The Above Board Podcast

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

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