Category: Investing

FEATURE
15,000 Orthoscopic Surgeries and a Lifetime of Tales with Dr. Wayne McIlwraith (Ep. 22)

15,000 Orthoscopic Surgeries and a Lifetime of Tales with Dr. Wayne McIlwraith (Ep. 22)

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People in the horse racing, farming, and ranching industries have two things in common; a passion and love for animals. 

Today’s guest is a renowned equine orthopedic surgeon, a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences, and the founder of the Orthopaedic Research Center at CSU. It is clear when you hear him speak that he too has a passion and love for animals.

Join Dr. Wayne McIlwraith as he recounts his humble beginnings on a sheep station in New Zealand to becoming a trailblazer in the field of equine orthopedic surgery. He shares his innovative approach to arthroscopic surgery, shedding light on the advancements he has made, including many discoveries that have helped progress orthopedic procedures for humans.

Throughout the podcast, Billy Peterson and Dr. Wayne McIlwraith explore:

  • Dr. Wayne’s extensive experience and contributions to the field of equine medicine
  • The multifaceted challenges that face the equine industry including the need for uniformity in safety and testing standards
  • Why you should seize opportunities and pursue your passions
  • Techniques used to help horses recover from injuries and improve their performance
  • And more!

Connect with Billy Peterson:

Connect with Dr. Wayne McIlwraith: 

About Our Guest: 

Professor McIlwraith obtained his veterinary degree from Massey University, New Zealand, and was in practice in New Zealand and the UK followed by an internship at the University of Guelph, Canada, and a surgical residency at Purdue University. He also obtained MS and PhD degrees from Purdue University. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the European College of Veterinary Surgeons, the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Since 1979, he has been a faculty member at Colorado State University. Currently, he is a University Distinguished Professor, holds the Barbara Cox Anthony University Endowed Chair in Orthopaedics, and is the Founding Director of the Orthopaedic Research Center. He also has a referral equine orthopedic surgical practice based in Southern California and is a consultant and surgeon for clients elsewhere in the US and Ireland, England, France, and New Zealand. His research interests focus on equine orthopedic surgery and translational joint disease research, including novel treatments for osteoarthritis and articular cartilage repair, mesenchymal stem cell therapies, and early diagnosis of osteoarthritis and pre-fracture disease using imaging and fluid biomarkers.

He has received multiple awards, including the Founders Award and Legends Award from ACVS, induction into the International Equine Research Hall of Fame, the John Hickman Award from the British Equine Veterinary Association, the AAEP Research Award, the AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award, the Markowitz Award from the Academy of Surgical Research, the Marshall R. Urist MD Award from ORS and is an Honorary Fellow of ICRS.

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FEATURE
Transform Your Life with Applied Improvisation with Ryan Sullivan, CFP®, CRPC®, RCC™ (Ep. 21)

Transform Your Life with Applied Improvisation with Ryan Sullivan, CFP®, CRPC®, RCC™ (Ep. 21)

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One of the most valuable skills in today’s world is the ability to improvise. 

Improvisation is not just about making things up on the spot but also about adapting to changing situations, finding creative solutions, and collaborating with others.

In this episode, Billy and Shaun Peterson sit down with Ryan Sullivan, CFP®, CRPC®, RCC™, Vice President and Managing Director, Applied Insights for Hartford Funds.

They explore the power of applied improvisation in finance, health, and mindset. They highlight the concept of “Yes, And” and its impact on problem-solving and creativity. Additionally, Ryan explains how improvisation can be applied in everyday life, shares brain-boosting exercises, and explores the art of explanation and active listening.

Together, they discuss: 

  • The origins and uses of applied improvisation in various fields such as business, leadership, and caregiving
  • How the “Yes, And” mindset can be applied to business and communication
  • An improvisation exercise and how it can be used in various scenarios
  • The importance of challenging the brain in new ways to create new connections and reduce the risk of cognitive decline
  • How to use a simple exercise to improve communication skills at work and in personal relationships
  • Studies showing the positive effects of applied improvisation on brain health, communication, and overall well-being
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Billy Peterson:

Connect with Shaun Peterson: 

Connect with Ryan Sullivan:

About Our Guest: 

Ryan Sullivan is a vice president and managing director of applied insights for Hartford Funds.  He leads communication workshops around the country and speaks on a variety of financial and practice management topics, with a focus on retirement research from the MIT AgeLab. To date, Ryan has provided insights to audiences in 46 states and Puerto Rico, as well as led over a  thousand webinars. 

Ryan originally joined Hartford Funds in 1996, holding various roles of increasing responsibility.  He left the company in 2012 as a vice president of advanced markets. Prior to rejoining Hartford  Funds, Ryan founded a business to coach professionals on public speaking and impactful communication. He was later hired by his largest client, financial-planning software company  Envestnet MoneyGuide, where he was vice president and head of investor education. 

In addition to his role at Hartford Funds, Ryan volunteers his time and communication expertise to help others. Since 2012, he’s led communication workshops at UNC Charlotte’s Center for  Leadership and Community Engagement. He also volunteers to help empower athletes with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, and those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.  Ryan serves on Hartford Funds’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council. 

Ryan is a registered representative of Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC, and is FINRA Series  7 and 63 registered. He holds his Life, Health, and Variable Products licenses and has earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial  Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), and Chartered Mutual  Fund Counselor (CMFC®) designations. He’s a Fellow of LOMA’s® Life Management Institute and is also a Registered Corporate Coach (RCC™).  

Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Ryan attended Bucknell University, where he earned a  bachelor’s degree in business administration. He currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina,  with his wife, Katie.  

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FEATURE
Economics and Technology with Bob Kaynor of Hartford Schroders (Ep. 20)

Economics and Technology with Bob Kaynor of Hartford Schroders (Ep. 20)

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Staying informed about the economy, market trends, and emerging technologies is crucial for investors and professionals. 

Will artificial intelligence guide a new era of job creation? 

In this episode, Billy and Shaun are joined by Bob Kaynor, Portfolio Manager at Hartford Schroders to hear his insights on the current market, the impact of higher interest rates on small and mid-sized companies, and his approach to portfolio building in the technology sector. Together they also discuss the potential impact of AI on the workforce, including potential scenarios of job creation or elimination.

Throughout the episode Bob shares:

  • His background, education, and experience in small and mid-cap equities, as well as his role at Hartford Schroders
  • Current market conditions and the potential for broadening growth opportunities
  • Perspective surrounding AI and how it may impact the employment rate
  • The potential in real estate, including single-family rental home REITs, and the challenges in the energy sector
  • And more!

Connect with Billy Peterson:

Connect with Shaun Peterson:

Connect with Bob Kaynor: 

About Our Guest: 

Robert “Bob” Kaynor, CFA, is the Portfolio Manager for the Hartford Schroders US Small Cap Opportunities Fund and Hartford Schroders US MidCap Opportunities Fund. He joined Schroders as a Senior Equity Analyst in 2013 and became Research Director in 2014.

Prior to joining Schroders, Bob was the Chief Investment Officer and Managing Member at Ballast Capital Group from 2010 to 2013, which involved managing a fundamental long/short portfolio.

Bob was a Managing Director/Portfolio Manager at Ramius Capital Group from 2003 to 2010, which involved co-managing a hedged equity product.

He was a Partner/Analyst at Barbary Coast Capital Management from 2000 to 2003, which involved co-managing a long/short equity hedge fund focused on small and mid-cap equities.

Bob began his investment career in 1994 when he joined RCM Capital Management as an Analyst/Assistant Portfolio, which involved working exclusively on a domestic long-only small-cap product recommending and covering equities.

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FEATURE
From the Racetrack to Business Owner with Kip Didericksen (Ep. 19)

From the Racetrack to Business Owner with Kip Didericksen (Ep. 19)

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Few journeys are as exhilarating and transformative as those of a jockey.

The rush of adrenaline during races and the intricate partnership between humans and horses all come together to tell a story of talent, perseverance, and passion.

In this episode, Kip Didericksen, a renowned former jockey shares his journey from the race tracks to being a business owner, highlighting how the value of hard work and strategy contributed to his success. He also talks about memorable horses and people, and the races that taught him valuable lessons. 

Kip discusses: 

  • His childhood as a member of a racehorse family and how he idolized jockeys
  • The talent level and competition among jockeys at Los Alamitos
  • His standout horses and the trainers who supported him
  • A look back at his most successful season when he was the leading rider and won multiple races
  • His experience of being treated poorly by a fellow jockey and how it motivated him to always help others
  • And more!

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FEATURE
From Drywall to Derby: Pierre Amestoy’s Journey into Horse Racing (Ep. 17)

From Drywall to Derby: Pierre Amestoy’s Journey into Horse Racing (Ep. 17)

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For centuries, horse racing has captivated enthusiasts worldwide.

However, beyond the flashy and glamorous racetrack, the industry intersects heavily with the business world.

In this episode, Billy and Cade Peterson chat with Pierre Amestoy, a prominent figure in the horse racing industry. Pierre shares his story, from working in the family drywall business to having a successful business in the construction industry and what led him to enter the horse industry. Additionally, Pierre emphasizes the importance of putting money to work, pursuing passions, and taking risks.

Pierre discusses: 

  • How he got involved in horse racing, the challenges of the industry, and his success with buying and selling horses
  • The qualities of successful horse trainers and the significance of a winning attitude
  • Why he chose to amalgamate his drywall business with land development
  • The risks faced by business owners due to inflation and rising interest rates
  • The importance of finding something that makes you different from your competition 
  • And more!

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Connect with Cade Peterson:

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FEATURE
Navigating Economic Ups and Downs: Insights from a Third-Generation Business Owner with Nate Reeve (Ep. 16)

Navigating Economic Ups and Downs: Insights from a Third-Generation Business Owner with Nate Reeve (Ep. 16)

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Managing a business has its share of trials and tribulations, from economic uncertainty and market fluctuations to finding a healthy balance between work and life.

In this episode, Billy and Shaun Peterson chat with third-generation business owner Nate Reeve of Reeve & Associates, Inc, about why he chose to buy out his father to become owner and principal of the development firm. Listen as he shares insights about his journey in the engineering industry and how his business continues to excel while navigating economic ups and downs.

Join Billy, Shaun, and Nate as they discuss:

  • How Nate became involved in the business and the pressures of following in his family’s footsteps
  • The impact of the economy, namely recessions and inflation on businesses 
  • Nate’s experience of having a brain tumor removed and the importance of relying on others for support
  • The challenges of government regulations and the impact of interest rates on businesses
  • And more!

Connect with Billy Peterson:

Connect with Shaun Peterson:

Connect with Nate Reeve: 

About Our Guest: 

Nate Reeve’s career began at the young age of 9 by helping his dad with surveys and blueprinting construction plans.

After many years of working side by side with his dad, Nate took over the company in 2010 as president. Nate graduated from Utah State University with his degree in civil engineering in 2000. As a licensed professional civil and structural engineer, his project portfolio includes large-scale land development projects with full-on and off-site infrastructure improvements as well as site development projects for the commercial, industrial, residential, and public building sectors. Nate has served as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) president and was the first recipient of the Enterprise 7 Elite Award.

Nate is married and has two sons and two daughters. Outside of work, Nate is a lover of sports. He enjoys playing basketball, pickleball and golf, and water sports. He also loves traveling to Lake Powell and spending time with his family.

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FEATURE
The Mind-Body Connection with Heather Peterson of Pain Free For Good (Ep. 15)

The Mind-Body Connection with Heather Peterson of Pain Free For Good (Ep. 15)

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Nowadays, we tend to prioritize our daily tasks over our own well-being, and we need to remember what kind of consequences this could have on our health.

How strong is the connection between our mental and physical health?

Let’s analyze the link between them.

In this episode, Billy, Shaun, and Cade Peterson sit down with Heather Peterson, founder of Pain Free For Good. Heather shares her personal journey and how her husband, Billy’s chronic back pain set her on the path of entrepreneurship and better health. 

Join the Petersons as they discuss: 

  • Heather’s background and why she launched Pain Free For Good
  • How Dr. John Sarno’s book, “Healing Back Pain,” was a turning point for her and Billy
  • The mind-body connection and why doctors often fail to recognize it
  • How emotional stressors can manifest physically
  • Real-life success stories focusing on abundance instead of lack
  • And more!

Resources:

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Connect with Shaun Peterson:

Connect with Cade Peterson: 

Connect with Heather Peterson: 

About Our Guest: 

Heather Peterson, owner and founder of Pain Free For Good, began her search for the truth in 2010 while desperately trying to find the answers to help her husband recover from chronic pain. While on her search for answers, she also healed herself and has continued to help countless others trying to cross the river of pain. As a Mindbody Healer and Coach, she is passionate about helping women discover the truth in order to overcome physical and emotional pain.

 

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FEATURE
How to Approach Aging and Retirement with John Diehl (Ep. 14)

How to Approach Aging and Retirement with John Diehl (Ep. 14)

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Today’s guest, John Diehl, Senior Vice President of Applied Insights at Hartford Funds believes that most people have an improper view of retirement. They think their retirement (typically 7-10 years) will be stacked with golf games, lavish trips, and all things that they consider as ‘living the good life.’

But, the reality is that people are living longer thus extending their period of retirement upwards of 20 or even 30 years! So how do you spend two or three decades on nothing but relaxation and recreation?

Most people can’t. (Financially and emotionally)

Listen as John shares his findings surrounding age and longevity, challenges facing the aging population, and advice on how you can combat boredom and rediscover your purpose after you exit the workforce.

This insightful episode explores: 

  • John’s partnership with the MIT AgeLab and his findings from numerous studies
  • The importance of having a purpose and making meaningful connections
  • Tips on maintaining brain health, and developing new interests
  • What is a social portfolio and how it relates to your overall well-being
  • The natural attrition of friendships as you age and ways to enhance your social portfolio
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Billy Peterson:

About Our Guest: 

John Diehl has been with The Hartford and Hartford Funds for more than 30 years. He’s a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and also holds Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designations. As Senior Vice President of Applied Insights, John leads Hartford Funds’ research efforts with the MIT AgeLab as well as other thought leaders. He oversees a team of industry experts who translate this research into actionable ideas for financial professionals and their clients across the U.S. John’s views on the future of retirement planning have been published in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Planning magazine, and other publications, and he’s been a featured guest on CNBC and Bloomberg Television. John also hosts the Hartford Funds’ newly reimagined Human-centric Investing Podcast.

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FEATURE
Is a Recession Looming on the Horizon? (Ep. 13)

Is a Recession Looming on the Horizon? (Ep. 13)

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During these uncertain times, we are faced with the worry of a recession.

Is there one looming on the horizon?

Find out as Billy and Shaun welcome Strider Elass, Senior Economist at First Trust, as he shares his thoughts and predictions about whether a recession is on its way, and what we can do to prepare.

This insightful episode will cover:

  • The definition of a recession and how it typically affects the economy
  • Recession indicators according to the National Bureau of Economic Research 
  • Historical comparison of major recessions throughout the US
  • How and why the Federal Reserve is lowering the money supply
  • Quantitative tightening and quantitative easing and how they impact lending
  • How the current economic situation is different from the 2008 recession
  • The expected longevity of inflation and increased interest rates 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Billy Peterson:

Connect with Shaun Peterson: 

Connect with Strider Elass: 

About Our Guest: 

Strider Elass is an Economist at First Trust Advisors L.P., a financial services firm based in Wheaton, Illinois. 

At First Trust, Mr. Elass is responsible for analyzing economic indicators, writing economic commentaries, and producing pieces on the First Trust Economics Blog. 

Mr. Elass is part of the First Trust economics team that Bloomberg has consecutively ranked as one of the top forecasters of the U.S. economy over the past several years. This First Trust economics team has also won Market Watch’s “Forecaster of the Month” Award several times over the past few years. 

Mr. Elass was also instrumental in researching the book It’s Not As Bad As You Think, published in 2009 by First Trust Chief Economist Brian Wesbury. 

Beyond his research responsibilities, Mr. Elass speaks regularly at broker and retail events around the country and abroad. 

Mr. Elass received a B.A. in Business and Economics from Wheaton College, in Wheaton, Illinois, and is currently a candidate in the CFA Program.

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