Podcasts about ICR

As a workwear and outdoor apparel company, it's imperative that you stay attentive to the needs of your customer, and remain nimble enough to adapt to the demands of an ever-shifting retail landscape. Well, the folks at Duluth Trading are doing exactly that.Today we're sitting down with Stephanie Pugliese, the CEO of Duluth Trading, which trades under the symbol DLTH. She first joined Duluth trading in November of 2008, and In 2015, she became President and CEO until 2019 when she left to become president of the Americas for Under Armour.Now, Stephanie is back as president and CEO of Duluth. She joins us to discuss the innovation, customer experience, and brand awareness that's made them a force in the American retail sector for more than 3 decades, and how she plans to double down on those things to keep Duluth profitable in the decades to come.Highlights:The Duluth Story (2:13)Stephanie's return to Duluth (5:05)Urgency vs. Thoughtfulness (6:40)Brand Engagement (7:50)Brand Awareness (9:15)Solutions Based Products (10:44)Duluth Portfolio of Products (12:36)Approach to Innovation (13:56)Direct to Factory Sourcing (15:31)Opening new stores (17:00)Finding Savings (19:19)Optimizing Inventory Levels (21:10)Promotions (22:46)Tariffs (24:20)Expanding beyond workwear (26:27)Outlook for the future (28:11) Links:Stephanie's LinkedInDuluth LinkedInDuluth WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co.

As we take a brief hiatus from releasing new episodes this week, we thought it would be interesting to revisit this episode from December 2024 with Michael Saylor. Ahead of the Trump administration officially taking office, Michael explained why he thought the year ahead would be a seminal one in the history of Bitcoin. Was he correct? You be the judge. Summary: With a new, crypto-friendly administration incoming, 2025 may be the year we see Bitcoin integrate more fully into mainstream finance in America and globally. Though volatile, and with an uncertain future that will heavily depend on how macroeconomic conditions and regulatory policies play out across the year, there's reason to believe that Bitcoin could soon be more prominent than ever. Today's guest is here to tell us why.Michael Saylor is the Executive Chairman and co-founder of business intelligence company MicroStrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR), and a leading advocate of Bitcoin. MicroStrategy considers itself to be the world's first Bitcoin Company, and under Michael's leadership have adopted a unique Bitcoin acquisition strategy with approximately $42 billion in Bitcoin held to date. In this episode, Michael describes his journey from skeptic to Bitcoin maximalist, emphasizes the importance of understanding Bitcoin as a digital capital asset, and discusses its potential to disrupt traditional valuation methodologies in finance.Highlights:Michael recommends resources for Bitcoin beginners (2:37)Why fear of progress holds us back (3:55)Michael points out the clues suggesting Bitcoin is here to stay (7:11)What USD maximalists get wrong (13:15)How we can understand the potential of Bitcoin through an engineering lens (16:25)Why valuation methodologies need to adapt to include Bitcoin (18:48)How Bitcoin outperforms traditional investments (28:09)Why supportive regulatory environment is crucial for Bitcoin's growth (30:54)Michael explains why the current capital market structure favors a select few (34:59)Why sound money is critical for societal progress (39:00)Links:Michael Saylor LinkedInMicroStrategy WebsiteBook: The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean AmmousICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co.

In their 125 years in existence, Alico had grown to become one of America's leading citrus producers. In January 2025, owing to adverse weather events and crop disease, they made the difficult decision to wind down their citrus operations and adopt a new real estate-focused business model.Today, we sit down with John Kiernan, president and CEO of Alico, which trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol ALCO. John has been overseeing Alico's recent efforts to transition out of the citrus industry towards a strategy that makes full use of their extensive holdings in Florida real estate, valued somewhere between 650-750 million dollars.Going from growing oranges to building communities is no easy feat. John explains how Alico is leveraging their great team, and ample liquidity, to make it work.Highlights:Alico's history (2:10)Alico's land holdings (4:09)Pivot to Real Estate (5:03)Florida Population Growth (6:04)A Diversified Land Company (8:18)Shareholder Returns (10:35)Alico's Identity (12:18)Alico's Role in Development (13:30)Corkscrew Grove (14:53)Regulatory Hurdles (17:22)Entitlements (1945)Mitigating Risk (22:18)Links:John's LinkedInAlico LinkedInAlico WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!Episode SummaryIn this timely episode, Evon unpacks the Department of Education's recent surprise announcement that interest will resume accruing on the SAVE plan's current forbearance beginning August 1, 2025. We explore what this means for optometrists managing student loans - especially those approaching forgiveness eligibility or considering refinancing.What You'll LearnSurprise Announcement: Why SAVE's interest-free forbearance ends on August 1, 2025, and how to prepareOBBBA Overview: How this new legislation (effective July 2026) changes income-driven repayment plan options - removing SAVE, PAYE, ICR plans as available options for current optometristsRepayment Roadmap: How optometrists should evaluate refinancing, staying federal, or switching plans based on degree completion and loan timingIDR Plan Comparison: Breaking down olcd vs. new IBR, PAYE, and SAVE rules - including repayment terms like 20‑year repayment at 10% of discretionary incomeStrategic Tax Planning: Using filing status and extensions (especially important in community-property states) to lock in the lowest monthly paymentTimeline Guidance: When key deadlines hit (Aug 1, 2025; July 2026; July 2028) and how to reconcile existing loans within the new REPAY plan frameworkResources MentionedThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 143: How the Final One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impacts Optometrists – Taxes, Student Loans, and More!Click here to Subscribe to the Eyes On The Money Newsletter for weekly financial insights tailored specifically to optometrists.Have Questions? CLICK HERE to schedule a short introductory callThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.

The Trump administration has made American reindustrialization a top priority, but to do that, the US is going to need access to an abundance of metals like copper, manganese and nickel. The challenge then is to find a way to source these materials that doesn't rely on Chinese supply chains, and won't lead to serious environmental harm.Gerard Barron is the co-founder, CEO and chairman of The Metals Company, which trades on the Nasdaq under the symbol TMC. The Metals Company mission is to harvest and process metal-containing nodules from the sea floor, providing a clean and abundant source of raw materials for an array of critical industries, like steelmaking and EV production. Gerard walks us through the evolution of TMC, their groundbreaking tech, and some recent regulatory breakthroughs that have brought them closer to achieving their goals than ever before.

Invitați sunt Liviu Jicman, președinte ICR și, prin telefon, poetul Radu Vancu.

Summary: When your A/C breaks down in the middle of summer, you want someone at your house to fix it that same day. And one firm has been able to leverage that reliability into a national home services empire. Ken Haines was appointed CEO of Wrench Group almost 10 years ago and he has since guided the company to become the second largest non-franchised home services company in the United States. Ken joins us to discuss his philosophy on leadership, the benefits of Wrench Group's innovative partnership model, and the impact of emerging tech in the home-services industry.  Highlights:Wrench Group Services (1:59)Ken's path through the industry (2:40)Company-owned vs. Franchised (4:50)Autonomy vs. Consistency (5:49)Evaluating Culture Fit (7:03)Customer Experience (8:34)Covid's Impacts (11:24)Emerging Tech (13:10)Recruitment (16:42)Where does Wrench Group go from here? (19:32)Links:Ken's LinkedInWrench Group LinkedInWrench Group WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!In this packed episode, Evon Mendrin, CFP® and host of The Optometry Money Podcast, breaks down the biggest tax and student loan law changes optometrists need to know from the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).Evon discusses what's changing—and what's not—for individual and business tax rules, estate taxes, 529 plans, and the massive shift in student loan repayment plans. Whether you're a private practice owner, associate OD, or optometry student, this episode will give you the clarity to start planning wisely for the years ahead.Highlights from this episode include:Individual Tax ChangesLower tax brackets and the higher standard deduction made permanentNew temporary senior tax deduction for ODs 65+SALT deduction cap raised to $40,000 (with income phaseouts)Brand-new $2,000 charitable deduction even if you take the standard deductionEnhanced child tax credit and dependent care FSA limitsNew & Unusual Tax DeductionsTemporary deduction for personal auto loan interest (for new cars only)Deduction for overtime pay and tipsBusiness Owner Wins20% QBI deduction is now permanent—and its phaseouts widen in 2026100% bonus depreciation is back!PTET workaround for SALT cap still lives onStudent Loan Changes: Huge Overhaul AheadSAVE, PAYE, and ICR plans eliminated after 7/2026Current Borrowers gradually transitioned by 7/2028Forgiveness periods shift, with new rules and income considerationsFuture optometrists face new federal loan caps and more restricted repayment options529 Plans & Trump Accounts529s can now be used for CE and licensing expensesNew "Trump Accounts" for minors open in 2026: Traditional IRA-style investment accounts with government seed moneyBottom Line: You don't need to make big decisions today - but now is the time to start planning. Evon covers how these changes may affect optometrists in every stage of their career - from practice owners to new grads.Resources & Links:Dept. of Ed Update: SAVE Interest Accrual Begins Aug 1stSchedule a Free Intro Call with EvonNewsletter on Tax Provisions (and don't forget to subscribe)The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.

As cardiac rehab evolves, innovative care models are key to better outcomes and financial sustainability. In this special episode of HeartTalk, vice presidents of Care Transformation Services at MedAxiom, Denise Busman, MSN, RN, CPHQ, FACC, and Jenny Kennedy, DNP, RN, CHFN, NEA-BC, FACC sit down with Sarah Shelton, cardiac rehabilitation manager and Rod Roeser, CEO at Heart and Vascular Care (HVC). They discuss how they successfully implemented Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR), including their strategies to overcome space and staffing challenges, boost provider and patient engagement, and scale ICR programs for clinical, operational, and financial success.

Investors often talk about the desire for companies to diversify. Well, you'd be hard pressed to find a firm who's done that better than the Superior Group of Companies (SGC), which operates in three distinct buckets: healthcare apparel, branded products and contact centres.  Our guest today is Michael Benstock, the Chairman and CEO of SGC. Michael takes us through the evolution of SGC since its founding more than a century ago, and its successful diversification efforts over the years. We also discuss SGC's adeptness at pivoting, as well as their commitment to service quality, advanced technology, and omnichannel commerce. Highlights:The SGC Story (1:51)Michael's journey (4:40)SGC's Global Footprint (6:03)Total Addressable Markets (8:25)Pivoting (11:32)Acquisitions (13:43)Leveraging tech (16:13)Divestment (19:29)Philosophy on Capital Allocation (20:34)Legacy (22:26) Links:Michael's LinkedInSGC LinkedInSGC WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co.

“Senate parliamentarian” isn't exactly a household name, but her latest ruling is huge news for anyone with student debt. Learn what her surprise decision means for the Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it could shape repayment plans and forgiveness programs. You'll find the specifics of what this means if you're a Parent PLUS borrower, in dental and medical school, or just worried about how these policy shifts could affect your financial future. We'll take you beyond the political noise and cut through the confusion to give you actionable info you can use.   Key moments: (02:32) The current bill would essentially kick a lot of people who need to borrow after July 2026 onto the RAP plan (05:21) Future students deserve clear repayment rules upfront, not changes mid-degree like the Senate is proposing (08:45) Anybody who's ever had a parent plus loan needs to apply for the ICR plan (11:20) PAYE borrowers must be prepared to get switched to the old IBR or possibly the RAP plan (15:48) Different borrowers should take different approaches while legislation is pending   Resource mentioned:  IDR Plan Request at Studentaid.gov   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan Get profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

Staff writer Emily Woodham joins Morning Light today to walk us through the latest issue hot off the press! Despite this being the last physical issue until August 8th, the ICR will release stories on a digital platform through the month of July. Go to https://www.idahocatholicregister.org to stay up to date on Catholic news around the Diocese of Boise.  

Summary: At this point, most Americans will probably be familiar with the media company, Newsmax. Their political slant has garnered the company its fair share of criticism, but their growth in recent years has been undeniable.  Chris Ruddy is the CEO of Newsmax Media, which trades under the symbol NMAX. Chris began his career as a journalist at the New York Post and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review before founding Newsmax in 1998. Since then, it's grown into one of the nation's leading broadcasting and digital media companies. Chris joins us today to talk about the public perception of NewsMax, the rationale behind their recent IPO and their plans to leverage their massive reach into future growth. Highlights:Founding Newsmax (2:06)Product offerings and reach (3:14)Political leanings (5:23)Attracting younger viewers (8:14)IPO (9:59)Capital allocation (11:16)Avenues for growth (12:24)Podcasting (14:38)International expansion (15:52)AI (18:21)What do investors get wrong about Newsmax? (19:34) Links:Christopher Ruddy LinkedInNewsmax LinkedInNewsmax WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, Joe@lowerstreet.co.

As payment methods diversify and customer expectations increase, the traditional collection and lockbox processing model must evolve. The growing complexity of incoming payments—especially non-conforming mail and unstructured transactions—coupled with the change in expectations, demand smarter, scalable solutions. This situation of complexity and expectations has ushered in a new era of modern collection processing, focused on eliminating manual inefficiencies and using intelligent automation tools to improve accuracy and data quality, driving faster payment processing and improved operational throughput and scalability. Deluxe's Dave Boyce sits down with Craig Jeffery on the Treasury Update Podcast to talk about the latest capabilities lockbox providers can use to improve their existing processes and meet the growing needs of corporations. In this episode, we'll discuss some key features of modern collection solution sets: Virtual batching Machine learning-driven recognition Historical learning Intelligent character recognition (ICR) technology  

Back in January, we had on Julie Masino, the President and CEO of Cracker Barrel, who walked us through her strategy for transforming the brand, and gave great insights into general trends in the restaurant industry. Since it's summer time, and patio season is in full swing, we thought now would be a good time to revisit this gem. Summary: What does it take to revitalize a legacy brand, while maintaining its identity? By balancing tradition and transformation, any company can breathe new life into its business and consistently evolve to meet the changing expectations of customers and employees alike.Today's guest is Julie Masino. Julie is President and CEO of Cracker Barrel, a role she took on just over a year ago in November of 2023. Since then, she's led the company with a focus on innovation and growth drawing on her over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and retail industries. Previously, Julie served President of International at Taco Bell and before that, President of North America. She's also held senior leadership positions at Sprinkles Cupcakes, Mattel, Starbucks, and began her career at iconic brands like Godiva, Coach, J. Crew, and Macy's. In this episode, Julie shares her vision for the brand and the five-pillar transformation strategy she is implementing aimed at enhancing market share, guest experience, and profitability.Highlights:Julie explains the opportunity she saw for Cracker Barrel (2:58)Julie's fiver pillar strategy for Cracker Barrel's transformation (4:25)Why dinner remains a key area for increasing market share (9:23)What updates are being made to Cracker Barrel's pricing strategy? (12:39)Improving facilities and team satisfaction (15:44)Julie highlights the metrics correlated with sales growth (18:48)Digital and off-premises growth (23:00)How Cracker Barrel is engaging younger consumers (27:05)Links:Julie Masino on LinkedInCracker Barrel on LinkedInCracker Barrel WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

What role do in-person events play for a creation science ministry? How can you host an event through ICR? Are these events still important in the digital age? Find the answers to all these and more in this special 100th episode of The Creation Podcast! Learn more about ICR events Host an ICR event in your area --- Join ICR's YouTube channel to get access to perks Join us on Patreon

Dash Miller may not be a CEO, but like many of the people we feature on this show, he is a true leader, he has a vision, and he's executing on his plan.Sometimes life forces you to grow up quickly, and that's exactly what happened to Dash. He lost his 16-year-old brother Callum after a five year battle with cancer. And out of that tragedy, dash started a unique corporate outreach campaign on LinkedIn making inspiring and grateful videos about companies that touched his family's life while Callum was in treatment.Dash joins us to discuss the inspirations behind the campaign and the incredible responses he's received from both individuals and companies.Highlights:Callum's Story (2:16)Dash' work at UCSF (2:58)Dash' work with LLS (4:08)Why LinkedIn? (5:23)Biggest Challenges (7:33)Nestlé (9:55)Hasbro (10:50)What's next? (12:19)Links:Dash Miller LinkedInFundraiser WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

Summary: Back in February, we were joined on the show by Stuart Haselden, CEO of outdoor apparel company, Arc'Teryx. Hearing about his retail philosophy and personal story was absolutely fascinating, so we decided to revisit the episode for listeners who may have missed it the first time around.   You've heard it before: "The customer is always right." For many businesses, that's sound advice. But for premium brands, the road to success often takes a different route. Rather than reacting to every shift in demand, it's about staying rooted in a philosophy: delivering quality, staying authentic, and fostering relationships that stand the test of time. Today's guest has fully embraced this approach, leveraging his brand's strengths to set a new standard of excellence in the technical apparel market. Stuart Haselden has been the CEO of Arc'teryx since 2021 and brings over 20 years of global experience in retail and premium brands to the company, having worked in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia for brands such as Away Travel, Lululemon, J.Crew, and Saks Fifth Avenue. His career began in the United States Army where he served as a Cavalry Officer—a defining experience for him that has shaped his views on leadership. It was also the beginning of a lifelong love of mountain and alpine sports, as Stuart learned to ski in the Austrian Alps while stationed in Germany.  In this episode, Stuart shares how Arc'teryx has expanded its direct-to-consumer model while preserving the brand's authenticity. He explains how a relentless focus on performance and innovation has fueled the company's growth and set it apart in the competitive technical apparel space. Stuart also talks about the leadership strategies that have guided Arc'teryx's evolution—and how they're shaping its future. Highlights:Background on Arc'teryx and the road to becoming a premium brand (2:43)Stuart's history in retail and how he was introduced to the opportunity at Arc'teryx (4:19)Stuart discusses Arc'teryx's position in the Amer Sports portfolio (7:18)Competition in the technical apparel field and what differentiates Arc'teryx (8:35)Stuart describes how Arc'teryx maintains its authenticity while it grows (10:17)How Arc'teryx evolved from a retail model to a direct-to-consumer approach (13:07)Current scale of the business (15:15)Stuart discusses future expansion opportunities (16:55)The senior team at Arc'teryx (18:43)Stuart's management style and the leadership techniques he learned from Mickey Drexler (20:37)Stuart's predictions for retail in 2025 (20:54)Arc'teryx's unique sustainability efforts (21:54)How Arc'teryx adapts its retail spaces when entering new communities (23:21) Links:Stuart Haselden on LinkedInArc'teryx on LinkedInArc'teryx WebsiteICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

We are excited to host creation speaker, Dr. Randy Guliuzza, this Sunday. Dr. Guliuzza is the president of the Institute for Creation Research. He is a leading biological design theorist and is actively expanding ICR's scientific research and heading the critical endeavor to develop a theory of biological design.

Given the new administration's tariff policy and the global unease we've seen in recent months, we felt it was a good time to pick the brain of someone who's spent decades studying China's economy and its evolving relationship with the United States.Andy Rothman is the founder and CEO of Sinology, a consulting firm that provides advice to institutional investors and companies on the opportunities and risks presented by China's economy and on the impact of changes in US China relations. Previously, Andy spent 11 years working as China strategist for Matthews Asia, one of the largest active US based investors in China's equity markets. That comes after a 17-year China-focused career as US foreign service officer that included serving as the Taiwan desk officer at the State Department in the mid-nineties, and serving as head of the Macroeconomics and Domestic Policy Office at the American Embassy in Beijing.  Andy shares his thoughts on the current trade dispute and the economic situation within China, and discusses what he's heard from Chinese business people and political officials during recent visits to the country.  Highlights:Andy's history with China (1:57)The situation within China (4:08)Exports vs. domestic demand (7:09)Where negotiations go from here (8:41)Supply chain impacts (11:29)The tech race (13:33)Taiwan (14:48)Consumer sentiment in China (16:40)China's demographic challenges (20:07)China's capital markets (21:19)Planning for the future (22:45) Links:Andy Rothman LinkedInSinology WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

When you stop to fill up your car with gas, you might also pop into the store to grab a quick bite, or a gatorade, or that carton of milk you forgot to get at the supermarket.  One company has managed to leverage that common retail experience into a real-estate empire.Chris Constant is the president and Chief Executive Officer of Getty Realty Corp, which trades under the symbol GTY on the New York Stock Exchange. Chris joined the company in November of 2010 as Director of Planning and Corporate Development, and was later promoted to treasurer in May of 2012, Vice President in May of 2013, CFO also in 2013 and CEO in 2016. Today, Chris walks us through the surprising origins of Getty Realty, discusses developments in the convenience store and automotive sectors, and explains why Getty has found such incredible success working with those industries.  Highlights:Getty Realty origins (4:50)What's a 'Net Lease REIT?' (7:07)Why C-stores and Auto-service? (8:00)How convenience stores have changed (9:48)Getty's advantage in the market (11:25)Sourcing new assets (12:48)Occupancy and rent (15:07)Potential for growth in other sectors (16:40)Uncertain macro environment (18:13)Impact of EVs (20:25)Dividends (21:49)What people miss about Getty (23:32)Links:Chris Constant LinkedInGetty Realty LinkedInGetty Realty WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

When you're shopping for clothes, there's a checklist of things you look for: you want them to look and feel good, you want them to last a long time, you might want them ethically and sustainably sourced, and probably most importantly, you don't want them to break the bank. In 2011 one active wear company emerged that ticked pretty much all those boxes.  Adam Goldenberg is the CEO and co-founder of Fabletics. Adam is a seasoned entrepreneur and leader in the e-commerce industry with a proven track record of building multiple-billion dollar brands. In fact, alongside co-founder Don Ressler, Adam has generated over $10 billion dollars in sales through his company, TechStyle Fashion Group, which in addition to Fabletics, has launched other digitally-native fashion brands like Savage X Fenty, Just Fab, Fab Kids, Shoedazzle and Yitti.  Adam launched his first company at 16, at 19 he became the youngest ever COO of a public company. He joins us to share his thoughts on e-commerce, customer retention, sustainability, and opportunities to grow the Fabletics brand.  Highlights:Fabletics origins (2:50)Fabletics' customer base (4:48)Tech and personalization (5:55)Celebrity partnerships (7:32)Membership model (8:37)E-commerce vs. Brick and mortar retail (11:23)Amazon (13:54)Plans for growth (15:27)Sustainability (19:09)Lesson's learned (20:58)What's next for Fabletics (23:19)Links:Adam Goldenberg LinkedInFabletics LinkedInFabletics WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Mary welcomes Rob Yardley to the podcast, Rob is a true servant in the church with the heart of a pastor and theologian. Rob has served on several boards of note and continues to do so - from Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa to ICR to Thru the Bible with J Vernon McGee. His new role as Executive Director of The Berean Call is one that is dear to his heart because of his friendship with the late Dave Hunt, and of course T.A. McMahon, who has recently retired. When putting godly men like Dave Hunt, TA, Henry Morris, and J Vernon side by side we get a picture of 20th century men that God greatly used. We will look at the legacies of each one, and talk about what it means to be a Berean in 2025. Where are today's great apologists and theologians? A thoughtful hour with a thoughtful brother.   Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

The world has changed a lot in the last century, but it might surprise you to learn that the US power grid has remained pretty much the same. In this country, energy is by and large controlled by regional utilities with de-facto monopolies, and no real incentive to innovate. That inertia impacts the entire economy, as industrial projects are starved of the power they need to get off the ground. Jereme Kent is the founder and CEO of One Power Company. Under his leadership, One Power is trailblazing the creation of the customer-centric power grid of the future. Before founding One Power in 2009, Jereme led the construction of some of the world's premier wind projects. As a field engineer, erection superintendent and site manager, he has overseen more than a billion dollars in wind turbine construction. Jereme joins us to discuss how and why current US power infrastructure is falling short, and how the One Power model could both energize and decarbonize America's efforts to re-industrialize. Highlights:The state of the grid (3:09)Why we need fixes now (7:04)One Powers services (9:03)Vertical Integration (11:30)Digital Substations (13:54)Fundamental Industries (15:20)Sustainability (16:55)Net Zero (19:45)10 year outlook (21:02)Culture of innovation (23:36)One Power's priorities (25:30)Links:Jereme Kent LinkedInOne Power LinkedInOne Power WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co. 

Summary:  We may not talk about them the same way we talk about basketball or baseball players, but make no mistake, dancers are elite athletes. Their training is intense, and the competition is fierce. And with Breakdancing at the Olympics, dance content flooding TikTok, and dance competition shows all over TV, there's never been more interest in the art-form. So how do you take that global phenomenon, and harness it into a global business?  Dan Galpern is the CEO of DanceOne. In 2023, the company was formed out of the merger between Break The Floor Productions and Star Dance Alliance, and it has become the premier producer of educational and competitive dance events, as well as the largest family of dance brands in the world.  Dan joins us to discuss DanceOne's plans for future expansion and growth, and how their global community is raising up the next generation of world-class dancers.  Highlights:The origins of DanceOne (3:48)Path from investor to CEO (5:41)DanceOne infrastructure (6:46)Building the DanceOne experience (8:11)The global appeal of dance (9:20)DanceOne event offerings (10:30)Growth opportunities (11:43)The power of dance (15:29)The DanceOne community (17:52)Goals for the future (20:00)Links:Dan Galpern LinkedInDanceOne LinkedInDanceOne WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co. 

The increasing popularity of Asian food presents many exciting business opportunities, but also some challenges. Many of these specialty restaurants are family-owned, and lack the corporate structure you'll find at larger chains. And a lot of them are located in rural places that make centralized distribution difficult. Servicing these types of businesses requires a personal touch, and a lot of relationship building to understand their individual needs. That makes the barrier to entry pretty high, and creates a pretty large moat around the companies already established in the sector. That includes HF Foods Group, led by CEO Felix Lin. HF trades on NASDAQ under the symbol HFFG and they are a leading distributor of international and specialty foods service solutions to restaurants, wholesalers and other customers in the food supply chain in the United States. Before taking on the role of CEO, Felix served as President and Chief Operating Officer of HF Foods Group and has been a key part of developing, implementing, and executing on the company's comprehensive transformation plan. Felix joins us to discuss how HF Foods Group made such strong inroads in the Asian food market, and how they plan to leverage their position in the marketplace, and smart capital allocation, to create opportunities for future growth. Highlights:The history of HF Foods (3:17)The popularity of Asian foods (4:53)Customer loyalty (5:57)Product offerings (8:02)Navigating market disruptions (10:23)Distribution networks (12:32)M & A Strategy (14:00)Outlook for the international food space (17:34)Strategic plan for HF Foods (20:04)Links:Felix Lin LinkedInHF Foods Group LinkedInHF Foods Group WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Innovating in the field of Med Tech presents a host of unique challenges. Formulating new treatments is a long and capital-intensive process. The regulatory regime for medical devices is extremely stringent. And even if you get approval, you still need to convince doctors that your treatment is safe and effective. But success in Med Tech R & D doesn't just mean profits for the company and it's shareholders, it means new treatments that can dramatically improve or even save the lives of patients. Jim Clemmer became the CEO of AngioDynamics in April of 2016, the company trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol ANGO. Prior to joining the company, Jim served as President of the multi-billion dollar medical supply segment at Covidien PLC where he directed the strategic and day-to-day operations for global business divisions that collectively manufactured 23 different product categories. In addition, he managed global manufacturing, research and development, operations, business development, and all other functions associated with the medical supplies business. Jim joins us to discuss AngioDynamics' innovative products that are helping treat a range of conditions from pulmonary embolism to prostate cancer. He also explains how their continued commitment to innovation has set AngioDynamics up for future success.  Highlights:The AngioDynamics Mission (4:03)Managing the AngioDynamics Portfolio (5:04)What sets AngioDynamics apart in the field (6:20)Meeting real-world clinical needs (7:24)AngioDynamics products (8:53)AngioDynamics approach to R&D (12:45)The impact on patients (15:36)Navigating regulation in different markets (20:06)The role of AI (21:35)AngioDynamics' balance sheet (23:01) Links:AngioDynamics LinkedInAngioDynamics WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Today: In 1979, Nurse With Wound entered a UK recording studio with no musical training whatsoever and created an album called Chance Meeting on a Dissecting Table of a Sewing Machine and an Umbrella, which promptly was awarded a rating of five question marks from Sounds Magazine. Since then, NWW has confounded critics and listeners alike, both pioneering and mining the areas of improvisation, Krautrock-influence, electroacoustic experiments and more, with unparalleled sense of invention and quite often humor. Today, Brian Turner reflects back on the massive body of work by this shifting ensemble, digging out a rare interview he did with its central figure, Steven Stapleton, from his Irish goat farm.NURSE WITH WOUND - Rock N' Roll Station - Rock N' Roll Station (United Dairies, 1994)NURSE WITH WOUND - Fragments I - Who Can I Turn To Stereo Etc. (Jnana, 2011)NURSE WITH WOUND - Yagga Blues - Funeral Music For Perez Prado (United Dairies, 2001)NURSE WITH WOUND - Homotopy For Marie - Homotopy For Marie (United Dairies, 1982)NURSE WITH WOUND - June 3 - Shipwreck Radio Volume One (Seven Sonic Structures From Utvær) (ICR, 2004)NURSE WITH WOUND / FOETUS - Brained By Falling Masonry - The Swinging Reflective (Favourite Moments Of Mutual Ecstasy) (United Dairies, 1999)BT INTERVIEW WITH STEVEN STAPLETON (PART ONE)NURSE WITH WOUND - Strain Crack Break (w/David Tibet) - Chance Meeting On A Dissecting Table Of A Sewing Machine And An Umbrella (1979, Re: United Dirter, 2009)NURSE WITH WOUND - (I Don't Want To Have) Easy Listening Nightmares - Alice The Goon (White Noise, 1995)NURSE WITH WOUND - You Walrus Hurt the One You Love - The Sylvie And Babs Hi-Fi Companion (United Dairies, 1997)NURSE WITH WOUND - Soliloquy For Lilith 7 - Soliloquy For Lilith (Idle Hole/Mirror One, 1988)BT INTERVIEW WITH STEVEN STAPLETON (PART TWO)NURSE WITH WOUND - Thrill of Romance...? - Huffin' Rag Blues (United Dairies/Jnana, 2008)COLIN POTTER - Power - The Scythe (ICR, 1981)ANDREW LILES / GROUNDHOGS - Split 5 - Split - Up (Dirter Promotions, 2016)NURSE WITH WOUND / STEREOLAB - Simple Headphone Mind (Duophonic, 1997)

The Department of Education just dropped a negotiated rulemaking announcement, and while it might sound like dry policy talk, this one's worth your attention — especially if you're pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), on Pay As You Earn (PAYE), or using Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR). Learn what negotiated rulemaking actually means, why it matters, and what kinds of changes could be on the horizon for federal student loan repayment. We'll also walk through the strategy behind these proposed updates, what the timeline might look like, and the political and legal dynamics that could affect how this all plays out. Key moments: (03:20) My initial take: borrowers don't need to panic just yet — and here's why (05:35) What these changes could actually mean for PSLF borrowers (06:59) PAYE and ICR might be affected, but IBR is protected by statute  (10:49) The GOP proposal targets nonprofit hospitals, but I don't think it'll go anywhere (12:34) With 2026 elections in sight, student loan overhauls will probably stay pretty modest Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan Get profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

When we experience buyers remorse about an item, what do we do? We return it. Either in store, or through the mail. But what happens to those products after we send them back? Surely they're repackaged and restocked, right? In a lot of cases, no. Many vendors aren't equipped to process those returns, and they can end up being sold in bulk at a loss, or worse, dumped in a landfill.Sender Shamiss has made it his mission to prevent that from happening. He's the co-founder and CEO of ReturnPro, a global reverse logistics platform that works with the world's largest retailers and vendors to solve the significant problem of merchandise returns. Today, we discuss the complexity of restocking returned items, the prevalence of fraud in merchandise returns, and how ReturnPro leverages innovative tech solutions to lessen that nearly 900-billion-dollar burden on the retail industry. Highlights:What happens to returned items? (3:14)Why have retailers ignored the issue? (7:18)ReturnPro's services (8:56)Working with big and small retailers (10:57)Recovering value from returns (13:27)The role of tech (16:22)Returns ending up in landfills (19:02)The impact of tariffs (22:08)Links:Sender's LinkedInReturnPro LinkedInReturnPro WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Major sporting events used to be clustered among a handful of TV channels. Now following your favourite team might require subscriptions to a whole litany of cable and streaming services. Which is to say nothing of all the licensed content you'll find spread out across social media platforms. In such a complex media ecosystem, how do organizations even begin to think about licensing their media assets? And how do they calculate their worth?Doug Perlman is the founder and CEO of Sports Media Advisors. SMA advises sports properties on their media strategies and rights negotiations. Doug has negotiated tens of billions of dollars in rights fees for some of the largest sports properties in the world, including the NFL, NASCAR, US Soccer, and the Ryder Cup, among others. Doug joins us today to discuss recent trends like the rise of streaming, the popularization of sports betting, and the emergence of AI, and all the unique challenges and opportunities they present for different leagues and organizations. Highlights:Doug's early career (3:00)Working for the NHL (4:40)Founding SMA (7:53)SMA's services (9:31)Negotiating rights deals (13:55)Cord-cutting (17:16)Impact of sports betting (18:35)Women's sports (19:37)AI in sports (20:58)Advice for young people trying to work in sports (26:12)Links:Doug Perlman LinkedInSMA LinkedInSMA WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Student loans are a mess. They've been a mess for as long as we've been doing this, but right now? It's like someone took that mess, threw it in a blender, and hit "puree." We're answering a whole heap of listener questions. This episode is dropping on April Fool's Day, but no jokes or pranks here — just straight-up answers. Let's face it: the real joke is how convoluted this whole system has become. But we're tackling the questions head-on. And if you're one of the folks who sent in questions, thanks for trusting us with your financial headaches. We've got your back. Key moments: (04:34) The trap that will mean big trouble for borrowers if ICR gets repealed (12:06) No “processing shortcuts” exist — everyone's in the same slow-moving line (21:20) Inexperienced customer service representatives giving you the wrong answers (34:06) Why you might want to file a tax extension to see how student loan policies might shift (45:24) Financial windfall? Where to direct your cash for maximum impact Links mentioned: StudentAid.gov IDR plan request Certify employment for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan Get profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

How do engineering principles, biological complexity, and a solid understanding of apologetics work together to further the cause of Christ? Why must believers be trained in ways to defend the faith? Host Michael is joined by former rocket scientist Cathryn Sterling and ICR physicist Dr. Jake Hebert to discuss this important topic in episode 34 of Creation.Live. Learn More: Defend the Faith Ministry

How do engineering principles, biological complexity, and a solid understanding of apologetics work together to further the cause of Christ? Why must believers be trained in ways to defend the faith? Host Michael is joined by former rocket scientist Cathryn Sterling and ICR physicist Dr. Jake Hebert to discuss this important topic in episode 34 of Creation.Live. Learn More: Defend the Faith Ministry

Putting together an IPO is no easy feat. Just getting your finances in order can be a herculean effort. Add in the laundry list of compliance requirements, and it simply becomes too much for most firms to handle on their own. That's especially true for young companies in emerging industries like biotech or AI, where corporate governance may have taken a backseat to product development. Enter, Mike Aiello. He's the CEO and managing partner at Centri Business Consulting, one of the country's fastest growing accounting and advisory firms. Mike founded Centri in 2011 with a focus on capital markets, transactions and emerging growth organizations. It has since grown from its Philadelphia, mid-Atlantic roots to eight offices nationwide, with around 250 staff providing support to more than a thousand companies. Mike walks us through the massive undertaking that is IPO preparation, and how Centri guides their clients through that process. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of IPOs and SPACs, and explains why he feels optimistic for the future of capital markets.Highlights:Mike's path to founding Centri (3:14)Centri's menu of services (6:26)The state of the IPO market (8:34)SPACs (12:09) Getting ready for an IPO (13:56)Working with AI companies (15:39)Recruiting talent from 'The Big 4' (18:05)Importance of corporate culture (19:22)Priorities for growth (21:57)Upcoming 'Capital Markets Conference' (25:28)Links:Centri LinkedInCentri TwitterCentri WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  It's early in the 2025 reporting season, but new trends in the restaurant and foodservice space are already emerging. 2024 was a difficult year and the industry is still adjusting—navigating the same pressures of inflation, labor costs, and economic shifts, plus some new challenges. Consumer habits continue to evolve, and technology is playing a bigger role than ever.  Today we're joined by Michael Halen, the Senior Restaurant and Foodservice Analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence. At Bloomberg, Michael publishes company-specific and industry-focused research on everything from how new government policies will impact business to the shifting demographics that affect consumer behavior. Michael makes frequent appearances as a TV and radio guest and is the host of Bloomberg Intelligence's restaurant-focused podcast titled Choppin' It Up.  In this episode, Michael breaks down the biggest takeaways and predictions for 2025. As we enter the new year, what's setting the winners apart? Which trends have staying power, and what can last year's challenges tell us about the road ahead? And most importantly, what should restaurant leaders be looking out for to stay ahead of the curve?  Highlights:Michael's path to his role at Bloomberg (3:08)The winners and losers from the last few years (6:01)Regional differences in consumer behavior (7:53)Impacts of inflation on the restaurant industry (9:22)The role of strategic pricing (11:41)The role of AI and automation (16:12)Make America Healthy Again (18:30)Recent trends and what they say about the future (23:48) Links:Michael Halen on LinkedInBloomberg Intelligence LinkedInBloomberg Intelligence WebsitePodcast: Choppin' it Up by Bloomberg IntelligenceICR on LinkedIn ICR on XICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  Personalization has reshaped nearly every industry, turning one-size-fits-all solutions into tailored experiences. Think self-serve kiosks in fast food or streaming algorithms curating content just for you—consumers now expect products to adapt to them, not the other way around. In the health and fitness space, where no two people share the same habits, goals, or motivations, personalization is crucial to progress. So why hasn't mass personalization taken hold in the space? Because it takes more than just offering choices—it requires an approach that adapts in real time and integrates seamlessly into people's lives. Today's guest is leading this shift, using cutting-edge innovation to make personalized health and fitness more accessible than ever. Today, we're sitting down with Kevin Duffy, CEO of iFIT, the global leader in connected fitness. Kevin is a seasoned executive with experience leading both private equity-backed and public consumer-branded technology companies.  Some of Kevin's core strengths include steering organizations through transformative organic growth, completing integrated accretive acquisitions, and delivering superior investor returns. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Economics from Princeton University and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.  In this episode, Kevin unpacks how iFIT is revolutionizing connected fitness by making mass personalization a reality. He discusses the technology driving adaptive workout experiences, the role of data in shaping individualized fitness journeys, and why the future of health and wellness hinges on meeting people where they are. Highlights:Kevin describes the path to his current role at iFIT (2:57)What iFIT is and what makes their technology and software unique (4:41)The importance of customization and personalization in health and wellness (7:11)iFIT's unique habit-forming AI software (9:00)Kevin discusses the recent NordicTrack partnership (11:03)Business scale and prospects for continued international expansion (12:53)Kevin walks us through iFIT's recent software updates and advancements (15:18)How user data helps enhance iFIT products (18:01)The management team and company culture at iFIT (19:15)Major fitness trends to watch in 2025 (20:45)How iFIT balances innovation with investment (24:10)Goals for the future (26:03)Links:Kevin Duffy on LinkedIniFIT on LinkedIniFIT WebsiteICR on LinkedIn ICR on XICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  The rapid rise of AI is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, creating both challenges and opportunities for innovation. With technology this powerful, pure progress is not enough. We have a responsibility to be intentional about about how we build it, power it, and use it, to ensure it drives positive outcomes and a more sustainable future. Today, we're sitting down with Rahul Mewawalla, the President and CEO of Mawson Infrastructure Group, a rapidly evolving digital infrastructure services company that trades on NASDAQ under the symbol MIGI. Rahul has been a CEO for over a decade, leading numerous technology companies, including household names like Yahoo, Nokia, and General Electric. Rahul has served on the boards of six NASDAQ-listed companies, two of which he chaired. He led San Francisco's Innovation and Technology Program in collaboration with the White House and the Executive Office of the President, served as a Special Government Employee with the U.S. Department of Defense, and was an advisor to Stanford University's Persuasive Technology Lab. Rahul has had a front-row seat to four major technology waves—the internet, mobile, cloud, and AI—giving him tremendous perspective on today's rapidly evolving landscape In this episode, Rahul explores how companies are joining forces to address AI's soaring energy demands—and what it means for the future of digital infrastructure. He delves into the evolving partnership between technology firms and energy providers, the growing role of nuclear and carbon-neutral power in sustaining AI's expansion, and why cross-industry collaboration is essential for long-term success.Highlights:Rahul discusses what initially drew him to digital infrastructure (3:18)Mawson's strategic shift from cryptocurrency mining to AI infrastructure (6:01)Key components and functions in an AI technology stack (8:34)Rahul's perspective on the transformative AI wave and growing investment around it (11:29)Rahul describes what the PJM market is (13:44)Investment in nuclear energy (15:30)Rahul discusses Mawson's management team and leadership strategy (17:50)Mawson's announcement of a major AI co-location agreement (19:51)Rahul explains why industry collaboration is essential for scaling AI infrastructure (21:49)Mawson's total addressable market and maintaining a competitive edge (23:25)How Rahul balances leadership and innovation (24:58)The future innovations and business opportunities Rahul sees for Mawson (26:53)Links:Rahul Mewawalla on LinkedInMawson Infrastructure on LinkedInMawson Infrastructure WebsiteICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

The IDR and loan consolidation applications are down, repayment plans are shifting, and court rulings are throwing everything into question. If you're feeling stuck, you're not alone. Learn why the Department of Education is reworking the IDR and PSLF applications, what this means for your loan strategy, and how to make smart decisions despite the chaos. We'll also tackle listener questions about PSLF timing, repayment plan changes, and what potential policy shifts could mean for your forgiveness path. Key moments: (04:38) What the court ruling means for PSLF and ICR borrowers (07:16) Will my loans be forgiven? I'm two payments away from forgiveness and not IBR eligible (14:51) Is my income too high to qualify for financial hardship? (19:24) Do my Parent PLUS loans qualify for PSLF forgiveness? (23:06) What is the student loan “tax bomb” and will I have to pay it? Link mentioned:   Request an income-driven repayment plan   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan Get profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

NTTA warning…. Who Died Today: Gene Hackman 95, Betsy Arakawa 63 and the dog found dead… Michelle Trachtenberg 39…. Measle outbreak causes two deaths... Email: ChewingTheFat@theblaze.com. Dumbest criminal?... Record Store Award goes to Lisa Loeb…. A Bar Song (Tipsy) still on top of some charts…. Eli Lilly makes Zepbound cheaper… Oxygen microparticle injections…. Humans found earlier than already known / ICR may disagree?... Self Destructing Bacteria?... National Garden of American Heroes…. Caitlin Clark new Nike Ad…. Joke(s) of The Day…. from Dwight…   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recent court rulings and policy shifts have created confusion, leaving borrowers wondering what to do next. Should you stay on SAVE, switch plans, or wait it out? We break down what's happening, why PAYE and ICR are back in the spotlight, and whether sticking with SAVE or switching plans is the smarter strategy. We'll also cover key financial factors that could affect your repayment plan, like credit card debt, maternity leave, and tax filing choices. If you're unsure what this means for you, tune in for insights and next steps to keep your student loan strategy on track.Key moments:(03:38) When sticking with SAVE is the smartest financial move(06:19) Ditching SAVE could fast-track PSLF loan forgiveness(10:24) Your tax filing status could be the key to lowering your student loan payments(16:09) If you borrowed federal loans between October 2007 and July 2014, PAYE might be a golden opportunityDVMs deserve financial experts who speak their language. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth.Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts

Summary:  You've heard it before: "The customer is always right." For many businesses, that's sound advice. But for premium brands, the road to success often takes a different route. Rather than reacting to every shift in demand, it's about staying rooted in a philosophy: delivering quality, staying authentic, and fostering relationships that stand the test of time. Today's guest has fully embraced this approach, leveraging his brand's strengths to set a new standard of excellence in the technical apparel market. Stuart Haselden has been the CEO of Arc'teryx since 2021 and brings over 20 years of global experience in retail and premium brands to the company, having worked in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia for brands such as Away Travel, Lululemon, J.Crew, and Saks Fifth Avenue. His career began in the United States Army where he served as a Cavalry Officer—a defining experience for him that has shaped his views on leadership. It was also the beginning of a lifelong love of mountain and alpine sports, as Stuart learned to ski in the Austrian Alps while stationed in Germany.  In this episode, Stuart shares how Arc'teryx has expanded its direct-to-consumer model while preserving the brand's authenticity. He explains how a relentless focus on performance and innovation has fueled the company's growth and set it apart in the competitive technical apparel space. Stuart also talks about the leadership strategies that have guided Arc'teryx's evolution—and how they're shaping its future. Highlights:Background on Arc'teryx and the road to becoming a premium brand (2:43)Stuart's history in retail and how he was introduced to the opportunity at Arc'teryx (4:19)Stuart discusses Arc'teryx's position in the Amer Sports portfolio (7:18)Competition in the technical apparel field and what differentiates Arc'teryx (8:35)Stuart describes how Arc'teryx maintains its authenticity while it grows (10:17)How Arc'teryx evolved from a retail model to a direct-to-consumer approach (13:07)Current scale of the business (15:15)Stuart discusses future expansion opportunities (16:55)The senior team at Arc'teryx (18:43)Stuart's management style and the leadership techniques he learned from Mickey Drexler (20:37)Stuart's predictions for retail in 2025 (20:54)Arc'teryx's unique sustainability efforts (21:54)How Arc'teryx adapts its retail spaces when entering new communities (23:21) Links:Stuart Haselden on LinkedInArc'teryx on LinkedInArc'teryx WebsiteICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

The legal battle over the SAVE plan just took another turn. With the injunction now made permanent, what happens next? Learn how this latest court decision affects your repayment plan, the impact on student loan forgiveness, and what it means for current and future borrowers. We'll also cover the legal and legislative angles, what to watch for in the coming months, and how to adjust your student loan strategy. If you're wondering whether student loan forgiveness is still in play or how this affects your next steps, tune in to this episode. Key moments: (02:48) The ICR statute doesn't explicitly promise forgiveness after 25 years (04:44) What the SAVE injunction means in plain terms (07:31) How this ruling could throw a wrench into House Republicans' tax cut plans (12:09) What to consider if you're in the SAVE forbearance or going for PSLF   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan Get profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

Summary:  Getting ahead begins with a sharp focus on recognizing problems and finding better solutions than anyone else. But staying ahead requires something more: the ability to adapt, evolve, and lead as the stakes grow. Today's guest didn't just solve a problem; he built a system so indispensable it's reshaped how an entire industry operates.  Kent Collier is the Founder and CEO of Octus (formerly Reorg), a credit intelligence and data provider for the world's leading buy-side firms, investment banks, law firms, and advisory firms. Kent's experience as a research analyst at firms like Millennium Partners, Catalyst Investment Management, Assurant Asset Management, and Babson Capital refined his expertise in high-yield distressed debt and special situations. As a passionate innovator in data science and generative AI, Kent has put Octus at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies that fuel decisive actions across financial markets.  In this episode, Kent shares how Octus evolved from a niche solution into a category leader in data intelligence. He explains how AI is transforming workflows and shaping the future of data management. Kent also discusses the discipline required to scale effectively and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Highlights:Spotting a gap in the marketplace and founding Octus (2:50)Company scale and customer base (4:36)Kent describes what sets Octus apart from competitors in the field (5:50)Market runway and growth projection (7:33)Kent discusses the decision to rebrand the company (9:16)Bridging Kent's work in finance with technology (10:47)Initial challenges when founding the company (11:50)Kent describes his management style (13:40)How the team at Octus is implementing AI (16:13)Kent's short-term predictions for the private equity market (19:42)Octus' expansion opportunities (22:13)Kent's approach to M&A (23:32)Kent talks about the Good Words Foundation (25:32) Links:Kent Collier on LinkedInOctus on LinkedInOctus WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Since founding ICR in 1998, Tom and his senior team have grown the firm into one of the largest, most respected and most impactful agencies in the world. He has studied public companies, their value creation initiatives and communications strategies for over 30 years and has used his experience as a former sell-side analyst/investment banker to advise hundreds of high-profile companies spanning numerous industries. This includes Abbott, Keurig Green Mountain, Chipotle, Wendy's, Texas Roadhouse, and Legg Mason to name a few.   As a true partner to corporate clients, Tom's advice is solely geared toward building and preserving C-Suite credibility and reputation, which is a key driver of valuation and capital costs. This, in turn, leads to his clients becoming the employer of choice, the logical exit for companies looking to sell, and other untold opportunities for reinvestment and capital deployment.   Interviewed by Kate Doerge.

Summary:  In some industries, new players try to shake things up by breaking them down. But in sectors like food, where traditions run deep and habits are hard to change, collaboration can be a far more palatable strategy and can be leveraged to create scalable, sustainable solutions. Today's guest is doing just that, using decades of industry expertise to partner with key players, tackle global challenges, and redefine what's possible for the future of food. Jeff "Trip" Tripician is the CEO of Meatable, a Dutch biotech company dedicated to the development of cultivated meat products. Trip is an industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the organic and natural meat industry in the U.S.  He most recently served as CEO of Grass Fed Foods and, prior to that, as President of Perdue Premium Meat Company. Trip also brings extensive experience across the U.S. meat market with deep expertise in the U.S. supply chain, marketing of sustainable meat products, fundraising, and M&A. In fact, at Grass Fed Foods, Trip orchestrated a successful merger between Teton Waters Ranch and SunFed Ranch, which positioned the company as the foremost regeneratively focused grass-fed beef platform in the U.S.During his time at Perdue Premium Meat Company, he spearheaded the company's growth and premium meat brands, such as Niman Ranch and Coleman Natural, among others. Notably, he oversaw the acquisition and integration of Panorama Organic Grass-fed Meats and Alexander & Hornung. In this episode, Trip shares how his background in the traditional meat industry shaped his work at Meatable. We dive into the cultivated meat-making process and the nuances of producing different cuts and types of meat. Trip also discusses the challenges the industry is facing, from scaling production and licensing to food security and navigating regulatory hurdles. Highlights:Trip's history in the meat industry and journey into cultivated meat (3:34)Trip describes what drew him to his role at Meatable (4:51)Population growth and the increasing global demand for meat (6:40)How investor mindset in cultivated meat has changed over time (7:49)The science behind cultivating different cuts of meat (9:53)Current cultivated meat projects and innovations at Meatable (12:04)Meatable's business model and how it has evolved (14:26)Public reception to cultivated meat and industry hurdles (17:57)Trip describes the value of spreading awareness and education about cultivated meat (22:39)Future scalability and current field economics (25:16)Links:Jeff Tripician on LinkedInMeatable on LinkedInMeatable WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  When it comes to running a business, data insights are invaluable, but that data has to come with meaningful action. You need to be willing to evolve alongside your customers and constantly refine your approach to meet their needs. Today's guest has mastered this balance, building a platform that drives engagement, growth, and innovation at scale.  Today, we're sitting down with Chuck Davis, Chairman and CEO of Prodege. Chuck's business journey began by creating a sports newsletter in middle school that caught the attention of NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. He went on to earn degrees from Brown University and then Harvard Business School. Afterward, he embarked on a career that would shape the digital landscape. Chuck started in publishing, working for Time, Inc. and TV Guide before becoming the Walt Disney Company's first President of E-Commerce in 1996, where he launched pivotal online platforms like Disneystore.com and ESPNstore.com.  Chuck's career progressed as he led Shopzilla, formerly known as Bizrate.com, through its acquisition in 2005 and transformed Fandango into a leading entertainment website. For the last 10 years, he has built Prodege into a cutting-edge marketing and consumer insights platform.  In this episode, Chuck explores how adaptability and customer focus have shaped Prodege's success, from harnessing gamification to leveraging AI for innovation. He also shares his approach to leading through change and building a company culture that drives lasting impact. Highlights:Chuck remembers the early days of the internet and the digitalization of brands (3:18)Prodege's background, and what makes their platform unique (6:54)Prodege's approach to data privacy (11:07)Chuck's strategy for navigating business cycles and economic fluctuation (12:17)Chuck describes Prodege's current platform features and how the site has evolved (14:56)How Prodege adapts alongside changing data regulations (16:30)How Prodege maintains quality in their consumer insights (19:36)Chuck discusses how Prodege is incorporating AI into their platform internally and externally (21:07)Current innovations and plans for the future of the platform (23:30)Growth and acquisition opportunities (25:43)How Prodege maintains company culture amid acquisitions and expansion (27:33) Links:Chuck Davis on LinkedInProdege on LinkedInProdege WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  Innovation often starts with asking tough questions, like: What if the systems we've always relied on aren't equipped to handle today's complexities? By leveraging data and challenging outdated assumptions, new possibilities are arising in unexpected industries. Today, we're sitting down with Jay Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Abacus Life, which trades under the symbol ABL. Jay joined Abacus Settlements in 2016 as President and Chief Executive Officer and has also served as CEO of Longevity Market Assets since June 2019.  He serves as a current member of the Orlando Mayor's Committee on Livability and as an Executive Board Member for the Senior Resource Alliance, an agency of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Jay began his career at Franklin Templeton Investments, and prior to joining Abacus, he co-founded and managed the Fayerweather Street Life Fund, as well as the Cambridge Life Management origination platform for FDO Partners, a three billion quantitative investment firm founded by Harvard Business School professor Ken Froot. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services and life settlement industry, Jay is not only a pioneer in the life settlement and longevity industry but has also formed multiple verticals within that umbrella.  In this episode, we explore how Jay Jackson and Abacus Life are transforming life insurance into a powerful financial empowerment tool, offering policyholders and their loved ones newfound flexibility. He'll also tell us how Abacus is leveraging data to unlock hidden value and drive innovation across the longevity market. Highlights:Abacus' background and mission (3:05)The total addressable market for Abacus in life insurance (4:14)Market competition and key business differentiators (6:10)Abacus' target audience and customer profiles (8:12)Abacus Life's business model and how it has evolved (9:49)Jay describes Abacus' technology platform and the value of data collection (12:11)How data insights will unlock opportunities for innovation and efficiency in the field (16:03)How life insurance policies will change if human lifespans increase (17:50)Jay describes the benefits of taking Abacus public (21:19)The senior team at Abacus Life (23:24)Future goals at Abacus and balancing growth with M&A (25:44) Links:Jay Jackson LinkedInAbacus Life on LinkedInAbacus Life WebsiteBook: Pursuing Wealthspan: How Science is Revolutionizing Wealth ManagementICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  In business, leadership isn't just about taking charge — it's about enabling others to thrive. As companies grow and stakes rise, fostering trust and collaboration becomes essential. Today's guest has embraced a leadership style rooted in empowerment, driving innovation, and turning ambitious visions into tangible success. Today we're sitting down with Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp, a leading global manager of alternative investments. Under his leadership, Investcorp has grown its assets under management from 10 billion to 53 billion in just nine years, all while diversifying and expanding its global footprint. Mohammed leads the firm's activities across its global network in New York, London, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Mumbai, Delhi, Beijing, Singapore, and Japan. He is a retired Air Vice Marshal and was the youngest and longest-serving Chief of the Omani Air Force, having joined the Royal Air Force of Oman in 1978. In addition to his role at Investcorp, Mohammed also serves as Chairman of the Muscat Stock Exchange. He sits on several boards, including the International Advisory Board of the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C., the Eisenhower Fellowship in Philadelphia, The World Economic Forum's Community of Chairpersons, and the Harvard Kennedy School's Dean Council, among others. Mohammed is the author of three published books, the most recent is Connecting to the Future, which became a U.S. bestseller in 2023.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Military Science from the Royal Air Force U.K. Staff College and a Master's in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is also a graduate of the Royal Air Force Military Academy in the U.K. and the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. In this episode, we discuss how Mohammed redefined his leadership style at Investcorp, blending military precision with visionary strategy to scale operations, foster innovation, and create lasting impact on a global stage. Highlights:How Mohammed spearheaded Investcorp's transformation plan (5:36)Mohammed describes his military experience and how it informs his approach to business (7:47)Situational awareness, and its application to work environments (9:39)How Mohammed views investment decisions on a global scale (11:27)Mohammed's leadership style (12:21)How challenging the status quo helped Investcorp set growth and transformation goals (13:50)What Mohammed has learned from navigating high-profile deals (17:58)How to balance short-term results with long-term strategic planning (19:15)Breaking free of nostalgia in business (20:40)How the Investcorp team maintained internal stability amid substantial growth (22:34)Navigating cultural and economic environments on a global scale (25:19)Investcorp's outlook and goals for 2025 (26:27)Incorporating AI into Investcorp workflows (29:33)Investcorp's influence on corporate social responsibility (30:37) Links:Mohammed Alardhi LinkedInInvestcorp on LinkedInInvestcorp WebsiteBook: Connecting to the Future by Mohammed Alardhi (2023)ICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary: Branding used to be as simple as product packaging. But today, it's woven into every touchpoint — from social media and customer service to in-store experiences. With more opportunities than ever to connect, brands face the challenge of creating a unified, authentic experience that not only stands out but also stays true to their core identity. Our guest today is helping brands forge deeper, more meaningful connections with their customers...connections that last.Kate Doerge is Principal at Kate Doerge Consulting and Operating Partner at Traub, a global business development, advisory, and investment firm focused on the consumer and retail industries. Kate works with her colleagues at Traub on all aspects of brand strategy and optimization across domestic and global markets.Kate is a dynamic business leader, brand strategist, and trusted advisor driving organizational transformation and delivering impactful results. As an experienced brand marketing consultant, Kate champions innovation and optimizes brand performance to generate value for stakeholders. Her clients have included L'Oreal, H&M, Kate Spade, TAG Heuer, and Oscar de la Renta, among others. Previously, Kate was Head of Marketing at iStar New York, leading iStar's branding and communications efforts. She launched the firm's first marketing department to drive awareness and also helped iStar play a central role in revitalizing Asbury Park, New Jersey with the Asbury Park Now brand campaign.Prior to that, Kate was a partner at Paul Wilmot Communications, where she led the firm's fashion, beauty and wellness, accessories, culture, and lifestyle divisions. In 2015, Kate was appointed Vice Chair of the Board of Advisors of the Hospital for Special Surgery. She sits on the HSS Pediatric Council, and for the past 16 years, she has Co-chaired HSS's most successful fundraiser for the Pediatric Pavilion, raising more than 25 million to date.She also sits on the Board and acts as a Strategic Advisor for the Penny Doerge Adaptive Pediatric Academy and is Co-founder and CEO of Penny's Flight Foundation dedicated to raising awareness and funding for neurofibromatosis, launched in honor of Kate and her husband Chad's daughter, Penny, who passed away from this condition in November of 2022.In this episode, we explore how Kate Doerge is helping brands stand out by balancing authenticity with innovation, aligning messaging across platforms, and leveraging storytelling to create lasting connections in a rapidly evolving market.Highlights:Kate's path into public relations and consulting (4:03)Memorable client experiences at Traub (9:48)Kate describes the Traub team (11:59)How Kate aligns brand strategies across entire teams (13:32)Challenges brands face when adapting their branding digitally (14:37)How Kate stays on top of trends and innovations (15:51)Adapting to trends while remaining authentic (18:20)How Kate's work at Traub informs her consulting business (20:05)Kate's philanthropic work and 'Penny's Flight Foundation' (22:24)Links:Kate Doerge on LinkedInKate Doerge Consulting WebsitePenny's Flight Foundation Traub WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.