

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

Nov 12, 2025 • 37min
How to Start Your Own ETF
On this episode of Talking Wealth, Ben Carlson is joined by Cullen Roche, founder and CIO of Discipline Funds. They'll explore how Cullen turned his blog, Pragmatic Capitalism, into a funnel for wealth management clients, why he turned his client portfolios into ETFs, the process that goes into starting an ETF, the challenges facing advisors when it comes to reaching client goals and more.
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 5, 2025 • 43min
The Kyle Busch Insurance Scam Explained
Josh Brown and Kevin Thompson are back for an all new edition of Talking Wealth. They'll discuss the Kyle Busch IUL scam, ChatGPT bans “tailored financial advice”, CFP & being young, what does everyone do to inoculate retiring clients from the full court press, and more.
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

Oct 29, 2025 • 33min
This AI Tool Is Changing How Advisors Work
On this episode of Talking Wealth, Michael Batnick sits down with John Connell, Co-Founder and CEO of Focal, the AI-powered productivity platform transforming how advisory firms document, automate and scale client service. With roots at Microsoft and multiple startups, John brings deep enterprise SaaS experience to the advisor space. We’ll explore how Focal is moving beyond note-taking to orchestration of advisor workflows, the security and compliance imperatives in wealthtech, and what’s next as agentic AI begins to drive the next wave of practice transformation.
This episode is sponsored by Betterment Advisor Solutions. Grow your RIA, your way by visiting: https://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

Oct 22, 2025 • 28min
How AI Can Help Advisors Get Bigger Clients
On this episode of Talking Wealth, Ben Carlson sits down with Nick Downer, Head of Advisory Services at Opto Investments. Opto Investments is a tech-driven platform that helps financial advisors and family offices better manage private investments. We’re going to discuss how Opto does this, their new AI tool for private market due diligence, and more. If you're a financial advisor and interested in going deeper, subscribe to the Talking Wealth email blast for wealth management professionals here:
https://talkingwealthpod.com/subscribe
This episode is sponsored by Betterment Advisor Solutions. Grow your RIA, your way by visiting: http://Betterment.com/advisors
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

Oct 16, 2025 • 47min
Your Custodian Just Drank Your Milkshake
Josh Brown and Kevin Thompson are back for an all new edition of Talking Wealth. Charles Schwab is reportedly raising its referral minimum from $500,000 to $2,000,000 which will significantly shrink the pool of potential referred clients to its advisor network. Josh and Kevin discuss this and more. If you're a financial advisor and interested in going deeper, subscribe to the Talking Wealth email blast for wealth management professionals here:
https://talkingwealthpod.com/subscribe
This episode is sponsored by Betterment Advisor Solutions. Grow your RIA, your way by visiting: http://Betterment.com/advisors
Check out Kevin's substack here: https://9icapital.substack.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

Oct 3, 2025 • 27min
RIAs Sell for Record Amounts in Orgy of Consolidation - Brandon Kawal
On this episode of Talking Wealth, Michael Batnick is joined by Brandon Kawal, Partner at Advisor Growth Strategies, to break down the findings of their highly anticipated RIA Deal Room report. Brandon shares a behind-the-scenes look at today’s red-hot RIA M&A landscape, where deal volume and valuations are at all-time highs, but buyers are more selective than ever. We explore what’s driving record multiples, how the most successful firms are differentiating themselves in a crowded market, and what both buyers and sellers need to know to create lasting value. Whether you’re an advisor considering a sale, building for the future, or simply curious about the forces shaping wealth management, this episode offers sharp insights and actionable takeaways from one of the industry’s leading thinkers.
This episode is sponsored by Innovator ETFs. Visit: https://www.innovatoretfs.com/pdf/dd_product_brief.pdf to learn more.
For more from The Unlock, sign up at: https://www.advisorunlock.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 3, 2025 • 29min
The Advisor Cheat Code for Massive Client Growth | Ben with Benefits - Fred Barstein
On this episode of The Unlock, Ben Carlson is joined by Fred Barstein to discuss the growing importance of defined contribution retirement plans for financial advisors and how you can better position yourself to gain more clients. Fred is the founder and CEO of The Plan Sponsor University, which offers online and live workplace retirement plan education for business owners, benefits specialists and financial advisors to help grow their business.
This episode is sponsored by Wealthbox®, a CRM platform for financial advisors. Integrated with leading custodians and wealthtech partners, Wealthbox is known for its modern product design and powerful yet intuitive user experience. The collaborative workspace technology allows financial advisors, enterprise RIA firms, and broker-dealers to manage client relationships and streamline operations to grow their practices. Learn more about Wealthbox: https://www.wealthbox.com
For more from The Unlock, sign up at: https://www.advisorunlock.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 3, 2025 • 31min
Advisors Face an $80 Trillion Tidal Wave as 10,000 Clients Retire Every Day | Ben with Benefits - Christine Benz
On the latest episode of Ben with Benefits, Ben Carlson spoke with Morningstar’s Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning, Christine Benz. Christine is also the author of the new book How to Retire. Ben and Christine discuss some of the biggest challenges and opportunities for financial advisors with the tidal wave of baby boomer assets that need to be managed in retirement. They dive into the different types of retirement clients and how to effectively manage those relationships, retirement withdrawal strategies, the psychology of spending money in retirement, the biggest question advisors need to answer for their clients and much more!
Thanks to Pontera for sponsoring this episode, to learn more visit: https://www.Pontera.com/Ben
For more from The Unlock, sign up at: https://www.advisorunlock.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 3, 2025 • 38min
Eight Marketing Moves Advisors Can Make Today | Sam Russell
On this episode of The Unlock, Downtown Josh Brown is joined by Samantha Russell, to discuss the eight marketing moves advisors can make today. Samantha is the Chief Evangelist at FMG Suite, an all-in-one financial advisor marketing platform that provides marketing tools and custom websites for advisors to grow their business. For more from The Unlock, sign up at: https://www.advisorunlock.com/
This episode is sponsored by Wealthbox®, a CRM platform for financial advisors. Integrated with leading custodians and wealthtech partners, Wealthbox is known for its modern product design and powerful yet intuitive user experience. The collaborative workspace technology allows financial advisors, enterprise RIA firms, and broker-dealers to manage client relationships and streamline operations to grow their practices. Learn more about Wealthbox: https://www.wealthbox.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.
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 3, 2025 • 50min
Building the Best Advisor Tech Stack | Jason Pereira
On this episode of The Unlock, Downtown Josh Brown and Michael Batnick are joined by financial planner and fintech expert Jason Pereira to discuss the current state of technology in the wealth management industry. Jason explains what he looks for in a technology provider, how advisors are using software and what's happening in the wealth tech startup space. For more from The Unlock, sign up at: https://www.advisorunlock.com/
This episode is sponsored by Wealthbox®, a CRM platform for financial advisors. Integrated with leading custodians and wealthtech partners, Wealthbox is known for its modern product design and powerful yet intuitive user experience. The collaborative workspace technology allows financial advisors, enterprise RIA firms, and broker-dealers to manage client relationships and streamline operations to grow their practices. Learn more about Wealthbox: https://www.wealthbox.com/ai
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.
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


