Beyond The Balance Sheet Podcast

This isn't just another episode—it's a milestone! We're excited to share that Beyond The Balance Sheet is evolving into something new. Starting today, our podcast will be called Unintended Consequences. Why the change? As we've grown and listened to you, our audience, we've realized our conversations go beyond traditional definitions of success. We're diving deeper into the ripple effects of decisions—both intentional and unexpected—on mental health, families, careers, and more. With this new name and expanded focus, Unintended Consequences will explore the stories, lessons, and insights that emerge when life doesn't go as planned. We'll bring you the same expert interviews and thoughtful discussions you've come to expect, but with a broader lens and new topics. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Your support has made this evolution possible, and we can't wait to see where it takes us next. Make sure you're subscribed, so you don't miss a beat! Listen and Subscribe Here Follow us on social media for updates and let us know what you think of the new format.

In this episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Arden shares that the podcast is going on a brief hiatus. It will return in June 2024 with a fresh, new spin. Please stick around – we'll be bringing you top-notch guests, including professionals and individuals with inspiring personal journeys. During our new podcast, we'll be shedding light on stories of resilience and addressing challenging topics not often discussed. Ensure you're subscribed to our newsletter for updates on the upcoming show. You can sign up on our website at www.OConnorPG.com.    Although Diana and I will continue as co-hosts, we will have a rotating group of hosts who are other O'Connor Professional Group staff members. For announcements, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms. Thank you for your continued support!   IN THIS EPISODE: [:29] Arden shares Beyond the Balance Sheet will be on a short break until June 2024  [1:02] Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss exciting announcements about the new show. Diana and Arden are co-hosts with a rotating group of other OPG hosts and guests   KEY TAKEAWAYS: When the podcast returns in June, there will be new guests and stories of resilience. Please don't unsubscribe; stay tuned for the new format and guests.    RESOURCES: Beyond the Balance Sheet Website  

In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Dr. Craig Heacock joins us. He is an adolescent and adult psychiatrist and addiction specialist in Colorado and the host and co-producer of the podcast Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories. First, Dr. Heacock gives us a brief history of ketamine from the last fifty years as an FDA-approved drug. We talk about how ketamine became a go-to treatment for resistant depression and bipolar disorder. Tune in as Dr. Heacock reveals how a state-of-the-art assessment delivery and follow-up for ketamine would look like.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [02:00] Ketamine: a brief history of the past fifty years.   [05:00] How would a state-of-the-art assessment delivery and follow-up for ketamine look like?   [09:00] Who is running the ketamine clinics if there's a shortage of psychiatrists?   [11:55] How money and profit drive some of this ketamine delivery.  [16:09] Dr. Heacock's experience with individuals who abuse ketamine.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Ketamine is a go-to treatment for resistant depression and bipolar disorder. A state-of-the-art ketamine therapy involves a true psychiatric evaluation to see if there are other things that should be happening first. Ketamine does not replace medications; it augments them and helps them work better. Most people that are receiving ketamine treatments are very middle class. LINKS MENTIONED: craigheacockmd.com   Podcast: Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-from-the-abyss-psychiatry-in-stories/id1469826718   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theabysspod/   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/backfromtheabysspodcast/   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-heacock-md-1a8618196 BIO: Dr. Craig Heacock is an adolescent and adult psychiatrist and addiction specialist in Colorado and the host and co-producer of the podcast Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories. He was a co-therapist in the Phase 3 trial of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD and has particular interest in the use of ketamine and other psychedelics to treat severe mood disorders and PTSD. He is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and did his psychiatry training at Brown University.

In this revisited episode, we are joined by OPG's Director of Aging Services, Sam van Kalkeren. Sam discusses how to help a loved one faced with a dementia diagnosis. He gives excellent information on how to communicate with a loved one to ensure their voice is heard as they navigate this difficult path. Sam talks about the benefits of having a care partner and what type of support they can offer the family. It is vital to have a care partner if the ailing family member lives out of state. We touch on what happens when someone with a dementia diagnosis gets a psychiatric admission and give excellent tips on keeping the loved one safe. This episode contains great information to help your aging parent handle cognitive decline.    IN THIS EPISODE [2:20] How does a child support a parent facing cognitive decline?  [5:20] What are the benefits of having a care partner?  [8:52] What is the best way to communicate with someone with  dementia?  [10:40] What does Sam recommend to children when they first hear the diagnosis?  [12:04] How do family members help someone struggling with dementia avoid being taken advantage of financially?  [14:24] What happens when someone goes into the hospital with a psychiatric admission? [20:25] How do you help a family member who doesn't want to accept their diagnosis?    KEY TAKEAWAYS   Have hard conversations about how the ailing parent wants to live the rest of their life. Do they want a DNI (do not intubate) or DNR (do not resuscitate)? Know all medications and have everything laid out to help the parent. Form a relationship with a care partner if you are out of state or need additional support. Those with dementia need a lot of support. Some people can continue to live at home, work, and speak for themselves, but the proper support needs to be in place. If your loved one goes into the psychiatric emergency department, they may get scared and become aggressive. If they are sedated due to that behavior, it can be difficult to go back to inpatient care. An impatient home may not want to take the patient back if they display aggressive behavior. It's important to have a care partner to help avoid the loved one being put in a psychiatric department.     RESOURCES: Beyond the Balance Sheet Website  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-van-kalkeren-msn-rn/   BIO: Sam van Kalkeren, MSN, RN, CDP, is OPG's Director of Aging Services. He has been working as a psychiatric RN since 2012 and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Sam has worked with all age populations suffering from mental illness, from pediatrics to geriatrics. He has experience working with clients suffering from substance use and co-occurring disorders, complex mental health diagnoses, neurocognitive disorders, and personality disorders. Most of his nursing career has been in the inpatient psychiatric setting. Sam joined OPG from Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Before Tufts, he was the Patient Care Director for the geriatric and adult inpat  

Ayanna Davis, also known as Phenomenally Autistic, joins Diana to discuss her unique path to navigating autism as a black artist. Autism is often overlooked within the black community in America. Ayanna actively promotes the recognition of autism, using her art to express love, joy, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Alongside her advocacy, she has faced various health challenges commonly associated with an autism diagnosis. Meeting Ayanna is an enriching experience. Her strength and perseverance radiate through every facet of her journey.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [:29] Diana introduces Ayanna Davis, also known as Phenomenally Autistic [1:36] Ayanna describes her feelings of being different and how she learned she was autistic [4:39] Ayanna talks about her confusion about the diagnosis and what her childhood was like [7:22] Ayanna speaks about the role art plays in her life [9:13] Ayanna talks about her history of seizures, and she reveals what she expects 2024 to look like [11:26] Ayanna explains how she named herself phenomenally autistic and how music plays a part in her life   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   [1:22] When you are an artist and autistic, some people will feel you are eccentric because of your artistic nature and not realize the underlying cause of your actions. [4:21] Once Ayanna learned of her diagnosis, she began to express her “true self.” [8:02] Ayanna's neurodiversity allows her to see the world differently, as is apparent in her writing of children's books.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Phenomenally APhenomenally Autistic(Phenomenallyautistic) - Latest Linksutistic - Website     BIOGRAPHY:  Meet Ayanna, aka Phenomenally Autistic, an autism advocate advocating for black autistics to gain proper resources & visibility raised in Westchester County, New York. Along with being autistic, she has survived over 300 seizures, lives with Chronic illnesses, and has five autoimmune diseases. Still, she doesn't let that stop her from spreading her messages of self-love, joy, equality, diversity, inclusion & autism acceptance through the Arts.

Dr. Colleen Jackson discusses cognitive testing in a way that makes it easily understandable, alleviating any apprehension associated with the assessment. She starts by distinguishing between neuropsychological testing and cognitive assessments. Colleen shares insights into her approach and describes the valuable information that can be obtained from the testing process. Emphasizing a holistic perspective, she looks at an individual's overall health and well-being when giving her recommendations. Listeners will learn about cognitive assessments and neuropsychological testing to determine whether they might benefit a loved one.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [2:11] Colleen begins by describing the difference between neuropsychological testing and cognitive assessments [4:17] Colleen explains what the tests look like from a client perspective and what is involved [7:36] Colleen talks about how a family member can encourage a loved one to seek a provider and what is learned through the testing [12:06] Colleen discusses older adults, specifically  [16:06] Colleen refers to different treatment protocols based on test results [20:25] Colleen ends by discussing other illnesses that can impact mental health or cognitive impairment   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   [2:01] There is a difference between neuropsychological testing and cognitive assessment [7:27] There are some tips that family members can use to encourage a person to seek a provider [11:44] You can identify different conditions or illnesses through testing.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website Dr. Colleen Jackson - LinkedIn   BIOGRAPHY:  Dr. Colleen Jackson received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Connecticut. She pursued a clinical internship in clinical neuropsychology and dementia clinical research at Rhode Island Hospital through the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, followed by research postdoctoral fellowships in the National Center for PTSD and the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders at the VA Boston Healthcare System. After completing postdoctoral training, Colleen assumed a staff neuropsychologist position at the VA Boston Healthcare System, where she was involved in direct clinical care, clinical supervision/mentorship, and research. Colleen served as the Chief of the Neuropsychology Clinic in the Department of Neurology at Boston Medical Center prior to establishing her private practice in 2022. Colleen conducts clinical neuropsychological evaluations with adults presenting with cognitive concerns associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, acquired brain injuries, substance use, and psychiatric conditions. Colleen approaches clinical care with a tailored focus on the client's cognitive and psychological needs, individual strengths, and personal values.  

Dr. Sera Lavelle has a unique perspective on therapy and technology, specifically artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Lavelle, owner of New York Health and Hypnosis and Integrative Therapy and founder of Bea Better Eating, shares insights on how AI has influenced her practice and discusses the pros and cons.  Dr. Lavelle talks about the various apps designed to teach about mindful eating and other disorders. She explains the different components in her guided hypnotherapy recordings as knowledge, motivation, and meditation. Get inspired and learn about different therapy techniques today.    IN THIS EPISODE: [1:21] Dr. Lavelle talks about the pros and cons of using AI in therapy [3:00] Dr. Lavelle explains what a therapy app is  [6:29] Dr. Lavelle shares information about the Bea Better Eating app she is launching [9:51] Dr. Lavelle explains how Ericksonian hypnotherapy recordings work [14:19] Dr. Lavelle explains how she got interested in Hypnotherapy, AI, and other technical tools for supporting her therapeutic work [16:57] Dr. Lavelle talks about the similarities between hypnotherapy and meditation  [19:47] Dr. Lavelle says that hypnosis can be very valuable and not to fear AI   KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:55] There are many types of therapy apps online; however, the consumer needs to know who produced the apps and whether they are a licensed therapist. [9:30] Meditation apps designed by a team of psychologists can be helpful for guided hypnotherapy recordings. [12:37] Does Oxytocin work, or is there a better option? Dr. Sera Lavelle shares her unique perspective on this topic and how therapy and technology, specifically online apps, can help.    RESOURCES: Beyond the Balance Sheet Website NY Health Hypnosis - Website Bea Better Eating - Website   BIOGRAPHY:  Dr. Sera Lavelle owns NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy and co-founded Bea Better Eating. She harbors a deep enthusiasm for the convergence of psychology and technology, driven by a vision to leverage AI to positively reshape the mental health domain. Her contributions have been recognized in reputable publications such as Forbes, Elle Magazine, and Allure. Through a mix of conscious and unconscious techniques, she has guided hundreds to overcome their challenges, propelling them toward a brighter future. A special focus of hers is aiding those wrestling with food-related issues. She believes that by healing this aspect of life, significant progress can be achieved in other areas.  Dr. Lavelle believes that merging psychology and technology can make mental health resources more within reach. While the irreplaceable value of in-person consultations with human psychologists is undeniable, as is the significance of human touch, it's a fact that they can't be omnipresent. By offering persistent access to ongoing self-help and psychological enrichment in an intelligent manner, we can bolster the efficacy of in-person sessions. This allows individuals to actively employ newfound strategies to foster change in the intervals between meetings.

She-Rae Chen, the CEO and visionary behind SpringSpot, introduces comprehensive health principles to steer your family toward a balanced mental and physical lifestyle. In today's discussion, she elaborates on the structured framework that guides parents, children, and families in fostering a positive and healthy perspective on their well-being. SpringSpot was born to aid busy families like yours by providing wholesome activities for children and supporting parents in prioritizing self-care. Join Arden and She-Rae as they delve into the mind-body connection, healthy eating and sleeping habits, and alternatives to screen-centric activities for children. Take advantage of the insights shared in this Beyond the Balance Sheet episode.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [1:32] She-Rae discusses her professional background and the health scare she experienced [4:44] SpringSpot was born from the idea that parents don't have time to take care of themselves and their families [6:27] Parents' long work hours and devices contribute to a breakdown in family time [8:03] She-Rae explains how F.R.A.M.E.S works [11:40] She-Rae makes suggestions on how to implement these pillars in your home [20:30] Discussion regarding the importance of art and creativity [25:33] Discussion regarding scheduling and emotional regulation  [29:45] Answering a kid's hard questions   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   [3:13] A health scare can make you reassess your life and priorities. She credits her second chance at life as the motivation to begin self-care.  [6:23] Families face new challenges in today's busy lifestyle they did not meet in the past. [8:19] Springspot is founded on the acronym FRAME, each letter representing a holistic health pillar.   RESOURCES: Beyond the Balance Sheet Website She-Rae - Email - sherae@springspot.co SpringSpot - Website - http://www.springspot.co   BIOGRAPHY:  She-Rae Chen is the founder & CEO of SpringSpot. As a former NCAA Division I gymnast, she later juggled marriage, kids, and a full-time job. Balancing work, parenting, and household duties left little room for exercise and self-care. This struggle led her to create SpringSpot, aiming to empower families to prioritize health without sacrificing their own well-being or their children's. Before SpringSpot, she held tech leadership roles at Apple and Amazon, spearheading digital media, mobile, and health innovations. She holds degrees from Stanford University and Harvard Business School and is a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor, ACSM-CPT certified personal trainer, and PN1 certified nutrition coach. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband and three young kids: two boys and a baby girl. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, swimming, practicing yoga, and being active outdoors with her family and friends.  

Jeff Johnston experienced the loss of his oldest son to Fentanyl poisoning in October 2016 and tragically lost his wife to alcoholism in 2021. Since then, he has dedicated himself to making a difference in mental health. In this edition of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Jeff shares his compelling story of a tragic death, substance use, and his path to recovery. His objective is to change the narrative around substance use and end the stigma. For individuals who are struggling, those who have lost loved ones, and those who are navigating the deep waters of substance use, there is help available. Don't miss this powerful story.     IN THIS EPISODE: [1:37] Jeff shares the beginning of his journey of tragedy, substance use, and death [4:03] Jeff admits to being an alcoholic, how he quit, and how it took his wife's life [7:22] Jeff considers suicide [10:04] Jeff describes how he empowers youth to work on their mental health and the Gen Z advisory board [12:20] Jeff shares how he encourages his granddaughter when she has a bad day  [15:37] Jeff admits to having two psychedelic experiences and discusses the effects [17:50 What is negative visualization?  [19:56] Jeff describes his passion for Living Undeterred and what he is willing to do to see it survive   KEY TAKEAWAYS: October 4, 2016 changed Jeff Johnston's life forever. He and his wife lost their son to Fentanyl poisoning. Jeff had a successful investment business and was on top of the world. Then his son, Seth, dies from Fentanyl poisoning, and Jeff's secret life of alcoholism and gambling is exposed.  Jeff describes his journey from alcohol to gratitude. Making a sudden decision to stop drinking, he has dedicated his days to meditation and hosting a podcast focused on aiding individuals struggling with alcohol or substance use and those seeking to improve their mental well-being.   RESOURCES: Beyond the Balance Sheet Website Brightn Your Life Living Undeterred: Home Jeff on Twitter: "Never changes" / Twitter Brightn - Facebook Brightn - Instagram Living Undeterred - Podcast Jeffrey Johnston - LinkedIn This One's For You: Sophia, Eleni, Sophia, Eleni - Amazon.com   BIOGRAPHY: Jeff Johnston On October 4, 2016, the trajectory of Jeff's life changed with one phone call. Prior to that day, Jeff was living the American Dream. He had a great family, was a successful entrepreneur running a financial services firm in Iowa, and was seemingly coasting through life. On the morning of October 4, 2016, Jeff received the phone call that is every parent's worst nightmare. His oldest son, Seth, had died from fentanyl poisoning. He was 23 years old.  Jeff soon realized that he had two options. He could go down a road of anger and despair and become bitter, or he could use his situation as motivation to become better. He chose the latter. Jeff decided to take a step back from his career as a financial advisor and focus his attention on making a difference. He became an advocate for bringing awareness to substance use and addiction in teens & young adults. He began speaking at high schools and community events and joined the board of a local treatment facility that Seth spent time at before his death.  In 2020, Jeff founded a non-profit, the Living Undeterred Project, to change the narrative on mental health & substance use disorder. That same year, he wrote his first book, “This One's For You: An Inspirational Journey Through Addiction, Death, and Meaning,” and started the Living Undeterred Podcast. In 2021, the project got even more personal for Jeff when he lost his wife, Prudence, to alcoholism. He is currently working on a new mental health project, Brightn, geared toward Gen Z.

Wealth advisors are continually nudged into broader elements of their client's lives. It's up to these financial advisors to fulfill the role in addressing many situations, which helps them build a solid financial plan encompassing all aspects of their client's lives. In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Michael Conway, founder and CEO of Conway Wealth Group, and Zach Conway, Managing Director of Conway Wealth, join Arden and Diana to explain how they are supporting their clients' wealth in what matters. Michael and Zach discuss establishing a level of trust with their clients and initiating conversations about the non-financial issues in their lives. Finally, as our society becomes more open to discussing mental health, they address the changes they are experiencing in conversations with their clients. In This Episode: [01:36] The different ways Conway Wealth Group is addressing the multiple needs of their clients' families.  [04:22] Defining wealth differently - adding emotional and psychological components to defining wealth as well. [06:49] Building a level of trust with a financial advisor to be able to openly communicate about more aspects in their lives besides just money, as those circumstances can play a role in their financial plan. [12:13] The percentage of communication they have with clients about health and life satisfaction as opposed to financial matters of market and investment advice. [16:11] As a culture moving towards more discussions on mental health, do Michael and Zach notice if clients are more willingly open to them as well? [19:56] Is there ever a client that may be too complicated to take on? Key Takeaways: Broadening the term “financial advisor” by discussing all aspects of a client's life - topics ranging from health to personal relationships. Understanding that wealth is not only measured in how much money a client has, but also measured by emotional and psychological components in that client's life as well. Starting a conversation by proactively bringing up issues a client may be putting off in their lives and addressing those issues, showing that addressing those issues may actually play a role in their financial plan.  An overwhelming amount of financial advisors now agree that advising on non-financial issues is extremely important.  Society has started to become more open about mental health discussions - how this has changed the interactions Conway Wealth Group has with their clients. Bio:  Michael Conway, CFP®, ChFC® is founder and CEO of Conway Wealth Group, a premier, independent financial planning and advisory firm. As a successful and well-respected financial advisor, Michael has spent more than 30 years providing specialized solutions that blend financial and estate planning strategies with open architecture investment management. By steering clients toward Aligning Life & Wealth®, Conway Wealth quantifies not just investment gains, but gains in the categories of life that actually create lasting happiness. Michael is also the co-founder of the Life & Wealth Network, a platform for advisors to deliver exceptional professional resources to clients in the parts of life that matter most, and the co-founder and chairman of Seeds, a platform for advisors to deliver truly customized investment portfolios that align personal values with financial goals. Michael is frequently looked to as an expert in financial news media, and has been featured in various publications, including Barron's, the Wall Street Journal, and Investment News, among others. He was also named one of the 100 Most Influential Advisors by Investopedia.  Zach Conway is the Managing Director of Conway Wealth, a private wealth advisory firm focused on leading families toward aligning life and wealth. Zach is also the co-founder and CEO of Seeds, a tech-enabled asset management platform that empowers advisors to deliver portfolios that align financial goals and personal values. He also co-founded the Life & Wealth Network, a platform designed to give advisors the tools and professional solutions to help clients live a life beyond the numbers. Zach also writes for Forbes.com and has been featured in various publications, including Barron's, InvestmentNews, and others. Links Mentioned: https://www.conwaywealthgroup.com

We're thrilled to have Haley Moss join us on this edition of Beyond the Balance Sheet. Haley, the first neurodiverse attorney in Florida, has been a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities since the age of 13. Her early diagnosis of autism provides her with a distinctive viewpoint, and she openly shares her personal experience. Haley discusses the “myth of independence” and how autism is like speaking another language. Tune in to gain insight into how she perceives the world through the unique lens of autism.   IN THIS EPISODE: [1:34] Haley explains how she became a disability advocate at a young age [4:35] Haley describes her childhood  [7:10] What is the myth of independence? [9:33] Why is autism like speaking another language? [11:58] What made Haley want to go to law school? Example of why she chose to work in the field of law she chose? [15:13] How does Haley describe her uphill battles and her wish that the public was more aware of how the disabled feel? [19:51] Haley explains the way she wants people to validate her feelings  [22:56] What is the luxury of being average?   KEY TAKEAWAYS: [1:18] Haley Moss explains how being a neurodiverse attorney took on a life of its own.  [6:48] Haley discusses what she means by “the myth of independence. [9:33] Can autism be like speaking another language?   RESOURCES: Beyond the Balance Sheet Website Haley Moss - Website Haley Moss - YouTube   BIOGRAPHY:  Haley Moss is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. She is a speaker and consultant to top corporations and organizations seeking guidance in creating an inclusive workplace and a sought-after commentator on disability rights issues. The first openly autistic lawyer in Florida, Haley's books include “Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals'' (ABA Book Publishing; June 2021) and “The Young Autistic Adult's Independence Handbook” (Jessica Kingsley Publishers; November 2021). Her articles have appeared in the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, and Fast Company.   

Futures Recovery Health provides high-quality mental health services, including a program for the wealthy, on a 10-acre property in Tequesta, Florida. In this episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, CEO Mike Holloway explains the origins of this family-owned enterprise and the reasons behind its out-of-network model. Mike describes the facility, the factors that make it a premier mental health facility choice, the care provided, and the importance of family involvement. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health disorder, this episode is for you.  IN THIS EPISODE: [1:41] Mike describes his roles in his different family ventures [4:40] Mike shares the conception of Futures Recovery Health [8:03] Mike discusses private pay versus network-based insurance [12:07] Mike talks about serving affluent families and getting them to own their recovery [19:46] What happens at intake throughout the program  [22:46] Breaking down the stigma of mental health and new programming provided through Futures other ventures [28:47] Mike challenges listeners to keep an open mind on new approaches to mental health care KEY TAKEAWAYS: [11:29] Futures provides an array of amenities not generally provided by a network-based insurance model. [17:29] Securing the support and agreement of the patient's family is crucial. [20:26] A primary case manager and therapist will be with the patient during their entire stay at Futures Recovery Health.  RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website Futures Recovery Healthcare - Website   BIOGRAPHY:  Michael Holloway currently serves as the President of GMH Ventures, the alternative investment arm of GMH Associates, Inc.  GMH Associates was founded in 1985 by his father, Gary Holloway, Sr., and is the parent company for GMH Ventures and GMH Communities, a fully integrated commercial real estate company led by his brother, Gary Holloway, Jr.  Michael helped start GMH Ventures in 2008, with Dennis O'Leary and became President upon Dennis' retirement in 2016.  Since its inception, GMH Ventures has made investments in various strategies and companies, including the likes of Security Networks, GMH Mortgage Services, Dynamic Healthcare Services, US Auto & Home, Kinetiq, Spirence, and Futures Recovery Healthcare.  Michael also currently operates as Chief Executive Officer of Futures Recovery Healthcare.  Futures is an accredited, dual-licensed behavioral healthcare provider in Tequesta, FL.  They offer multiple pathways to recovery for primary mental health and primary addiction with co-occurring mental health diagnoses through evidence-based medicine and research, compassionate alliance, and individualized care.  Specializing in treatment for behavioral health, including trauma and chronic pain for adults, Futures uses a holistic approach that integrates somatic medicine, psychotherapies, and physical therapy & wellness services.  Michael brings financial and operational experience and strong leadership capabilities to the team at Futures. His strategic guidance, unwavering commitment to ethics, and family-centric values have propelled Futures to its reputation as a trusted provider, successfully attracting and retaining the industry's top talent. Michael's collaborative approach in working with his team has allowed Futures to anticipate the ever-changing need in behavioral healthcare, which has led to innovative programming and interventions for clinical practice that exceed industry standards.  

When an older adult needs to sell their home, they should seek out a real estate agent holding a  Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation. In the latest episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Adam Hayes, owner of Milestones Realty, explains the benefits of engaging an agent holding the SRES distinction. He also sheds light on the challenges older adults might overlook in today's real estate market.  If you are considering selling your home, this is an essential episode you won't want to miss.   IN THIS EPISODE: [2:04] Adam describes the difference between a Realtor and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist  [7:59] Adam compares a home to a family member [9:33] Why older adults need help navigating the real estate market [14:12] How AI can play a role in deceiving a seller [21:50] Adam discusses knowing who the decision-maker is [24:20] Additional ways to protect your client [29:38] There needs to be a good relationship between the agent and the owner, and getting a qualified agent [34:29] What Adam has learned over the years   KEY TAKEAWAYS: [20:01] Bad actors can steal items from a listed home if an agent is not careful what pictures they include in a listing [22:12] You must find out who the decision-maker is at the onset of the listing process [24:44] Pay special attention to the signage used on vehicles coming to the home. Those signs may alert bad actors.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Milestones Realty - Website   Milestones Realty - Facebook   Adam Hayes - LinkedIn   Adam Hayes - Twitter   BIOGRAPHY:  Adam Hayes has been a Seniors Real Estate Specialist ® since 2008 and the Broker-Owner of Milestones Realty. Founded in 2009, Milestones is a trusted resource for many Elder Law Attorneys. It occupies an unexpected space among real estate brokerages as they focus on serving and advocating for Older Adults and Special Needs Clients.  The genesis for Milestones was the unpleasant experience of rescuing my Dad from an unsafe living situation in 2001. Little did I know that my negotiating and people skills would be demanded just for the seemingly simple act of moving Dad into a Skilled Nursing Facility.  My wife and I spent three months and several thousand driving- miles dealing with concerns, repairs, clean-outs, and other assorted loose ends. Years later, I thought, I'd been in training my whole adult life for that Olympian task, and nothing truly prepared me for the energy drain of helping him.  I bring an “insider's empathy” to the equation and meet clients where they are emotionally and physically with unwavering respect for their tolerances and abilities.

Larry Sprung, founder of Mitlin Financial, dedicates his free time to raising awareness around mental health and suicide. He dedicated more than 12 years to serving on the National Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). In this impactful episode, Larry will share why this cause is close to his heart and provide guidance on supporting a friend or loved one dealing with depression. Addressing suicide can be challenging but shouldn't be sidestepped. This episode is a valuable resource for those affected by these issues. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:10] Larry sites his own life and background as making him uniquely qualified to serve families both financially and with mental health awareness [3:51] Larry shares his family history [6:52] The stories of why individuals commit suicide [9:08] Larry explains why conversations with those who struggle may save their lives [14:10] Larry suggests a resource to listeners who have been inspired by listening to this podcast and invites people who struggle to do the “walk” [16:45] Larry describes what brings him joy   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   With medication, it is possible to prevent suicide, and individuals can lead long and productive lives after making an attempt. Daily self-reflection of joyful moments is good for the soul as you relive those moments. You can be there for an individual, even by telephone, to walk people through difficulties and support them with a conversation on the phone when you can't be present.   RESOURCES: Beyond the Balance Sheet Website Family Wealth Report - Website American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Website Mitlin Financial, Inc    BIOGRAPHY:  Lawrence “Larry” Sprung, CFP®, is a husband, father, entrepreneur, author, and mental health advocate.  In 2004, he founded Mitlin Financial, Inc., naming the firm memory of Larry's wife's grandfather, Mitchell, and his mother, Linda.  During his career, Larry has found that many industry terms and concepts can seem confusing to outsiders. That's why he works with the families he serves to break down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand concepts.  Larry is the author of the Amazon Bestselling book “Financial Planning Made Personal” and the host of the Mitlin Money Mindset™, a podcast that reminds you to ask yourself, “What did you do today that brought you joy?®.”   In recognition of Larry's significant contributions to his profession, he has received several awards. In 2021, Larry was named to the Investopedia 100 Top Advisors 2021 and was even more humbled to make their Top Ten list for 2022.    Outside the office, one of Larry's greatest passions is raising awareness for mental health. He spent over 12 years serving on the National Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and sits on its financial and investment committees.  With his wife, Denise, he has raised more than $1.7 million for the organization through the Keith Milano Memorial Fund. The fund was created in memory of his brother-in-law.   Larry values his family tremendously, and his desire to do right by his wife and two sons drives him in and out of the office.  

In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, we are joined by Nicholas MacPhee, an active philanthropist who has worked in nonprofits for over 20 years. First, Nick explains how he started working in the field of philanthropy with mental and behavioral health. Mental health resources and support services are needed now more than ever; Nick describes how he finds exemplary philanthropists to invest in innovative and unique companies. Tune in as Nick speaks about the importance of scale in philanthropy and why this generation is more active in philanthropic activities.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:00] How Nick started working in the field of philanthropy with mental and behavioral health.  [07:15] Resources and support services are crucially important now more than ever. Nick explains how he finds philanthropists to invest.  [13:10] Nick speaks about the importance of scale in philanthropy and reveals some of the edgier investments he's seen from large-scale foundations.  [20:00] Why this generation is more active in philanthropic activities.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Americans are becoming more open about mental health, and young generations understand the importance of philanthropic activities that support mental health concerns.  Often as a philanthropist, it's easier to donate to your local university or to local nonprofits that are using innovative approaches.  More philanthropists are always welcome in the world: bring in your expertise, bring in your curiosity, and bring in your money. Thanks to research, you can now intervene earlier when somebody is starting to show some symptoms of mental health decline. For instance, the onset of depression may occur eight years before significant interventions are necessary.     LINKS MENTIONED:   Website https://www.interesttoimpact.com   Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interest-to-impact/id1549724431   Twitter https://twitter.com/interest2impact   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-macphee-interest2impact/   BIO: Nick MacPhee has been an active philanthropist and worked in non-profits for over 20 years. A former V.P at Microsoft, he spent 20 years in the business sector. After leaving Microsoft, he helped start a mentoring program for at-risk youth, worked at two family foundations, and served on many boards. He's currently on the Boards of Eisenhower Medical Center in California and Pioneer Human Services in Washington. With his wife who is a family therapist, he co-founded the Behavioral Health Roundtable, a learning forum for philanthropists on mental health issues and solutions.   

When a patient finds out they are terminally ill, with less than six months to live, they may choose Medical Aid in Dying in certain states. In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Dr. Robin Plumer talks to us about what Medical Aid in Dying is and how patients decide to pursue it. Dr. Robin Plumer says her job is like “a midwife to dying.” She discusses the circumstances where it is performed and the loving environment it can create. Tune in today to learn more about how Medical Aid in Dying works and what states allow this course of action. IN THIS EPISODE [1:51] How did Dr. Robin Plumer's experience in New Zealand impact her work today? [3:37] What is Medical Aid in Dying? [4:40] How is Medical Aid in Dying different from suicide? [8:50] What is the partnership between Hospice and the Medical Aid in Dying doctor? [12:19] What is the personality type of people who choose Medical Aid in Dying?  [15:56] What is Dr. Robin Plumer's role in Medical Aid in Dying?  [18:11] Is MAID  supported in the United States? [19:51] Does insurance cover  this?  [20:47] Can Medical Aid in Dying be done for those with dementia?  [22:56] How does Hospice approach the subject of Medical Aid in Dying with patients?  KEY TAKEAWAYS For Medical Aid in Dying, the patient must self-administer the medicine. A doctor can go to the patient's home and mix the medication, but the patient has to drink it or use a syringe to administer it.  Medical Aid in Dying allows people to say goodbye to the people they love in their homes, listen to their favorite music, and pass peacefully.  It is a loving and intense environment. It's a natural way of dying and is not highly-medicalized.  RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Compassionate Endings N.J. Website BIO: Dr. Robin Plumer has practiced emergency medicine for over 30 years. In 2008, she went to New Zealand to live and work. She continued to work in emergency medicine, but also followed her interest in end-of-life care while working in several hospices and completing a postgraduate diploma in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at the University of Auckland. In 2017, she returned to the US to help care for her father, who had Parkinson's disease. She worked in both inpatient and community hospices in New Jersey for three years and became interested in the passage of NJ's medical aid in dying (MAID) law. Realizing that few clinicians were participating in the law, she decided to pursue intensive study in the field and collaborated with experienced MAID clinicians in California, Washington State, and Oregon. In July 2020, she started a practice called “Compassionate Endings NJ” with a former nurse colleague who shares her passion for very personalized and comprehensive patient care. Since starting their practice, they have attended many MAID deaths, and have become proficient in managing special situations. Part of their mission is to encourage those in the medical community who wish to become involved in MAID by mentoring and teaching.

Gary Mendell is the founder and CEO of Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on reversing the addiction crisis in America. Gary's son, Brian, tried drugs and alcohol which ultimately led to addiction. Unfortunately, Brian died of this addiction disease that affects more than 22 million Americans every day. Gary discusses the warning signs that families should look out for, when worried if their child may be using substances. Tune in to this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet as Gary talks all about Shatterproof and how they are changing the country's consciousness around addiction.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [02:25] Gary shares his journey and his experience as a family with his son.  [07:20] Advice Gary gives families who are worried about their children using substances.   [16:45] How financial resources can help or hinder the process of recovering from addiction.  [21:20] Shatterproof is looking to help people with substance use disorder get the chance to find recovery. [24:10] How the field of recovery will look in the future.    KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Addiction is a treatable chronic illness. Every person with a substance use disorder deserves the chance to find recovery. There were more than 93,000 fatal overdoses in 2020. 80% of people say they don't want a friend, colleague, or neighbor with addiction. We need to reverse the shame around addiction.  Addiction is not a moral failing; you need to get the facts about this misunderstood medical condition.   LINKS MENTIONED:   Website https://www.shatterproof.org   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ShatterproofHQ/   LinkedIn https://linktr.ee/shatterproof   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/weareshatterproof   Twitter https://twitter.com/ShatterproofHQ   BIO: Gary Mendell is the founder and CEO of Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on reversing the course of the addiction crisis in America. After losing his son Brian to addiction in 2011, Gary founded Shatterproof to spare other families the tragedy his had suffered. Since founding Shatterproof in 2012, Mr. Mendell has been a national leader in the addiction space creating solutions that will create more access to treatment for Opioid and Substance Use Disorders including the creation of the Shatterproof National Principles of Care to guide providers, payers, and patients to quality treatment. He advocates for state and federal policy changes, and most recently launched a national strategy and call to action to address stigma related to Opioid and Substance Use Disorders.

Jay Bacrania, CEO and Co-Founder of Signet Education LLC, and Sheila Akbar, Signet's President and COO, are guests on this week's revisited episode. Signet helps students and parents develop skills they will need to overcome challenges and empower students to make successful decisions in college. Jay and Sheila explain how parents can navigate engagement with their child who has difficulty with executive functioning challenges. In addition, they discuss the importance of having healthy boundaries during the college admissions process. Tune in as Jay and Sheila give their thoughts on the challenges of working with affluent families and the massive need for executive function support and structure during the pandemic.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:30] About Jay Bacrania and Sheila Akbar. They speak about the inspiration for Signet and how their vision has evolved. [09:10] How to engage a student who is having difficulty with executive functioning challenges.  [15:50] Parents need to have healthy boundaries when it comes to the college admissions process.  [20:50] There is a tremendous rise in mental health issues during the pandemic. Executive function support and structure are needed now more than ever.  [30:00] The challenges of working with affluent families.    KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Students should create a habit of reflection and self-understanding that will allow them to build a foundation for academic success.  Parents should create the space for students to feel safe in exploring some solutions for their academic challenges.  Students don't need to know what to do; instead, they need to know how to think.  Parents and students shouldn't be worried about the reputation of a college. Instead, they need to consider which college will allow students to become the person they want to become.    LINKS MENTIONED   Website https://signeteducation.com/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SignetEducation/   BIO: Jay Bacrania Jay is the CEO and Co-Founder of Signet Education LLC. His passion for education began in high school and continued throughout college, during which time he ran three different tutoring and mentoring organizations. After graduating from Harvard in 2005, Jay began tutoring privately, and eventually co-founded Signet Education with a friend, with the idea that they could build a company that was focused less on jumping through hoops, and more on genuine education.     Signet Education is built on the premise that each student is on a unique educational journey. That journey is external -- doing well in school, finding the right college, and getting in; but it's also internal -- understanding oneself better, building skills to be effective in the classroom and in life, developing a love of learning, and using education to navigate to a place in the world where one can define and build a meaningful and successful life.    Over the last 15 years, Jay and Sheila have worked together to build a world-class organization that works with students in a highly personalized way to help them define their academic path--both external and internal--and achieve their goals, setting themselves up for a successful and meaningful life.   Sheila Akbar Sheila is Signet's President and COO and our resident admissions and test prep expert. She joined the Signet team in 2010, bringing with her a wealth of experience teaching SAT, ACT, GRE, literature, and composition in both one-on-one and classroom settings. Sheila loves both teaching and learning, and finds nothing more rewarding than working closely with students to overcome the challenges they face.    After graduating from Harvard in 2002, she spent two years working in financial services before continuing her academic career, which culminated in two doctorates. She brings her significant business and academic experience to bear on her current role at Signet, which includes managing the administrative team, speaking to every incoming client to match them with the right tutors and services, and providing educational thought leadership for the company. Sheila holds a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Harvard University and two doctoral degrees from Indiana University.

If you're part of a multi-generational family business or acquainted with someone in such a situation, this episode is tailor-made for you. Cindy Adams Harrison, a seasoned performance coach, specializes in helping families navigate the complexities of succession planning and helping them achieve success. Her extensive experience, initially honed as a sports performance coach, smoothly transitions into family business planning. Cindy possesses a wealth of insight to address this vital topic and generously shares her past successes in the field.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:10] Cindy explains what a performance coach is and how it can be helpful to any athlete [05:03] Cindy discusses intrinsic motivation versus external forces and parents who live vicariously through their child  [10:32] Cindy discusses being involved with family businesses and how her sports consulting background was relevant  [12:26] Examples of generational family succession successes. [19:51] Cindy addresses the owner issues and the loss associated with the transition; she never uses the word retirement [22:09] Cindy shares an example of a 5-generation family business that passed on succession correctly [24:45] Cindy wouldn't change a thing in her life   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   The mental side of a sport is as important as the physical side. Family members in a generational business should plan for succession long before it becomes necessary.  A successful family succession plan takes work because so many different emotions are involved.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Family Wealth Report - Website   BIOGRAPHY:    Cynthia Adams Harrison, Ed. D., LICSW, is an expert performance consultant specializing in enhancing performance in business and sport. She brings her unique experience using performance metrics borrowed from sports performance and applies these powerful techniques and practices to business. She was responsible for launching The Center for Family and Privately Held Businesses at Silver Bridge Advisors, a wealth management firm. She served as Managing Director and Director of Talent Development and advisor to The Silver Bridge Institute, an educational platform for the firm.  Dr. Adams Harrison was an associate consultant for Genus Resources, LLC, a highly successful family enterprise consulting firm for twelve years, specializing in enhancing business and executive performance. She works extensively with business owners, executives, and their organizations in an array of areas, including succession, corporate and family governance, balancing family dynamics and wealth preservation, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, conflict resolution, innovative business solutions, change management, and performance coaching for executives. Her clients range in revenues from $5 million to more than $1 billion, with many operating globally. Dr. Adams Harrison assists elite athletes as they transition into professional sports on sudden wealth dynamics, lifestyle management, injury and recovery, and mental training techniques necessary to achieve and maintain success at the professional level. 

Michelle Dickinson has had a challenging life but has used her experiences to become a source of inspiration and support for others dealing with bipolar disorder, depression, and victimization. Her journey from growing up with a bipolar mother to overcoming depression after a divorce is undoubtedly a testament to her resilience and determination. Michelle's story provides a safe place for those persevering through a difficult journey.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:30] Michelle tells her story of growing up with a bipolar mother [04:04] Michelle explains how her background informs what she does [05:43] Michelle discusses the word resilience and the tools she uses to help clients [09:00] She explains why her book was called Breaking Into My Life [11:39] Michelle talks about being the victim [14:19] Michelle advises listeners to ask questions that can help define them and put them in the right direction   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Michelle provides a safe place for people to share their deepest secrets. If you live as a victim, you hold onto that identity and don't move forward, and you don't take ownership of your life. If you approach an issue with the mindset that there is something to gain and learn from, it's easier to navigate challenges that come your way.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Michelle Dickinson - Website   Ted Talk - YouTube   Breaking Into My Life Book Trailer - YouTube   The Book: Breaking Into My Life    BIOGRAPHY:  Michelle is a Resilience Visionary, Workplace Resilience Coach, TED speaker, and bestselling author. She revolutionizes mental health by championing emotional well-being, self-reliance, and personal mastery. Through captivating storytelling and practical strategies, she empowers individuals to recognize their power and lead fulfilling lives. Michelle's influence extends to education, Fortune 500 companies, and first responders, transforming workplaces, schools, and emergency facilities into resilience incubators. She inspires a movement of resilience and challenges traditional leadership paradigms, guiding individuals to uncover their potential.

Today, Steven Wolt is on a mission to support men dealing with sexual addiction. His life turned downward when he became ensnared by pornography, which ultimately resulted in the loss of his job. Presently, Steven is on the road to long-term recovery and has established Valor Recovery to aid other men grappling with this addiction. Engaging with a community of men who openly share their experiences has proven beneficial in helping many individuals address their feelings of shame. Steven's counsel is straightforward: Don't endure this struggle in isolation; resources are available to overcome these challenges.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [02:14] Steven talks about his mission to shine a light on sexual addiction and how he started on this journey [04:05] Steven compares his sexual addiction to cocaine and how he spiraled out of control [07:37] Steven lost his career and ultimately lost everything before he began to work on his addiction  [09:44] Admitting he used cocaine did not have the shame that his sexual addiction did [11:10] Valor Recovery meets men where they are, and they have safety in discussing their addiction. How a husband's watching pornography affects his wife [14:32] Steven shares the three parts of how he reached recovery [17:33] The worst thing that happened to Steven was the best thing that happened to him   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Watching porn can be habit-forming. When the Internet became available in the privacy of one's home, watching pornography was easy, and sexual addiction became pervasive.  There is help available for men who want help with this issue.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Valor Recovery Coaching   BIOGRAPHY:  Steven Wolt is an influential healthcare entrepreneur with a passion for breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and improving behavioral health outcomes.  He is a leader with the superpowers of vulnerability and courage and inspires others with his mental health journey.   In July of 2023, Steven founded Valor Recovery, a specialized recovery coaching program for men to overcome compulsive sexual behaviors, porn abuse, and intimacy issues.  Valor Recovery is a peer-based recovery support system that significantly improves outcomes and enhances the effectiveness of clinical care and treatment.  Valor Recovery certified and credentialed coaches are in long-term sexual recovery.  The strength and uniqueness of this program are these shared life experiences that help to create psychological safety, empathy, and meaningful connection that significantly enhance the client's recovery journey. In 2017, Steven founded Veritus, the nation's first telehealth intensive outpatient program for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health.  Veritus had a program specifically for licensed healthcare professionals, primarily physicians and nurses, and another program specifically for lawyers and judges.  From an idea of a piece of paper long before COVID, to partnering with one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious treatment providers, Freedom Institute, Veritus helped to eliminate the barriers many licensed professionals experience from getting the help they need.    

This episode is very personal and special for Arden. She is joined by Gail Sexton Anderson and Gloria Li from Donor Concierge, and together, they explore the invaluable services offered to women aspiring to become mothers. Donor Concierge has played a pivotal role in bringing countless families into existence by serving as dedicated advocates. They collaborate with many agencies involved in sperm and egg donation and surrogacy. This intricate and sensitive process is a remarkable journey of creation. Anyone interested in parenthood or donation will find this episode enlightening and informative.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:18] Gail explains why she founded Donor Concierge, and Gloria shares how she became involved [03:36] Arden explains her personal story and asks what are the challenges in finding egg or sperm donors [07:36] What are the realistic expectations of a concierge business in this field [11:59] How Donor Concierge serves the affluent family and answers questions they may have [17:57] Do donors do this for the money and an explanation of the process involved for intended parents [26:09] Are some want-to-be parents excluded from the process [29:29] Discussion of clients who are recognizable by the public or extremely wealthy families, where the field is going in the future, and being open about how your family was created    KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Finding a surrogate, a sperm donor, and an egg donor is not as easy as it may sound. It is a crucial decision, and hiring experts to guide you is best. Affluent parents have the option of a direct search program where they create a landing page to share with potential donors who they are.  Surrogacy allows you to give joy to a mother who otherwise would not have a child.   RESOURCES: Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Donor Concierge - Website   BIOGRAPHIES:  CEO & Founder Gail has dedicated her career to helping intended parents from all walks of life build families. She founded Donor Concierge as a compassionate approach to helping intended parents sort through the gauntlet of egg donor and surrogacy options. Gail is a Harvard-trained counselor with 25 years of experience helping intended parents have the baby they always dreamed of. After graduate school, Gail joined a research group in the Psychology Department at Yale University. Later, she joined a group of researchers in pediatric neurology at Yale New Haven Hospital doing developmental testing with children born prematurely of very low birth weight. Gail is also a graduate of Alice Domar's Mind Body Fertility Program through Boston IVF and has served on a Radcliffe panel with other fertility experts. In her career in the fertility industry, Gail has been the Executive Director of one of the leading surrogacy agencies and helped start two different egg donor agencies. Gail is an empathic listener who brings a calming influence to what can often be an emotionally stressful process. A frequent speaker at fertility conferences, Gail consults with organizations creating fertility service programs. She is a former board member of SEEDS, The Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy, and the Co-Founder of TULIP, a new online platform for third-party fertility. Married since 1984 with two wonderful children, Gail says having the privilege of being a mother has ignited her passion for helping others experience the joy of parenting.   Gloria Li, BA, PMP Executive Director Gloria is responsible for managing the Donor Concierge, overseeing all aspects of the company. Gloria has worked in fertility since 2013 and is an expert on egg donation, gestational surrogacy, and fertility care management. Her vision, passion for the mission, and attention to detail have set a high mark in our commitment to excellence, and her leadership has helped Donor Concierge become the premier resource for intended parents worldwide.

Jeff Grant possesses an intriguing narrative that he candidly recounts. His journey began with opioid addiction and culminated in him borrowing funds from clients' accounts, leading to his incarceration. Jeff underwent a transformative experience, earning his Master of Divinity degree and successfully reinstating his law license. He now serves as the visionary behind Progressive Prison Ministries and GrantLaw, which is dedicated to aiding individuals convicted of white-collar offenses by providing them with moral support and defense. This episode will be one of your favorites.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:27] Jeff shares his background story from being a successful lawyer to drug addiction and hopelessness ending in attempted suicide [04:21] Would white-collar crime still have been manifested if it were not for drug addiction? Jeff discusses the motivations of people within the Progressive Prison Ministries [08:16] Arden asks if financial institutions unintentionally reward people with values that lead them down a white-collar path [11:45] Jeff discusses life before and after crime and how families cope with life after white-collar crime [18:24] Jeff discusses what his family experienced and why he started GrantLaw Firm [26:27] Jeff gives his advice to anyone who finds themselves involved in a white-collar crime scenario   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   White-collar crime brings down a lot more than just you. It brings down your family, friends, and sometimes an entire community. Insider trading is a crime of opportunity and a lifetime sentence even after serving time. Many marriages do not survive white-collar crime, but there is hope, and listeners can contact Jeff's firm for advice.    RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Grand Law Firm Website   BIOGRAPHY: Jeff Grant   After an addiction to prescription opioids and serving almost fourteen months in a Federal prison (2006 – 07) for a white-collar crime (SBA loan fraud) he committed in 2001, Jeff started his reentry – earning a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York, majoring in Social Ethics. After graduating from divinity school, Jeff was called to serve at an inner city church in Bridgeport, CT as Associate Minister and Director of Prison Ministries. He then co-founded Progressive Prison Ministries, Inc. (Greenwich, CT), the world's first ministry dedicated to serving people navigating the white-collar criminal justice system.   On May 5, 2021, Jeff's law license was reinstated by the Supreme Court of the State of New York. On August 10, 2022, he celebrated 20 years of continuous sobriety. Jeff has founded the law firm of GrantLaw, PLLC, is once again in private practice in New York City and is committed to using his legal expertise and life experience to benefit others. GrantLaw, PLLC, is a new type of law firm providing private general counsel services to clients who have previously faced or who could be facing white-collar prosecutions and regulatory proceedings and their companies and families. In this role, Jeff and his team assist clients in making critical and timely business and family decisions and in executing them so that they have the best chance to come out the other side with lives of purpose, meaning and success. “Jeff Grant is the real deal... I can't imagine there is a lawyer in this country more qualified to consider the complex issues facing people prosecuted for white collar crimes and their families.” – Evan Osnos, Staff Writer, The New Yorker.  

Alex Dayton has an impressive history in the mental health field including serving as the Clinical Director for Freedom Institute and the Chief Clinical Officer of Veritus. In this revisited episode, he joins us today to talk about addiction treatment and recovery for licensed professionals. Because of their license, professionals like doctors, lawyers, and judges are  more reluctant to seek treatment. The program offered by Veritus, which uses technology, helps to make treatment more a accessible.to this population. Listen to today's episode as Alex talks about the correlation among addiction, wealth, and success, explains dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)T, and shares exciting trends in the mental health field.   IN THIS EPISODE   [01:46] Similarities and differences between licensed professionals and the average person getting  support for substance use. [06:22] How doctors compare to other patients in treatment [09:54] How treatment for lawyers is specialized [12:54] The correlation among  addiction, success, and wealth [18:21] An explanation of DBT [23:42] Alex shares what he is looking forward to in the field in the coming years   KEY TAKEAWAYS   Technology is being used in the mental health field making treatment more accessible and offering different solutions for clients. DBT is an effective therapy technique because it is applicable in real-time. Doctors, lawyers, and other licensed professionals often have a hard time seeking help for substance use because they are afraid it will affect their license. Veritus and the Freedom Institute both aim to help treatment be more accessible to this population.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Veritus Website   BIO:   Alex Dayton is a Psychotherapist in private practice and an advisor to several organizations helping to support mental healthcare programming and strategy. Alex served for several years as the Clinical Director for Freedom Institute, an outpatient treatment program located in New York City.. In addition, Alex served as the Vice President of clinical strategy and business development for Freedom Institute. Alex served as Chief Clinical Officer of Veritus, a virtual intensive outpatient program he helped launch and design to treat medical professionals, lawyers, and judges struggling with substance use disorder. Alex remains a consultant for both Freedom Institute and Veritus as a senior advisor. In addition to his Masters degree from New York University, Alex has received intensive training in DBT, and advanced practices in DBT from Marsha Linehan at Behavioral Tech. He  has received training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) from the Beck Institute, completed the Foundations in Family Therapy Program at The Ackerman Institute for The Family, and completed training in advanced practices for Motivational Interviewing from MINT. Alex  completed training at Bellevue hospital and at FEGS, working with adults who have both chronic mental illness and addiction. He has worked with adults, adolescents, and children at the Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy and on a research team at New York University conducting HIV and substance use research.  

Dana Walsh Sivak, a Falcon Rappaport & Berkman Partner and Co-Chair for the Elder Law practice group and a member of the firm's Litigation and Cannabis Law practice groups, joins Diana on the podcast today. Their discussion focuses on the treatment of the elderly and their autonomy in decision-making.  Dana is passionate about safeguarding the rights of seniors, particularly concerning their usage of medically prescribed cannabis and matters of sexuality within assisted living environments. Join us for this candid and intimate conversation.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [00:33] Diane introduces Dana, and explains what the elder law encompasses [05:23] Dana speaks to the different generational mindsets toward cannabis and her feelings about patients making choices for their lives when they are capable [08:35] Dana explains The Compassionate Care Act and what obstacles were faced in creating the Act [13:38] What are the rules at healthcare facilities and assisted living situations regarding cannabis [18:49] Dana talks about lobbying Congress to get cannabis laws changed [20:55] Sexuality among seniors in assisted living and healthcare facilities [27:17]  Promoting agency in adulthood regardless of age    KEY TAKEAWAYS:   It is patently unfair to have a child decide for their parent when the parent is perfectly capable of deciding for themselves. Dana believes that doctors should be able to prescribe cannabis to patients in healthcare facilities and assisted living situations. Unfortunately, patients cannot receive the medication they need because of the restrictions of Medicaid.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Falcon Rappaport & Berkman - Website   BIOGRAPHY:   Dana Walsh Sivak is a Partner at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP, and serves as Co-Chair of the firm's Elder Law practice group, as well as a member of its Litigation and Cannabis Law practice groups. Dana has devoted much of her career to addressing legal issues involving the elderly, including Article 81 guardianships, complex Medicaid eligibility issues, nursing home litigation, and advocating for increased access to quality-of-life initiatives for the elderly in long-term care settings. Dana works closely with her clients and their families to craft individualized long-term care plans, which include high-level Medicaid planning techniques that aim to preserve her client's assets and income while ensuring their continuous access to excellent care. Dana has a great deal of experience representing both individual clients and corporate healthcare facility clients on complex legal issues, allowing her to develop a unique perspective on issues facing seniors and obtain a great deal of experience assisting older New Yorkers in securing a payment source for the cost of their long-term care, often through the Medicaid program or private long-term care insurance. For many years, Dana has worked to expand access to medical cannabis to seniors, particularly those residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In December 2019, Dana helped to spearhead and present the first conference on Long Island that focused on these issues, “Cannabis & Aging: The Business, Politics, Law & Science of Cannabis,” partnering with other highly regarded professionals in the cannabis industry. Dana frequently lectures to healthcare facilities and at regional conferences about the medical benefits of cannabis in the elderly population, advocating for increased access to medical cannabis for all seniors, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Today, Arden hosts Dr. Jhilam Biswas, an Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a board-certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist. They discuss the connection between crime and mental illness.  Dr. Biswas examines how frequently violent behavior and impaired judgment are rooted in trauma. She outlines the steps taken to evaluate the mentally ill and how, unfortunately, becoming involved in the judicial system may provide insight into the incarcerated. Don't miss this informative episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:10] Arden introduces Dr. Jhilam Biswas and shares her background and accomplishments, and Dr. Jhilam Biswas defines forensic psychiatry  [05:58] Jhilam discusses violent behavior, impaired judgment, and trauma [11:13] Jhilam explains the steps she would go through to evaluate a trauma victim [16:02] The lack of awareness of a patient makes treatment more difficult [20:54] How the rock bottom moment in the penal system can provide a respite period. Discussion of socio-economic levels as they relate to mental illness [28:11] Jhilam shares a story of helping an individual accused of murder   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   All socioeconomic groups are affected by mental illness. When mentally ill individuals are unaware of their disease, they are much less likely to understand they need treatment. A traumatic brain injury can contribute to mental illness, and unfortunately, since a brain injury cannot be seen, it may be discounted by untrained professionals.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Dr. Jhilam Biswas - LinkedIn   Dr. Jhilam Biswas - Facebook   BIOGRAPHY:   Jhilam Biswas, MD, is an Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and board certified in Adult and Forensic Psychiatry. She is the Director of the Psychiatry, Law and Society Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA, and the Co-Director of the Harvard Mass General Brigham Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship. She is a clinician and researcher in psycho-legal issues, acute psychiatric care, and physician wellbeing, and she was awarded the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society's Award for Outstanding Psychiatrist in Early Career in 2023 for her contributions to these areas. Her research is focused on improving mental health laws so they better serve patients and their families and caregivers. Dr. Biswas has published in JAMA, Harvard Review of Psychiatry, and the Journal of American Academy of Psychiatry and Law and has been quoted in the Boston Globe, ProPublica, CBS This Morning, Forbes, and the New York Times.

Today, Diana hosts Robyn Brickel, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist boasting over 25 years of experience. During this episode, she will discuss the true nature of trauma and dispel any misconceptions surrounding it. Furthermore, she will delve into her three-stage trauma model, encompassing safety, stabilization, and addressing the root cause. This episode promises valuable insights into treatment methods, the dispelling of stigmas and myths, and the recognition of the significance of emotions. If you or someone you know is grappling with trauma, this is an essential listen to glean knowledge from Robyn's wealth of experience.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:21] Robyn defines trauma and how that can vary from person to person [02:33] Robyn describes how trauma presents itself and how she works with trauma victims  [06:30] Robyn states trauma affects the entire family, and there is a mind-body connection  [09:37] Robyn's take on personality disorders and how we all cope. Concept of building tolerance [13:04] Addressing myths like “bad things don't happen to wealthy people” and “lift yourself up by your bootstraps” [16:56] Case studies that Robyn shares and techniques that she uses   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Trauma and its effects can happen to good people. Family members and friends need to be understanding. Trauma can affect all socioeconomic levels, all religions, and all races. Sometimes the terms people want to assign to trauma can harm the victim.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Brickel and Associates LLC   Robyn E Brickel MA, LMFT, LLC | Alexandria VA   Brickel & Associates (@brickelandassociates) • Instagram photos and videos   Robyn Brickel (@RobynBrickel) / Twitter   Robyn Brickel - LinkedIn   BIOGRAPHY: Robyn is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25+ years of experience providing psychotherapy. She is the founder and clinical director of a private practice, Brickel and Associates, LLC, in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. She and her team bring a strengths-based, trauma-informed, systems approach to treating individuals (adolescents and adults), couples, and families. She specializes in trauma (including attachment trauma) and the use of dissociative mechanisms, such as self-harm, eating disorders, and addictions. She also approaches the treatment of perinatal mental health from a trauma-informed lens. Robyn also guides clients and clinicians who wish to better understand trauma's impact on mental health and relationships. She has a wide range of postgraduate trauma and addiction education. She is trained in numerous relational models of practice, including Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT), and Imago therapy. She is a Certified Senior Facilitator, Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST), trained Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, and a Certified EMDRIA therapist and Approved Consultant. Robyn utilizes all of these tools, along with mindfulness and ego state work, to provide the best care to her clients. She prides herself in always learning and expanding her knowledge daily about the intricacies of treating complex trauma and trauma's impact on perinatal distress. 

In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, we are joined by Dr. James Greenblatt, an acknowledged integrative medicine expert, educator, and author who focuses on nutritional interventions in psychiatry and mental illness. Dr. Greenblatt dives into how the medical field needs to focus on the whole body of each individual patient. He discusses the importance of vitamins and minerals in the diet to help protect our brains from dementia and Alzheimer's. Dr. Greenblatt says that the key to healthy aging combines lifestyle and functional medicine. Tune in to hear all the preventative measures you can do now to help with brain health!   IN THIS EPISODE:    [1:22] What role does nutrition play in mental health? [5:10] Simple tests to determine a 40-50-year-old's risk for dementia were not part of a doctor's medical practice. [6:08] How is lithium linked to dementia, and are there any risks associated with using it? [10:22] What are some of the most commonly missed diagnoses in older adults?  [12:20] What other non-nutritional things Dr. Greenblatt recommends for people to achieve maximum integrative health? [13:40] Genetic loading - what does that mean?  [14:42] What is the first action Dr. Greenblatt would take for someone struggling with depression? [17:49] Recent case studies that Dr. Greenblatt has experienced.    KEY TAKEAWAYS:    Don't be passive. Get the information you need if you are experiencing memory loss or if you don't know what's going on. Be your own advocate and get tested.  Genetics plays a big role, but often nutritional or biochemical, relationships, social, and brain-stimulating activities affect brain health. Connect the body and brain. The issues that arise aren't an either-or but often a whole-body problem. Nutrition is the fuel our body needs to operate at an optimum level. Vitamins and minerals are cofactors.    BIO:   Dr. Greenblatt has lectured internationally on the scientific evidence for nutritional interventions in psychiatry and mental illness. He is the author of seven books, including Finally Focused: The Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan for ADHD. He is the founder of Psychiatry Redefined, an educational platform dedicated to the transformation of psychiatry.The platform offers online CME-approved courses, webinars, and fellowships for professionals about functional and integrative medicine for mental illness.   Jame's Greenblatt Website   About Low Dose Lithium    Psychiatry_Redefined Instagram  

Roberta Sydney is a successful entrepreneur and seasoned board director who uses her expansive expertise and experience to lead various real estate and financial services firms. In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Roberta is here to talk about women in business, share her personal experiences, and offer valuable advice. Diana and Roberta discuss common stereotypes, ways that women can set themselves apart from male leaders, and the necessity of women having professional mentors and sponsors.     IN THIS EPISODE:   [02:10] Challenges that women face in the corporate world. [04:08] How Roberta pivoted from financial services to where she is now. [05:49] Why it's important for women to have mentors and sponsors in the workplace and what the difference is between the two [07:30] The differences between women and men leaders and how women are gifted in certain ways that can lead to their success as leaders [11:56] What skills are needed for succeeding in the corporate world versus succeeding as an entrepreneur [14:13] In order to be a successful entrepreneur, there has to be an internal dialogue with yourself where you are asking “What do I need?” [16:29] Roberta shares how she mentors and what sets her apart [18:00] Advice for women starting in business   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Women need mentors and sponsors. A sponsor is the person who's going to speak on your behalf when you're not in the room. They advocate for you to get the new position, to get the promotion, to get the new opportunity.  Stop using the word “just” to limit the contributions that you have made. Do not apologize when it's not necessary to apologize. Understand how important culture and fit are to you in terms of your own personal growth and pursue opportunities that fit those wants and needs. Women have different gifts than men in leadership, like having greater empathy, creating safe environments, and seeing and hearing the unsaid. Women are also able to build consensus more easily. Entrepreneurs need a lot of initiative, self-awareness, and a lot of willingness to fall down several times and get up. There needs to be a fire in the belly to succeed! When you do get stuck or are facing certain challenges, start an internal dialogue with yourself to figure out what you need. It's important to recognize your needs and know none of us does it all alone.   LINKS:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertasydney   BIO: Roberta Sydney is a seasoned board director and former CEO serving on the board of Kiavi (formerly LendingHome) the leading lender for real estate investors, where she chairs the Nominating/Governance Committee and serves on the Compensation Committee. She also serves on the board of Tiedemann Advisors, a global wealth advisory firm that recently announced its plans to go public via SPAC. In addition, she serves as Board Chair of HEI Civil. Her previous board service includes chairing the Compensation Committee for Plaxall, Inc., the Long Island City based manufacturing and real estate company that secured Amazon for their HQ2 before Amazon withdrew.   The breadth and depth of Roberta's experience comes from serving in executive and board leadership positions with regulated real estate and financial services firms ranging from large, traditional organizations to young, entrepreneurial companies. Sydney possesses a combination of leadership skills in real estate development, financial transactions, negotiations, digital transformation, marketing, and IT system evaluation. In addition to her many accomplishments, Sydney is actively engaged in philanthropy serving on the Neuroscience Advisory Committee and the Trustee Advisory Board of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard teaching hospital.  

In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Chris Herren, a former professional basketball player, joins us to speak about more than his sports history. He is a man in long-term recovery who uses his story to inspire others. He has spoken to over a million students, athletes, and community members about substance use prevention. Diana and Chris discuss his addiction journey, the importance of early prevention of substance abuse, and the need for family involvement during recovery. Listen as Chris shares his inspiring story and his heart for helping others in their sobriety journey.    IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:30] Chris Herren's childhood and his first introduction to drugs [06:44] How substance abuse began for Chris [08:19] The moment of clarity and how families are impacted  [13:45] Chris' advocacy work [15:28] A different type of wellness program [19:05] How fame impacts substance abuse [21:35] The challenges of working with others in recovery   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   There is an emphasis on the worst day of drugs rather than the first day. The first day is something that's been overlooked. It's important for parents to see where addiction begins.  It's so important to intervene early rather than waiting until someone hits “rock bottom.” If we can, we should avoid that term because it's callous and is used carelessly. It's prevented a lot of people from intervening early.  Families should be a part of the recovery process of their loved one. When families get on board, they can influence the possibilities of somebody else. When families are included, the person who's struggling can catch up. Sobriety gives you an edge in life, but because of the stigma that's attached to addiction, nobody really wants to say what sobriety does and what recovery does for people.   LINKS:   https://thefirstdayfilm.com/ Facebook: @chrisherren24 I Twitter: @c_herren I IG: @c_herren_ www.herrentalks.com / @HerrenTalks www.herrenproject.com/ @HerrenProject  www.herrenwellness.com/ @HerrenWellness | Twitter: @Herren_Wellness  | IG: @Herren_Wellness   BIO: Chris Herren, a former professional basketball player, has built a community around substance use prevention and recovery. As a person in long term recovery, Chris has spoken to over a million students, athletes, and community members since 2009, sparking honest discussions on the topics of substance use disorder, and wellness. Chris continues to share his story nationally with a renewed focus on prevention education and challenging audiences to rethink how we look at the disease of addiction, changing the focus from the last day to the first. In an effort to further the message, The First Day film premiered in July 2019 and is available for download with a screening guide or educational toolkit and lesson plans through the website: www.firstdayfilm.com. Chris celebrated 13 years of sobriety on August 1st, 2021, and is here to talk to us about his journey.

Our guest for this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet is financial planner and writer, Allan Roth. Allan speaks about his unconventional business model of having the lowest client retention rate where he provides clients with a one-time financial plan and then gets fired. Allan and Arden discuss his goal to help people have an exciting life by having an incredibly boring investment plan. As a frequent contributor for publications such as The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Bloomberg, Allan explains his simple investment philosophy and the different ways he helps clients to minimize their risk and maximize a high return.   IN THIS EPISODE:    [01:57] Allan's investment philosophy and how he manages client's risk and fear during uncertainty. [05:10] Allan's business model and thoughts on a holistic approach to investing. [08:00] Who can this model work for: Allan's low client retention model. [10:33] Minimizing risk through investment sectors and index funds versus individual companies. [16:36] Generational investing and advice for future financial advisors.    KEY TAKEAWAYS:    One way to experience success in investing is having discipline to stick to your financial plan. This means buying and selling even when it's difficult. The older we get, the more money means to us and the harder it is to invest but we have to remain disciplined. If you own thousands of companies, you're taking a smart risk. You're minimizing the risk in the market. The market itself is risky, but this way you're maximizing the probability of having a good outcome.  Allan encourages clients to own the entire market. Sometimes, clients don't want to invest in certain sectors because of a lack of understanding or having certain religious beliefs that don't align with company values. Invest in all industries, take the profits earned from those low cost index funds, and then contribute that to whatever cause they believe in.   BIO: Allan is a financial planner and writer. His investment columns can be found in publications such as AARP, Barron's, ETF.com, and Advisor Perspectives.  Allan has been an adjunct finance faculty member at Colorado College, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and the University of Denver. He is frequently quoted in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Bloomberg, and others.  Allan is the founder of Wealth Logic, LLC, an hourly-based financial planning and investment advisory firm.  Neither he nor the firm has ever charged commissions or fees based on assets under management. The goal of his firm is to provide clients with a one-time plan and then get fired. Allan is proud to have the lowest client retention rate in the business. Allan is a licensed CPA and CFP and has an MBA from Northwestern University (Kellogg), but still claims he can keep investing simple, at least as simple as possible, given very complex tax issues in developing a plan.     Allan Roth Website   Allan Roth on LinkedIn

Joining us today is Margie Foley, founder of Foley Management, a firm that assists individuals and families manage their finances and helps protect against financial fraud. Her company supplies daily management services, bill paying, appointment scheduling, and home and staff management.  She discusses the different types of fraud and describes how fraudsters exploit older adults and even young people. Margie has some great tips for protecting your finances in today's episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:46] Margie discusses the growing problem of fraud among the elderly, with the majority being in the area of confidence fraud [05:40] What two age groups are most vulnerable  [07:40] What are the solutions to this problem, and how a firm like Foley Management can assist [10:23] Margie explains that some families are resistant to engage these types of services and relates a story where her firm was able to recover a large sum of money [17:07] Margie has advice about Internet banking   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Logging out of accounts and disconnecting from the Internet at the end of the day is crucial to safeguarding your financial information. Young adults are as vulnerable to financial fraud as older people because of the amount of time they are online. It's essential to have more than one entity overseeing your finances.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Foley Management Consulting Firm - Website   BIOGRAPHY:   Margie Foley brings over thirty years of successful business experience as an accomplished business owner, guest speaker, international sales executive, and consultant to numerous businesses and families. Recognizing an unmet need to provide confidential administrative services to individuals and families, Margie founded Foley Management Consulting.  As trusted advisors, Foley Management is an ethical partner in the development and maintenance of daily management services, including bill pay, appointment scheduling, and home and staff management.  Foley Management is a trusted liaison with financial advisors, home offices, health care teams, and attorneys.

Did you know that children as young as four years old can start developing poor body image? On this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Arden is speaking to Rebecca Manley about eating disorder awareness and prevention. Rebecca is the founder of MEDA (Multi-service Eating Disorders Association) and owner of Manley Coaching. Her passion is working with teens and families on issues related to body image and self-esteem. We are talking about how to teach body positivity to kids, what signs to look for in your child's relationship with food, and the fine line between eating healthy and restrictive eating. This is a really important conversation you don't want to miss out on!    IN THIS EPISODE:    [01:16] What are signs of a negative body image developing and how can parents encourage body positivity [09:05] Are eating disorders more prevalent in high achieving and affluent families [13:05] The fine line between healthy behaviors and restrictive eating habits  [18:08] How to intervene in situations when diet culture is praised within a family  [24:00] How to navigate situations when parents aren't on the same page about what their child needs [28:25] What is the future of body image and self esteem issues in families    KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Children as young as four and five are starting to develop a poor body image saying that they dislike parts of their bodies. And approximately 20% of college females will struggle with an eating disorder during college. We need greater awareness and prevention of eating disorders. The Five A's help parents teach children how to protect against the development of eating disorder: Kids need to be assertive and speak up for what they believe in; have awareness of societal pressures; have acceptance of their bodies; know the appropriate action to regulate emotions; have ample opportunities for activity and healthy movement. Parents need to understand that high stress environments that emphasize achievement or a certain body image increase the risk for the development of an eating disorder. Parents need to be mindful of the messages they are sending to their children.   BIO: Rebecca Manley, is a trained coach and a member of the International Coach Federation as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) . Rebecca is best known for her work in eating disorder awareness and prevention. Rebecca has published her curriculum entitled, "Teaching Body Confidence" which has been featured on the televised news programs World News Tonight on ABC News, 48 Hours news on CBS as well as many other national and local stations. In addition to body image, Rebecca also specialize in treating anxiety related to school, sports, family and social relationships.   Rebecca Manley is also the founder of MEDA, Inc, also known as the Multi-service Eating Disorders Association. MEDA is a national organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. MEDA serves as a resource to those struggling with eating disorders and their families. MEDA also serves as a support network for schools and universities as well as a training program for professionals offering a comprehensive internship program, supervision groups and a national conference held every spring. Now twenty-five years old, MEDA is internationally known for its unique treatment model as well as for its innovative educational programming.   Rebecca Manley Website   Rebecca Manley on LinkedIn  

Our guest today in this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet is Stefan Bate, Chief Clinical Officer at Jaywalker Lodge. Stefan shares his mission as he helps men who have had previous treatment experiences. Stefan reflects on his own recovery journey and the blessings that he has experienced since graduating from Jaywalker and entering the field of psychology. Arden and Stefan discuss the spiritual and emotional elements of hitting rock bottom versus circumstantial consequences. They also dig into the perceptions faced by affluent families in treatment and how Stefan helps families set healthy expectations for treatment. IN THIS EPISODE:  [01:33] Stefan's outlook on his recovery and how recovery changed his career trajectory. [05:56] When Stefan finally hit rock bottom. [09:54] Triggering events that happen to people that push them to be all-in for recovery. [16:04] What's missing in the psychology field for affluent families? [22:23] What happens when a family lacks basic education about recovery and unrealistic expectations? [26:10] Stefan's advice to someone who is in an active addiction and considering recovery.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Oftentimes someone's rock bottom is not circumstantial or due to material consequences. It's really an emotional and spiritual rock bottom. Jaywalker Lodge offers niche treatment for men that have had multiple previous treatment attempts. Men are usually around the age of 28 and have been to three to seven previous treatment experiences. Often when you scratch the surface of entitlement it is really a learned helplessness and a deep set of shame beliefs. These men question their abilities and capabilities in the world and don't think that they're going to be able to take care of themselves. RESOURCE LINKS: https://jaywalkerlodge.com/ Bio: Stefan Bate, Chief Clinical Officer at Jaywalker Lodge    Stefan grew up in Northern Iowa before moving to Colorado to study psychology at the University of Denver. Post college, Stefan worked in the banking industry for several years before starting his own recovery journey in 2007. Stefan is a graduate of Jaywalker Lodge, and it was during his own treatment experience that he became interested in pursuing a career in addiction treatment. Stefan holds a Master's Degree in Applied Psychology from Regis University and is a Licensed Addiction Counselor in the state of Colorado. Stefan has wide-ranging experience in the field of addiction recovery including working as a recovery coach, therapist, and program director. Stefan also has extensive experience designing and implementing addiction treatment and recovery support programs. Helping people engage in effective treatment, building a solid foundation for real world recovery and helping clients' participate in a life of true fulfillment are his specialties. In his free time, Stefan enjoys playing in the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains and spending quality time with his wife and their two children.

Courtney Pullen is the President of the Pullen Consulting Group with more than 25 years of experience in individual and family coaching. In this revisited episode, Courtney joins us  to explain the importance of teaching financial literacy as early as possible to your children. He says that it would help if you were intentional when talking about wealth and finances with your family. Plus, Courtney explains how to pass on the proper values to your children around wealth. Tune in as we chat about grit, teachable money moments, and dealing with your own money issues.   IN THIS EPISODE: [01:50] When are kids ready to hear about how much money is in your family?   [04:20] You need to be intentional when it comes to talking about money.  [09:30] How wealth can hinder the process of instilling values to your children.  [12:30] We need to not deprive our children of the opportunity to earn.  [21:20] An example of how Courtney promotes grit into his children.    KEY TAKEAWAYS: You need to teach your kids financial literacy from a young age; the sooner, the better!  Let your kids make money mistakes; anything can be a great teachable moment. Define the purpose of your wealth; that way, you can pass on the proper values in your children.  Parents need to deal with their own money issues before teaching their children about money.  LINKS MENTIONED: Website www.PullenConsulting.com   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-pullen-54a1035/ BIO: Courtney Pullen M.A. is the President of the Pullen Consulting Group.  He has more than 25 years of experience in individual and family coaching, business and management consulting, leadership development, communication, and team building.   Courtney received his graduate degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado in 1983.  He was a Clinical Associate at the School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Colorado at Denver.  Courtney also spent 17 years as a Senior Consultant with Conversant Solutions, a Communication and Collaboration Consulting firm to Fortune 100 Companies.    Courtney has lectured frequently, conducted numerous workshops, and been published in the areas of individual and organizational change, behavioral finance, communication, and family wealth dynamics.  He is a former contributing editor to the Journal of Financial Planning and the Journal of Practical Estate Planning and is a faculty member of the Sudden Money Institute.  He also holds Fellow status in the Purposeful Planning Institute and is a graduate of the Newfield coaching program.    He has spoken at regional and national conference of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), Investment Management Consultants Association, (IMCA), and Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), as well as estate planning symposiums and family foundation conferences.   His primary focus is as a consultant to financial services firms and affluent families.  He is the author of Intentional Wealth: How Families Build Legacies of Stewardship and Financial Health.  He is also on CPWA faculty at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

On this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, James Hughes joins us to speak about family governance and explain why families need it. James is the author of Family Wealth: Keeping It in the Family and Family – The Compact Among Generations. He also discusses the work he has done as an advisor to high-net-worth clients, and what are some of his favorite resources to share for his clients. Tune in as we talk about the four functions needed for the human community to prosper and how power plays a role in family dynamics.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [02:05] What is family governance and do all families need it?  [07:00] How families have been rediscovering themselves during the pandemic.  [10:35] Mr. Hughes speaks about navigating his work as an advisor to families.  [15:15] Working with high-net-worth families, Mr. Hughes recommends his favorite resources.  [21:00] The four functions needed for the human community to prosper.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   The pandemic has asked people to actually get to know each other again.  Do you know how your family learns? That's something you need to figure out so you can grow and flourish together.  Families can prepare themselves to wake up if they know how each other learns.  All relationships are relationships that involve power. Find ways to use your power together.    LINKS MENTIONED:   Website   www.jamesehughes.com   Power and Love   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005P2A6IE/   BIO:   Mr. Hughes, a resident of Aspen, Colorado, is the author of Family Wealth: Keeping It in the Family, and of Family – The Compact Among Generations, both published by Bloomberg Press, and is the co–author with Susan Massenzio and Keith Whitaker of The Cycle of the Gift: Family Wealth and Wisdom, The Voice of the Rising Generation, and Complete Faith Wealth, all published by John Wiley & Sons and is a co-author with Hartley Goldstone and Keith Whitaker of Family Trusts: A Guide to Trustees, Beneficiaries, Advisors and Protectors". In addition, he has written numerous articles on family governance and wealth preservation and a series of Reflections which can be found on his website jamesehughes.com.  He was the founder of a law partnership in New York City specializing in the representation of private clients throughout the world and is now retired from the active practice of law. Mr. Hughes was a partner of the law firms of Coudert Brothers and Jones Day.  He is a current active Fellow of Wise Counsel Research Foundation (www.wisecounselresearch.org) a Boston based think tank providing qualitative advice to families who seek to avoid the shirt sleeves proverb and to help their  families flourish. He is a member of the Advisory Board of Arlington Partners; the Chair Emeritus of Lineage Private Trust Company, a Fellow of the Family Firm Institute, a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners, a founding member of the Collaboration for Family Flourishing, a Laureate of the Purposeful Planning Institute, and a Founding Advisor to the Sino-American Family Office Foundation. He has spoken frequently at numerous international and domestic symposia on the avoidance of the shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves proverb and on the dynamic growth of families' human, intellectual, social, spiritual and financial capitals toward their families' flourishing. He has authored various Forwards to multiple published works on families and their flourishing and has been cited in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and various professional journals. He is a member of boards of various private trust companies, an advisor to numerous investment institutions, and a member of a number of private philanthropic boards. He is a graduate of the Far Brook School, which teaches through the Arts, The Pingry School, Princeton University and The Columbia School of Law. He is a counselor to the Family Office Exchange and recipient of its Founder's Award, the recipient of the Private Asset Management Lifetime Achievement Award, the Ackerman Institute Family Partner Award, and the Wealth Management Lifetime Achievement Award.

On this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Arden is speaking with Brad Sorte, about a topic that hits close to home for them both – facing addiction as a family. Brad talks about his struggle with substance abuse in his early 20s and his life-altering treatment experience at Caron, a treatment facility for addiction and behavioral health issues where he is now the President and CEO. They discuss the benefits and hindrances that families with resources face when dealing with a child with substance use disorder and how healing is accelerated when healthy boundaries are in place. Brad offers advice for parents of younger children on how to be proactive in having conversations about substance and alcohol use. Tune into this encouraging discussion about family therapy, trauma, and positive changes happening in the field.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:35] Brad shares about his background with substance abuse and treatment at Caron [11:13] When a family has resources, how does it help or hinder the process of recovery [16:16] How to address destructive family systems in order to help children with substance abuse [22:40] Best advice for parents of young children when there is a predisposition or possibility for substance abuse  [27:52] What changes are happening in the field of addiction treatment   KEY TAKEAWAYS:    Money is like electricity and it is a very powerful tool that can be used for tremendous good and growth, but it's also something that needs to be respected and it can be very destructive and it can be lethal. It's important to identify what the families of the identified patient have been through and how to help them refocus their energy on themselves and not solely focus on the loved one, who is in the midst of a self-destructive cycle Kids have access to information with less adult supervision at earlier ages through smartphones and peer groups. Parents of younger children should consider having conversations about substance use and alcohol, in an age appropriate way, sooner rather than later.   RESOURCE LINKS   Caron Website   Brad Sorte Webpage   The Medicine, Science & Art Behind Addiction Recovery - Caron Blog   https://oconnorpg.com/podcasts/the-elephant-in-the-room-facing-addiction-as-a-family-with-brad-sorte   BIO: As President & CEO, Brad oversees Caron's extensive continuum of care for teens, young adults, adults, older adults, and families at its facilities in Pennsylvania and Florida, its outpatient treatment centers in Atlanta, Philadelphia,Northern Virginia, and Wyomissing, Pa., and its recovery centers in New York City and Washington, D.C.   Brad Sorte was appointed President & CEO following Doug Tieman's retirement in July 2021. Backed by his extensive experience in both business and clinical leadership roles, Brad has a rich foundation to continue to propel Caron's mission and thought leadership forward. He remains committed to his goal of providing a culture in which the business of healthcare never interferes with the fundamental needs of each individual patient.

Jamie Mendelsohn of the Ashar Group joins us to discuss a little-known concept relating to your life insurance policy. Many people unable to continue to make payments toward their life insurance policy simply walk away from the policy. However, they need to realize there are buyers for that policy and that they can sell their existing policy. Jamie explains all the benefits of knowing the value of your life insurance policy and how easy it is to learn about this simple process. This episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet is an eye-opener. So, grab your pen and take some notes.    IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:35] Jamie explains how Ashar Group works with policy owners  [03:01] There is a secondary market that will value life insurance policies that an individual wants to relinquish [5:00] Large institutions etc., purchase policies. Guaranteed universal life products are a very attractive purchase  [06:44] Jamie discusses repurposing life insurance policies, and she gives statistics on the loss of capital because people are not aware of this concept [12:20] Valuing life insurance policies and how they fit into overall financial planning [15:47] Jamie tells about a family who monetized the mother's life insurance policy to fund her care    KEY TAKEAWAYS:   People have walked away from their life insurance policies because they couldn't afford the premiums. However, the policy has value, and a market exists for these policies. Ashar Group does not write life insurance policies; however, they do place a value on them, and this process only takes about two days. A universal life policy is the most valuable and attractive to buyers of life insurance policies.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Ashar Group - Facebook   Ashar Group - Website   Jamie L. Mendelsohn – EVP – Ashar Group    Life Settlement Probability Calculator    Life Insurance Valuation    Success Stories    Trust & Estates Article: The Role of Life Settlements in Estate Planning    Tax Advisor Article: Spotlight on Life Settlements    NAEPC Journal: Maximizing Life Settlement Value Through a Policy Auction   BIOGRAPHY: Jamie Mendelsohn's reputation as a dedicated client advocate precedes her. Her commitment to partnering with financial professionals, knowledge of every facet of the secondary market, and diligent effort to exceed expectations is unmatched. For those lucky enough to work with her, a more loyal partnership could not be found – unless you are referring to her clever ability to one-up her brothers in every team costume contest.      As Executive Vice President, Jamie is the go-to resource for helping advanced planners, and fiduciaries integrate life insurance policy valuations into their comprehensive planning process. In addition, she spends much time educating the financial services community at conferences, estate planning councils, and wealth management firms nationwide.     Jamie earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida, where she was an Alpha Delta Pi sorority member. She proudly serves as the President of the Central FL/North FL Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, speaking at events and mentoring patients and families navigating the treatment of these diseases. She lives in Central Florida and enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, and traveling.

Dr. Patrick Knapp, the founder of Becoming Free, a program designed to help individuals recover from unique harmful religious or spiritual experiences, is here to discuss his experience in an abusive religious group.  Dr. Knapp provides hope to those who have shared that experience and to the families of cult members. In addition, he discusses the definition of a cult, why a person becomes involved, and the steps needed to heal. Don't miss this informative discussion on today's Beyond the Balance Sheet episode.     IN THIS EPISODE:    [02:11] Dr. Knapp defines a religious cult and describes why people are attracted to them.  [06:12] Dr. Knapp tells his story of being in a religiously abusive organization.  [10:29] Why do people leave or want to leave these abusive organizations?  [12:33] Dr. Knapp explains the healing journey for a person leaving the group.  [15:23] Do people leaving these groups still want to be connected to the Bible and where they can go for help?  [18:08] What advice do you give a family member? Dr. Knapp shares some of the organizations where support is available.    KEY TAKEAWAYS:    It is a slow progression to be manipulated by a cult leader. Often, a person becomes brainwashed.   There is hope for a person coming out of a cult. They need to know it's not their fault, and they need encouragement and hope.  Not all cults are like Jonestown. But, unfortunately, people are so susceptible to them because they seem welcoming and can appear to be a good thing.     RESOURCES:    Beyond the Balance Sheet Website    Becoming Free Website    BIOGRAPHY:  Patrick J. Knapp, Ph.D., Pat's initial interest in cult recovery stems from his own involvement in a Bible-based group (1970-1984). His M.A. thesis (Fall 2000) was titled: “The Place of Mind-Control in the Cult Recovery Process.” He completed 98 semester hours of doctoral studies in Marriage and Family Counseling (Professional Track), at Gordon-Conwell in Charlotte, NC, with an emphasis on family systems and attachment theory, and completed his doctorate (Ph.D.) at Graduate Theological Foundation (GTF). His doctoral thesis was titled: “A Survey of Religious Abuse and Recovery.”    He contributed a book chapter on developing support groups from a faith-based perspective for those affected by religiously abusive environments, available under the title: Cult Recovery: A Clinician's Guide to Working with former members and Families (2017). His first complete book was Understanding Religious Abuse and Recovery: Discovering essential principles for Hope and Healing (2021). Most recently, he co-authored (with his wife, Heidi, CLC) the book chapter “Marital Damage and Recovery Following Religious Abuse” in Wounded Faith: Understanding and Healing from spiritual abuse (2022).    He and Heidi are professional life-recovery coaches and educators primarily working with those affected by religious or spiritual abuse. They can be reached at becomingfree.org@gmail.com 

Josh Kanter, the founder of leafplanner, joins us today to discuss the importance of having a tool to collect, organize and map a family enterprise's information in a single source. Wealthy families unprepared for the grantor's passing can be left in a problematic situation. The old 3-ring binder with information regarding banking and insurance policies doesn't meet the needs of today's affluent families. Josh's unique system outlines what you didn't know you needed to know. Tune in to learn about this valuable tool.     IN THIS EPISODE:    [01:53] Josh describes his family's situation and how a family owner's manual functions for a family of wealth  [04:10] The family owner's manual consists of far more information than bank accounts and life insurance policies  [06:01] The manual is a digital file that can be updated continually or printed for someone not adept at using technology. It's designed to cover family history, relationships, and the whys and hows of the function of the business  [10:08] Josh shares some of the hurdles his family dealt with when his father became ill  [12:51] Josh outlines how the leafplanner shines a light on the blind spots that need to be considered   [16:35] How this system benefits a family educationally and provides empowerment    KEY TAKEAWAYS:   A family owner's manual gives instructions to a family to keep a business operating how it functioned before the founder became ill or passed away.   The manual shows relationships between decisions, accounts, expectations, etc., unllikey the old-fashioned 3-ring.  The leafplanner system alerts family members affected by the death of a grantor the information needed to continue a business. Every affluent family should have this system.    RESOURCES:    Beyond the Balance Sheet Website    Josh Kanter Advisory Services Website    leafplanner Website    Josh Kanter - Email    BIOGRAPHY:    Josh Kanter is the founder of leafplanner, a platform built to collect, organize and map a family's and family enterprise's information in a single-source manner, allowing the identification of blind spots, providing a tool for the education of family members and advisors, and providing a family with a more effective, comprehensive, and efficient succession-of-information.     Through Josh Kanter Wealth Advisory Services, Josh provides thoughtful, personalized multi‐generational family wealth advisory services to his clients, including family meeting facilitation, structuring, governance, trust, estate and tax planning, “blind spot” review, philanthropy, and more.     Josh began his career as a lawyer before leaving his practice to build and run his family's multi-generational, multi-branch family office for over 20 years. Josh is involved with numerous non-profit organizations and frequently speaks on family, family office, political, economic, and philanthropic topics. Josh received his J.D. from the University of Chicago in 1987. 

Brian Cuban is an attorney, author, and mental health awareness and recovery advocate. In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Brian discusses the inspiration behind his recovery advocacy work and what led to his recovery journey. Additionally, Brian explains why it's essential to have an open dialogue surrounding body dysmorphia and how recovery can lead to acceptance. If you're starting your journey to recovery, listen as we reveal which first steps you can take. Stay tuned as Brian shares what helped during his recovery journey and dives into his book, The Ambulance Chaser.     IN THIS EPISODE:    [01:35] About Brian Cuban and the inspiration behind his recovery and advocacy work.   [05:20] The importance of discussing body dysmorphia and how recovery can lead to acceptance.     [10:37] Lawyers tend to have a higher rate of substance use; Brian shares his journey with substance use in law school.   [17:05] Brian's first steps when he started recovery.  [19:35] Advice for individuals struggling with recovery or body dysmorphia.     KEY TAKEAWAYS:    You should tell the truth to your therapist; it's an important step in the recovery journey.    The only prerequisite to recovery is that you are above ground.  Feeling shame is normal; find a way to deal with the shame.   There are many different prongs to living your best life that constitutes recovery.      LINKS MENTIONED:    LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancuban/    Website  www.briancuban.com    Brian Cuban's book The Ambulance Chaser  https://www.amazon.com/Ambulance-Chaser-Brian-Cuban/dp/1637582412     BIO:  Brian Cuban is an attorney, author and mental health awareness and recovery advocate. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Addicted Lawyer, Tales of The Bar, Booze Blow & Redemption. His debut thriller novel, The Ambulance Chaser is set for release December 2021.  He has spoken at conferences, non-profit events, colleges and universities across the United States and in Canada. He also writes extensively on these subjects. His columns have appeared on CNN.com, Foxnews.com, The Huffington Post, The New York Times, and in online and print newspapers around the world. 

On this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, we are joined by guest Anna Hall, the creator of The Purpose Equation®. Throughout this episode, we discuss the importance of purpose and defining your how and your why. Anna breaks down what purpose is, and how people can go about finding their purpose through her signature equation. Anna says that  knowing your purpose equation can determine how to move through life. She  believes people's purpose(s) can shift throughout their lifetime through different milestones. Later in the episode, Anna provides excellent advice for parents supporting their children to determine the child's purpose by getting  curious about their interests. Tune in today to learn about individual purpose and how to create meaning and joy in everyday life.     IN THIS EPISODE:     [1:50] What does the word “purpose” mean?   [3:23] What is the purpose equation? What are the components?   [6:37] How does the purpose equation translate to practical things?   [13:22] Is there a natural time when people re-define their purpose?  [16:15] What is the linkage between mental wellness and a sense of purpose?  [23:53] How do families and parents talk to their children about purpose?  [28:55] What is Anna's purpose?     KEY TAKEAWAYS:     Purpose is not something that you do. What you do is an output of who you are and your why.   Everyone has a purpose. Everyone has the power within themselves to make a difference in the world.   What does your child love? A parents' job is to help unpack WHYs in the activities your children love. Focus on having your child figure out WHO they are, not what they will do. Try to remove SHOULD.     BIO:  Anna was a teenager when she volunteered at a nursing home in her hometown of Hanover, NH. It turned out to be her first step along a 20-year course focused on improving quality of   life for older adults. Along the way she has deployed and managed programs, services, and technologies with that aim. As she gained experience, she developed enrichment programs for older adults living in All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC), independent, assisted living and memory care settings.    She led CCRC and Skilled Nursing engagement programming for Brookdale Senior Living, the largest senior-living provider in the country. At Connected Living – a social impact company dedicated to connecting older adults with community and family – Anna served as the Chief Purpose Officer. She informed all aspects of the business, from product development to sales to operations, and realized that she loved creating and consulting at the intersection of technology, engagement, and culture. Throughout her career, she has witnessed how purpose builds resilience and improves wellness. Her mission has become helping people define and activate their purpose – in life and work.     In 2018, Anna began building The Purpose Equation®, an evidence-based framework that guides individuals to discover their unique Purpose. The Purpose Equation® LLC launched in July 2021. The framework she invented is the basis for programs and workshops that are designed to identify purpose, spark joy, and personal growth – at any age and in every moment.    Anna Hall's LinkedIn    The Purpose Equation Website 

Trudy Avery is the Development Officer for Pavillon, a non-profit substance use treatment program located in Mill Spring, NC. She developed compassion for those using substances because of her son's journey through addiction and recovery.  Trudy shares her family's personal story in hopes of helping other families.  She also discusses the disconnect between insurance companies and treatment programs.  Don't miss this informative episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet.    IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:41] Trudy shares her genetic background, which leans toward alcoholism, and describes Corey's journey through treatment [07:30] What happens When parents disagree and one parent has reached their limit? [10:15] Making the mistake of continuing financial and material resources to the detriment of the substance user [14:30] Wealthy families statistically have a more challenging time dealing with an addicted child [19:18] Insurance companies should pay for extended treatments [22:36] Trudy is grateful her son is doing well and thankful she can help other families.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Supporting your substance-user child financially only enables the drug user to continue using.  You can expect some people to criticize your decision of not financially taking care of your adult children; however, every family is different, and it is a choice only that others can make. Your adult child in recovery will thank you for making difficult decisions we call “tough love.”   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Pavillon Website   Trudy Avery - LinkedIn   BIOGRAPHY:   Trudy Avery is the Development Officer for Pavillon, a non-profit substance use treatment program located in Mill Spring, NC. Trudy oversees all of its fundraising and alumni programs, which help support patients and their family members. Trudy has over two decades of development experience. She received her BA from SUNY Excelsior College and has a graduate certificate in Meeting Management from Bentley University. In addition to her professional career, Trudy sits on several boards, including MOAR (Massachusetts Organization of Addiction Recovery) and the Aids Support Group of Cape Cod. She is also a member of the National Institute of Health's HEAL Study, Faces and Voices of Recovery, Bourne Substance Free Coalition, and Barnstable County Regional Substance Use Council. In addition, she has testified at the state and local levels on mental health parity and access to substance use treatment. Trudy and her husband, Rick, live on Cape Cod and are the parents of four sons. As a very grateful mother of a son in long-term recovery, Trudy's passion is reflected in every aspect of her advocacy work and her career.

In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Lisa Cukier joins us. She is a Partner and Executive Committee member at Burns & Levinson LLP in Boston. To start, Lisa explains why guardianships and conservatorships may be necessary for your family. Lisa then talks about what signs may appear when someone is experiencing a decline in their mental health. Finally, Lisa dives into exactly what the process looks like of going through guardianships and conservatorships. Some families can be apprehensive about the process, and there are other options. Tune in as Lisa explains why an incentive trust could be a better alternative to a typical guardianship or conservatorship.      IN THIS EPISODE:    [04:10] Lisa explains why guardianships and conservatorships are needed. Lisa then talks about what signs may appear when someone is experiencing a decline in their mental health.   [09:20] About the process of going through guardianship and conservatorship.   [15:10] How Lisa works with families who are resistant to guardianships and conservatorships.   [19:05] There's a less intrusive alternative to guardianships and conservatorships: an incentive trust.     KEY TAKEAWAYS:    Guardianships and conservatorships are typically court-appointed. To get one, you will need to file a petition in court.   There needs to be a link between a medical diagnosis and lacking the capacity to make certain decisions.   An incentive trust can be a more suitable alternative to guardianship and conservatorship.   Mental health issues will happen in every single family; it's critical to be prepared ahead of time.     LINKS MENTIONED:    Website    https://www.burnslev.com/professionals/lisa-m-cukier    Business Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/burnslev/    Business Twitter    https://twitter.com/burnslev    LinkedIn    https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacukier/    BIO:    LISA M. CUKIER is a Partner and Executive Committee member at Burns & Levinson LLP in Boston. Her practice includes fiduciary representation, trust planning and trust dispute resolution and litigation, family crisis and family dispute resolution, sophisticated high end divorce, divorce impacted by family trusts and family business, blended family planning and litigation, mental health and addiction related legal interventions, elder law, guardianship and conservatorship litigation, grandparents visitation matters, and elder financial exploitation and undue influence matters. Previously, Ms. Cukier was assistant general counsel for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and Department of Mental Retardation (now DDS). As Special Assistant Attorney General at DMR, she prosecuted disabled person abuse cases for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. She is a past president of the Massachusetts Family and Probate American Inn of Court and is presently serving on its Board of directors, is a member of the Boston Probate and Estate Planning Forum, the Boston Estate Planning Council, and the Massachusetts Association of Guardians Ad Litem. Ms. Cukier has been recognized with the Best Lawyers designation from 2010 – 2021, the SuperLawyers designation from 2005-2021, the Massachusetts Bar Association Community Service Award in 2005, a National Law Journal Trailblazer in 2017, the Women Worth Watching recognition in 2018, Top Women of Law in 2019, and sits on the WBA Women Leaders Initiative as of 2020. Ms. Cukier is a graduate of Northeastern University and Suffolk University Law School. Ms. Cukier is raising her two children in Weston Massachusetts.   

In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Carrie Casden joins us for a conversation. She is an established business manager and money coach who has been in practice for over 25 years. Carrie opens the show by explaining how everyone has different perspectives and habits when it comes to money; there are especially significant differences between the money mindsets of men and women. If you are going through a divorce or considering divorce, Carrie explains the importance and benefits of hiring a money coach. Tune in as we chat about the importance of a savings account, the complexity of retail therapy, and how to still find joy with spending money.    IN THIS EPISODE:    [02:45] Each family member can have different perspectives and habits when it comes to money.    [07:40] Unfortunately, there's a lot of shame and guilt for women around financial mistakes.  [10:00] During a divorce, so many things are happening. Carrie explains why you may need a money coach.    [14:40] Curb emotional spending: how to deal and prevent retail therapy.   [19:30] How to improve your savings while still finding joy in having money.     KEY TAKEAWAYS:    Some women can spend $10,000 on a purse, but they're nervous about putting $10,000 into the stock market or investment.  Finances don't have to be complicated; there's a simple way to do it.  A money coach can support you in understanding the financial aspect of going through a divorce.   During the pandemic, people realized that they don't actually need a lot of stuff. Think about why you are shopping; is it emotional?     LINKS MENTIONED:    Website    https://carriecasden.com/    Facebook     https://www.facebook.com/carrie.casden/    Facebook Business    https://www.facebook.com/CarrieCasdenCoach/    Twitter     https://twitter.com/carrie_casden    Instagram     https://www.instagram.com/carriecasdencoach/    LinkedIn    https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriecasdencoach    BIO:  Carrie Casden is an established business manager and money coach who has been in practice for over 25 years.  She works with a wide array of clients helping them to understand their relationship with money and provides services that assist clients with taking care of their day to day financial needs.  She is the perfect blend of a financial quarterback and trainer 

Elizabeth Kelley, a criminal defense lawyer and editor of the book, Representing People with Dementia, A Practical Guide for Criminal Defense Lawyers, is our guest today. Elizabeth has her finger on the pulse of what is happening with people who commit crimes and have mental health issues. Unfortunately, the statistics on our preparedness in our prison system are pitiful. Elizabeth discusses the problems and has recommendations for families with a loved one experiencing these issues.  Don't miss this enlightening episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet.    IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:46] Elizabeth Kelley tells why she wrote her latest book and refers to a “silver tsunami” [03:14] The spectrum of cognitive decline manifests itself in many disturbing ways. Prisons now have an aging population and don't have the proper tools to service those who have mental disabilities [07:53] Elizabeth states that jails and prisons are the worst settings for these individuals [10:21] A person who has mental health issues is not exempt from the law. Therefore the family needs to monitor their behavior with counseling, testing, and some restrictions before the person does something wrong and is found criminally responsible [15:00] Loved ones caring for a patient need to reach out for assistance so they don't suffer from caregiver trauma [19:16] Elizabeth discusses the restraints placed on criminal defense lawyers and the unfair consequences often experienced by the offender and the victim   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   The prison population is getting older. And unfortunately, inmates with mental illnesses are not getting the treatment or placement they need.  Adults who may have once been pillars of society may do things they would have never thought of doing before they became ill. Unfortunately, they will not get better. The mental health system is unprepared for the onslaught of older adults suffering from mental illnesses.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Elizabeth Kelley - LinkedIn     Elizabeth Kelley - Facebook   Representing People with Dementia, A Practical Guide for Criminal Defense Lawyers    BIOGRAPHY:   Elizabeth Kelley is a criminal defense lawyer based in Spokane, Washington, with a nationwide practice specializing in representing people with mental disabilities. She is the editor of four books published by the American Bar Association (ABA): Representing People with Mental Disabilities: A Practical Guide for Criminal Defense Lawyers; Representing People with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Practical Guide for Criminal Defense Lawyers; Suicide and Its Impact on the Criminal Justice System (with Francesca Flood), and Representing People with Dementia: A Practical Guide for Criminal Defense Lawyers. She chairs The Arc's National Center for Criminal Justice and Disability Advisory Board, served three terms on the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) board, and serves on the ABA's Commission on Disability Rights and the Criminal Justice Council. In addition, she is a member of The Federal Lawyer Editorial Board.

Cynthia Haddad is the co-author of the book The Special Needs Planning Guide.  When it was published, it was a one-of-a-kind book advising family members of a disabled person on how to do estate planning. In addition, she discusses government benefits, non-profit agencies, public education entitlement, and other helpful topics.  Learn about a Letter of Intent and the elements to include. This book is in its second edition for a good reason. Don't miss this informative episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet.     IN THIS EPISODE:    [01:41] Cynthia Haddad tells why she co-wrote the book The Special Needs Planning Guide  [06:52] Cynthia suggests financial instruments that enable the disabled to inherit, and she stresses the need for an attorney  [08:23] Cynthia speaks about her brother with disabilities and how that led her to research and write the book  [11:15] What is the content of a letter of intent   [16:27] Cynthia discusses rivalries that come about regarding inheritance not being equal for all siblings and how vital communication during the planning stages is necessary     KEY TAKEAWAYS:    Planning and prior communication should occur when a will is drafted. When resources are not divided equally, it is helpful that all family members are aware beforehand.  A Letter of Intent covers personal details about the disabled family member that no one else would know but the parent. Therefore, it is an essential document.  The disabled can only benefit from governmental services if the proper financial plan exists.    RESOURCES:    Beyond the Balance Sheet Website    Cynthia Haddad  - Facebook    Cynthia Haddad - Website    Cynthia Haddad - LinkedIn    BIOGRAPHY:    Cynthia Haddad is a Certified Financial Planner Professional and a Chartered Special Needs Consultant. She is a founding partner and wealth advisor at Affinia Financial Group in Burlington, MA.  As a financial professional and advocate for her brother Ron, who has developmental disabilities, Cindy has dedicated her career to serving families like hers. She is a nationally sought-after speaker on planning for families of individuals with disabilities and co-author of the groundbreaking book, The Special Needs Planning Guide, now in its 2nd edition.  

Alexander (Alex) Brown is the Founder & Principal of Recover Hospitality. Alex's consulting and travel agency is dedicated to assisting individuals who struggle with mental health and addiction. Traveling to places associated with past substance use can be a trigger for individuals in recovery. Alex discusses planning vacations that allow individuals in recovery to travel successfully. He also discusses crisis intervention plans, accountability platforms and recovery-focused travel ideas. Tune in for some great ideas in this Beyond the Balance Sheet episode.    IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:36] Alex discusses his journey of substance use and why he left the hospitality industry.  [05:13] Alex suggests ways to stay sober while traveling and describes some of the pitfalls to avoid [06:35] Plan an active wellness vacation and avoid destinations where alcohol is the main activity. Look for recovery-focused travel locations  [10:21] Have a crisis intervention plan in place while traveling. When possible, have an accountability platform. [13:24] Alex talks about what support for the individual in recovery should look like, and the role of family members traveling with them [15:43] Air travel has its triggers. A crisis management relapse plan should be in place when air travel is involved [17:20] Finally, Alex shares tips on travel when mental health or addiction is an issue   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Contact a travel agent and tell them you want a non-alcoholic environment on your vacation.  If the agent questions you, they are probably not the right travel agent.  It is essential to create opportunities that help resist temptation when planning a vacation for an individual in recovery.  A wellness-focused destination for the sober traveler takes some of the stress out of vacation plans.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Alexander Brown - LinkedIn   Recover Hospitality - Website   BIOGRAPHY:   Alexander (Alex) Brown is the Founder & Principal of Recover Hospitality, a consulting company, and travel agency dedicated to increasing the accessibility of the hospitality industry for individuals who struggle with mental health and wellness, specifically addiction. Alex grew up in a family business that has owned and operated hotels since the 1960s. Alex worked in hospitality management for over a decade in both the rooms and food & beverage divisions. As a person in recovery, Alex knows the temptations in corporate and leisure travel; and has witnessed the toll addiction has taken on individuals, families, communities, and the hospitality industry. In 2017, after completing the sale of his family's 5-star boutique hotel, Alex left the day-to-day operations of the hospitality business and spent two years helping to build and manage a recovery coaching team for a health-technology company. During this time, Alex witnessed people in early recovery struggle to maintain connection and accountability when traveling. Many individuals chose not to travel or dine out due to the stressful environment. By establishing Recover Hospitality in 2021, Alex uses his personal experience in recovery, extensive hospitality knowledge, and coaching experience to limit temptations and add individualized support for travelers who have struggled with substance use and other mental health concerns.  Additionally, Recover Hospitality offers consulting services for hospitality businesses looking to better support the mental health of both guests and staff. Alex graduated with a degree in economics and business from Rollins College. In addition, he has completed the UMass Boston Addiction Counselor Education Program. He is pursuing a Master's in Social Work from Boston College, with a concentration in mental health and certification in neurobiology for social work.

Dr. Emeran Mayer is a Gastroenterologist, Neuroscientist, and Distinguished Research Professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine. Today he discusses bidirectional communication within the brain-gut microbiome system. The data Dr. Mayer presents is critical to understanding how the gut and the brain are interconnected. He shares information about the proper lifestyle to produce healthy communication between the brain and the gut.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:38] Dr. Mayer explains why he wrote his first book and what he learned from being a first-time author [04:08] The medical community is gradually changing how it views the body and the brain. There are definite connections between emotional well-being and physical health [06:00] Dr. Mayer explains the bidirectional connections between the brain and the gut [08:20] Western medicine has taken one view, but ancient healing systems have always viewed the gut as the place diseases start [13:24] When the environment in our gut changes, chemicals provide feedback to the brain.  [17:52] Several different therapies are being developed. An example is nutritional psychiatry [21:41] Dr. Mayer leaves us with his prescription for a healthier gut through diet and exercise   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   The gut has a substantial role in our overall health. There are direct links between the gut and the brain. Eating a plant-based diet, vigorous exercise, interrupting a sedentary lifestyle during the day, and meditation is vital to longevity. Holistic medicine has been on the right track by examining our gut's role in overall wellness.     RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Dr. Emeran Mayer - Website   Dr. Emeran Mayer - Newsletter   BIOGRAPHY: Emeran A Mayer is a Gastroenterologist, Neuroscientist, and Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, the Executive Director of the G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress & Resilience at UCLA and Founding Director of the Goodman Luskin Microbiome Center at UCLA. He is one of the pioneers and leading researchers in bidirectional communication within the brain-gut microbiome system with wide-ranging applications in intestinal and brain disorders. Dr. Mayer has published 410 scientific papers, co-edited three books, published the best-selling The Mind-Gut Connection book in 2016 and the Gut Immune Connection book in June 2021, and is currently working on a PBS documentary about the mind-gut connection. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2016 David McLean award from the American Psychosomatic Society and the 2017 Ismar Boas Medal from the German Society of Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases.

Bob Weinhold is a coach who works with affluent families. He assists them in transitioning the family business from one generation to the next. Bob also describes the obstacles both generations face that can hinder an effective transition. He discusses coachability, leadership, communication, and roadblocks to success. Finally, he shares solutions to the complex problem of letting go of the reins. Tune in today for answers where you thought there were none.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:34] Bob Weinhold shares his background and explains how he assists people by understanding their skill set and how that knowledge can serve them in business  [06:34] Wealthy families are connected not only because they are related but because their lives are interconnected across multi-generations in the workplace [08:03] The dynamic of successful succession between generations and advice that Bob gives to the patriarch or matriarch who is moving on [13:15] The NextGen should have opportunities early on in the company. Appreciation of the company and family name is essential to understanding the influence their family has had in the community [16:11] Communication patterns, historical ways of doing things, and safety in expressing your thoughts are common concerns in a multi-generational business [20:03] The dynamic of legacy should be nurtured and approached in a way that encourages the NextGen   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Understanding the history, influence, philanthropy, and employment opportunities that precede them will help the NextGen understand that their success is not just for themselves but for the community. Coachability plays a big part in the succession of the younger and older generation's ability to move on.  Both parties need to be good listeners. Communication is crucial in transitioning a business from one generation to the next. Obtaining a coach to guide them through the process is most helpful.   RESOURCES:   Beyond the Balance Sheet Website   Bob Weinhold - LinkedIn   Velocity Advisory Group Website   BIOGRAPHY: Bob Weinhold has spent his career helping individuals, teams, and organizations accomplish what they did not think possible. At his core, he connects deeply to help individuals, families, and businesses achieve results they could not imagine (but knew were necessary) while engaging employees and families to drive innovation, growth, and sustainability.  Bob began his career as a clinical therapist specializing in performance enhancement and concluded his healthcare career humbly serving as CEO for behavioral health hospitals and Health Care organizations. For the last nine years, he has served as a strategic advisor and executive leadership coach to Senior Executives, Families, and Businesses. As a Partner of Velocity Advisory Group, Bob oversees all Executive Coaching and Family Business delivery with the firm. Bob works with many multi-generation family businesses through leadership acceleration, succession, and family transition. He also works within many businesses directly with executives/teams in large publicly traded companies, private equity-based businesses, and family offices/enterprises. During his career, he has had the opportunity to work with Academic Institutions, state/local governmental agencies, many organizations in the nonprofit sector, licensing/accreditation/regulatory organizations, and high-level athletes, including time at the Olympics. 

Olivia Summerhill, the founder of the financial consulting company Summerhill Firm, works with affluent women through the divorce process, helping them to thrive post-divorce. Olivia firmly believes that women need to discover where they want to be and who they want to be before the divorce is final.  Divorce is complicated in any circumstance. However, it is even more complex when those of ultra-high net worth get divorced, and Olivia has suggestions for navigating through this challenging time. Hear about these suggestions and how bringing in the right professionals at the right time can make all the difference for the affluent woman facing divorce.    IN THIS EPISODE:    [01:40] Olivia Summerhill shares how Summerhill Firm and the skill she brings to the table enables women to thrive post-divorce  [02:46] She describes what is involved in the initial meeting with a client and some of the most significant complications a woman faces  [04:06] Other professionals become a valued source during the divorce process  [10:19] Olivia explains fear's role in the decision-making process. Fear is not only directed at finances but also at self-worth  [14:00] Olivia tells why there is not just one way to move on after divorce  [15:15] Collaborative divorce versus a divorce that is litigated and the intimidation women feel by the judicial process    KEY TAKEAWAYS:    Therapists, accountants, trust officers, child specialists, and luxury realtors are just a few professionals that may help negotiate a fair settlement.   If you want to create a fair playing field, a collaborative divorce is beneficial to both parties.  Women not only fear their financial future when getting a divorce, but they can also have fears of self-doubt and failing in another relationship.     RESOURCES:    Beyond the Balance Sheet Website    Summerhill Firm Website    Olivia Summerhill - LinkedIn    Olivia Summerhill - Facebook    BIOGRAPHY:  Olivia Summerhill is the founder of a financial consulting company, The Summerhill Firm, helping affluent women maintain their lifestyles and thrive post-divorce by educating and empowering them financially. Having over a decade of experience in wealth management and private banking, Olivia dedicates her time to protecting women. Her niche serves famous and high-profile women who need help navigating the financial complexities of divorce. She also consults with financial advisors and family offices to help their clients avoid divorce mistakes. Olivia is often highlighted in Forbes, US News, MSN, and other national media. In addition, she hosts a money coaching podcast called 'Divorce for Wealthy Women.' Among numerous other designations in finance, Olivia is a Certified Financial Planner, Divorce Financial Analyst, Divorce Specialist, Money Coach, and Psychology of Financial Planning Specialist.