The Talk Pod

Creekside Conversations is the place where we discuss some of the questions--many of them the BIG questions--that most people wrestle with at one time or another during their lifetime. In some episodes, we might dive into questions like: What is life all about? Or, what's the difference between "my truth" and "the truth?" In others, we might explore the science & religion topic, and in still others, we may end up discussing what happened to Saul of Tarsus on his way to Damascus. We invite you to join us... and let's see where our Creekside Conversation leads! 

ALIVE Books publisher, Eric Johnson, interviews Gary Hernbroth, author of "Twist the Familar: Your Playbook for Success, One Story at a Time."

As the world reels from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, many Americans are focused on gas prices and the stock market. But American author Ella Colic knows about the real cost of war. The real price is paid in lives lost, crushed dreams, experiencing terror, and having to leave everything behind--your family, your home, your friends, and your way of life. Ella didn't learn about this in a history class; she learned it from her family who kept their personal stories about war secret until she was old enough to understand. Listen, as Ella Colic shares about her groundbreaking book, "Trees Without Roots."

In this podcast, ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Portfolio Manager, John Gardner, gives listeners some great advice on what to expect in the months ahead as the world emerges form the Covid-19 pandemic. Once again, John shares his wisdom, telling listeners about proven, time-tested rules you need to know to succeed over the long term in investing. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

In this podcast, ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Portfolio Manager, John Gardner, recaps the "unprecedented" 2020 market, then explains how to successfully move forward using time-tested, conservative strategies in buying and selling stock options. Once again, John shares his wisdom, telling listeners about proven, time-tested rules you need to know to succeed over the long term in investing. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

The Talk Pod's wine and spirits expert, Elizabeth Kate, offers uplifting suggestions on how to say "Goodbye 2020" and celebrate the New Year with your favorite cocktail. It's time to let your hair down and let the good times roll!   

In this podcast episode of The Talk Pod, Eric Johnson discusses how massive media censorship impacted the 2020 election, and what needs to happen if Joe Biden truly believes he won the election, "fair and square." He points out how objective, critical thinking and common sense has been replaced by an all-to-easy acceptance of media-crafted narratives; ones designed to lead Americans even further away from critical thinking and sound judgement.

Despite all that's happened in 2020, The Talk Pod's wine and spirits expert, Elizabeth Kate, reminds us we can all be thankful that some of the best wines in the world are found right here, in California. Celebrate the holidays with a bottle or two!  

Talk Pod Founder and ALIVE Magazine Publisher Eric Johnson discusses how we will "Beat the Virus," the differences between Biden's and Trump's outlook for our future. Will our path be one of liberty and personal responsibility, or one of government-managed strict control?     

Talk Pod Founder and ALIVE Publisher Eric Johnson discusses the main stream media censorship of the recent New York Post story about Joe Biden corruption and the bombshell revelations of Hunter Biden's ex-business partner, Tony Bobulinski. The media blackout and censorship of this story is a very real danger to our democracy, as more of this story will come to light in the days to come.   

In this podcast, ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Portfolio Manager, John Gardner, discusses market "bubbles." He explains what they are, provides historic  examples, and considers whether we are in one now. Once again, John shares his wisdom, telling listeners about proven, time-tested rules you need to know to succeed over the long term in investing. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

In this podcast, ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Portfolio Manager, John Gardner, considers the 2020 election and how it may affect the stock market and the overall economy. Once again, John shares his wisdom, telling listeners about proven, time-tested rules you need to know to succeed over the long term in investing. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

In this podcast, ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Portfolio Manager, John Gardner, is at "halftime 2020", sharing a look back and a look forward for this year;  what happened, what's happening, and what he expects to happen in the months ahead. Once again, John shares his wisdom, telling listeners about the  proven, time-tested rules you need to know in order to succeed over the long term in investing. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

In this podcast, ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Advisor, John Gardner, explains what are the “Six Keys to Retirement Planning.” Once again, John shares his wisdom, telling listeners about the  proven, time-tested rules you need to know in order to succeed over the long term in investing. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

In this episode of The Talk Pod, wine and spirits expert Elizabeth Kate tells listeners all about the "All-American Original Whiskey," Bourbon.  

In this podcast, ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Advisor, John Gardner, discusses the "Seven Things Investors Must Know. " By explaining these time-tested principles, John helps listeners successfully navigate complex financial concerns through this most difficult time. Let John's vast experience be your guide as he explains proven, time-tested rules you need to know in order to succeed over the long term in investing. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

In this TalkPod episode, John provides listeners with an important update to his March 5th podcast.  The Coronavirus has changed lives worldwide, and damage done to the global financial markets is truly unprecedented. In this podcast, John offers a correction, as he now believes we should all prepare for an economic recession this year. 

In this podcast, ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Adviser, John Gardner provides some calming guidance regarding current market swings. John reminds listeners that making investment decisions based upon emotion is never a good strategy; stay calm, don’t panic, and think clearly and carefully. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

In this podcast, ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Adviser, John Gardner gives us his annual outlook for the new year (2020). In this (part two) John discusses specifics about the global market. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

In this podcast, ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Adviser, John Gardner gives us his annual outlook for the new year (2020). In this (part one) John discusses specifics about the US market. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

Time to celebrate--and nothing sets the mood better than a sparkling wine! In this episode, The Talk Pod's Wine & Spirits expert, Elizabeth Kate, discusses different varieties of sparkling wine, including Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Lambrusco, and others. Listen, learn, and enjoy! 

Elizabeth Kate explains how the versatile Chenin Blanc grape may be the perfect choice for so many of your holiday wine needs. While often overlooked in the United States, Chenin Blanc’s vast range—from dry to sweet—makes it an easy choice to compliment just about anything on your holiday table. So, go ahead and explore and enjoy, Chenin Blanc!

In this podcast, ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Adviser, John Gardner, continues his discussion about his “Top Ten Tenets of Investing.” In this final segment of this two-part series, John discusses and explains additional proven, time-tested rules you need to know in order to succeed over the long term in investing. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

ALIVE Magazine columnist, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Adviser, John Gardner, discusses his “Top Ten Tenets of Investing.” In this two-part series, John discusses and explains proven, time-tested rules you need to know in order to succeed over the long term in investing. While John specializes in counseling high net-worth investors, his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

In this podcast, John Gardner shares with Talk Pod listeners what he calls the “Windows of Retirement”—the important ages in life relating to retirement savings, withdrawals, taxes, and Social Security benefits. John is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Portfolio Manager who works with high net-worth investors, but his sound advice is applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

John Gardner introduces Talk Pod listeners to the unique, foundational principles he employs in his practice as founder and principal of three successful investment and wealth management companies. While John is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Portfolio Manager who works with high net-worth investors, his advice is sound and applicable to listeners of all income levels. Listen and learn!

This is publisher Eric Johnson's interview with the author of the historical autobiography, "Displaced." In this interview, Kapus shares how his family left Budapest during the waning years of WWII, as Stalin's troops began their brutal occupation of the Hungarian homeland. Leaving everything behind, the Kapus family eventually arrived in Berkeley, California, to become proud American citizens. Kapus' unique perspective on socialism is particularly relevant today.   

We've all heard about the amazing benefits of the coming 5G technology, but do we know the risks? This rollout is happening, even though the long term health effects are unknown. As current 4G EMF exposure is already linked to numerous health risks like reproductive harm, DNA damage, and even certain types of cancer, Americans need to be educated about 5G and the significant increase in heath risk it brings. This is a first in a series of podcasts about 5G, so be sure to follow The Talk Pod, and visit TheTalkPod.com for links to scientific research about 5G.     

This exclusive 43 minute interview with Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the Moon, with ALIVE Magazine publisher Eric Johnson, was recorded soon after the USS Hornet's (the Apollo 11 recovery ship) "Splashdown 40" event in July 2009. The complete interview was featured in the October 2009 issue of ALIVE East Bay Magazine.

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Eric Johnson talks about divisions in America today.

Elizabeth Kate tells us all about Los Angeles' recent "Effervescence LA," the USA's premier Champagne and Sparkling Wine event. 

Elizabeth Kate talks about sweet wines and Tawny Port; perfect pairings with chocolate and desserts.

The Talk Pod and ALIVE Magazine's wine and spirits expert, Elizabeth Kate, tell us all about this All-American, "sophisticated" cocktail. Whether shaken or stirred, it is meant to be enjoyed. Here's how.  

Forget about "saving" that bottle of Champagne and other sparkling wines for some "special" occasion--make every event special by serving and enjoying sparkling wine!

What effect will the devastating fires in California this past October have on the Napa and Sonoma wine industry?

Elizabeth Kate shares with our listeners where and how to enjoy what Mexico (Baja California) has to offer to wine and adventure lovers.

Wine and spirits expert Elizabeth Kate introduces The Talk Pod listeners to the "Stars of Pinot." 

Eric Johnson continues his discussion about how and why Donald Trump was elected, and why many people support him today.

Elizabeth Kate tells us all about the amazing Greenbar Craft Distillery and the organic spirits they produce.

Eric Johnson looks at what enabled Donald Trump to win the Presidency and who voted for him.

Elizabeth Kate discusses sparkling wines.

Elizabeth Kate discusses dessert wines - and how to make your holiday sweet!  

Elizabeth Kate discusses Thanksgiving wine.

Elizabeth Kate discusses the pleasures of bitters.

Tired of wine? Elizabeth Kate suggest trying gin for a change!

Elizabeth Kate discusses quality wines from Australia.

Elizabeth Kate talks about "The Best Wines of Summer" 

Elizabeth Kate explains why we should buy good wine.