The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast

In this special episode of The Blueprint | An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with industry pioneer and thought leader  Michael Kitces for a masterclass on building a successful career in financial planning.

From the impact of AI on entry-level roles to the real path toward partnership, Kitces delivers practical, no-nonsense advice for early-career advisors navigating a rapidly evolving profession. Whether you're just starting out or positioning yourself for leadership, this episode is packed with insights you can act on immediately.

At t...

In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Patrick Marcinko, CFP® Lead Advisor at Bogert Wealth, to explore what it truly takes to grow into a confident, client-facing financial planner.



Patrick shares how early-career advisors can overcome imposter syndrome through preparation, repetition, and intentional learning. From shadowing experienced advisors to navigating real-life client complexities, this episode highlights the gap between technical knowledge and real-world application—and how to close it.

If you're looking to accelerate your development, build cr...

In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP® , EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Lillian Turner, CFP® , RLP® , CSLP® founder of Daring Greatly Wealth and 2026 Chair of the FPA NexGen committee. Lillian shares her path from financial scarcity and an unconventional start in the profession to launching her own firm, developing a life-planning-centered approach, and leading the next generation of financial planners.



This conversation explores what it really takes to build a career in financial planning when the path is not clear, how to identify alignment in your work, and...

Season 4 of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast kicks off with a powerful theme: Ignite.

Hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® explore how early-career financial planners can ignite their professional growth by leaning into discomfort, developing their voice, and building community within the profession.

In this episode, the team discusses the pivotal habits and mindset shifts that helped accelerate their own careers—from volunteering with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) to creating content, asking uncomfortable questions, and learning how to receive feedback.

The conversation dives into the real skills...

What does it really take to build a meaningful career in financial planning—and why does passion usually show up after the hard work?

In this reflective Season 3 finale of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP® turn the mic inward. Deshawn shares lessons from two years as a podcast host, exploring how consistency, discipline, and intentional effort compound into professional growth, stronger relationships, and long-term fulfillment.

This episode dives into the behind-the-scenes realities of podcasting, career pivots, networking, and the often-overlooked skills that separate good...

In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP sit down with Ian Mueller, a senior at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), to explore what early-career financial planners can learn from real-world experience—long before passing the CFP® exam.

Ian shares how getting involved in FPA leadership as a student helped him build a national network, land multiple internships, and compete at the highest level in the FPA Financial Planning Challenge. From creating a comprehensive financial plan to presenting it under pressure in front of indu...

In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP sit down with Matt Goren, PhD, CFP®, Chief Strategy Officer at Danko Education and a leading voice in CFP® exam education.

Matt shares how his background in social psychology and financial education has reshaped how future advisors should prepare for the CFP® exam — and why traditional, lecture-heavy study methods are failing today’s younger candidates. With the average age of CFP® candidates dropping rapidly, the way advisors learn, retain information, and manage test anxiety must evolve.

This...

Early in your career, choosing (or staying with) the wrong firm can be the biggest source of hidden risk. In this conversation, Mike Zarrelli, CFP, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP talk with Alanah Phillips, MBA—entrepreneur, career-change success story, advisor advocate, recruiter, coach, podcast host, and “industry troublemaker”—about how Next Gen advisors can build careers that are both profitable and aligned.

Alanah unpacks the true landscape of the industry—banks, wires, IBDs, RIAs, and “pseudo-independent” models—through her “efficient frontier” lens of risk and reward. She also walks through how advisors can break up with their broker...

In this Blueprint | FPA NexGen episode hosts Mike Zarrelli, EA, CFP® and Deshawn Peterson, CFP® bring you inside FPA Annual 2025 in Las Vegas to capture the voices shaping a profession that’s still young — and being built in real time. From students and career changers to firm owners, AI innovators, legacy-planning founders, and CFP Board leadership, this episode reveals what the next generation is learning, questioning, and creating as financial planning evolves.

What You'll Learn

James Conole, CFP®, founder & CEO of Root Financial Partners and host of the Root Ready podcast, joins hosts Mike Zarelli, CFP®, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP® to unpack the habits and frameworks behind his leap from being fired at 28 to leading a team of nearly 60. We dig into time-blocking, OKRs, and the “hungry, humble, human” hiring filter—plus how content and empathy compound faster than cold calls.

What You’ll Learn

Early-career advisors often ask: How do I grow faster without burning out?

In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarelli, CFP® and Deshawn Peterson, CFP® sit down with Julie Penwell, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Wealthspire Advisors, to unpack how she’s navigated growth, adaptability, and brand-building in the modern advisory profession.

Julie shares how leaning into community, embracing M&A transitions, and showing up authentically on social media helped her accelerate her career—all while staying true to her “why” as an advisor.

...

In this Blueprint | FPA Nex Gen episode, Haley Ellis, CFP® and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, joins hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, and Deshawn Peterson, CFP®, to share how she successfully transitioned from a client-facing financial planner to Director of Operations (and on track for COO) after her firm doubled in size. She unpacks building workflows from scratch, leading through a merger, advocating for your role, and why community—FPA chapters and mastermind groups—accelerates growth.

You’ll learn:

From Orlando’s FPA NextGen Gathering 2025, CFP® professionals Deshawn Peterson, Alison Miller, and Mike Zarrelli capture the stories, lessons, and energy of this year’s event.

This milestone year marks the 25th anniversary of FPA, and the energy at Gathering has never been stronger. In this special episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NextGen Podcast, we bring you conversations with attendees ranging from first-timers to industry veterans who’ve built multi-decade careers.

From stories of career changers breaking into financial planning, to seasoned leaders reflecting on mentorship and succession, this ep...

Season 3 of The Blueprint & FPA NexGen® Podcast launches with fresh energy, new voices, and a stronger focus on the next generation of financial planners. Hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli are joined by new co-hosts Alison Miller, CFP®, and executive producer Jadah Riley, expanding the conversation and perspectives shaping the future of our profession.

Alison, a Wealth Advisor and second-generation planner, shares her unique career path—how she went from considering dentistry to finding her calling in financial planning. She discusses the mentors and FPA community support that guided her decision to pursue the CFP® des...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we sit down with Caleb Brown, CFP®, CEO of New Planner Recruiting, practicing financial advisor, and adjunct faculty at the University of Georgia.

Caleb shares his unique journey from struggling new grad to becoming a leader in placing next-generation talent at fee-only RIAs.

We cover:

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we sit down with Dominic Monk, CFP®, CIMA®, and partner at The Hedley Hoeger Group at Baird.

Dominic shares his journey from growing up without financial stability to becoming a leader in wealth management—and why he always knew he wanted to be a financial advisor.

We dive into:

In this episode, we’re joined by Landon Warmund, CFP®, CSLP® and 2025 FPA NexGen Chair.

Landon shares his journey from Kansas State student to building his own independent financial planning practice, with a focus on serving school district employees and navigating student loan planning. He discusses the early challenges of growing a book of business, including grassroots marketing, direct mail, and client education.

Landon also highlights his passion for developing student communities and broadening access to financial planning at schools without CFP® programs. He talks about the importance of being...

On this episode of The Blueprint, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Colin Day, CFP®, a Financial Planner at Mercer Advisors and active FPA leader. Colin opens up about his journey from working in banking to becoming a nationally recognized voice in the financial planning profession.

He shares his experiences navigating burnout, finding the courage to pivot, and discovering the power of vulnerability in both leadership and life.

Colin also discusses his role within FPA, his advocacy for mental health in the profession, and the importance o...

In this episode of The Blueprint, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Paul Gaudio, CFP®, a client advisor at Crestwood Advisors and NexGen Chair of FPA New England.

Paul opens up about his early skepticism toward designations like the CFP®, how industry involvement shaped his career, and why taking out the trash at his first job helped him stand out. He shares reflections from FPA's Gathering, discusses the power of mentorship, and explores how staying “comfortably uncomfortable” fuels growth.

Plus, Paul talks about running marathons, prioritizing wellne...

In this episode, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Victoria O’Tool, a finance major and President of the FPA student chapter at the University of Alabama. Victoria shares her inspiring journey from being a self-described introvert to becoming a bold student leader and advocate for financial planning.

She discusses how solo travel and public speaking pushed her outside her comfort zone and into a growth mindset. Victoria details how she revitalized her FPA chapter—growing it from 15 members to 88 paid members in under a year—through strategic marketing, digital signage, speake...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli and Deshawn Peterson sit down with Noah Gay, Associate Advisor at Savant Wealth Management, to explore what it really looks like to launch a career in financial planning in 2025.

Noah shares his transition from a small-town community college student to a University of Illinois graduate, emphasizing the pivotal role mentorship played in discovering the financial planning profession. He reflects on the often-overlooked human side of the job—behavioral coaching, emotional support, and becoming a trusted resource for clients through life’s ups a...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, Mike and Deshawn sit down with Hannah Moore, CFP®, founder of Amplified Planning and creator of The Externship.

Hannah shares her journey, professional challenges, and the purpose behind her work.

You’ll hear about:

Whether you're looking to gro...

In this episode of The Blueprint, hosts Mike Zarrelli and Deshawn Peterson sit down with Gloria Garcia-Cisneros, CFP®, a Wealth Manager at LourdMurray, to discuss her journey as a first-generation professional in the financial planning industry.

Gloria shares how her personal experiences shaped her career, from navigating personal finance as a first generation immigrant to becoming a CFP®. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, building confidence, and finding mentorship in a male-dominated industry.

She also breaks down her career transitions across different-sized firms, the importance of social capital in...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Alayna Woodall and Adam Taylor, two Virginia Tech seniors majoring in financial planning. They discuss their journey into the profession, their experiences with Virginia Tech’s Financial Planning program, and the mentorship and networking opportunities that helped shape their career paths. The conversation also dives into CFP exam prep, job hunting, internships, and the value of FPA Next Gen involvement. Ultimately, the episode takes an exciting turn where Alayna and Adam interview Mike and Deshawn with pressing questions from a stu...

Financial Planning with Odaro – A Different Kind of Mix

In this episode, we dive into the world of financial planning with Odaro Aisueni, a financial professional by day and DJ by night. Odaro shares his journey into financial planning, the importance of building wealth early, and how he helps clients navigate their financial futures. From budgeting and investing to long-term wealth strategies, we discuss the mindset shifts needed to achieve financial success. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends financial wisdom with real-world insights, offering valuable takeaways for anyone looking to improve their fi...

In today's episode of The Blueprint, we sit down with Cody Garrett, CFP®, a career changer whose journey from music to financial planning is spectacular to hear. Cody shares his insights on the transformative power of giving without expecting in return, drawing from one of his favorite books: The Go-Giver by Bob Burg. We dive into his passion for music—ranging from Motown gospel to big band jazz—and explore how these influences shape his personal and professional life. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about kindness, authenticity, and the rhythms that inspire Cody’s approach to life and financi...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli are joined by Julie Johnson and Jack Heintzelman, two financial professionals passionate about fostering the next generation of advisors. The conversation delves into the importance of advocating for oneself, cultivating next-gen talent, and bridging the gap between seasoned professionals and emerging advisors. Julie shares her experiences as a former advisor turned coach, emphasizing the value of curiosity and collaboration in leadership. Jack recounts his journey into financial planning, highlighting how mentorship, continuous learning, and relationship-building have been crucial in his career development. Together, t...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Colin Overweg, founder and CEO of Advize Wealth Management, to explore his journey from insurance sales to establishing a successful independent advisory firm. Colin shares how his frustrations with outdated financial industry practices and clunky brokerage systems inspired him to launch a client-centric, technology-forward wealth management service.

Colin offers a candid look at the challenges he faced, including cashing out his 401(k) and moving back in with his parents to reduce costs as he built h...

In this episode of The Blueprint, Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli chat with Kimberly Mamaril of Los Olas Capital Advisors about her career journey and lessons learned along the way. Kim highlights the importance of betting on yourself, especially when you consider that others are betting on you as well. She discusses her vision to elevate the financial planning profession to the level of doctors and lawyers, pushing the industry upward. Kim also opens up about her personal story, including how she passed the CFP® exam only to be let go from her firm the next day, proving that c...

In this episode of The BluePrint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we’re excited to have Blake Pinyan, CFP®, EA, and 2024 President of FPA NexGen, as our guest. As a financial planner at Anchor Bay Capital and a dedicated leader in the NexGen community, Blake offers a unique blend of professional expertise and a passion for fostering growth in the financial planning profession.

Blake shares his journey, insights into his leadership vision for FPA NexGen, and what it means to create meaningful change in the industry. He also encourages listeners to take bold steps, offering the...

In this captivating episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we are excited to host Jolisa Gonzalez, a visionary Latina professional who is making significant strides in the financial industry.

Jolisa talks about the importance of pro bono work and her relationship with SER - an organization that focuses on supporting, educating, and recharging individuals in the latino community through the power of financial planning.

In addition to her research and professional contributions, Jolisa reveals her role in creating engaging video content for her firm. She explains how v...

In our final installment of the "FPA NexGen® Gathering" series, check out Nichole Graham, our 2024 NexGen Gathering Co-Chair, as she ask questions from the audience for Michael Kitces.

Join us for the third installment of the "FPA NexGen Gathering" series, as Riley Saunders steps from behind the booth to interview attendees of Gathering, specifically those that are 2nd generation financial planners. 

Riley is a second generation CFP® and wants to uncover how other 2nd generation financial planners navigate having family in the business. 

At the top of the video, Riley speaks with Deshawn Peterson about lessons learned from both his father and figures outside of the financial planning industry.

Later, Chris Wise disc...

Join Mike and Deshawn as they sit down with students who are studying financial planning at their respective universities.

In today's episode, you will find our second issue of the "FPA NexGen® Gathering" series. Deshawn and Mike were lucky enough to meet students who were willing to share their unique perspectives that come from being new to the field of financial planning. Whether it's the importance of finding a mentor in your career, why they chose to be in the field of financial planning, or the lessons obtained by attending FPA's NexGen® Gathering conference, yo...

In today's episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® podcast, we get to hear first hand from attendees of FPA's NexGen® Gathering conference.

Deshawn and Mike sit down with several financial planners from all over the country and ask a few questions on why they decided to go to Gathering, what shaped their views towards finance, and why community or "finding your tribe" is critical towards forward progress in your career.

Further reflections from attendees dove into the lessons they have already retained while at NexGen® Gathering and what the...

In this engaging episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we sit down with Lizbeth G. Menjivar-Muñoz, an Investment Consultant at Fidelity. Lizbeth masterfully juggles the demanding world of finance with the joys and challenges of motherhood.

Lizbeth opens up about her journey into the financial sector, sharing how she carved out her path in a competitive industry and what motivates her to excel at her role.

Lizbeth shares heartfelt anecdotes about the balancing act of managing her career while being a devoted mother. Lizbeth discusses the st...

Welcome to "The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast," where hosts Deshawn Peterson, CFP® and Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA, invite you into the dynamic world of financial planning.

In the intro episode, they share their vision for the podcast: a platform to explore the journeys and experiences of the next generation of financial planners.

Mike and Deshawn dive into their own personal stories, emphasize the podcast's mission to inspire, and educate listeners through candid conversations.

Mike and Deshawn also speak with Riley Saunders, CFP®, the podc...

In this trailer episode, listen as our co-host, Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA, details what he hopes to achieve by starting a new podcast with FPA NexGen®.