Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA Podcast

We’re joined by Matt Ward, Founder and CEO of 4WARD, a global platform connecting climate and sustainability innovators across industries. Matt shares his entrepreneurial journey from e-commerce ventures and manufacturing to purpose-driven work focused on building networks that accelerate climate solutions.

He explains how his drive for impact led to creating 4WARD.earth, a platform that fosters collaboration between startups, investors, researchers, and corporates across 60+ cities. Through this work, Matt challenges conventional thinking around consumption, fulfillment, and the role of community in solving big environmental challenges.  

Key Takeaways:

(01:34) How Matt left engineering for entrepreneurship after rejecting corporate life.

(04:07) Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. Follow advice from those ahead of you.

(08:01) How climate failure and global crisis drive 4WARD’s mission.

(10:48) Community grows form local to global through shared purpose.

(14:18) Reusing and shared ownership reduce waste more effectively than recycling alone.

(17:22) Repurposed EV batteries offer a practical alternative for energy storage.

(19:29) 4WARD connects sectors to cut carbon and boost impact.

Resources Mentioned:

4WARD website

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#Sustainability #ClimateAction #Entrepreneurship #PurposeDriven #CleanTech

Our host Nathan Mersereau sits down with Jason Reid, Co-Founder of National Services Group, Inc., to discuss his journey into mental health advocacy following the loss of his son. Jason shares how this tragedy led him to create tools and programs to support families, schools, and companies in opening meaningful conversations around mental health. Jason explains how parents can take more ownership of their children’s mental wellness and how listening, without trying to fix anything, is the first step toward helping those in crisis. 

Key Takeaways:

(02:18) Jason shares the story behind the creation of Tell My Story after losing his son Ryan.
(06:44) Mental illness is often invisible — comparable to any other disease.
(09:34) We can’t fix mental health struggles; we can only be present and listen.
(13:37) People in crisis seek a lifeline, not solutions.
(15:23) The weight of the world — news, climate, conflict — affects children more than we realize.
(16:32) A simple card deck sparks meaningful parent-child conversations.
(17:26) Music becomes a non-threatening way to open emotional dialogue.
(20:12) Stronger family connections are a surprising outcome of shared grief.

Resources Mentioned:

Jason Reid
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrreid/

National Services Group, Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-services-group-inc./

Tell My Story
https://www.tellmystory.org

"What I Wish My Parents Knew"
https://tellmystory.org/our-programs/what-i-wish-my-parents-knew/

"The Hot Lava Game" TEDx Talk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p24x5mIIMeQ

Uplift at Work
https://www.upliftatwork.com

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingSupport #EmotionalWellbeing

On this episode, we’re joined by Jim Walberg, Realtor at Compass, who shares his profound insights on wealth, purpose, and the power of service. Jim's story is marked by transformative health experiences, a commitment to being of service, and a unique perspective on what true wealth means.

Key Takeaways:

(02:30) Jim reflects on his early career and the shift from employee benefits to real estate. 

(03:29) A life-changing prostate cancer diagnosis at 53 reshaped Jim’s outlook. 

(06:07) Jim recounts his near-death experience during surgery and the message he received.

(07:43) The importance of being present and listening to understand rather than interrupt. 

(08:51) Jim approaches real estate as a way to serve families during pivotal financial decisions. 

(14:17) The concept of ‘enough’ and resisting the pressure to accumulate wealth. 

(16:24) Family trust planning and creating meaningful experiences over leaving wealth. 

(19:04) Overcoming recent health challenges and recommitting to his purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

Jim Walberg
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimwalberg/

Compass
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballast-realty-group/

“Die With Zero” by Bill Perkins
https://www.diewithzerobook.com/welcome

“Wealth in Families” by Charles W. Collier
https://www.charlescollier.info/book

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.



#FinancialPlanning #PersonalGrowth #EntrepreneurshipInsights #FamilyWealthManagement #Work-LifeBalance

We’re joined by Jennifer Garrison, Assistant Professor at Buck Institute for Research on Aging and Co-Founder and Director of the Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality. Jennifer shares her insights on aging, healthspan, and the critical differences between male and female reproductive aging. She discusses how understanding biological aging can help improve long-term health and quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

(02:10) How Jennifer’s career led her to the study of aging.
(03:49) The brain is the last frontier in biology.
(07:41) The hypothalamus is one of the hotspots for age-related inflammation.
(10:34) The difference between lifespan and healthspan.
(13:09) The pillars of effective healthspan planning.
(16:33) How reproductive aging differs between men and women.
(18:40) Why ovarian aging is key to women’s long-term health.
(21:24) Proactively addressing shifts in health can lead to better aging outcomes.

Resources Mentioned:

Jennifer Garrison
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjennifergarrison/

Buck Institute for Research on Aging | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/buck-institute-for-research-on-aging/

Buck Institute for Research on Aging | Website
https://www.buckinstitute.org/

Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality
https://www.gcrle.org/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessStrategy

We’re joined by Chris Stakich, Chief Community Officer at CEO Coaching International. Chris shares how his global career and deep-rooted family values shape his outlook on leadership, contribution, and fulfillment. He explores the shift from individual achievement to mentorship, the lessons learned from parenting and coaching, and the moments that define true wealth. From ski chairlift conversations with his sons to coaching youth football, Chris reflects on fully embracing life and giving back in meaningful, energizing ways.

Key Takeaways:

(02:12) Gaining perspective while studying abroad in Australia.
(05:41) The cost of over-optimization in American culture.
(07:36) Life stages shift us from doers to mentors.
(09:28) Family connection grows through intentional questions and shared time.
(11:45) Sacred family dinners build stronger future adults.
(14:54) Valuing time as the highest form of giving.
(15:50) Coaching boys to be strong, kind young men.
(17:43) Teaching kids life’s foundational skills.

Resources Mentioned:

Chris Stakich
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisstakich/

CEO Coaching International | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceo-coaching-international/

CEO Coaching International | Website
https://ceocoachinginternational.com/

“From Strength to Strength” by Arthur Brooks 
https://arthurbrooks.com/from-strength-to-strength

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #FamilyWealthManagement
#Work-LifeBalance #ExecutiveCoaching