The Above Board Podcast

Most money stress isn’t about income, it’s about how money flows.

In this episode, John Kennedy, CFP® breaks down the difference between spending up and spending down, why budgeting often feels frustrating, and how small system changes can create real clarity. He shares a simple framework for managing cash flow and building habits that actually stick. If you’ve ever felt like you’re earning enough but still wondering where your money went, this episode will help you reset the way you think about spending.

 

Resources mentioned:

• Free Financial Online Course: YourMoneyStory.app
• Live Webinar on Feb. 17th - Your Money Flows: Bringing Order to Your Daily Budget 

 

• 00:09 The Real Problem: Money Psychology
• 02:14 Spending Up vs. Spending Down
• 05:21 The Power of Cash Flow Management
• 05:57 Implementing the Three-Account System
• 08:15 Join Our Free Online Course

In this episode, John talks with Mitchell Osmond, founder of Dad Nation and host of The Dad Nation Podcast, about why success at work may not always translate to fulfillment at home. Mitchell shares practical takeaways for high-performing men who feel driven and capable, but disconnected in their relationships. It’s a grounded conversation about emotional presence, intentional leadership at home, and building real connection where it matters most.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dad Nation Coaching & Resources: www.dadnationco.com
• The Dad Nation Podcast: Available on all major podcast platforms
• Mitchell on Instagram: @dadnationco

 

• 01:20 Early Warning Signs of Misalignment
• 04:36 The Crazy Cycle in Relationships
• 11:47 Practical Tools for Emotional Presence
• 15:08 Active Listening Techniques
• 18:55 Preparing for Presence at Home
• 26:21 Balancing Work and Family Goals
• 28:07 Understanding Masculine and Feminine Dynamics
• 30:40 The Importance of Emotional Connection in Relationships
• 35:45 Modeling Healthy Relationships for Children
• 41:04 Encouraging Emotional Awareness in Men
• 42:06 Final Thoughts and Resources

John shares a simple moment that turned into a bigger lesson about growth, patience, and showing up when things don’t go perfectly. Using an everyday experience, he reflects on how frustration, mistakes, and missed expectations are often part of the learning process, and not signs to quit. It’s a reminder that progress is built through consistency, resets, and staying present, even when things feel messy!

• 00:08 A Game of Catch: Lessons from Softball Practice
• 01:41 Embracing Imperfection
• 02:37 Steph Curry: Practice and Perseverance
• 04:20 Applying the Lesson
• 05:31 Reflecting on Life's Blessings

In this episode, John sits down with Estate Planning & Probate Attorney, Jennifer Bondy, to talk about the often-overlooked emotional side of money, relationships, and decision-making. Jennifer shares how our past experiences shape the way we show up financially and personally, and why awareness is the first step toward real change. It’s an honest conversation about growth, clarity, and building healthier patterns that actually stick.

Learn more about Jennifer and her work:

Website: www.bondy.law

Areas of Legal Practice: https://bondy.law/areas-of-practice/

• 01:06 Jennifer's Career Journey
• 03:46 Estate Planning Basics
• 11:04 The Role of Trusts in Estate Planning
• 13:15 Understanding Probate
• 16:09 Avoiding Probate and Family Disputes
• 19:32 Disinheriting a Family Member
• 20:11 Will-Based vs. Trust-Based Plans
• 21:35 The Rise of AI in Legal Services
• 24:59 The Role of Financial Advisors in Estate Planning
• 26:44 The Importance of Proper Document Execution
• 29:28 State-Specific Legal Considerations

Before you start setting goals for the year, this episode takes a step back. John talks about why goal-setting often feels exhausting, not because you’re bad at it, but because you’re overloaded, and why creating space matters more than creating a perfect plan. He shares a simple but powerful approach to slowing down, getting clear on what you actually want your days to feel like, and building goals that support your life instead of running it. A great listen if you’re feeling unsure of where exactly to start this year.

• 00:00 Introduction and New Year Reflections
• 00:32 The Struggle with Goal Setting
• 01:34 Creating Space for Clear Thinking
• 03:52 Collaborative Goal Setting
• 05:38 Life Design Before Goal Setting
• 08:39 Upcoming Episodes Preview

This episode is our version of a year-end wrap. We look back on the biggest themes from 2025, from money and markets to mindset, purpose, and growth, and reflect on what actually mattered most. It’s a highlight reel of the conversations that shaped the year, plus a look ahead at what’s coming next. If you’ve been with us all year (or you’re just jumping in), this one ties it all together. Thanks for spending this year with us!

 

Past Episodes Referenced in This Wrap-Up:

- New Year, New Disciplines (EP 0145) – Kicking off 2025 with a focus on clarity, intention, and what deserves your energy

- Everything Everywhere Fallacy (EP 0147) with Mitch Matthews – Why “being one place well” matters more than doing everything at once

- Part 1: I'm Learning to "Let Them" (EP 0155) – Learning to release control and stop managing outcomes

- Part 2: I'm Learning to "Let Me" (EP 0156) – Doubling down on what you can control

- Loss Aversion: Losing Hurts More Than Winning Feels Good (EP 0162) – Understanding emotional decision-making during market uncertainty

- Your Passion Doesn’t Retire with Brandon Hatcher (EP 0174) – Why purpose doesn’t end when your career does

• 00:00 Welcome to the Above Board Podcast Year-End Recap
• 00:09 Reflecting on 2025: Achievements and Inspirations
• 01:08 Key Themes of 2025: Financial Clarity and Personal Growth
• 01:31 Impactful Conversations: Focus and the Everything Everywhere Fallacy
• 02:44 Q2 Highlights: Embracing the Let Them Theory
• 04:30 Q3 Insights: Navigating the Financial Markets
• 05:37 Q4 Focus: People, Purpose, and Fulfillment
• 07:37 Looking Ahead to 2026: Exciting Plans and Gratitude

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