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 ep...
Jan 21, 2026•27 min•Ep. 33
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 Cha...
Jan 13, 2026•28 min•Ep. 32
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® cand...
Dec 23, 2025•38 min•Ep. 31
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...
Dec 08, 2025•43 min•Ep. 30
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 Why financial...
Nov 24, 2025•45 min•Ep. 29
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 How to design your week with time blocking that actually holds A simple...
Nov 11, 2025•44 min•Ep. 28
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 ac...
Oct 27, 2025•35 min•Ep. 27
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 le...
Oct 13, 2025•30 min•Ep. 26
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 ...
Sep 29, 2025•56 min•Ep. 25
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 fin...
Sep 15, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 24
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: How Caleb balances three careers at once Why the CFP® designation remains the gold standard Common mistakes job seekers and firm owners make during hiri...
Jul 21, 2025•42 min
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: His early start in financial planning through Ohio University’s CFP® program The power of mentorship and intentional career planning His transition from client ...
Jul 07, 2025•43 min
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 broad...
Jun 23, 2025•44 min
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 ...
Jun 09, 2025•47 min
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 uncomforta...
May 26, 2025•41 min
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...
May 13, 2025•36 min
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...
Apr 14, 2025•34 min•Ep. 17
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: How simple client conversations can have transformational impact Building scalable systems without losing human connection The burnout moment that changed everything Why the first five years in this profession matter most — ...
Mar 31, 2025•45 min•Ep. 16
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-do...
Mar 17, 2025•42 min•Ep. 15
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 F...
Mar 03, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 14
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 conversatio...
Mar 02, 2025•40 min•Ep. 13
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 c...
Feb 03, 2025•50 min•Ep. 12
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 o...
Nov 11, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 11
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...
Oct 28, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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 ho...
Oct 14, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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...
Sep 30, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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...
Sep 16, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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.
Sep 06, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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 pla...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 5
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, o...
Sep 04, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 4
