

Talking Wealth
The Compound
Freeing Advisors to Build the Practice of Their Dreams
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 21, 2026 • 33min
Why Advisors Go Independent
On this episode of Talking Wealth, Josh Brown sits down with Kevin Thompson, Founder of 9i Capital Group, to unpack the biggest issues facing financial advisors and investors today. They break down Wealthfront’s rocky IPO and cash-heavy business model, and debate private market exposure in 401(k)s as BlackRock pushes forward. Plus, why retirement assets just hit a record $48.1 trillion and why some advisors choose full independence even when high payouts already exist.
This episode is sponsored by Betterment Advisor Solutions. Learn more at http://Betterment.com/advisors
For more from Talking Wealth sign up at: https://talkingwealthpod.com/
Participants include employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. This program is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or product. Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Ritholtz Wealth Management or its employees. Ritholtz Wealth Management and its affiliates may invest in the technology company discussed.
The Compound Media, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, received compensation from the sponsor of this advertisement. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
#finance #financialplanning #financialeducation #financialadvisor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 14, 2026 • 32min
The Lie on Both Sides of Investment Management
Zach Conway, founder of Seeds, discusses the evolving landscape of investment management. He critiques the polarizing narratives: one that sees portfolios as mere commodities, and another that relies on outdated promises of alpha. Conway emphasizes the value advisors bring through personalized portfolio strategies and modern tools that reduce burdens like manual trading. He shares insights on how Seeds connects client preferences to actionable portfolio outcomes, aiming for a balanced approach that enhances the advisor-client relationship.

Jan 7, 2026 • 32min
Be the GP: How to Invest in the 2 & 20
Todd Owens, Managing Partner at Cantilever and a GP stakes investor, dives into the fascinating world of GP stakes investing. He explains why asset managers sell minority interests in their firms and how this approach compares to traditional private equity. Todd breaks down the economics behind management fees and cash flows, and discusses the importance of durable partnerships. Listeners will gain insights into the diligence process, competitive dynamics, and the rising demand for GP stakes, making this a must-listen for aspiring investors.

Dec 22, 2025 • 30min
How to Beat the 4% Retirement Spending Rule | Ben with Benefits
On this episode of Ben with Benefits, Ben Carlson is joined by Stefan Sharkansky, author of the new research paper “The Only Other Spending Rule Article You Will Ever Need.” Millions of retirees and advisors are trying to solve the retirement spending puzzle of how to both avoid outliving one’s assets while simultaneously avoiding chronic underspending. We discuss the trade-offs involved in a variable spending plan, how TIPS can help you in retirement planning, crafting the right asset allocation in retirement, how to create a plan that allows you to enjoy your money and much more.
Stefan's full research paper here - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/0015198X.2025.2541567?needAccess=true
Plan your retirement with Stefan's website - https://www.thebestthird.com/
This episode is brought to you by VanEck. Learn more about the VanEck Semiconductor ETF: http://vaneck.com/SMHCompound
For more from Talking Wealth sign up at: https://talkingwealthpod.com/
Participants include employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. This program is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or product. Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Ritholtz Wealth Management or its employees. Ritholtz Wealth Management and its affiliates may invest in the technology company discussed.
The Compound Media, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, received compensation from the sponsor of this advertisement. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 19, 2025 • 30min
When Alts Go Bad: The BlueRock Blowup and a Liquidity Wake-Up Call
On this episode of Talking Wealth, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood—and increasingly controversial—corners of investing: alternatives.
Over the past few years, interval funds and other semi-liquid vehicles have exploded in popularity, promising access to private markets with smoother returns and less volatility. But as recent events around BlueRock have made painfully clear, the structure matters just as much as the strategy.
My guest today is Leyla Kunimoto, co-founder of Accredited Investor Insights, and one of the leading experts on private investment funds and fiduciary responsibility.
In this conversation, we’re going to break down what actually went wrong, how interval funds really work when markets turn, and—most importantly—what investors and advisors must understand before allocating capital to alternative investments.
This episode is sponsored by VanEck. Learn more about the VanEck Semiconductor ETF: http://vaneck.com/SMHCompound
For more from Talking Wealth sign up at: https://talkingwealthpod.com/
Participants include employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. This program is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or product. Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Ritholtz Wealth Management or its employees. Ritholtz Wealth Management and its affiliates may invest in the technology company discussed.
The Compound Media, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, received compensation from the sponsor of this advertisement. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
#finance #financialplanning #financialeducation #financialadvisor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 18, 2025 • 25min
FINNY Reveals New $150 Million Valuation!
On this episode of Talking Wealth, Josh Brown is joined by Eden Ovadia and Victoria Toli, two of the three founders of FINNY AI. FINNY AI is one of the hottest startups in the wealth management industry fresh off a major new funding round with some of the smartest venture capitalists in the space. Josh is an investor and an advisor to the company.
This episode is brought to you by VanEck. Learn more about the VanEck Semiconductor ETF: http://vaneck.com/SMHCompound
For more from Talking Wealth sign up at: https://talkingwealthpod.com/
Participants include employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. This program is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or product. Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Ritholtz Wealth Management or its employees. Ritholtz Wealth Management and its affiliates may invest in the technology company discussed.
The Compound Media, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, received compensation from the sponsor of this advertisement. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 10, 2025 • 31min
BOMBSHELL - 90 Percent of RIAs are Actually Shrinking!
On this episode of Talking Wealth, we’re doing something special as part of the Compound Insights Research Program, our initiative to bring original data, white papers, and strategic intelligence to the wealth management profession. Our latest publication — The RIA Real Deal: What We’ve Learned from a Golden Era of Deal-Making — is one of the first true retrospective analyses of RIA M&A outcomes over the past decade.
To break down the findings, we’re joined by Mark Bruno, Managing Director and Head of Strategic Advisory at Emigrant Partners. Mark has spent over 20 years working across the RIA and asset management ecosystem — leading research, benchmarking, consulting, and strategic advisory programs at firms including Informa, Echelon Partners, and InvestmentNews. Mark authored this paper, with data provided by RIA Catalyst’s data engine, to shine a spotlight on growth trends in the industry.
This episode is sponsored by SS&C’s Black Diamond® Wealth Platform. To learn how Black Diamond is helping wealth advisors of all shapes and sizes, visit: https://www.sscblackdiamond.com
For more from Talking Wealth sign up at: https://talkingwealthpod.com/
Participants include employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. This program is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or product. Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Ritholtz Wealth Management or its employees. Ritholtz Wealth Management and its affiliates may invest in the technology company discussed.
The Compound Media, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, received compensation from the sponsor of this advertisement. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 3, 2025 • 35min
Here’s What Your Competitors Are Doing. A Deep Dive Into Schwab’s 2025 RIA Benchmarking Study
On this episode of Talking Wealth, Michael Batnick is joined by Lisa Salvi, Managing Director of Business Consulting and Education at Charles Schwab Advisor Services. We’re diving deep into Schwab’s RIA Benchmarking Study, which is the leading study in the industry, with 1,288 firms representing over $2.4 trillion in AUM. The study reveals actionable insights into what’s fueling growth across the industry.
Michael and Lisa will examine how the most successful firms are delivering organic growth, why personalized client experience and service expansion are top priorities, and how talent, technology and operational efficiency are becoming non-negotiable must-haves for RIAs who want to scale intelligently.
This episode is brought to you by VanEck. Learn more about the VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF: http://vaneck.com/REMXCompound
For more from Talking Wealth sign up at: https://talkingwealthpod.com/
Participants include employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. This program is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or product. Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Ritholtz Wealth Management or its employees. Ritholtz Wealth Management and its affiliates may invest in the technology company discussed.
The Compound Media, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, received compensation from the sponsor of this advertisement. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
#finance #financialplanning #financialeducation #financialadvisor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 26, 2025 • 29min
The Yield Mania: Why Investors Are All in On Income
On this episode of Talking Wealth, we’re diving into one of the biggest shifts in the advisory world: the surge in income-oriented products. From covered-call ETFs and bond ladders to private-credit funds and interval structures, advisors are increasingly building portfolios around steady cash flow rather than pure total return. Jeffrey Ptak, managing director at Morningstar, joins Michael Batnick to break down why this trend has accelerated, what problems these products are trying to solve, and where they actually fit in a client’s plan. If you want a clearer lens on how income products are being used today — and what advisors should be thinking about before adopting them — this episode has you covered.
This episode is sponsored by RBC Clearing & Custody. To find out more visit https://www.rbcclearingandcustody.com/
For more from Talking Wealth sign up at: https://talkingwealthpod.com/
Participants include employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. This program is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or product. Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Ritholtz Wealth Management or its employees. Ritholtz Wealth Management and its affiliates may invest in the technology company discussed.
The Compound Media, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, received compensation from the sponsor of this advertisement. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
#finance #financialplanning #financialeducation #financialadvisor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 19, 2025 • 34min
The Age of Easy AUM Is Over
On this episode of Talking Wealth, Michael Batnick and Ian Wenik go deep on the RIA industry’s two biggest stress fractures: the organic growth slowdown and the unraveling of some of private equity’s largest wealth rollups. From referral fatigue to valuation pressure to PE firms discovering the limits of financial engineering, this is a candid look at why multi-billion-dollar platforms suddenly can’t find an exit — and what comes next for the firms caught in the middle.
This episode is sponsored by RBC Clearing & Custody. To find out more visit https://www.rbcclearingandcustody.com/
For more from Talking Wealth sign up at: https://talkingwealthpod.com/
Participants include employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. This program is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or product. Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Ritholtz Wealth Management or its employees. Ritholtz Wealth Management and its affiliates may invest in the technology company discussed.
The Compound Media, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, received compensation from the sponsor of this advertisement. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
#finance #financialplanning #financialeducation #financialadvisor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


