The Bull's Eye Podcast

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!This week on The Bull's Eye Podcast, we hit the gas and go full throttle from one of the most iconic venues in the world - Bristol Motor Speedway! We're joined by the powerhouse himself, Drew Bedard, Vice President of Marketing at BMS, for an insider look at how this legendary track has become more than just a racing destination.From legendary NASCAR weekends and high-energy concerts to wild dirt track makeovers, viral YouTubers, social media stars, and even college football showdowns — Bristol Motor Speedway has hosted it all. What's next you ask? Only one of the most historic sporting events ever: the 2025 Speedway Classic, where the Atlanta Braves will take on the Cincinnati Reds in the first-ever Major League Baseball game at The Last Great Coliseum —August 2nd, 2025.This episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, marketing magic, and a glimpse at the future of one of the world's most versatile venues. Don't miss this high-octane conversation from the heart of Thunder Valley!

In this episode, we're joined by Steven Pedersen, Recruiter and Engagement Coordinator with Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee, for an inspiring conversation about the power of mentorship and the vital role it plays in our community. We dive into:- The local need for volunteers and how you can get involved- Real-life match stories that show the life-changing impact of mentorship- Steven's own experience as a Big- How BBBS prioritizes child safety- The organization's community events, fundraising efforts, and moreWhether you're curious about becoming a mentor, supporting youth in your area, or just want to hear some heartwarming stories—this episode hits the mark.

Join us in honoring Caitlyn's legacy. In this heartfelt and powerful episode, we're joined by Darrell and Sharon Duncan, who share the story of their daughter Caitlyn, whose life was tragically cut short at just 17 years old. Through this incredibly tragic loss, they've built a legacy in Caitlyn's honor that continues to inspire and impact young lives.We talk about the Caitlyn Duncan Memorial Scholarship, and the Duncan's' meaningful partnerships with the Dobyns-Bennett High School Marching Band and Intercity Ballet — two organizations that were deeply connected to Caitlyn's passions.This episode is a touching reminder of the strength found in love, community, and purpose.

Join us this week on the Bull's Eye Podcast where we aim straight for the hottest topics of the new year! In this special 2025 predictions episode, we break out the crystal ball (and some solid analysis) to make bold predictions for the year ahead. We also dive into the 2025 Presidential Inauguration and share some funny insights on the matter from our POV. Expect sharp takes, unexpected twists, and maybe a few wild guesses that just might come true. Whether you're genuinely curious or just here for the vibes, we've got you covered. Subscribe now and join us as we set our sights on 2025 - Bull's Eye style!

We're thrilled to welcome our friend, the volunteer extraordinaire, Mindy Sams (aka Mandy Sims), to the show! Together, we dive into the incredible work happening locally with Petworks and explore the ever-fascinating world of insurance (yes, it can be fun[ish]—we promise!). But that's not all! We spotted a fanny pack in the wild, traded a handful of corny jokes, and put Mindy in the hot seat with our infamous lightning round. Laughter, insights, and surprises are guaranteed. Tune in and enjoy the fun!

Get ready for holiday cheer and lively debates as we unwrap our Christmas Special! We'll kick things off with the verdict on our bold 2024 predictions—did we nail them or miss the mark? Then, imagine Santa as a CEO: how would the jolly man in red handle corporate strategy? We'll also dive into some festive controversies: colored vs. white Christmas lights, and the age-old battle of paper wrapping vs. gift bags. Plus, the ultimate showdown, what is *truly* the best Christmas movie of all time? Join us for laughs, insights, and a holly jolly good time this holiday season!

Yes, you read that correctly... All kinds of turkey talk with hint of behavioral econ and a dash of richness. Got questions? Call 1-800-BUTTERBALL.

3 words... Kaylee. Is. Back. We re-cap our best/worst dogs, take a deep dive into the insane amount of cash flowing through Halloween 2024, and the trendy costumes that come with it! We round out the episode by discussing the 50th Anniversary of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act!

Join us this week as we unpack the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in our region. We also give a happy birthday shoutout to President Jimmy Carter, update you on interest rate drops, introduce you to a true American hero from Texas, and finally, we learn our bananas may be in trouble...

In this episode we find ourselves a bit "doomed and gloomed" while discussing the current real estate market, but we bounce right back with exciting news of Kimball Sterling being our guest speaker for Septembers Lunch & Learn! In a contentious debate, we rank the best and worst dogs—spoiler alert, Chihuahuas are surprisingly polarizing. Also, with football season in full swing, we had to talk about our TN VOLS! Join us at the Lunch & Learn on September 24 from noon-1pm. Please RSVP to connect@afiadvisors.com.

Listen in as Brian and Josh discuss some of the exciting things coming from the 2024 Paris Olympics, including the debut of USA's newest mascot... Snoop Dogg! They also take a stab at piecing together the many things that led to the recent stock market scare. Lastly, are you a retiree? Do you have a story to tell? You may be a great candidate for our upcoming "Life After Work" series! Reach out to us at connect@afiadvisors.com to get the conversation started.

Peter is back with us this week as we discuss the MANY things going on in our world today. Included but not limited to: Congratulating the University of Tennessee Baseball team on their 2024 National Championship, the kind of wild and weird Presidential debate, some fun July 4th facts, and the importance of your first wealth to be your health.

You don't want to miss this episode as we welcome in Nicole Austin, Director of Member Engagement with Your Kingsport Chamber to the podcast. If you are looking for a WEALTH of information as to what the Chamber can do for you, then look no further! Of course, we had to toss Nicole in the hot seat for our Lighting Round... And she killed it!

We head down the road to interview (4) select students from the Dobyns-Bennett Band Program - to see how they stack up against our (4) financial questions! We want to give a HUGE thank you to Dr. Lafe Cook and The Dobyns-Bennett Band Program for allowing us this opportunity, and for everything they do for our community and beyond. Check out our YouTube Channel to see each students video!

You do not want to miss this episode! Desteny Clemons joins us to chat about her role with Healthy Kingsport, the impact of this program on the community, and a LOT of shenanigans! Let's help her spread the word! Healthy Kingsport is creating a community that is a healthier place to live, work, learn and play while fostering an environment for individuals to actively embrace healthy living by utilizing resources within their three areas of focus: healthy community, healthy schools and healthy workplaces. Visit Healthy Kingsport Website Email Desteny Clemons

Wow. This episode is jam packed with goodies! We cordially invite you to our Ribbon Cutting on May 16th @ 4:30pm. We also take some time to chat about BrewHaHa with Your Kingsport Chamber, an uneventful eclipse, the percentage of Americans who own stocks, anddddd the terrible W4 system that is causing folks not to withhold enough for tax time! Got questions? Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com.

We finally get the entire group back together and it's shenanigans as usual. We slice up some march madness facts, mix in a little confusion, and then add a dash of good market news. Voilà! Episode 6 is now served!

We are excited to have Peter back in the studio! I want to give a special thanks to Robert for being a great sport with our tax questions last week. Listen in as we talk about the ETSU kids putt heard round the world, where schools might be missing out, and some incredible moments in history from March 8!

We had Robert Ingram, General Counsel & Tax Advisor for AFI Advisors join the Bullseye! Robert is a key piece of our strategically woven fabric and we think you should get to know him. Listen in while we discuss Boy Scouts, conspiracy's, Joe Gibbs, and of course... TAXES! Questions? Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com.

Taylor & Foozball Guy, Disney, Microsoft, Ai, Dow Jones, Shohei Ohtani, Robot Lovers, Robot Doctors, Election, Votes.... Did we leave anything out? Send in your 2024 predictions to connect@afiadvisors.com!

As humans, we have an extreme bias against loss. It is how we have survived as a species. The problem is, just like in life, excess fear and the inability to handle fear often leads to us missing out on the best things. The same is true for investing. At our January lunch & learn, we discussed how to deal with that fear and provided some tools to help manage it going forward so that we don't miss out on the best that life has to offer.

It's crazy to think we are starting season 3 of the podcast. Thank you to everyone who faithfully listens, participates, and drops by to join in the fun. Good luck with any/all resolutions and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We want to wish a very special Merry Christmas to all of our listeners near and far! We hope that EVEYONE made that "nice" list, and that Santa is extra good to you this year! Enjoy our Christmas Special and we will see you in 2024!

We want to welcome Jonathon Albarado, Director of Development with KPT B&G Club to the podcast! We had a great conversation about the impact that our local Boys & Girls club has on our region. What a huge resource this is for ALL parents, and an even bigger opportunity for the students involved. Listen to learn more about the vast programs you might be missing out on! Become a member - ONLY $50/YEAR for each student. Please visit www.kbgc.org to learn more and get signed up.

Brian is back and he's slingin' side dishes! We bid farewell to a so so November and welcome in the Christmas season. We also take a moment to reflect on the life and works of Mr. Charlie Munger. Did you know that 30% of annual donations are handed out in the month of December? It's ok... I didn't either! Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com to join in on the action.

Ever heard of "too much to list"? This episode is just that! We bring in Kaylee Feathers, Investment Assistant here at AFI, to get in on the podcast action. Things included, but not limited to: Tribe chop, Nate Bargatze, electric screwdriver, lost dogs, yoo-hoo, cheap turkeys, and MORE!

That's right... New office, same ol' podcast! We are coming to you live-ish from our brand new building and we are ready to put it to good use. Join us as we recap a VERY busy month of October, reveal our newest project called Time Well Spent, and update you on the Federal Reserve pausing rate hikes. Email us at connect@afiadvisors to reserve your spot at our first lunch-n-learn!

It's not everyday Michael Myers walks into your room... We take a fun dive into the unique career of Dick Warlock to hear about his time as Michael Myers, Stuntman for Kurt Russell, and much more! Come out to The Model City Monster Bash on October 28th at the Kingsport Farmers Market From 7-11pm. Dick will be the guest judge for the costume contest! Go to www.kingsportchamber.org to purchase your tickets now!

In this episode, Peter and Brian share about their ventures in leadership and guest speaking. The Kiwanis Club of Kingsport provides a newly formed grant to the boundless playground, and we get a little impulsive toward the end... Have you made impulsive purchases before? Share them with us at connect@afiadvisors.com.

We'd like to welcome our special guest, "SIRI", to the podcast this week! Also... Josh and Brian have a very surface level conversation regarding the Super Blue Moon, VOLS Football, and energy drinks. Wanna dive deep with us? Answer the (6) questions in this podcast and receive a FREE GIFT on us! Send in your answers to connect@afiadvisors.com.

We are back with an all new episode of the podcast! Listen this week as we tackle incredibly important topics such as: Superior sodas, Buc-cees Beaver Nuggets, hanging out with World Series Champion Darryl Strawberry, and how Artificial Intelligence is coming after your white collar corporate job! Have questions, or are just simply afraid? Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com for all of the answers!

Welcome back! We celebrated another Independence Day with record sales on all things that go BOOM! In case you didn't know, there is a new gas station that opened up with clean bathrooms. We finally have a verdict on the student loan forgiveness program, and we finish strong with the future of driving. Email all your answers and suggestions to connect@afiadvisors.com.

We are back with more financial confessions! Listen in to see if yours is on this weeks episode. Want to join in the fun? Send in your completely anonymous financial confessions to connect@afiadvisors.com to be addressed on the podcast. Let's all help spread the word of what NOT to do with our finances, and hopefully prevent some future hiccups along the way.

Join us as we dive into volume 1 of our financial confessions series! Let's all learn from one another's mistakes and how to dodge some big financial misfortunes. We also discuss the debt ceiling resolution, student loan payments getting back into full swing, and snow cones. Yes, I said snow cones. Send in your financial confessions (complete discretion guaranteed) to connect@afiadvisors.com so we can spread the news of what NOT to do with your money!

We want to wish Peter and Nolan the happiest of double digit birthdays! It seems as though Ai paranoia is setting in and folks are getting just a tad concerned. Things are still at a stand still with the debt ceiling, but we are hopeful for some positive news soon... Lastly we want to introduce a new series titled "Financial Confessions" . Tell us about some of your biggest financial mistakes and how that impacted you. This will all be anonymous! We want to evaluate these situations so other listeners can learn from some of these common hiccups. Send in that info to connect@afiadvisors.com.

Nolan puts his stamp on the show by recording our intro & outro like a champ! We somehow find ourselves caught in the middle of Cinco de Mayo and May The 4th Be With You... Chris shoots over a question from Nebraska, concerning FDIC insurance for businesses. We have more banks going under - what is happening? Lastly we revisit the highly important topic of scholarship hacking from Ryan Kelly. Want to send in some questions for Ryan to cover? Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com.

Ryan Kelly is a $150,000 scholarship winner, debt-free college graduate, and scholarship expert and coach. In 11th grade, she began applying for a variety of scholarships while figuring out winning techniques and strategies through trial and error.  Despite starting with no scholarship experience and receiving no financial assistance from filing the FAFSA, Ryan earned enough scholarships to completely cover tuition, room, board, books, fees, transportation, and even a semester interning in Washington D.C. Once Ryan graduated debt-free, family friends began asking for scholarship guidance and she hasn't looked back since! Now, Ryan mentors families across the nation on how to pay for college the RIGHT way and avoid crippling student loan debt. Ryan shares scholarship opportunities and hacks on TikTok @Ryan.Kel and coaches families through the step-by-step process of finding, applying for and winning scholarships in her signature coaching program, “Get Paid to Go to College”. Ryan could not be prouder as her students are winning tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships of their own! Ryan KellyScholarship Navigator Scholarship Coaching & Consultingryan@scholarshipnavigator.com

Basketball, baseball, golf,.... oh my! Happy Easter everyone! Join us for a conversation on how social media can directly impact the market, and your dollars! Send in your questions to connect@afiadvisors.com and don't forget your free Bullseye Podcast koozie!

Happiest of birthday's to our fearless Portfolio Manager, Brian Brummett! Dearest Arizona, Alabama, and Houston... Thanks for busting our brackets and our wallets. Are you attending BrewHaHa 2023? So many pizza vendors, tasty beers, and live comedy shows ---> http://www.kingsportchamber.org/brewhaha Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) failed after a bank run, making it the second-largest bank failure in United States history and the largest since the 2007–2008 financial crisis. Have questions for the show? Want a Koozie? Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com!

Please help us welcome our friend Misty Hill to the podcast! She was brave enough to pick up the fourth mic and jump head first into all of the shenanigans. In this episode, we will be diving into some of the challenges that women face in the workplace, the progress that has been made, and the work that still needs to be done. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we have an engaging conversation about women in the workforce. Have mortgage needs/questions? Feel free to contact Misty directly, and let her know you heard the podcast! Misty Hill Peoples Home Equity - The Arrowood Team https://arrowoodteam.com/ mhill@peopleshomeequity.com

In the words of Beyoncé - "Who run the world? GIRLS!" We try our best to "MANsplain" International Women's Day and celebrate the growth of women in the workforce. Josh also finds out he has been lied to his entire life about truly being a BOY SCOUT! Have any listeners actually been Snipe hunting? Please email us at connect@afiadvisors.com to tell us your story. We round out the show with a call to action regarding 4 day work weeks!

Let's all continue to support Brian on his quest for NEW THINGS! From jeans to basketball games... who knows what he might experience next. The AFI guys will be heading to support The Boy Scouts of America at the 2023 Distinguished Citizens Dinner and hopefully getting a Dale Earnhardt hat signed by Richard Childress, CEO of Richard Childress Racing. Peter and Brian discuss the possibility of safe moves with bonds, and we sound the siren for this year's taxes! Want to ask a question? Want a koozie? Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com.

The Chinese spy balloon makes another quick circle around the podcast recording room! Are we having a small market rally? Ai is the new craze, but could we be evolving into our own demise? Lastly - don't church up your vocabulary! Questions for the show? Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com.

Whether you celebrate Valentines Day or Singles Awareness Day... This show is for you! Don't bring me flowers, bring me a MIXTAPE! Join us as we pay homage to Dr. Sheldon Cooper, and go Chinese balloon hunting over Myrtle Beach, SC. Josh and Brian also weigh in on Super Bowl LVII predictions. Want to send some questions our way? Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com!

We are so happy to have Liz Bennett, Director of Holston Business Development Center (HBDC), join in the podcast fun this week! We want to help spread the message of HBDC and let everyone know of these amazing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and future business owners via their partnerships. We also get to ask so many questions about the Japanese culture and the role it's played in Liz's career, all while hitting her with a SURPRISE "lightning round"! Check out the new "CO.STARTERS" class offered in Kingsport, TN. CO.STARTERS is a cohort-based program that equips entrepreneurs of all kinds with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action. The only real prerequisites to joining the program are: (1) Having an idea (2) Being willing to question, shape and fine-tune that idea (3) Being willing to talk about the idea with others Classes Start February 1 -- 10 Weeks (Every Wednesday Night) 6-9pm at the Create Appalachia Building (old city hall building) Email Liz at admin@hbdc.org to sign up.

Happy 77th Birthday to our friend and long time Bull's Eye listener, Miss Dolly Parton! We wouldn't be here today without her support. We have some updated news rolling in regarding the current debt ceiling crisis and where that may lead. Also, are you one of the many who applied for student loan forgiveness? I hope you have not spent that money somewhere else yet, because the Supreme Court is hoping to rule by mid summer 2023 if the program is legal or not. Lastly, automation is everywhere and we are all doomed to be replaced by robot brains! Have questions for the show? Concerns? Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com.

We are BACK! Happy New Year to everyone, and thank you for coming back for more in 2023. We would be remised to not dive into new years resolutions and all that comes with them. Are you aware of what the most popular towns to celebrate new years are? What about the most expensive ones? We do... We want to hear about YOUR resolutions. Have you heard of any "odd" resolutions? Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com and tell us all about it. We would love to discuss on an upcoming show!

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope you enjoy this special edition of the podcast. We had a blast making it, and we hope it brings you some giggles along the way. Take a listen and share with friends! Want to reply to some of our questions on this episode? Email us at connect@afiadvisors.com!

Episode 31! Wow... Seems like just yesterday when Peter and Josh started recording a low quality episode 1. Look at us now! We find out that Peters lucky number is 31... weird right? AFI wins the Staying Power Award at the 2022 KOSBE Celebration, and Josh finally gets an amazing breakfast! We have a debate that's non debatable in regards to the best Christmas movie of all time (hint - "I don't knowwwww MARGO"). Did you know 25% of millennials are now living with their parents? Sigh, come on guys, we are better than this! Lastly - Brian visits the monetary value of the "12 Days of Christmas" and attempts to sell Josh all at the same time. I am pretty sure this MIGHT be against the law? What's your favorite Christmas movie? We want to know for our Christmas special this week! Send in your answers to connect@afiadvisors.com!