Justin Carbonneau’s journey from track and field to military service to the world of finance is a powerful example of turning challenges into opportunities. Justin has had to navigate tough transitions, from a demanding New York City internship to managing financial crises. Whether it’s finding encouragement online or the power of teamwork, his story shows how resilience and the right relationships can shape a rewarding career path.

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Justin Carbonneau on LinkedIn

Validea

Validea Capital Management

Justin’s Blog

Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Lake Avenue Financial

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Journey Strategic Wealth

In this episode, we chat with Ryan Krueger about how discomfort can lead to real growth. Ryan shares his thoughts on staying positive, finding joy in your work, and creating success that aligns with your values. We also talk about how challenges can teach us important lessons and why discomfort is often the key to becoming stronger and more resilient. It's a warm and inspiring conversation filled with practical insights for navigating life and work.

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Ryan Krueger on LinkedIn

Ryan Krueger on X

Freedom Day Solutions

Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Lake Avenue Financial

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Journey Strategic Wealth

Referenced in our conversation:

Ryan Krueger’s letter to his daughter

Today we chat with Julie Johnson, a financial advisor turned mentor, as she shares her journey of helping families and advisors navigate the challenges of wealth transfer. Julie blends empathy and expertise, shaped by her own personal experiences, in a fresh perspective to managing finances across generations.

We also explore the growing role of women in finance, the importance of mental health, and the concept of "funded contentment"—a balance between financial security and living a fulfilled life.

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Julie Johnson on LinkedIn

XY Communication

Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Lake Avenue Financial

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Journey Strategic Wealth

Referenced in our conversation:

Warren Buffett's Shareholder Letter

What makes someone trade academia for financial advising during a recession? In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Ranstrom as he takes us through his remarkable journey from theology to finance. Combining technical skills with a deep understanding of human behavior, Morgan proves that financial planning is about more than numbers—it’s about people.

From navigating life transitions to balancing risk and reward, Morgan shares insights that go beyond investments, inspiring advisors and clients alike.

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Morgan Ranstrom on LinkedIn

Trailhead Planners

Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Lake Avenue Financial

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Journey Strategic Wealth

Imagine starting a law firm with just a laptop and an iPhone. That’s exactly what Van Smith did! In this episode, Van shares how he grew his Virginia-based firm from scratch into a team of 30. His background wasn’t entrepreneurial at all, but after tackling challenges like undergrad during 9/11, a stint in Baghdad, and the 2008 financial crisis after law school—Van dug in and simply got to work.

In this episode we talk about:

• Turning life’s chaos into growth.
• Smart financial habits that build long-term success.
• The power of starting small and staying consistent.

Whether you’re dreaming of starting something new or just want to make better decisions, Van’s story is full of practical tips and inspiration.

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Van Smith on LinkedIn

Smith | Strong, PLC

Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Lake Avenue Financial

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Journey Strategic Wealth

Join us as we chat with Jenny Rozelle, an estate and elder law expert who brings a down-to-earth approach to legal planning. From her small-town beginnings to leading a successful law firm, Jenny shares how hard work and community-focus drive her success. She breaks down why estate planning matters for everyone, and gives simple, practical advice to protect what you value most.

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Jennifer Rozelle on LinkedIn

Indiana Estate and Elder Law

Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Lake Avenue Financial

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Journey Strategic Wealth

In this episode Aravind Sithamparapillai shares his journey, facing family expectations and self-doubt as he built a career in finance. Aravind opens up about overcoming struggles, including mental health challenges, and finding his way back to university. His story shows the power of self-belief, resilience, and the importance of doing what you actually care about. Join us for a story of growth, courage, and finding purpose beyond money.

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Aravind Sithamparapillai

Ironwood Wealth Management

Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Lake Avenue Financial

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Journey Strategic Wealth

Meet Dennis Morton—a former history major, band musician, and missile operator who’s now the founder of a financial advisory firm. In this episode, Dennis talks about his winding career path from military life to finance, and shares his hard-earned lessons and stories. Learn how he found his true calling, built a new career from scratch, and used his background in empathy and communication to connect with clients. It's a story of big career changes, family support, and finding purpose.

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Dennis Morton on LinkedIn

Morton Brown Family Wealth

Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Lake Avenue Financial

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Journey Strategic Wealth