Olympus Wealth Strategies Podcast

Arkansas is known as “The Natural State” for a reason, but what does it actually take to protect the wildlife, fisheries, lakes, forests, and outdoor traditions that make Arkansas so unique?

In this episode, I sit down with the Chief of Communications for Arkansas Game & Fish, Keith Stephens to discuss the future of hunting, fishing, conservation, public land, and outdoor recreation across Arkansas.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission | The Natural State Awaits

We dive into:

The mission and impact of Arkansas Game & Fish

Hunting and fishing culture in Arkansas

Most people are told the same story: go to college, get a degree, and everything will work out.

But what if that’s not the only path or where there is massive labor demand?

I sat down with Seth Grandbois, owner and founder of AMG Plumbing, to talk about his journey to becoming a master plumber and building a growing business.

https://www.amgplumbingark.com/

We get into:

Why the skilled trades are facing a massive shortage

How blue collar careers can lead to serious income and lo...

In Episode 30, I sit down with Brad Strickland, Managing Director of Supporting Strategies, to break down one of the most overlooked drivers of business success: your financials. https://www.supportingstrategies.com/...

Most business owners think bookkeeping is just about staying organized, but the reality is far more important.

Accurate, professional financials can:

• Increase your profitability

• Help reduce unnecessary tax liability

• Provide insight into your company, forecasting, and making strategic decisions

• Improve your business valuation when it’s time to sell

We dive into why messy...

Buffered ETFs have quickly become one of the most talked-about strategies in investing, especially for those looking to manage downside risk without completely stepping out of the market.

https://www.paceretfs.com/products/structured-outcome-strategies

We sat down with President and Director, Sean O'Hara from Pacer ETFs to break down exactly how Buffered ETFs (also known as defined outcome or structured outcome ETFs) work and whether they truly deliver on their promise of protection with participation.

We cover:

What buffered ETFs are in plain English

How downside protection via Buffered...

Many investors build significant wealth in a single stock over time. The challenge comes later: selling the position could trigger a large capital gains tax, but continuing to hold it can leave a portfolio dangerously concentrated.

https://www.cambriafunds.com/351

So how do investors reduce concentration risk without immediately creating a large tax bill?

We sit down with John Keetz, VP of Portfolio Operations at Cambria Investments, to explain the 351 Exchange, a structure that may allow investors to contribute highly appreciated stock into an ETF and receive diversified ETF shares in return, potentially...

Cybersecurity isn’t a niche field anymore. It’s critical infrastructure.

I sit down with Dr. Philip Huff, Director of Research and Professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, to discuss cybersecurity, AI threats, and the future of technology in Arkansas. https://ualr.edu/computerscience/cybersecurity/

Before entering academia, Dr. Huff managed cybersecurity operations in the electric sector — protecting essential infrastructure. That real-world experience shapes this entire conversation and current curriculum.

We cover:

• Why cybersecurity is one of the most urgent global challenges today • How AI is accelerating both cyber thre...

Buying a home today can feel overwhelming, especially with changing rates and so many loan options to choose from. For most people, buying a home is the largest financial decision they’ll ever make, which makes understanding your mortgage options more important than ever.

In this episode, we sit down with Stefanie Lyles, Branch Manager and Mortgage Banker at Sente Mortgage, to break down what today’s homebuyers actually need to know. Stefanie brings over 20 years of experience to the conversation and shares practical insights for both first-time buyers and seasoned homeowners navigating the current mortgage landscape. http...

We sat down with Mike Willis, founder of Cyber Hornet ETFs, to explore how Bitcoin is being paired with the S&P 500 inside a disciplined ETF structure and what that means for everyday investors. Mike brings decades of expertise on investing in traditional finance and has extensive knowledge in decentralized finance and the cryptocurrency markets and infrastructure. https://www.cyberhornetetfs.com/index.html

We discuss:

• Why some portfolios include Bitcoin without going “all in”

• How a 75/25 stock + crypto approach is designed to manage risk

• Common misconceptions around volatility and speculation

• Why th...

Rob Thummel is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Tortoise Capital with decades of experience, where he focuses on energy, infrastructure, and the real-asset investments powering the modern economy. In this episode, we explore how electricity, AI, and infrastructure are converging — and why energy is becoming one of the most critical investment themes of the next decade.

https://tortoisecapital.com/

In this episode, we cover:

• The path into energy and infrastructure investing

• Why electricity demand is accelerating faster than most investors realize

• The role of AI and data centers in reshapin...

Jay brings decades of experience across investment banking, hedge funds, and real-asset portfolio management. In this conversation, we break down the strategies, risks, and opportunities that matter most to investors.

Infrastructure Capital Advisors | Investing | New York, NY, USA

In this episode, we cover:

Jay’s origin story and the founding of InfraCap

Why income-focused investors should consider real assets

How InfraCap manages risk during high-rate, high-volatility environments

Balancing yield today vs. growth tomorrow

Co...

In this episode, we sit down with Chasse Conque, Senior Vice President and Athletic Director at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) — one of the most forward-thinking leaders in college athletics.

https://goutrgv.com/

UTRGV made national headlines by launching a brand-new Division I football program in 2025, selling out every home game in its inaugural season and having massive success. Chasse shares the strategy, leadership, and financial planning that made it possible — from fundraising and facilities to recruiting and community engagement.

We also covered:

✅ NIL vs Revenu...

Passive investing has dominated for years — but what happens beyond indexing?

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Patti, CEO of VistaShares, to unpack how his firm is reshaping the ETF landscape through thematic investing, options-based income strategies, and identifying Market Supercycles™ — structural trends that drive long-term opportunity.

https://www.vistashares.com/

We cover:

✅ What a Market Supercycle™ really is and why it matters for long-term investors

✅ How VistaShares combines active oversight with patent-pending rules-based discipline

✅ Why Pure Exposure™ gives investors a truer picture of entir...

Medicare can feel like alphabet soup — Parts A, B, C, D… Advantage, Supplement, Medigap — and knowing what’s right for you isn’t always clear.

In this episode, I sit down with Allen Collicott, Founder and President of Collicott Insurance to break down what Medicare really is, how each part works, and what you need to know before choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement coverage.

https://www.collicottinsurance.com/

We cover:

✅ What Parts A, B, C & D actually cover — in plain English

✅ The biggest gaps in Medicare that...

When it comes to Social Security, the difference between guessing and getting it right can mean tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime.

In Episode 19 of the Olympus Wealth Strategies Podcast episode, we sit down with Marc Kiner and Jim Blair, founders of the National Social Security Advisor program and Premier Social Security Consulting to break down what most people get wrong about benefits — and how to make smarter, more informed decisions before filing.

https://www.nssapros.com/

Marc is a CPA by trade and witnessed many clients not ta...

When most of the market’s attention is glued to the Magnificent Seven, what opportunities are being overlooked in the mid-cap space? In this week’s episode, I sit down with Kirk McDonald, CFA, Portfolio Manager at Argent Capital, to unpack why mid-caps may be the hidden engine of long-term portfolios.

https://argentcapital.com/

We explore Argent’s philosophy of investing in “Enduring Businesses”—companies with growing cash flows, allocates capital wisely, and has a durable competitive advantage. Kirk shares how his two decades of experience shape his perspective and how blending quantitative tools with fundamental...

In this episode of the Olympus Wealth Strategies podcast, we sit down with Al Rutherford, founder of Rutherford & Associates, Inc., to explore his incredible journey from working in the White House communications team to building a high-impact private events and communications firm.

We’re also joined by Leslie Rutherford, who played a key role in igniting the firm’s growth. Leslie not only managed logistics for some of the largest corporate events in the world, but also shares her insights on building and leading a winning team.

We dive into:

<...

What do the world’s top investors know about private markets that most people don’t? In this episode of Olympus Wealth Strategies Podcast, I’m joined by one of the most influential voices in alternatives — Bob Long, CEO of StepStone Private Wealth.

https://www.stepstonegroup.com/members/bob-long/

With more than 30 years of experience leading in the private markets space, Bob offers a rare, inside look at:

Why private markets matter more than ever for investors today

How venture capital and growth equity fit into mod...

Think tax season is only about filing? Think again. In Episode 15, I sit down with my colleague Dani Beavers of Holistic Tax Solutions to pull back the curtain on tax planning vs. tax prep — and why smart planning can save you money, reduce IRS red flags, and tie directly into your long-term financial goals.

We cover why tax planning is more valuable than tax preparation, common misconceptions that hold people back, and the deductions and credits most often missed. For business owners, we dive into compensation strategies (salary vs. distributions), year-round tactics to protect cash flow, and ho...

Looking for expert advice on how to afford college? In Episode 12, UALR Financial Aid Director Jonathan Coleman breaks down everything you need to know about college costs, scholarships, FAFSA tips, financial aid applications, 529 plans, tuition, and payment options.

https://ualr.edu/financialaid/

Learn how to estimate your total college expenses and find both institutional and external scholarships that can reduce your financial burden. Jonathan also shares practical tips for completing the FAFSA accurately and on time to maximize your aid.

We dive into how 529 plans work in practice, the pros and cons of...

In Episode 13, I sit down with Steve Straessle, Head of Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock. We dive into how Catholic High’s core values — discipline, faith, brotherhood, and integrity — help shape boys into confident, responsible men.

https://www.lrchs.org/

We talk about how the school’s commitment to high standards and faith-based education goes beyond academics. It’s about building leaders with strong character who carry those lessons for life.

Steve also shares how Catholic High keeps its tradition alive by helping young men excel in school, live with strong mor...

Brandon Flickinger, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Bridge Net Lease (acquisition of Apollo pending), joins us to talk about the industrial net lease market, trends in commercial real estate, and how Bridge approaches investing in this evolving environment.

https://www.bridgeig.com/bridge-team/...

We explore:

Why industrial is outperforming office and retail

How Bridge/Apollo identifies ideal properties and tenants

The impact of reshoring, e-commerce, and supply chain shifts

How net lease strategies...

Marketing can make or break a small business. In this episode, I sit down with Emmy Award Winning journalist and marketing professional Sara Sidery, founder of Saki Creative Solutions, to talk about how smart marketing helps small businesses stand out in crowded markets.

https://www.sakicreativesolutions.com/

We dive into practical branding and marketing tips that deliver real results.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, Sara’s insights will help you tell your story in an authentic way that grabs attention and builds lasting connections.

Su...

In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Marsh, CEO of Capital Sotheby's, a leading expert in residential real estate.

https://www.sothebysrealty.com/capitalsir/eng/associate/788-a-df201022095710859565/chris-marsh

We dive into the current dynamics of the housing market and key trends impacting buyers and sellers right now.

Chris shares his outlook for residential real estate and offers actionable advice to help you navigate today’s market with confidence.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor, or considering selling your property, this episode breaks down what’s really h...

I had Caleb Hollinger, an estate attorney from Friday Law Firm, on the show to talk about why estate planning matters. We break down the basics — wills, trusts, probate, powers of attorney — and why having a plan is important for protecting your family and your stuff.

https://fridayfirm.com/attorneys/atto...

If you’ve been putting off estate planning or just want to understand it better, this episode will help clear things up. Caleb shares practical tips and answers common questions so you can get started on your plan with confidence.

Here’s what we...

Thinking about buying or selling a business?

In this episode, we sit down with Taylor Stockemer, Partner at the Friday Law Firm and M&A attorney, to break down what every entrepreneur should know before entering a deal. Whether you’re preparing to sell your company, exploring an acquisition, or just want to better understand how the process works, you’ll walk away with legal insights and actionable tips to help you close with confidence.

https://fridayfirm.com/attorneys/attorney/tstockemer

We discuss how to prepare your business for sale, key differences between asse...

In this episode, we sit down with Jack Thomas, Vice President of Economic Development at the Little Rock Regional Chamber, to explore what’s driving Little Rock’s business momentum — and where it’s headed next.

https://www.littlerockchamber.com/

Jack shares how the Chamber works behind the scenes to bring jobs, capital, and innovation to the region. From workforce development to attracting Fortune 500 companies, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies fueling growth in Arkansas’s capital.

Whether you're a local entrepreneur, civic leader, or investor interested in rising Sou...

What does it take to build a Division I athletic program from scratch, especially in a state where it’s never been done?

In this episode of The Olympus Wealth Strategies Podcast, we sit down with Coach Neil Erisman, head coach of UALR Wrestling, to talk about the incredible rise of Arkansas’ first and only D1 wrestling team. From recruiting in uncharted territory to building a culture rooted in resilience and opportunity, Coach Erisman shares how he’s developing leaders on and off the mat.

https://lrtrojans.com/sports/wrestling

We cov...

nsurance touches almost every part of your life — your home, your car, your family — yet most people don’t fully understand what they’re paying for. In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Brown, Owner of The Brown Agency | Farmers Insurance, for a candid conversation about what every policyholder should know. Matthew and his team are consistently one of, if not the top producing agency with the highest customer satisfaction in the state.

https://agents.farmers.com/ar/cabot/m...

We break down the different types of insurance, common gaps that leave people exposed, and the...

The job market is shifting fast—and whether you're hiring or job hunting, it's more competitive than ever. In this episode, I sit down with Jacob Stripling, founder of Future State Careers, for a candid, high-impact conversation about what’s really going on in today’s hiring landscape. We dig into what employers need to do to attract and keep top talent, how job seekers can stand out in a crowded field, and what trends are shaping the future of work.

https://futurestatecareers.com/

Whether you’re running a company or running your job search, this one...

In this episode, I sit down with Brendan McCurdy, Head of Research and Marketing at Ares Wealth Management, to break down the world of alternative investments in a way that actually makes sense. We talk through what private markets are, how they work, and why more investors are paying attention to them — especially now.

We get into:

The basics of private credit, private equity, real estate, and more

How alternatives stack up against public markets

Brendan’s take on where things might be h...

On this Memorial Day episode of the Olympus Wealth Strategies Podcast, we’re honored to welcome Major Michael Diaz, U.S. Army (Retired)—a decorated officer with over two decades of service to our country.

In this conversation, Major Diaz reflects on his military journey, leadership under pressure, and the true meaning of Memorial Day. We discuss the sacrifices made by service members and their families, the enduring bonds of military brotherhood, and how civilians can better honor those who gave all.

Whether you have military ties or simply want to better unde...

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Olympus Wealth Strategies Podcast.

In this launch episode, I’m joined by Ryan Ripp, CFO of Flat Rock Global, a leading firm in the alternative private credit space. We dive into the world of private credit, CLOs, and what investors should be paying attention to in today's markets.

What we cover in this episode:

• What private credit really is — and why it’s gaining traction

• How CLOs (Collateralized Loan Obligations) work and where they fit in portfolios

• Flat Rock’s approach to navigating...

At Olympus Wealth Strategies, we’re always looking for new ways to empower, educate, and elevate your financial journey. That’s why we’re launching a brand-new podcast—designed to give you real-world insights, smart strategies, and conversations that help take your finances to great heights.

Stay tuned for our first full episode. We can’t wait to have you along for the climb.

Legal Disclosures:

Olympus Wealth Strategies, LLC (“Olympus”) provides investment advisory services through Uptick Partners, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance and compliance...