Category: Business
Finding Meaning, Community, and Fulfillment with Dr. David Bruner (Ep. 18)

Finding Meaning, Community, and Fulfillment with Dr. David Bruner (Ep. 18)

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Many people spend years chasing achievement, only to discover they’re still searching for something deeper.

What creates a meaningful life? How do community, purpose, spirituality, and everyday choices shape the way we experience fulfillment?

In this episode, Kevin Swanson welcomes Dr. David Bruner, Life Coach and Former Spiritual Leader at the Center for Spiritual Living in San Jose, for a thoughtful conversation about finding meaning beyond achievement. 

They explore how community can be more valuable than chasing the perfect relationship, why living in the present matters, how personal values influence daily decisions, and what it really means to live a satisfying life while balancing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • Finding genuine community can have a greater impact on well-being than pursuing the perfect relationship alone
  • Viewing spirituality as a shared presence invites a broader perspective on connection and personal growth
  • Defining fulfillment by daily satisfaction instead of external achievement changes how life is experienced
  • Living according to personal values often explains why certain choices naturally create more energy and purpose
  • Consistent daily practices across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual life help build lasting fulfillment
  • And more!

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About our guest:

David Bruner is the former senior minister of the Center for Spiritual Living in San José, California. His irreverent humor and approachable, everyday style make him beloved by many. His passions include Spirit, people, animals, Harry Potter, and quirky favorites like People magazine, Taco Doritos, and colored Sharpies. 

Once a supermarket checker in Southern California, David discovered early the joy of bringing happiness to others, even while wearing a polyester apron and clip-on tie. This led him to pursue ministry, where his humor and unorthodox approach to spirituality have made him a favorite. From tales of DMV forgiveness to trapeze class adventures, David always brings a unique perspective. 

His current focus includes mastering Spanish verb conjugation and delivering top-notch coaching to his private clients. He lives in a beautiful flyover state with his spouse, Mauricio Lopez, his greatest role model.

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Building a Business, Planning an Exit, and Finding Freedom with Stan Vuckovich (Ep. 17)

Building a Business, Planning an Exit, and Finding Freedom with Stan Vuckovich (Ep. 17)

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What does it take to build a business that lasts, then step away with purpose? 

For many owners, the harder question isn’t how to grow, it’s how to know what comes next.

In this episode, Kevin Swanson talks with Stan Vuckovich, Retired CEO at KBM-Hogue, about building a company through discipline, leadership, and long-term relationships. Stan shares how he grew through downturns, planned his exit, used surfing as a stress outlet, and found meaning in giving back after retirement.

Stan discusses:

  • How an early furniture job helped shape a lifelong entrepreneurial mindset
  • Why leadership during downturns requires sacrifice, presence, and shared commitment
  • How Vistage helped him think beyond daily work and plan for life after ownership
  • Why surfing became a grounding outlet during stressful business seasons
  • How retirement shifted his focus toward freedom, family, community, and giving back
  • And more!

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About our guest:

Stan spent his entire 41-year career at KBM Hogue, ultimately selling the office furniture company and retiring in 2023. During his career, Stan was able to leverage his sales and marketing focus to grow KBM from $8,000,000 in annual sales with 14 employees to $150,000,000 in sales out of 3 Northern California locations with a staff of 140 employees. At San José State, Stan was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, including serving as President in 1985. The Pikes were the largest fraternity at SJSU during the 80’s with a large contingent of alumni living in the Bay Area. Stan was a member of the San José Downtown Association board for a decade, including a 2-year term as board president. Stan feels SJSU provided him with an opportunity to connect and grow and created a great springboard for his career. He looks forward to giving back to the university through his work on the Tower Foundation Board.

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The Hard Conversations Around Aging Parents and Senior Care with Keri Landrum (Ep. 16)

The Hard Conversations Around Aging Parents and Senior Care with Keri Landrum (Ep. 16)

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Aging care decisions can feel urgent, emotional, and unclear, especially when safety and independence are both on the line.

How do families know when home is still safe, when help is needed, and what care option fits best?

In this episode, Kevin Swanson speaks with Keri Landrum, Owner and Assisted Living Placement Consultant at Next Steps for Seniors, about helping families make senior care decisions with clarity and compassion. Keri shares what often triggers the need for support, how she assesses care needs, and why each senior living option must match the person, not just the category.

Keri discusses:

  • How one health event can shift a family’s care plan from assumed to urgent
  • Why meeting the person matters more than relying only on paperwork
  • Signs that in-home care may no longer cover daily safety needs
  • How families can protect independence while still addressing red flags
  • Why cost, care needs, and community fit all matter in senior living choices
  • And more!

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About our guest:

Keri Landrum is the owner of Next Steps for Seniors LLC and holds a Master’s Degree in Gerontology. With over 30 years of experience advocating for seniors in Santa Clara County, she helps individuals and families understand care options outside the home, including assisted living, memory care, and board and care. Through personal assessments, community tours, admission support, and follow-up visits, Keri focuses on finding the right fit based on each person’s care needs, location, budget, social factors, and preferred level of activity. Her work is rooted in individualized attention, compassion, and helping families make thoughtful decisions during often emotional transitions.

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Finding Financial Confidence Through Life’s Biggest Transitions with Shannon Corpuz (Ep. 15)

Finding Financial Confidence Through Life’s Biggest Transitions with Shannon Corpuz (Ep. 15)

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Big life changes can leave people feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and afraid to make the wrong financial decisions.

How do you rebuild confidence when life suddenly looks different? And how can financial clarity help reduce stress and anxiety during major transitions?

In this episode, Kevin Swanson sits down with Shannon Corpuz, Financial Advisor at Potentia Wealth, to discuss the emotional side of financial planning and the importance of financial literacy. Shannon shares how her background in HR and ethical leadership shaped her approach to helping clients through divorce, widowhood, retirement, and career transitions. 

She also explains why empathy, education, and understanding are essential when guiding people toward financial confidence and long-term clarity.

Key takeaways:

  • Helping newly single clients rebuild confidence through education, planning, and emotional support
  • Why financial literacy reduces fear, uncertainty, and stress during major life transitions
  • Supporting women navigating careers, caregiving responsibilities, and financial independence
  • How empathy and understanding help create meaningful financial plans that clients can believe in
  • The connection between financial confidence, emotional wellbeing, and long-term peace of mind
  • And more!

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Connect with Shannon Corpuz:

About our guest:

Shannon Corpuz is a Financial Advisor at Potentia Wealth with more than a decade of wealth advisory experience and a 25-year background in human resources. She is passionate about helping clients build financial confidence through education, empathy, and thoughtful planning, especially during major life transitions like divorce, widowhood, retirement, and career changes. Shannon combines financial guidance with emotional understanding, helping clients feel informed and supported as they move forward. She also holds a master’s degree in Ethical Leadership and is dedicated to creating meaningful relationships built on trust, clarity, and compassion.

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Mission First, People Always: Leadership Lessons from Space and Life with Mark Pasquale (Ep. 14)

Mission First, People Always: Leadership Lessons from Space and Life with Mark Pasquale (Ep. 14)

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Progress doesn’t always present itself as forward motion at first glance. Often, the biggest breakthroughs come from patience, preparation, and perspective.

What does it really take to build something meaningful over decades, and how do you stay grounded while doing it?

In this episode, Kevin Swanson interviews Mark Pasquale, former Vice President of Engineering at Lockheed Martin, about his 40-year career in aerospace and defense. He shares lessons from leading high-stakes missions, including the Artemis program and secure communication systems. Mark also reflects on his leadership philosophy, the importance of resilience and hard work, and how early financial habits like consistent saving can shape long-term outcomes.

Key takeaways:

  • Why circling the moon today is a critical step toward future Mars missions and long-term exploration goals
  • How persistence and initiative helped him stand out and land a role at Lockheed Martin early in his career
  • The leadership mindset of mission first, people always, and its impact on high-pressure decision making
  • How breaking complex challenges into smaller tasks helped manage stress and improve team performance
  • The long-term impact of starting small with retirement savings and allowing compounding to work over decades
  • And more!

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Connect with Mark Pasquale:

About our guest:

Mark A. Pasquale retired as the vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Space. In this senior role, he drives day-to-day execution at the enterprise level, motivating positive impact in cost and performance at the company and for its customer missions.

Previously, Mark served as the vice president and general manager of Special Programs, where he was responsible for critical national security missions in the space division’s largest line of business. He managed a broad portfolio of complex development programs, operations and maintenance contracts plus a variety of research and development pursuits. Before leading a line of business, Mark was the vice president of engineering and technology, where he led 10,000 engineers spanning all products, from ground systems, sensors and missile defense to human spaceflight and deep-space missions.  

Mark drove affordability and performance in many executive positions earlier in his career at Lockheed Martin. He led the Supply Chain organization, responsible for over $5 billion worth of subcontracts and procurement, and he grew in program management experience as deputy to the Military Space vice president, leader of the Transformational Satellite program and head of MUOS, a military communications program. He also served as the executive over commercial and government programs within the Commercial Space line of business.

Mark’s career began in 1984 on the Milstar satellite program. He entered his first management role with the Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T) team, where he helped establish the Commercial Space AI&T management organization and supported the A2100 satellite bus transition to Sunnyvale, California.  

Mark earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State University in 1984 and serves on the San Jose State Engineering Department Industry Advisory Board. He is a recipient of the prestigious Lockheed Martin NOVA award, the San Jose State University Department of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award, and is a member of the Silicon Valley Engineering Council Hall of Fame.

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Building Oracle and Redefining Wealth with Edward Oates (Ep. 13)

Building Oracle and Redefining Wealth with Edward Oates (Ep. 13)

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What does it really take to build something meaningful over time, and how does that shape the way you define wealth?

Is it about financial outcomes, personal fulfillment, or something deeper that evolves along the journey?

In this episode, Kevin Swanson interviews Edward Oates, Co-Founder of Oracle, about his path from uncertainty in college to helping build one of the most influential technology companies. He shares lessons from early computing, leadership, and decision-making inside a growing startup. Edward also reflects on motivation, hiring philosophy, and the role of wellness in long-term performance. The conversation explores how financial stability, purpose, and relationships shape a meaningful life.

Key takeaways:

  • How early uncertainty and curiosity shaped his career path toward computing and data systems
  • Lessons from managing massive datasets in the Army and solving accuracy challenges creatively
  • Why disciplined cash flow and selective hiring guided Oracle’s early business decisions
  • How leadership evolved as the company scaled and why roles had to shift over time
  • The connection between financial stability, wellness, and long-term life fulfillment
  • And more!

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Connect with Edward Oates:

About our guest:

Edward Oates is a co-founder of Oracle and a key figure in the early development of relational database technology that helped shape modern computing. With a background in mathematics and a career that began during the early days of programming, he played a central role in building scalable data systems and guiding Oracle’s growth from a small startup into a global technology company. Beyond his work in technology, Edward is deeply engaged in education and philanthropy, supporting initiatives at San Jose State University and serving on nonprofit boards. His perspective blends technical innovation, business discipline, and a strong belief in lifelong learning and personal fulfillment.

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Why More Money Doesn’t Lead to More Happiness with Fred Luskin (Ep. 12)

Why More Money Doesn’t Lead to More Happiness with Fred Luskin (Ep. 12)

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Why do people keep chasing more, even when it doesn’t seem to bring lasting fulfillment? Many discover that achievement alone does not deliver the satisfaction they expected.

In this episode, Todd Barney and Kevin Swanson speak with Fred Luskin, Director of the Stanford Forgiveness Projects at Stanford University, about the relationship between wealth, fear, and happiness. They explore why humans are wired to pursue security even after their needs are met, how status comparisons quietly shape dissatisfaction, and why meaningful relationships and contribution play a larger role in fulfillment than accumulating assets.

Fred shares:

  • Why humans are biologically wired to scan for threats and scarcity even when their financial needs are met
  • How status comparisons quietly fuel dissatisfaction even among highly accomplished individuals
  • Why shifting focus from survival and safety toward relationships improves overall well-being
  • How the “marshmallow effect” explains investor behavior when gains are followed by losses
  • Why gratitude, relationships, and contribution help create deeper satisfaction than accumulating wealth
  • And more!

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About our guest:

Dr. Frederic Luskin is a psychologist who has been teaching at Stanford University for the past 30 years. He has a Ph. D in Counseling and Health Psychology from Stanford University and holds clinical licenses as a Psychologist and a Marriage and Family Counselor.  Currently, he is on the faculty for the GSB Executive Education program, where he teaches mindfulness, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and positive psychology to executives from all over the world.  When not at Stanford, Dr. Luskin often speaks to a variety of audiences, including investors, corporate leaders, medical and mental health professionals, educators and several other organizations and individuals.

He also serves as Director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects.  The forgiveness projects sponsor teaching and research that validate his nine steps to forgiveness.  Dr. Luskin is one of the world’s recognized authorities on forgiveness, both of self and others and has taught forgiveness to tens of thousands of people.

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Medicare Made Simple: Understanding Coverage, Costs, and IRMAA with Julie Brajenovich (Ep. 11)

Medicare Made Simple: Understanding Coverage, Costs, and IRMAA with Julie Brajenovich (Ep. 11)

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Medicare enrollment feels overwhelming even for financially confident individuals. With 11,000 people turning 65 daily, the complexity of choosing the right plan, understanding hidden costs, and maintaining access to care creates real anxiety.

In this episode, Kevin Swanson and Todd Barney sit down with Julie Brajenovich, Agency Owner at Senior Life Matters, Inc., to demystify the Medicare process. Julie walks through initial enrollment periods, the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, how IRMAA impacts costs based on income from two years prior, and why annual review matters as doctors retire and medical groups change. She explains why working with an independent agent costs nothing out of pocket while providing access to all available plans instead of just one carrier’s offerings.

Julie discusses:

  • Why Medicare creates anxiety regardless of financial status, and how early planning alleviates overwhelm
  • The HSA contribution penalty timeline and when to sign up for Medicare Part A versus delaying Part B
  • How Medicare Advantage plans work county by county, while supplements offer nationwide flexibility
  • Why IRMAA lookback periods catch retirees off guard, and how to appeal incorrect income assessments
  • The critical importance of annual plan reviews as access to care becomes increasingly challenging

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Connect with Julie Brajenovich:

About our guest:

Julie Brajenovich is the Agency Owner of Senior Life Matters, Inc., where she specializes in helping clients navigate the complexities of Medicare enrollment and planning. With her motto “Medicare Made Simple,” Julie works to demystify a system that overwhelms even financially confident individuals approaching retirement. Licensed in 10 states and leading a large team of agents, she provides independent guidance across all available Medicare plans without charging clients for her services. Julie’s approach focuses on early planning, understanding individual healthcare needs, and providing year-round support to ensure clients maintain appropriate coverage as their situations evolve. Her expertise includes Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, IRMAA planning, and helping clients maintain access to care during annual enrollment periods.

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Decision-Making Under Pressure, From the Hudson to the Markets with Joe Hart (Ep. 10)

Decision-Making Under Pressure, From the Hudson to the Markets with Joe Hart (Ep. 10)

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In less than two minutes, a routine experience can turn into a moment that defines every decision that follows. This episode explores how the human brain reacts under extreme pressure and why those same instincts often take over when markets become volatile.

In this episode of the Power of Wealthness Podcast, Todd Barney and Kevin Swanson sit down with Joe Hart, a seasoned investment professional and survivor of the Miracle on the Hudson, to explore how people make decisions under extreme pressure. Joe retells his experience aboard Flight 1549, from the bird strike to “brace for impact,” and the rapid mental shifts he felt in the moments that followed. He explains how the brain defaults to emotional shortcuts, fight, flight, and fast pattern-matching, before logic has a chance to catch up. The conversation connects those same reactions to investor behavior during market corrections, when fear (or exuberance) can override long-term plans. Joe also discusses how financial media and constant account-checking can amplify emotional decision-making. Together, they emphasize the value of a clear plan, realistic expectations, and advisors who can help clients stay steady when stress is high. The episode reinforces the core Wealthness theme: money decisions are deeply human, shaped by values, emotion, and guidance, not just numbers.

What to expect:

  • Joe’s minute-by-minute account of Flight 1549 and how quickly “normal” turns into crisis
  • What fight-or-flight looks like in real time (and why it often feels “logical” in the moment)
  • How the same psychology shows up in investing during corrections, crashes, and headline-driven fear
  • Why checking balances too often and consuming market media can lead to worse decisions
  • Practical ways to stay grounded: build a plan, define expectations, and lean on a calm, objective guide
  • And more!

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About our guest:

Joe Hart is a professional investor and survivor of US Airways Flight 1549 (Miracle on the Hudson), an experience that profoundly shaped his understanding of decision-making under pressure. A longtime student and speaker on behavioral finance, Joe is passionate about helping investors understand how emotions, past experiences, and cognitive biases influence financial choices, especially during times of uncertainty.

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From Headlines to Strategy: Economic Cross Currents & What They Mean to You with Bill Tucker (Ep. 9)

From Headlines to Strategy: Economic Cross Currents & What They Mean to You with Bill Tucker (Ep. 9)

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Headlines compete for attention every day, each claiming urgency and importance. With so much noise, how do you focus on what actually impacts your financial future?

In this episode, Todd Barney and Kevin Swanson sit down with Bill Tucker, The Power of Wealthness Podcast Producer at ProudMouth, to address the confusion surrounding today’s biggest investment questions. They tackle interest rates and their broader impact, AI sector valuations, geopolitical uncertainty, and midterm election concerns. Bill brings his unique perspective from years of market coverage to help separate media sensationalism from investment reality, showing how to build portfolios that work regardless of daily headlines.

What to expect:

  • How interest rates affect all asset classes beyond what Federal Reserve announcements suggest
  • Bond portfolio strategies and when to use short-term versus long-term maturities for different goals
  • AI investment approach balancing real transformation against stretched valuations and market hype
  • Why geopolitical tensions follow historical patterns and how diversified portfolios handle uncertainty
  • Midterm election volatility patterns and why political outcomes rarely derail long-term market performance
  • And more!

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