Podcasts about wtop

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Today's stories include: fallout from a recent report claiming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered all crew members killed during the administration's first strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean back in September.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the White House plan to extend healthcare subsidies to the search for a new Comptroller General as Gene Dodaro retires, December brings high-stakes debates on Capitol Hill. Mitchell Miller of WTOP breaks down what's ahead and what shifting GOP dynamics mean for policy and legislation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Today's stories include: the latest on the two National Guard members shot in DC and the call for additional National Guard troops in the District.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Top stories include updates in the investigation of the 2 National Guard soldiers shot, Thanksgiving festivities, and Maryland rental assistance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Craig: Empowering ordinary investors to take control of their money whether they are young or old.Most of the wealth created by today's fastest‑growing companies never reaches ordinary investors.Innovative firms like Uber stay private for years, creating massive value for venture capitalists and insiders before ever listing on a public exchange. By the time these companies finally go public, most of the growth is already “cooked in.” That leaves people investing through retirement accounts buying stock at a premium while much of the upside has already been captured.In this episode of Superpowers for Good, guest Craig Stephens, founder of Anatoc Media, shares how he helps everyday investors understand and, where possible, tap into this elusive pre‑IPO and IPO economy through AccessIPOs.com and his Retire Before Dad blog.Craig explains the core problem bluntly: “From 1996 to this year we went from about 8,000 public companies to just 4,000.” That shrinking universe means the broad market funds many people depend on for retirement are drawing from fewer companies, while an expanding slice of innovation remains locked up in private markets.He points to the rise of giant private companies as a turning point. “These companies really started with Uber. Uber waited a long time to go public and by the time it went public most of its growth was already built into the company.” When firms can command higher valuations and easy capital while staying private, they have little incentive to list, especially when secondary markets and tender offers already provide liquidity for insiders and employees.The result is a widening access gap. “With fewer companies going public that wealth is getting sort of sectioned off in this venture capital world which is just not accessible to everybody,” Craig notes. Regulated crowdfunding and other exemptions appear as part of the solution, opening a window for retail investors to participate earlier, even if only on a small scale compared to institutional players.Craig distinguishes between his two platforms. Retire Before Dad focuses on what he calls the “boring stuff” — index funds, sound retirement planning, smart personal finance habits. Access IPOs is intentionally more speculative, a place for investors to allocate a small slice of their wealth to higher‑risk, higher‑potential pre‑IPO and IPO opportunities.The discussion underscores a growing conviction among advocates for retail investors: the financial system needs more pathways for ordinary people to participate in the wealth generated by innovation. While regulation crowdfunding alone cannot fix the system, it is an essential part of a broader effort to ensure that elites are not the only ones who benefit from the most dynamic companies of this era.tl;dr:The episode explores how shrinking public markets prevent many ordinary investors from sharing in innovation‑driven wealth.Craig explains why companies stay private longer, shifting most gains to venture capital and other private‑market players.The conversation highlights how regulation crowdfunding and Reg A create limited but meaningful early‑stage access for the crowd.Craig shares his path from IT consulting to launching Retire Before Dad and Access IPOs to educate DIY investors.Craig presents his superpower of empowering investors, illustrated through his IPO community and practical guidance for smarter participation.How to Develop Empowering Investors As a SuperpowerCraig's superpower is empowering investors to take control of their own money. His work is about “empowering ordinary investors to take control of their money whether they are young or old.” Through his two platforms, he supports younger people “interested in these hot companies that are going public or that are private” and retirees he “empower[s] to manage their own money as DIY planners and investors.” Craig challenges the aura of complexity built by the financial industry, insisting “investing doesn't need to be that difficult or complex and ordinary investors can do it on their own,” accessing both traditional assets and, where appropriate, “the other economy that a lot of people don't have access to.”Craig described a small investing community that began on Facebook and later moved to Patreon. He does not give formal advice but offers tools, education, and a trusted space to discuss IPO and pre‑IPO opportunities. Within that group, members identified and accessed the Circle IPO. “At some point it was up six or seven hundred percent and that's very unusual,” Craig explains. Because the community had developed knowledge and shared strategies together, ordinary investors were ready to participate through available brokerage channels. Craig emphasizes there are also deals that “didn't jump out of the gate,” highlighting both the potential and the real risks of this approach.Tips for Developing This Superpower (Actionable)Demystify investingLearn basic concepts in public markets, IPOs, and private offerings to see that they are understandable and navigable.Adopt a DIY approachTake responsibility for core decisions about saving, allocation, and risk instead of defaulting everything to professionals.Anchor most money in simple vehiclesUse broad index funds and long‑term retirement accounts as the foundation of a personal investing strategy.Limit speculative capitalTreat IPOs and pre‑IPO deals as a small, clearly defined portion of an overall portfolio.Build or join trusted communitiesEngage with smaller, higher‑trust groups rather than anonymous online forums crowded with bots and hidden agendas.Increase access thoughtfullyWhen appropriate, open accounts at reputable brokers or platforms that offer IPO, pre‑IPO, or crowdfunding access.Stay clear‑eyed about riskRemember that “IPO investing carries significant risk” and expect that not every deal will be a winner.Prioritize habits over hypePair occasional high‑upside opportunities with disciplined saving, consistent investing, and long‑term planning.By following Craig's example and advice, empowering investors can become a skill. With practice and effort, it can become a superpower that enables more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileCraig Stephens (he/him):Founder, Anatoc Media LLCAbout Anatoc Media LLC: Access IPOs help ordinary investors explore opportunities to invest in the world's most innovative and disruptive pre-IPO companies. Website: accessipos.com, retirebeforedad.comCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/accessiposTwitter Handle: @RetireBeforeDadBiographical Information: Craig Stephens is a former IT consultant for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) turned full-time writer and podcaster.He's also the founder of Retire Before Dad (RBD), a website and YouTube channel about DIY investing for retirement and financial independence. He's a former contributor to TIME.com, US News & World Report, and HumbleDollar, and his writing has been featured on Yahoo Finance, Seeking Alpha, Apex Money, WTOP, Becoming Minimalist, Optimal Finance Daily, and Business Insider. He's a retail investor advocate, promoting equal investment opportunities for all investors.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/craighstephensPersonal Twitter Handle: @AccessIPOs Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Otherwise Brewing, Artisan Tropic, and Envirosult. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Green, Envirosult | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on December 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, December 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern, will feature Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., leading a session on “Designing a Winning Marketing Strategy for Your Investment Offering.” Drawing on his deep experience in impact crowdfunding and investment storytelling, Devin will break down the essential elements of building a marketing strategy that attracts, engages, and converts potential investors. Participants will learn how to identify and reach the right audience, craft messages that build trust, and develop a promotional plan that supports sustained momentum throughout a raise. Whether you're preparing for your first regulated investment crowdfunding campaign or looking to strengthen an ongoing one, this SuperCrowdHour will provide the insights and practical frameworks you need to elevate your offering and boost investor participation.SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don't miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Today's stories include: a wild police chase on I-270, the new Beltway express lanes in Northern Virginia, and a review on 'Wicked: For Good.' See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sean Combs, also known to listeners as Puffy or P Diddy, has returned to headlines with significant developments this week. According to the Associated Press and WTOP, the LA County Sheriff's Department is actively investigating a new sexual battery claim against Combs as of November 18, 2025. The investigation centers on allegations from a male music producer and publicist, who asserts that Diddy exposed himself and solicited sexual activity back in 2020. TMZ reports that Combs strongly denies the accusations, but law enforcement officials have confirmed the investigation is ongoing, keeping Combs in the legal spotlight.While the focus is on these legal troubles, many listeners may recall that Combs has shifted identities and rebranded himself numerous times throughout his storied career. As detailed by DHgate, these name changes—from Puff Daddy to P Diddy, then simply Diddy—have often paralleled his ventures into fashion, beverages like Ciroc Vodka, and various media projects, each rebrand reflecting a new chapter in his ambitious business portfolio.Despite his recent controversies, Combs remains one of the wealthiest moguls in hip-hop. Hormiprent highlights that the vast majority of his fortune comes from business holdings, most notably profits from Ciroc and his fashion line Sean John, as well as real estate investments. His international business reach is substantial, especially in markets outside the United States, further solidifying his status as a global influencer, as reported by apps.ritemate.That's the latest on Sean Combs—his ongoing legal battles and enduring business empire continue to generate conversation across the entertainment industry. Thank you for tuning in, and be sure to come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more from me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Today's stories include: the latest on the National Guard's role in DC and the passage of Zoey's law in Prince George's County.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After weeks of gridlock, the government is open, but scars from the shutdown remain and the clock is ticking toward January 30. Lawmakers face a packed agenda, from appropriations to hearings and a health care vote, with little room to avoid another showdown. Joining us with the outlook is Mitchell Miller, Capitol Hill Correspondent for WTOP.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Today's stories include: the federal government shutdown is over and federal workers going back to work. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is 22 Hours: A Second Look, where we revisit our original season with host Megan Cloherty. In this episode, Megan is joined by Jack Moore and Julia Ziegler to answer listener questions. This was the last episode before our two updates after the trial, including Daron's choice to appeal and then the outcome of the court's ruling on that matter.Original Episode-In our final episode, we again return to the studio and dig through our notes, files and transcripts of the case to answer listener questions. What happened to the $40,000 ransom and was it fully accounted for? What is the timeline of the various fires in the case? And what was the deal with Daron's alibi, Ed?This episode is written and produced by WTOP reporters Megan Cloherty and Jack Moore. Julia Ziegler is the content adviser. Visit 22HoursPodcast.com to sign up for em ail alerts on the case, and to see photos and other evidence."22 Hours: An American Nightmare" is a production of WTOP News in Washington, D.C. Music for this episode is “Haters Hate” by Ramone Messam.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern VirginiaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.Today's top news stories: Progress is made as the Senate tries to find an off-ramp to end the government shutdown... WTOP sports director and Commanders beat reporter George Wallace gives his take on the team's 5th straight loss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern VirginiaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Today's stories include: the latest on the government shutdown, preparing your home for the cold weather and an update on a 1998 cold case.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.Today's top news stories: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will NOT seek re-election to the U.S. House. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.Today's stories include: the latest on Maryland lawsuit against Trump administration on the FBI headquarters and federal government shutdown. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern VirginiaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The top news of the day impacting people living in DC, Maryland and Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.