote

What if you found yourself 20 years ahead of a curve that no one saw coming?  Could you imagine what working remotely full-time was 20 years ago? This is precisely where Kim Shepherd was at the turn of 2000.  A common theme with this podcast is discussing both the challenges and opportunities that life transitions can bring.  Kim found herself in the middle of a life and career transition from being in broadcast journalism to business owner of a virtual recruiting business. Kim and I dive deep into the three essential elements that make working remote possible; effective communication that is disciplined, clearly identified key performance indicators are, and trust that you will get the job done. Please enjoy my conversation with Kim Shepherd. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/22. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
42:4901/04/2021
Brenda Meller – Social Media Pie

Brenda Meller – Social Media Pie

"Have you filled a bucket today" is a book that I read to my kids growing up about being kind and giving back to others?  When it comes to your professional and personal networks and relationships, how much are you giving back?  How full is your bucket? Brenda Meller is a person who believes strongly in helping to fill people's buckets.  A lover of pie, Brenda's social media pie, which is also the title of her new book, represents how she shares her knowledge and helps others build their networks and relationships. Brenda, a wife, mother of two, and entrepreneur at heart, realized that she was leaving learning opportunities on the table, which propelled her to write her book.  Like many former podcast guest, Brenda's story involved many life transitions, which we know, can be an extremely emotional journey.  How we decide to meet these challenges or opportunities is primarily determined by our mindsets.  Brenda’s mindset of giving back is a motivating one for me and I hope you as well. Please enjoy my conversation with Brenda Meller. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/21. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
52:4518/03/2021
Rich Spriggle – A Net-Giver Focused on Helping People "Between Successes"

Rich Spriggle – A Net-Giver Focused on Helping People "Between Successes"

80% of jobs come from networking.  And 80% of those jobs come from a third level connection.  A friend of a friend of a friend.  Then why is it that 95% of people are not good at networking? Someone who knows a great deal about the human side of networking is Rich Spriggle, a net-giver focused on meaningful work, helping people who are "between successes." Rich is a Senior Vice President at Challenger, Gray & Christmas, where he supports individuals going through a career transition.  One of the most traumatic life experiences that you can go through.  Rich talks about his firsthand experience in going through a career transition himself that helped lead him to do something more meaningful with his career.  Rich provides actionable strategies to network more effectively now, during, and after a career transition. Please enjoy my conversation with Rich Spriggle. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/20. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
53:1204/03/2021
Rebecca Maxcy – How to Talk With Your Kids About Money

Rebecca Maxcy – How to Talk With Your Kids About Money

Research shows that parents are the most influential factors in their kids' money life development.  What you model to your kids growing up lays the foundation for how they think and treat money into adulthood.  So how do you model good financial decision making for your kids?  How do you even begin to talk with your kids about money? Rebecca Maxcy is director of the UChicago Financial Education Initiative at the University of Chicago and leads a team of researchers who help parents talk with their kids about money.  Rebecca and her team have created a unique approach that focuses on the person, behaviors, and values of money vs. dollars and cents. Rebecca's research has found that across the nation, financial education varies by state and school district.  This means most parents have to take the lead when it comes to their kids' financial education. Financial education, similar to financial planning, never ends.  It evolves continuously, and as parents, we can have a significant influence in setting our kids up for financial success by being open and having money conversations. Please enjoy my conversation with Rebecca Maxcy. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/19. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
49:5125/02/2021
Dennis Mosley Williams – Being the Light for Your Family

Dennis Mosley Williams – Being the Light for Your Family

How does a husband, father of two girls, and entrepreneur whose business pre-COVID required him to be on over 150 planes a year crisscrossing the country be the light that his family needs him to be? Knowing who you are and what you want as a person, spouse/partner, and parent are the critical elements that help people keep stress and financial strife out of their relationships.  An essential component that allows Dennis Mosley Williams to do this is quite simple, every 60 days, have something fun to look forward to. Dennis talks with great passion about building and living for the memories and experiences of life, not status or material possessions that people think may make them happy. Please enjoy my conversation with Dennis Mosley Williams. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/18. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
01:01:5918/02/2021
Terry Bean – Being Intentional About Your Social Networks

Terry Bean – Being Intentional About Your Social Networks

No matter if you are in a job transition, looking for a new career, trying to grow your business, or simply wanting to expand your knowledge, networking is a skill that should be in your toolset.  But how do you network in the age of CVOID when most everything is virtual? Terry Bean, a foremost expert in networking, especially within LinkedIn, discusses how to utilize social networks best to help you give and get the support you need and want. The first step of networking successfully is to be intentional about what you are trying to accomplish.  Determine what specific solution you are trying to solve, who you know that can help you solve it, and how you reach that person or group.  Please enjoy my conversation with Terry Bean. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/17. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
47:2311/02/2021
Brian Portnoy – Funded Contentment: Am I Going to Be Okay?

Brian Portnoy – Funded Contentment: Am I Going to Be Okay?

Am I going to be okay?  The question—not explicitly about money is posed by everyone from the ultra-wealthy to the just-getting-by, from the retiree to the just-getting-started.  No matter the lifestyle, accent, politics, or favorite sports team, everyone I meet wants to take care of their families, remain or get healthy, be generous to others, enjoy their hobbies, and excel at work. These words set the stage for Brian Portnoy's book, The Geometry of Wealth: How to Shape a Life of Money and Meaning.  These remarks also set the foundation for an in-depth conversation with Brian, which also included key thoughts and takeaways from his latest book, How I Invest My Money. Brian and I also discuss experienced happiness, which comes and goes, vs. reflective happiness, which requires work.  I strongly encourage you to give Brian's book a read and be sure to check out the other resources we discussed during our talk. Please enjoy my conversation with Brian Portnoy. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/16. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.  
36:4604/02/2021
Lindsay & Mike Dillon – Deciding to Partner Together Rather Than Blame

Lindsay & Mike Dillon – Deciding to Partner Together Rather Than Blame

The fastest way to create strife within your finances is to marry or partner with someone who has wildly different spending expectations.  Layer on considerable amounts of debt, either from student loans or credit cards, can be a recipe for disaster. Mike & Lindsay Dillon may have been headed down this road, but then something changed.  They changed their mindset and decided to partner together rather than blame one another for their differing financial management styles. Lindsay and Mike talk about how their emotions changed about money when they started working together and seeing their debt levels begin to go down significantly.  They realized that their debt was a heavy load to carry, which they could feel, bringing down their relationship and family. The couple shares intimate details about their struggles and triumphs when it comes to their wealth management plan in hopes of being able to help other couples who may be in similar situations. Please enjoy my conversation with Lindsay & Mike Dillon For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/15. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
01:04:3828/01/2021
Anthony Tomey – From Professional Baseball Pitcher to Family Entrepreneur, Husband, and Father

Anthony Tomey – From Professional Baseball Pitcher to Family Entrepreneur, Husband, and Father

Timing in sports, just like life, can take you to places that you would never think twice about.  When one door of opportunity closes, do you have the courage to open another door? Today's conversation with former professional baseball pitcher turned family entrepreneur Anthony Tomey is focused on Anthony's story to take a risk and open a new door of opportunity when he decided to end his professional sports career. Anthony and his family started with one Jimmy John's franchise nearly two decades ago while Anthony was a pitcher in the Detroit Tigers minor league system.  Since then, they have grown their business into 50 Jimmy John's franchises in the Metro Detroit, MI area.  Anthony dives into the details and complexities of running a family business with his Dad, Uncle, Sister, and Brother, with all the challenges and opportunities it can bring.  Anthony speaks candidly about the difficulties of managing the business's needs while wanting to be present for his boys and the balance he seeks to try to make it all work together. Please enjoy my conversation with Anthony Tomey. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/14. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.  
45:2421/01/2021
Anya Kamenetz – The Art of Screen Time: Digital Parenting Without Fear

Anya Kamenetz – The Art of Screen Time: Digital Parenting Without Fear

How worried should we really be about kids and tech?  With kids on devices more than ever due to virtual learning, where is all of this heading? And what should we actually do about it? Today I speak with Anya Kamenetz, the author of The Art of Screen Time: Digital Parenting Without Fear.  Anya is also an education correspondent for NPR, and her work can be found in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Slate, and O, the Oprah Magazine. Specifically, we talk about the effects that screens can have on our children's eyes, sleep, stress levels, and shared family time.  Our conversation dives deep into the research on these topics and more that Anya pulled together to write her book and other subsequent articles that she has written on kids and digital devices.  Please enjoy my conversation with Anya Kamenetz For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/13. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
45:3914/01/2021
Molly Reeser – How a Little Girl with Cancer Changed the Life of Another Young Woman

Molly Reeser – How a Little Girl with Cancer Changed the Life of Another Young Woman

Have you ever wondered how a chance encounter with a stranger could change the total direction of your life?  How life planning meets your calling and creates a new journey for you.  This episode is focused on the story of an impressionable young college student whose life would be changed by a 10-year old girl named Casey Foote who was battling cancer. In my conversation with Molly Reeser, Molly shares the details of her attending Michigan State University and working part-time teaching horseback riding lessons.  A job that would lead her to meet a young girl whose journey with cancer led Molly to start Camp Casey. Camp Casey's mission is to provide safe, fun experiences for children and families affected by childhood cancer, rare blood disorders, and other life-threatening illnesses through accessible horseback riding programs. Please enjoy my conversation with Molly Reeser. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/12. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
01:02:4707/01/2021
Noelle Essig – Helping Students & Families Through the College & Career Planning Process

Noelle Essig – Helping Students & Families Through the College & Career Planning Process

Are you concerned about college and career planning for your children?  While this stage in your kids' lives can be an overwhelming and emotional experience, it doesn't need to be with open lines of communication and good planning.  This week I speak with Noelle Essig, College & Career Counselor in the West Bloomfield School district located in Metro Detroit.  Noelle brings decades of experience working with students and families to help navigate them through the career and college planning processes.  Be sure to follow Noelle on Twitter @NoelleEssig and for additional resources along with our show notes! Please enjoy my conversation with Noelle Essig. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/11. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
52:4417/12/2020
Bill Kieffer – Experiencing Career & Life Transitions from Multiple Angles

Bill Kieffer – Experiencing Career & Life Transitions from Multiple Angles

Going through a job transition can be an emotional situation for most people in corporate America.  But what about transitioning from military life to civilian life? Today I speak with Bill Kiefer, a corporate executive, coach, speaker, and former officer in the U.S. Army who has experienced career and life transitions from virtually all angles. In our conversation, we discuss the difficulties of career transitions, especially for veterans transitioning from military life into civilian life.  The obstacles everyone faces during a professional or personal transition, but also the keys to success in helping you define what success could look like and a path forward. Please enjoy my conversation with Bill Kieffer. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/10. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.  
38:3510/12/2020
Kristen Rajagopal – Providing the Gift of Peace of Mind to Your Family 

Kristen Rajagopal – Providing the Gift of Peace of Mind to Your Family 

Who wouldn't want to provide their family with peace of mind during an emotionally difficult life situation such as losing a loved one?  Or the ability to tell your story about how you would like your children to be cared for when you are no longer able? There are many misconceptions about what an estate plan is and isn't, but one thing is for sure, it allows you to tell your story on how to protect your family and provide them peace of mind when you need it most. This week I speak with estate planning attorney Kristen Rajagopal, Founder of Bequest Law in Atlanta, GA.  Kristen walks us through what four critical documents make up a complete estate plan.  Documents that help us through incapacity, to documents that help us protect our children and those who mean the most to us when we are no longer here. Please enjoy my conversation with Kristen Rajagopal. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/9. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
40:2603/12/2020
Jillian Moutafis – A Non-traditional Journey into a New Career While Raising Three Kids

Jillian Moutafis – A Non-traditional Journey into a New Career While Raising Three Kids

Have you ever thought about making a mid-life career shift while raising a family?  A change to a completely unrelated career you already spent thousands of hours and multiple degrees to pursue? This week, my guest is Jillian Moutafis, a leading real estate agent in the Metro Detroit area. The mother to three girls, Jillian, discusses her non-traditional journey into real estate from being an elementary school teacher for 12 years before deciding to make a career change.  Jillian talks about why she decided to change to a more flexible career that would allow her more time with her three daughters.  Changing careers is a topic that many parents grapple with. Jillian talks about the struggle to make it work, especially in the early years, when she lost money as a realtor.  And how she tried being both a teacher and real estate agent part-time, and the sign she received that finally pushed her to go into real estate full-time. Please enjoy my conversation with Jillian Moutafis. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/8. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.  
51:1819/11/2020
Dr. Patrick Qatsha – Being a Healthcare Professional, Business Owner and Father of Multiple Kids in a Global Pandemic

Dr. Patrick Qatsha – Being a Healthcare Professional, Business Owner and Father of Multiple Kids in a Global Pandemic

What if the business that you had worked your entire life to build suddenly had to shut down?  During the COVID pandemic, you likely heard of many companies that had to shut down abruptly.  However, what if your business was in the medical field that put yourself and your entire family at risk? My guest this week is Dr. Pat Qatsha, a Dentist and owner of Dream Dental.  This is precisely the situation that Pat faced with his business and family.  To make the situation even more complicated, Pat, wife Sonia, a Physician Assistant, was also working on the front lines of the COVID battle. We talk about Pat's personal battle pre and post COVID to balance running and growing a business, his spouse with a demanding career of her own while raising their three young children.  A relatable challenge for most entrepreneurs, especially those with families. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Pat Qatsha. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/7. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
41:4412/11/2020
Dr. JR Muldoon – Finding the Counter Balance in Life Raising Multiple Kids and a Business

Dr. JR Muldoon – Finding the Counter Balance in Life Raising Multiple Kids and a Business

As someone who has dealt with migraines for most of my life, stress management has always been a critical component of managing my migraines.  But like most people with multiple kids, a demanding career or business, and a plethora of tugging priorities, managing stress can be extremely difficult. Additionally, to help manage my migraines, I turned to the field of Chiropractic.  Chiropractic care can often be misunderstood.  To explain what Chiropractic care is and isn't, my guest this week is Dr. JR Muldoon, a Chiropractic Neurologist and owner of NeuroLogic Chiropractic Center. In our conversation, we discuss how JR chose to focus on the niche field of neurology within the Chiropractic space, making him a leader within the field and how that translates into better care for his patients.  JR talks about the changes he has seen in his patients, both mentally and physically, due to the impacts of COVID-19. Please enjoy my conversation with Nick Raich. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/6. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
39:4605/11/2020
Nick Raich – The Stock Market is Not the Economy

Nick Raich – The Stock Market is Not the Economy

Are you curious as to why the stock market has skyrocketed higher when the economy feels stuck in first gear during this global pandemic?  Or why, when a company reports great earnings, its stock price can go down? This week I speak with Nick Raich, Founder, and CEO of the Earnings Scout.  The Earnings Scout is the premier provider of corporate earnings data and trend analysis.  Full disclosure I am a client of the earnings scout and utilize their data in making portfolio management decisions for clients at TAMMA. In our conversation, we dive into the markets' mechanics and talk about the variables that drive stock prices.  We answer the question of why the stock market is not disconnected from the economy, as so many financial pundits would like you to believe. Please enjoy my conversation with Nick Raich. For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/5. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
48:2029/10/2020
Shayna Levin – Managing Twins, a Business During COVID-19, and Explaining Home & Auto Insurance

Shayna Levin – Managing Twins, a Business During COVID-19, and Explaining Home & Auto Insurance

Have you ever wondered why you pay what you pay for auto and homeowners insurance, also known as property and casualty insurance?  Did you know that there is a greater emphasis on tickets and accidents and frequency and severity on your insurance rates for both auto and home, respectively than any other factors from a cost perspective? Shayna Levin, a mom of twins, licensed property & casualty insurance agent, and owner of Levin Insurance Agency with her husband, Jeff, talks about all facets of the property and casualty insurance landscape.  Specifically, for families with young drivers just starting, Shayna identified three ways to reduce your auto insurance costs. Please enjoy my conversation with Shayna Levin For show notes and resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/4. For more episodes, go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
53:2222/10/2020
Sandy Hodde – Critical Skills That High School Students are Missing

Sandy Hodde – Critical Skills That High School Students are Missing

My guest this week is Sandy Hodde.  Sandy is a certified professional English Language Arts and Social Studies educator and taught at the high school level for 22 years.  After seeing increases in high school class sizes, Sandy decided to launch her own business, Your Coach for College, to help prepare and teach kids the skills they would need to succeed in college that they weren’t receiving in high school. In our conversation, we discuss some critical skills such as note-taking, listening, and forming good study habits that Sandy identifies as being missed within the current education system.  Sandy points out why you should help develop these skills with your kids early in middle school years. Please enjoy my conversation with Sandy Hodde For show notes and resources discussed in this episode visit tammacapital.com/3. For more episdoes go to tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on Facebook and LinkedIn. And feel free to email Paul at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
47:3415/10/2020
Dr. Laura Hutchison – Parenting in the Age of COVID-19 with Compassion & Empathy

Dr. Laura Hutchison – Parenting in the Age of COVID-19 with Compassion & Empathy

My guest this week is Dr. Laura Hutchison, a licensed psychologist, specializing in helping children and their families.  Laura's private practice offers psychotherapy for children aged 2 - 12, teen girls, women, and families using a humanistic, client-centered approach.  As a Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT/S), Laura also supervises clinicians and is the founder/director of the Michigan Play Therapy Training Academy that provides high-quality, affordable play therapy training for clinicians.   Along with being a therapist and entrepreneur, she is the proud mom to son, Henry, and daughter, Honor. Many people know Laura as Dr. H through her blog Play Dr. Mom that focuses on her experience being a play therapist and mom.   In our conversation, we talk about the critical importance of self-care for parents when it comes to having the ability to take care of our families.  Communication between spouses and partners is now more crucial than ever to ensure that we are taking the time to stop, listen, and reflect on what is being said between each other. Parents should recognize that it's okay to make mistakes and that we should be able to tell our spouse, partners, and kids that we are sorry.  Laura stresses that how we handle these situations shows the behavior that we want to model to our kids.    Laura discusses the impact that stress can have upon our kids and how each kid handles stress differently, similar to how adults handle stress differently.  Being in tune with how your child handles stress will help you determine what strategies you can you to best help your child.  Finally, Laura points out that the average person needs eight hugs per day. During times of stress such as COVID-19, adults and kids need even more personal attention. Laura's advice is not to be afraid to show emotion to your kids. I have a lot of hugs to give out every day. Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Luara Hutchison Resources Featured In This Episode: Back to School During a Pandemic The Gottman Institute  - Dr. John Gottman one of the Top 10 Most Influential Therapists of the past quarter-century by the Psychotherapy Networker Play Dr. Mom Dennis Mosely-Williams The New Definition of Family Office  
01:07:1308/10/2020
Scott Kapeller – Reflections of a Layoff While Raising Triplet Girls

Scott Kapeller – Reflections of a Layoff While Raising Triplet Girls

My guest this week is Scott Kapeller, a leader in pharmaceutical sales and, more importantly, the father of triplet girls.  Scott is a good friend and neighbor of mine in which we share a lot of similar life experiences, one of which is being the father of triplets.  One of the life-changing experiences that Scott and I share is that we both went through a significant job loss within our careers.  I can always see with great clarity the day I was delivered the news that I was no longer wanted.  Scott explains, getting the dreaded text, "I know you're traveling can you call-in quickly." Being 1,800 miles away from home and thinking nothing of what this call was about, Scott called into the home office and learned of an unanticipated fate. In our conversation, Scott walks through the emotional roller coaster that began on that fateful day.  Although he thought that hearing the news that he was being released was the bottom, Scott later learned that he wasn't even close to the bottom.  Scott published his journey on LinkedIn in what he refers to as his manifesto.  Within it, Scott lays out five valuable lessons that all job seekers could benefit from, especially during these trying times of COVID-19 with so many layoffs and restructurings. In addition to Scott's five lessons, he also provides his insights into five tips that you should be doing if you're not employed or even if you are employed that will help you get through this life transition, which includes paying it forward.  Paying it forward is another characteristic that Scott and I share, which means helping others during their time of transition, just like there was likely someone who helped you during your time of transition. Don't be the person who receives a call from someone in need and doesn't return it.  Finally, Scott talks about the impacts of losing his job had on his family.  The sometimes challenging conversations that he had to have with his wife and triplet daughters.  Going through a job transition can put additional stress on a relationship, especially between a spouse or partner, so be sure to have a network of people you can talk with outside of your immediate family. Please enjoy this conversation with Scott Kapeller. Resources Featured in This Episode: Scott Kapeller The Go-Giver Summer of Scott: Reflections of a Layoff - Scott's LinkedIn Manifesto 4 Retirement Account Options After a Job Change What Would You Consider to be Your Most Valuable Asset?  
52:1222/09/2020