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On July 4th, 2026, the United States marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence announced a new nation to the world. But how well do we actually know the document we're celebrating? Most of us can recite "We hold these truths to be self-evident," but how many of us have read all 1,337 words, and traced the argument the Declaration actually makes? Danielle Allen, the James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University and author of Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality, reveals how New Hampshire's desperate need for a functioning government set the Continental Congress on the path toward independence, why the Declaration was authored by many voices — not just Thomas Jefferson — and how a slow, careful reading of the document uncovers a powerful argument that freedom and equality are entwined. You cannot have one without the other. This is the essential starting point for Ben Franklin's World's Independence at 250 series. Danielle's Website | Book | Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/018 RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

In this episode of the WIIRE podcast, we're getting personal about the mindset behind building a real estate portfolio as women, beyond the constant “hustle harder” messaging. Using Amelia's journey from taking almost a year off buying to closing on another 11‑unit, we unpack: How we define seasons of scaling and stabilizing in our businesses Why nonstop growth without a stabilizing season leads to burnout, chaos, and risky over‑leverage How we've used pruning (selling what no longer serves us) to create space and capital for better deals The role of divine timing, preparation, and working capital in landing the right opportunities How each property has been a building block, not a home run—and how those reps built our confidence We also share candidly about: Choosing to be the bigger person with tenants, contractors, and lenders Letting go of the need to “win” every conflict to protect our peace How masterminds and community helped us think bigger, invest in coaching, and normalize 7‑figure goals Why being in rooms with ambitious women investors completely changed our trajectory If you're a woman trying to decide when to push, when to rest, and how to think bigger in real estate, we recorded this episode for you.     Resources: Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

When we picture the American Revolution, we picture battles. But for the men and women who actually lived and fought in it, the Revolution was also a job with mess rotations, night watches, short rations, and children underfoot. Historians Eugene Procknow, Gabriel Neville, and Thomas Sobol pull back the curtain on everyday military life during the War for Independence. They discuss how the armies were structured, what soldiers actually ate, what camp followers endured, and how soldiers found humanity amid grinding hardship. You'll hear about a Black Continental soldier who had eaten nothing but bread for eleven days, and was still writing letters home that went unanswered. A Georgia soldier who agreed to fight for the British just to escape a prison ship, then deserted and marched across two states to rejoin Nathanael Greene's army. And you'll discover why John Adams believed the most dangerous moment of the Revolution wasn't a battle at all.Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/403 EPISODE OUTLINE00:00:00  Introduction00:05:44 Structure of the British and Continental Armies00:10:33 Militia, German Soldiers, and Indian Allies00:20:43 Everyday Life in the American War for Independence00:25:80 Camp Followers00:33:10 Downtime in the Army00:36:59 Soldiers' Letters00:46:00 Food Procurement & Supply Chains00:50:27 Supplementing Rations00:55:34 War Mementoes & Plunder00:58:36 Medical Care in the Army01:08:07 The Revolution in ContextRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

Unlock what real luxury really means in short‑term rentals with hospitality and branding expert Katie Cline, former PR lead for brands like Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, and St. Regis. In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into how female real estate investors can elevate their STR, MTR, and LTR portfolios through hospitality, design, and guest experience—without overspending. In this episode, we cover: How Katie went from UK long-term landlord to profitable US short‑term rental investor Why hospitality is a non‑negotiable skill for real estate investors (even for long- and mid‑term rentals) The “art of the arrival” and how the first 10 minutes shape reviews, referrals, and repeat bookings Practical luxury: the small details that feel high‑end (think: linens, hair dryers, cookware, amenities) Smart policies for bachelorette groups and high‑energy stays that still protect your asset Personalization strategies that help you stand out on Airbnb and Vrbo Branding your property: naming, storytelling, and designing for your actual ideal guest If you're a female real estate investor building wealth with short‑term rentals, vacation homes, or mid‑term rentals, this conversation will show you how to think like a luxury hotelier while staying profitable.     Resources: Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Check out what Katie is up to next on Instagram  Listen to Katie's podcast Get the rest of the deets on Katie's ventures Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Connect with us on Instagram

Most of us learned the same story: During the winter at Valley Forge, George Washington's army suffered and endured. Ragged soldiers huddled together in frozen huts and gnawed on shoe leather for food. But what if that story is mostly myth? Military historian Ricardo Herrera, author of Feeding Washington's Army: Surviving the Valley Forge Winter of 1778, reveals what was really happening during the winter of 1777–1778. Valley Forge wasn't a place of frozen inactivity, it was a hub of military operations. The army's survival depended not on virtue and willpower alone, but on the armed foraging columns Washington sent into the Pennsylvania countryside to seize food, horses, and supplies from the civilians he was fighting to protect. Rick's Website | Book |Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/348 RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

As women investors, we were taught how to grow portfolios—not how to actually pay ourselves from them. In this episode, we break down the difference between our business making money and us taking home money, and why we both spent years feeling “cash poor” despite owning strong portfolios. We share why we started paying ourselves (even when it felt “too small to matter”) to avoid resentment and burnout, and how you can do the same—whether that's a few hundred dollars a month or strategic lump‑sum payouts. We walk through: How our LLCs are set up and what they actually do (liability, not magic tax shelters) How we use owner distributions and contributions without triggering new taxable events The simple rules we follow to avoid commingling funds How we use bookkeeping, P&Ls, and regular CFO meetings to decide what we can safely pay ourselves How each of us handles big checks from sales or refinances while still funding taxes, reserves, and future deals We'll show you how we let our portfolios actually serve us, not just look good on paper.       Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

Join us as we unveil the upcoming WIIRE Summer Camp, a unique blend of real estate, networking, and outdoor fun designed specifically for women investors. Discover how this experience can elevate your confidence, connections, and business, all in a stress-free, fun setting.In this episode, you will learn: The origins and vision behind WIIRE Summer Camp, and how it evolved from our retreats and events Why being in proximity to women building wealth transforms your mindset and results The balance of real estate education, networking, and fun activities in the camp How Summer Camp fosters genuine connections, collaborations, and private money opportunities The details on lodging, amenities, and all-inclusive pricing for an effortless experience Testimonials from past retreats highlighting community, confidence, and practical growth How to easily join, including creating buddy systems and support for introverts Our core values: authenticity, fun, collaboration, and anti-fluff culture As we wrap up this episode, we hope you're as excited as we are about the WIIRE Summer Camp. It's more than just an event; it's a movement towards empowering women in real estate. Whether you're looking to expand your network, gain new insights, or simply enjoy a refreshing break with like-minded individuals, this camp promises to deliver. We look forward to seeing you there and witnessing the incredible transformations that await. Let's continue to build a community where women thrive and succeed together.       Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Get all the deets on joining us at 2026 WIIRE Summer Camp Check out Steadily for all your rental property insurance needs Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

Pest control isn't just about bugs. It's how we think about being proactive landlords who protect profit, reduce stress, and create a better tenant experience. We've learned that waiting for problems to happen is one of the most expensive mistakes we can make. Spending $50–$150 quarterly on preventative pest control is far cheaper than dealing with emergencies, tenant turnover, or property damage later. The bigger shift for us has been thinking ahead. We make sure our leases clearly outline pest responsibilities, we communicate expectations with tenants, and we stay on top of regular inspections so small issues don't turn into big ones. We also approach properties differently: With single-family homes, tenants often handle pests With multifamily, we take more responsibility to prevent issues from spreading From experience, we know how quickly things can escalate—one pest issue can lead to damage, bad reviews, or a tenant moving out. At the end of the day, we remind ourselves: it's not about the cost, it's about what that cost prevents. Our goal is simple: solve problems before our tenants ever see them.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence contained 28 grievances against King George III — not 27. The final grievance, the one Congress cut before signing, accused the British king of waging cruel war against human nature by trafficking enslaved Africans across the Atlantic, forcing slavery onto unwilling American colonists, and then inciting those same enslaved people to rise up and kill their enslavers. Did King George III and the British monarchy actually bear responsibility for slavery in the 13 colonies? Or was Jefferson's grievance a strategic sleight of hand — an attempt to pin a uniquely American system onto the crown he wanted to escape? Historian Brooke Newman, author of The Crown's Silence: The Hidden History of the British Monarchy and Slavery, joins us to find out. She traces the British monarchy's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade from Queen Elizabeth I through King George III, examines what Jefferson got right and what he got wrong, and delivers her verdict on one of the most explosive what-ifs in United States history. Brooke's Website | Book |Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/440 EPISODE OUTLINE00:00:00  Introduction00:01:24 Episode Welcome and Jefferson's Cut Grievance00:03:15 Guest Introduction: Brooke Newman00:04:58 Jefferson's Claim and Brooke's Research Origins00:09:28 Timeline of Monarchies and Terminology00:12:03 England Enters the Slave Trade under Elizabeth I00:17:41 Crown Investments and Royal African Company00:30:15 Colonies Structured for Slavery00:37:02 Logistics of the Slave Trade by Revolution00:47:01 King George III's Views on Slavery00:52:20 Virginia's 1772 Slave Trade Ban and Royal Veto00:57:35 Dunmore's Proclamation: Not a Royal Act01:01:17 Was George III to Blame? Jefferson's Strategy01:04:26 Time Warp: If George III Abolished Slavery01:10:56 ConclusionRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

This week on ElevenAfterNine, we're slowing things down to tackle one of the most debated topics in the Porsche community: "Do I upgrade my car or upgrade the Model?"Today, we do the math on the $10,000 Dilemma: Should you save that extra cash to jump a trim level, or should you spend it on the "Touchpoints" and "Soundtracks" that actually create the "Fizz"?Support the Show:If you enjoyed this episode, the best way to support us is to leave a review!Apple Podcasts: Leave a Review HereSpotify: Rate us on SpotifyJoin the ElevenAfterNine Community:Official Website: ElevenAfterNine.comInstagram: @theelevenafternineSubscribe to the Podcast Channel: @ElevenAfterNinePodcastAre you Team Upgrade Car or Model? Let me know in the comments below!#ElevenAfterNine #Porsche #981Boxster #Porsche911 #CarMods #PorscheCulture #DrivingExperience #BaseVsS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we sit down with investor Kasey Hilgers and unpack the dark side of private money lending. We walk through how Kasey's very first deal—a $30K second-position lien on a nearly finished flip—went sideways when the borrower failed to refinance and her money was stuck for years. We talk about: Why second-position liens are so much riskier and what it means when the first-position lender can wipe us out How scaling too fast, sloppy bookkeeping, and “robbing Peter to pay Paul” put our capital at risk as private lenders The creative strategy we used with a DSCR lender so Casey could take over the property and claw back her $30K How we underwrite now: vetting both borrower and deal, insisting on a recorded promissory note and deed of trust, and avoiding “silent seconds” How we decide how much we can emotionally and financially afford to lose on any one loan We wrap by debating what matters more to us as lenders—a great deal or a great borrower—and how that answer has evolved.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Connect with Kasey on Instagram Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass stood before the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society and asked one of the most searing questions in American history: "What, to the slave, is the Fourth of July?" To answer Douglass's question, we have to go back to the Revolution itself; to the choices Black Americans made in wartime, to the ways they read, used, and interrogated the Declaration of Independence, and to the alternative celebrations they created when the Fourth of July felt like someone else's holiday. Historians Christopher Bonner and Martha S. Jones help us explore what the Fourth of July meant for African Americans in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and how their experiences with the Fourth contributed to the larger history of the nation's founding. Christopher's Website | Book Martha's Website | BookShow Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/277 RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

In this episode of the WIIRE podcast, we sit down with Katie Johnson, real estate attorney, STR investor, and founder of STR Law, to unpack when a rental management company actually protects us as investors—and when it's just extra complexity. Katie, who's been investing in short‑term rentals since 2015, walks us through: Why even one short‑term rental often belongs in its own LLC, illustrated by a real $11.6M lawsuit. The four pillars of protection we should have in place: the right insurance, solid LLC structure, proactive safety procedures, and a strong rental agreement (and what those agreements don't cover). How to think about holding companies vs. management companies, and when it really makes sense for us to create a separate management entity—especially if we manage for others. Common mistakes we might be making, like commingling funds, failing to deed properties into the LLC, and forgetting to update insurance after transfers. How deed restrictions and local/state rules can quietly block short‑term rentals, even when there's no HOA. We wrap up with practical steps everyone can take right now to better protect themselves and their properties.     Resources: Follow Katie on Instagram Visit Katie's website Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

The Second Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776, but it had absolutely no plan for telling the world about it. Congress sent just one copy of the Declaration to France. It was lost at sea. Printers ran the text however they liked. And the first formal acknowledgment of American independence came not from a European court, but from a Native American chief responding to a verbal translation of the Declaration in the middle of a treaty negotiation. Historian and Declaration expert Emily Sneff joins us to explore what the Declaration of Independence looked like when it was just news — urgent, imperfect, and far beyond anyone's control. Emily's Website | Book |Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/439 EPISODE OUTLINE00:00:00  Introduction00:04:07 The Declaration as a Congressional Product00:06:28 Jefferson's humble signature00:11:10 Congress Has No Plans for Circulation00:16:22 News of the Declaration Breaks00:24:36 Pubilc Readings of the Declaration00:27:27 Ministers Spread News of the Declaration00:32:57 German-American Translation of the Declaration00:42:04 French Translation Failures00:46:42 Verbal Translations of the Declaration00:51:52 No Official Copy Sent to King George III00:58:43 The Declaration of Independence as News01:02:17 Time Warp01:07:48 Upcoming 250th Exhibitions01:11:24 ConclusionRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

In this episode, we explore the essentials of refinancing rental properties. Our aim is to help you decide when refinancing is a smart move and how to run the numbers effectively. Whether you're considering a cash-out refinance, lowering interest rates, or paying off higher-interest debt, we offer practical strategies and real-life examples to guide your decisions. Key takeaways from this episode include: Understanding when refinancing is beneficial for rental properties Evaluating refinancing options using payback period calculations The impact of interest rates, loan terms, and amortization schedules Using return on equity (ROE) to assess investment effectiveness Creative uses for refinance proceeds, such as debt reduction or new acquisitions Minimizing closing costs by negotiating with local lenders Timing your refinancing based on property value and market conditions We also share real-life examples from our portfolios, including recent refinances and their outcomes, and provide tips on negotiating fees and closing costs. Our discussion includes strategic planning for multiple refinances in a property investment cycle.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

In this episode of the WIIRE podcast, we dig into practical, real-world ways female real estate investors are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to save time, money, and stress—without losing the human touch that makes real estate a relationship business. We start with the ethics: why you should always be transparent about using AI, why you must verify everything it produces (especially legal, tax, and financial content), and how to keep building your own skills instead of outsourcing your thinking to a bot. You'll hear specific examples from women in the WIIRE Community who use AI to draft clearer, kinder tenant communications, translate for Spanish-speaking tenants, summarize confusing contractor explanations, and turn Loom videos into SOPs. We also cover using AI to read zoning ordinances and city codes, compare construction budgets and bids, analyze complex invoices, build simple financial analysis spreadsheets, and even negotiate inspection repairs—like one member who used AI-generated reports and photos to secure a $70K price reduction on a triplex.  On the creative side, we talk about AI for rental design and furnishing checklists, direct mail marketing campaigns, investor pitch decks, and even rough revenue models for potential campground or glamping sites. You'll also hear how one investor used AI to calculate her exact FIRE number and design her ideal snowbird lifestyle. Finally, we touch on real estate–specific tools like TurboTenant's AI maintenance bot and how AI can help with insurance questions and refunds, positioning AI as your smartest “employee” that doesn't need a W2—but always needs your oversight.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Check out Steadily for all your rental property insurance needs Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

I can't believe people can do THAT.I can't believe people can DO that.I can't believe PEOPLE can do that.***To get regular advice, frameworks, and stories helping you communicate with greater clarity and resonance, subscribe to my newsletter→PS: As mentioned in previous episodes, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the podcast, we bust the myth that “more doors equals more success” and share how we intentionally trimmed our portfolios—from higher door counts down to leaner, more focused sets of properties—to create more profit, less stress, and more freedom. Speaking especially to women who want to become W2-optional, we walk through how our strategies have evolved over time, why our first deals are not the types of deals we'd buy today, and why long-term rentals alone rarely replace your income quickly. We show you how to recognize a cluttered portfolio full of “vampire properties,” scattered partnerships, too many markets, and too many strategies that no longer serve you.  You'll hear the simple three-question audit we use for each property: Is it truly profitable (looking at total return, not just cash flow)? How much time and stress does it cost us? And does it support our long-term lifestyle and investment strategy? We talk about why clean, real-estate-specific bookkeeping is essential for making objective decisions, and why selling or repositioning a property is not a failure, but a sign of growth as an investor.  We also share how systemizing rent collection, tenant communication, maintenance, and turnovers can declutter your business even if you don't sell anything—plus a story of a member who put systems in place before a month-long Europe trip and finally enjoyed a truly stress-free vacation.  Ultimately, we want you to see that pruning your portfolio can help you grow faster and design a life you actually want to live.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Find out how to work with our WIIRE Bookkeeper Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

In September 1777, just fourteen months after declaring independence, Philadelphia fell to the British Army. For nearly nine months, the new nation's capital was occupied territory. But what did that actually mean for the people who lived there?  Not the generals, not the Congress: ordinary Philadelphians who had to decide whether to flee or stay, share their homes with British officers, watch their fences get chopped up for firewood, and figure out which neighbors to trust when it was all over. In this episode, Aaron Sullivan, a professor of History at Rider University, George Boudreau, a public historian and Executive Director of the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion Museum in Germantown, PA, and historical interpreter Kalela Williams, now the Director of the Virginia Center for the Book, take us inside occupied Philadelphia. Together, they reveal how a city that was never fully committed to independence experienced nine months of British rule, and what the occupation cost everyone who lived through it: Quaker women negotiating with soldiers at their back gates, merchants whose fortunes rose on British hard currency while their neighbors went hungry, and Black Philadelphians who looked at the upheaval and asked whether it might open a door to freedom. Plus: the most extravagant party thrown in eighteenth-century America, staged while the city's almshouses overflowed. Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/332RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

This week, we sit down with our friend and community leader Emily Karasek, founder of Extend Your Stay. Emily spent 13 years as a nurse before realizing she couldn't see herself in that role until 65, and she turned to real estate, starting with a flip in 2021, to create a different path. We talk with Emily about how she moved from a long-term rental she hated, self-managing, into mid-term rentals serving travel professionals, and how that “one deal” snowballed into a full-blown MTR management company now overseeing 40+ doors. Together, we dig into what it really looks like to scale: buying imperfect deals, making mistakes, and relying on local meetups, community, and word of mouth instead of having everything perfectly planned. Emily opens up about hiring and leadership—from failed VA hires to finally finding the right one with Airbnb experience, and how she onboarded slowly, with clear expectations and guardrails, instead of dumping everything on her at once. She also walks us through the systems and tools behind her lean operation: Hospitable, Furnished Finder, Notion, Slack, OpenPhone/QO, and Relay. Plus, she dives into how she's using AI and a custom GPT internally to house SOPs, property quirks, and FAQs so her team isn't dependent on her brain 24/7. If you're a female investor, nurse, or mom who wants to build mid-term rentals, protect your time, and step into true leadership, you're going to love this conversation with Emily.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Connect with Emily on Instagram Grab our SOP Templates Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

I'm sharing the full story in this episode. It's time to take stuff like this more seriously.To get regular advice, frameworks, and stories helping you communicate with greater clarity and resonance, subscribe to my newsletter→PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we break down how we manage money inside our real estate entities so we can protect ourselves legally, keep things simple, and actually know if our rentals are profitable. We start with why entity finances matter, including the idea of piercing the corporate veil—what it means, how mixing personal and business funds can wipe out your asset protection, and why it's so important to get guidance from a CPA and attorney on your specific setup. We walk through: What commingling funds has looked like for us and other investors in real life The simple rules we use to separate personal and business money, even when a property is in our personal names How we structure bank accounts for each entity without going overboard with a separate account for every single property How organized, clean financials have made us more attractive borrowers to lenders We also share what we do when a business bank account runs out of money—how we use owner contributions instead of swiping our personal cards—and how we pay ourselves through owner distributions once we know our true profit. Finally, we talk about how bookkeeping helps us spot problems early, make non-emotional decisions, and make tax time less painful. We explain why trying to DIY our books was a mistake, and why “boring” finances are actually a sign that things are working. If your entity bank account and personal checking are basically the same thing, this episode is your nudge to clean up your money systems and set yourself up for a scalable, sustainable portfolio.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Listen to Episode 75 with Bonnie Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

When you want to make speaking a real revenue engine, the temptation is to invest in a couple of incorrect things. In this episode, I set the record straight for what actually works to drive results as a keynote speaker, so you can focus on the right things, in the right order, for the right results.This is Part 2, to be paired with my last episode, "The last great advantage."To get more ideas like this, subscribe to my newsletter→PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

Thanks to the ubiquity of AI, this is the last great advantage.To get more ideas like this, subscribe to my newsletter→PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the WIIRE Podcast, we talk directly to mid‑level investors who've moved past their first few doors and are now refining what truly works for their lifestyle and long‑term goals. We unpack our evolving list of rental property non‑negotiables—the standards we refuse to compromise on, even when a deal looks great on paper. We share how our early “hold forever” mindset has shifted into a more strategic approach of “test, then prune”: buying, holding for a few years, then flipping or selling underperforming or high‑maintenance properties to reinvest into better assets. You'll hear real examples from our own portfolios and our community around: When and why to prune from a position of financial strength Using refinances and equity to scale without over‑leveraging How parking, layouts, trees, and micro‑location quietly make or break long‑term performance The difference between long‑term rentals, MTRs, and Airbnbs, and how Buy Boxes shift by strategy We also revisit the concept of a Buy Box and why your non‑negotiables will (and should) evolve as your experience, capital, and lifestyle priorities change. This episode will help you move from accumulating doors to building a portfolio that actually supports a life by your own design, with fewer surprises and a lot less drama.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Grab our free Buy Box Template Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

On today's podcast, we're joined again by James Hwang, co-founder of Stellar Housing Solutions in New Jersey, where he and his partners operate 20+ midterm rentals through a mix of ownership, co-hosting, and arbitrage. James breaks down how he's expanded his reach far beyond his own units by building a local MTR network—a WhatsApp group of New Jersey operators who share leads, referrals, and vendors. That collaboration acts like a “third OTA,” keeping units booked even in slow seasons and opening doors to new co-hosting and arbitrage deals. We dig into arbitrage in today's market—where it still works, where it doesn't, and how James structures profitable deals. He targets solid but slightly less “premium” areas near hot markets, negotiates creatively around rent vs. deposits, and positions himself as the stress-free solution for landlords. James also walks us through his landlord conversation playbook: speaking as a fellow owner, addressing pain points like non-payment and property damage, and demonstrating how midterm rentals can mean early, automated rent and better-maintained units. That credibility often leads to repeat opportunities and more doors. If you're looking to scale midterm rentals, tap into community instead of competing, or revive arbitrage with smart analysis and systems, this episode with James is a masterclass in doing MTRs the right way.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Connect with James on Instagram Get the deets on Stellar Housing Solutions Find out more about MTR Office Hours Listen to Episode 193 Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

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In January 1776, Thomas Paine told the American colonies to break free from their king. But what was supposed to come next? 250 years later, that question still doesn't have a good answer. To mark the anniversary of *Common Sense*, we traveled to Lewes, England, the town where Paine lived before he ever set foot in America, and recorded our first-ever LIVE episode inside Bull House, the building where Paine honed his ideas about citizens and their government. Joseph Adelman chairs a panel with scholars Leanne O'Boyle, Nicole Mahoney, and Jeanne Sheehan Zaino as they dig into the legacy of *Common Sense*: democracy's "day two problem," the women Paine wrote out of his own story, why "the law is king" keeps showing up on protest signs, and what a 15th-century building in a small English town can teach us about where democratic ideas actually take root. Recorded live in partnership with the Institute for Thomas Paine Studies at Iona University.Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/435 EPISODE OUTLINE00:00:00 Introduction00:01:06 What Happened After the Revolution?00:02:59 Live from the Bull House in Lewes, England00:04:49 A Template for Common Sense and Civic Life00:07:12 Thomas Paine's Legacy in Lewes, England00:10:24 Thomas Paine's Legacy in New Rochelle, New York00:16:04 Democracy's "Day Two Problem"00:22:50 Local Civic Engagement in Lewes00:27:46 Women and Common Sense00:34:54 Paine's Family Life in Lewes00:35:31 Reconstituting Government00:42:44 Violence and Change00:49:31 "No Kings" Protest and 'The Law is King'00:56:29 Thomas Paine's Legacy00:58:10 Audience Q&A01:18:20 Episode Wrap-UpRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

There is a very big difference between having a good idea and actually owning it publicly. In this episode, a means to re-think your approach to crafting and publishing your content, no matter the channel or medium. The goal is to both clarify your thinking to yourself and build an audience of passionate fans along the way. Subscribe to my newsletter→***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

What would you fight for if you were free but still not equal? In 1777, brothers William and Benjamin Frank answered that question by enlisting in the Second Rhode Island Regiment of the Continental Army. Freeborn men of color, they gambled that military service would earn them what freedom alone had not: equality, land, and a better future. Historian Shirley Green, author of Revolutionary Blacks: Freeborn Men of Color, Soldiers of Independence, joins us to tell their story. Drawing on genealogical research rooted in her own family history, Green reveals what daily life looked like for free Black families in Revolutionary Rhode Island, how the Frank Brothers fought at the Battles of Red Bank, Monmouth, and Rhode Island, and how the Revolution ultimately divided them—one brother serving through Yorktown, the other crossing to the British side and resettling in Nova Scotia as a Black Loyalist. Their story is a window into the full range of Black experiences during the Revolution, and a reminder that for men like William and Benjamin Frank, choosing a side was never simple. It was a calculated gamble, shaped by promises made—and promises broken. Shirley's Website | Book |Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/434 EPISODE OUTLINE00:00:00  Introduction00:01:19 The Frank Brothers' Revolutionary Choices00:05:14 Discovering the Frank Brothers Through Family Oral History00:09:01 Blending Genalogy and Microhistory00:15:22 Life for Free Black Families in Early Rhode Island00:20:50 Why Free Black Men Joined the Continental Army00:24:00 Motivations: Land, Pay, and Equality00:29:15 The Gamble of Military Service Amid Policy Shifts00:41:13 Daily Life and Combat in the Integrated Regiments00:44:46 Ben Frank's Desertion00:52:51 The Book of Negroes01:00:02 Postwar Outcomes: Did Promises of Land, Pay, and Equality Hold?01:02:47 Lessons from Black Soldiers' Experiences01:07:26 ConclusionRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

[We are taking a break this week so please enjoy a re-release of one of our favorite episodes!] How do we warn people 10,000 years in the future about nuclear waste sites that will remain extremely dangerous for longer than human civilization has existed? When language, symbols, and technologies are lost to time, how can we get our message across? Atomic Priesthoods, Radiation Cats, Forests of Thorns, manufactured folklore, these are just a few of the unorthodox ideas of government-sponsored academics trying to answer this baffling puzzle. ⁠Become a Patron⁠ to support our show and get early ad-free episodes and bonus content Or subscribe to American Hysteria on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ Leave us a message on our Urban Legends Hotline or get your mitts on some merch at ⁠americanhysteria.com⁠ Sound Designer and Associate Producer: ⁠Riley Swedelius-Smith⁠ Producer and Editor: ⁠Miranda Zickler⁠ Voice Actor: ⁠Will Rogers⁠ and his daughter Zoe Written, Produced, and Hosted by Chelsey Weber-Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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More than 6,000 Black men—free and enslaved—served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Yet their stories remain some of the least told of the war. In this revisited episode, we rejoin Judith Van Buskirk, Professor Emerita of History at SUNY Cortland and author of Standing in Their Own Light: African American Patriots in the American Revolution, to explore what motivated African American men to fight for the Revolutionary cause, how the Continental Army's policies toward Black enlistment shifted over the course of the war, and what life and service looked like in units like the First Rhode Island Regiment.Judy's Book Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/403RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

Mike Michalowicz is the author of ⁠Profit First⁠, which is used by hundreds of thousands of companies across the globe to drive profit – Creator Science is one of those companies. Profit First has helped me develop sound financials for my business. He's also the author of Clockwork, a powerful method to make any business run on automatic, and seven other books as well. With more than 500,000 book sales, all of Mike's books have the same goal – to help small business owners and eliminate what he calls “entrepreneurial poverty.” Simon Sinek has called Mike “…the top contender for the patron saint of entrepreneurs.” This conversation is divided into halves: The first half explores Mike's unique model as an author. For each book Mike writes, he partners with a third party to license the frameworks from his books and serve as the done-for-you service provider. This is super uncommon and part of why he's been so prolific while running a very lean team. So we dig into how that works (and what he'd do differently if he were starting over today). The second half of the conversation is all about writing books. Mike has published nine books since 2008 – including 7 in the last 8 years. So we dig into how he determines what ideas to turn into books and how to write them so quickly. ⁠Full transcript and show notes⁠ Mike's ⁠Website⁠ / ⁠Twitter⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / ⁠YouTube⁠ / ⁠LinkedIn⁠ *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → ⁠#176: April Dunford – How self-publishing a book exploded her client service business.⁠ *** ASK CREATOR SCIENCE → ⁠Submit your question here⁠ *** WHEN YOU'RE READY

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It's been a good long while since I've had a good long rant. *Cracks knuckles.* Let us begin.Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→Subscribe to my newsletter→***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

What if the American Revolution was never just an American story? Historian Ronald Angelo Johnson helps us uncover the deep connections between the American and Haitian Revolutions to reveal how both revolutions emerged from the same Atlantic imperial struggle for empire, racialized power, and war. Using details from his book Entangled Alliances, Ron will guide us from the Treaty of Paris in 1763 to the Siege of Savannah in 1779, where hundreds of Black soldiers from French Saint Domingue landed on Georgia's shores—not as enslaved laborers, but as uniformed volunteers ready to fight for American Independence. Ron's Website | Book |Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/433 EPISODE OUTLINE00:00:00  Introduction00:01:08  Episode Overview00:04:50 The Treaty of Paris 1763 and its Impact00:09:09 Consequences of the Seven Years' War for Saint Domingue00:18:39 Saint Domingue Society Post-Seven Years' War00:24:32 French Imperial Reaction vs. Local Resentment00:28:36 Circulation of News Between British North America & Saint Domingue00:39:22 France's Strategy to Assist American Revolutionaries00:50:42 Reception of the Chasseurs Volontaires Regiment in Georgia00:54:42 Re-evaluating the American Revolution00:57:32 Time Warp01:05:38 ConclusionRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

When you give a presentation of any kind, you don't actually have a captive audience. YOU need to captivate. This is a story structure that can both captivate your audience AND deliver the message or lesson they most need (and you need to distribute to do your job).As mentioned, there are just a few spaces left in the next cohort of my public speaking accelerator. Grab yours here:Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

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What does it take to become a revolutionary in more than one revolution? In this revisited conversation with Mike Duncan, we explore the life of the Marquis de Lafayette—an ambitious young Frenchman who crossed the Atlantic to fight for the American cause and later carried those lessons into the political storms of France. From early idealism to a complicated role in two upheavals, Lafayette's story reveals how ideas, alliances, and personal relationships shaped the Age of Revolutions. You'll hear how Lafayette became close to George Washington, what he learned in America, and why his legacy makes the most sense when you follow him across borders. Mike's Instagram | Book |Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/313RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

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The American Revolution wasn't just a colonial rebellion; it was a global conflict shaped by European rivalries and high-stakes diplomacy. Without the help of foreign allies like France and Spain, the United States might never have won its independence. Historian John Ferling joins us to explore the international dimensions of the Revolutionary War. Drawing from his new book Shots Heard Round the World, Ferling reveals how secret aid, political gambles, and naval power from Europe (especially France) influenced the outcome of the war, and nearly derailed it. John's Website | Book |Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/432 EPISODE OUTLINE00:01:06  Introduction00:01:52 Why European Powers Intervened00:08:02 International Interest in the American Revolution00:14:20 French Reaction to the Outbreak of War00:19:28 Initiation of Foreign Aid00:23:46 British Expectations of a Quick Victory00:25:35 Saratoga as a Turning Point00:31:46 French Naval and Military Support00:37:36 Spain's Ambitions and Entry into the War00:42:55 Britain's War Fatigue and Missed Opportunities00:51:31 Outcomes for France and Spain00:54:53 Time Warp00:59:20 ConclusionRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

Thomas Paine's Common Sense turned a colonial rebellion into a full-blown revolution. But how did one pamphlet move so many minds in 1776—and why does it still matter 250 years later? To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Common Sense, historian and Director of the Institute for Thomas Paine Studies at Iona University, Nora Slonimsky, joins us to explore Paine's life, the pamphlet's explosive impact, and what this revolutionary text still teaches us about democracy, communication, and civic life. ITPS Website Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/403 EPISODE OUTLINE00:00:00  Introduction00:01:06 Thomas Pain's Early Life and Influences00:05:53 The Institute for Thomas Paine Studies00:07:51 Thomas Paine as an English Excise Man00:13:34 Paine's Ideas for Reform of the British Government00:19:27 Reception of Paine's First Pamphlet00:21:48 Paine's Intellectual Life in England00:27:30 Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin00:31:44 Paine's Migration to Philadelphia00:35:55 Paine's View of the American Revolution00:39:15 The Story of Common Sense00:50:34 Measuring the Reach of Common Sense00:59:34 The Legacy of Common Sense and Thomas Paine01:02:54 Time Warp01:05:02 Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of Common Sense01:08:17 ConclusionRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

Common Sense didn't just make an argument for independence—it moved through a world of newspapers, pamphlets, and personal networks that carried revolutionary ideas from one doorstep to the next. So how did political news travel in 1776, and what made print such a powerful engine of persuasion? As we approach the 250th anniversary of Common Sense, Ben Franklin's World Revisited returns to Episode 156 to explore how early Americans shared, debated, and embraced revolutionary ideas. You'll discover how print and networks spread the Revolution, what made Common Sense a publishing phenomenon, and how media shaped political debate and public opinion. Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/156RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

Forget resolutions. In this solo episode, I'm taking you inside the personal mindset shift I'm making for 2026 — one that's already reshaping how I lead, work, and live.Instead of a list of goals, I've chosen two powerful words to guide everything I do this year:

Benjamin Rush was one of early America's most fascinating figures. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a leading Philadelphia physician, and a thinker who believed that a healthy body was the foundation of a healthy republic. In this episode, historian Sarah Naramore, author of Benjamin Rush, Civic Health and Human Illness in the Early American Republic, introduces us to Rush as both doctor and political philosopher. We'll explore: How Rush developed an “American system” of medicine His groundbreaking ideas on mental health and addiction And why he believed the human body modeled the ideal form of government. Rush may be what Sarah calls a “B-list Founding Father,” but his influence on early American science, politics, and public health was anything but minor. Sarah's Website | Book |Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/430 EPISODE OUTLINE00:00:00  Introduction00:01:06 Episode Introduction00:04:48 Who Was Benjamin Rush00:13:52 Benjamin Rush's Medical Practice00:17:01 The American System of Medicine00:22:30 Rush's Ideas about Civic Health00:29:07 Rush's Approach to Mental Health00:33:53 Rush's Views on Addiction00:48:00 Rush's Legacy00:52:13 Time Warp00:55:00 ConclusionRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

Are you stuck in the same production level year after year, wondering why the needle isn't moving? It's not because you're not capable—it's likely because you've stopped asking the right questions. Imagine if you had a framework to challenge your assumptions, elevate your standards, and scale your business with intention.Today on the show, we're diving into a powerful self-audit: What are the 13 questions every loan originator should ask themselves to grow, scale, and lead in 2026?To help us explore that, I'm joined by Matt Weaver—ranked the #1 mortgage originator in the U.S. by units closed, with over 1,100 loans funded last year alone. Matt leads a team in Florida that runs like a high-performance machine.In this episode, you'll walk away with:A blueprint to build standards so strong, your business becomes impossible to ignore,The exact mindset shift that turns agents into loyal, long-term clients,And a fresh perspective on what your brand actually is—beyond social media fluff—and how to build one rooted in performance, purpose, and clarity.And there's something deeper we'll uncover: the hidden role of imposter syndrome—and how it might actually be your greatest asset.So if you're ready to raise your bar and redefine what's possible for your business in 2026, then stick around for this episode.Learn More about Matt's CoachingConnect With Matt on InstagramMatt's YouTube PodcastWant to double your Realtor referrals without chasing, cold-calling, or paying for leads?See how Travis Newton grew his production by $40 million!Check Out myAgent Classes HereConnect With Geoff

In the 1820s, American entrepreneurs, engineers, and politicians dared to dream big. They believed they could cut a canal, not through Panama, but through the wild, rain-soaked terrain of Nicaragua. Their goal: To link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and transform global trade forever. But what inspired these ambitious "canal dreamers?” And why did they believe Nicaragua held the key to controlling the future of commerce?  Jessica Lepler, Associate Professor of History at the University of New Hampshire and author of Canal Dreamers: The Epic Quest to Connect the Atlantic and Pacific in the Age of Revolutions, joins us to explore this nearly forgotten story of innovation, illusion, and international ambition in early American history. Jessica's Website | Book Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/428 EPISODE OUTLINE00:01:00  Introduction00:04:05 Desire to Build a Canal Across Central America00:08:01 Political Landscape of Central America During the 1820s00:09:55 Creating a Stable Central American Government00:11:55 Geography of the Nicaraguan Canal Route00:16:03 Economic Opportunities of an Interoceanic Canal00:17:57 Individual vs. State Interest in a Nicaraguan Canal00:21:58 Why Americans Sought A Private Canal Contract00:26:44 Information Canal Dreamers Relied On to Build a Canal00:33:12 Competitive Advantages of American Canal Dreamers00:35:40 American Surveys of a Central American Canal Route00:39:12 Influence of the Erie Canal00:42:32 Why the Nicaraguan Canal Failed00:44:50 What Canal Dreamers Reveal About the Early United States 0046:40 Overview of the Panama Canal00:49:50 Time Warp00:56:00 ConclusionRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

As we look ahead to the 250th anniversary—the semiquincentennial—of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, communities and commissions across the United States are asking big questions: How should we commemorate this historic milestone?
What's the right balance between celebration and education? And how can this moment bring people together across political divides, generational gaps, and complex histories? To explore these questions, I've invited my friend, colleague, and Clio Digital Media co-founder Karin Wulf to guest host a special conversation with two people who are leading the way: Gregg Amore, Chair of the Rhode Island 250 Commission, and Carly Fiorina, Chair of the Virginia 250 Commission. Together, they reveal how their states are planning commemorative programs that center civic engagement, local storytelling, and inclusive history—and how the 250th can be more than a moment. It can be a spark. Karin's Website | Book |Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/427 EPISODE OUTLINE00:00:00  Introduction00:01:10  Welcome & Episode Overview00:04:45  Guest Introductions00:07:32 Virginia & Rhode Island's Commemorative Plans00:11:21 State Efforts and Collaborations00:16:32 Engaging Young People00:20:11 Educational Initiatives00:22:13 Ken Burns's The American Revolution00:24:30 Navigating the Political Climate00:32:05 Reflections on the Bicentennial00:35:00 Challenges to Achieving Commemorative Goals00:42:51 Conclusion and Future Opportunities00:46:53 Final ThoughtsRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

Each November, we Americans come together to celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday that invites us to reflect on gratitude, community, and the stories we tell about our past. But what do we really know about the origins of this holiday? What did the “First Thanksgiving” look like, and who were the people who made it happen? In honor of Thanksgiving, we're revisiting our 2018 conversation with Rebecca Fraser, author of The Mayflower: The Families, The Voyage, and the Founding of America. This rich conversation offers a look at the English Separatists or Pilgrims who settled in Massachusetts. It explores who they were, why they came to North America, and what their life was like in the early years of Plymouth Colony. Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/213RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES