State of the Markets 2026: Golden Era or AI Bubble with Tony Parish

State of the Markets 2026: Golden Era or AI Bubble with Tony Parish

Markets have delivered powerful returns, but strong momentum can sometimes mask underlying vulnerabilities. Tom sits down with Tony Parish, CIO at AlphaStar Capital Management, to unpack where the economy stands and what could shape the next phase of the cycle. As 2026 approaches, the real question isn't just how strong the markets are; it's how prepared investors are for what comes next. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: ⚠️ Emerging Risks: Concentration and volatility concerns 🏦 Fed Watch: Policy shifts and rates in 2026 🛡 Risk Mitigation: How to participate with protection 🤖 AI Surge: Is this the age of innovation everyone's saying it is? 📚 Tony's New Book: Exploring how innovators connect ideas to transform industries Resources for this episode: Buy Tony's Book Singular Links: The Innovator's Guide to Compounding Connections https://tinyurl.com/4mbx22j9 [https://tinyurl.com/4mbx22j9] Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com [https://www.figmarketing.com/] 800-527-1155

The Rise of the Wealth Counselor with Nicholas Ross

The retirement industry has changed, and advisors are feeling it. In this episode, Tom and Nicholas Ross, Chief Strategy Officer at FIG, explore how the post-pandemic reset has reshaped the financial advice industry. They explore why traditional business models eventually plateau, how client expectations have evolved, and why advisors are increasingly stepping into the role of a wealth counselor. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔄 Advisor confidence after industry disruption 👥 Shifting client expectations post-pandemic 🧭 The rise of the "wealth counselor" mindset 🧩 Why holistic planning matters more than ever 🔗 Leveraging partners instead of doing everything in-house Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com [https://www.figmarketing.com/] 800-527-1155

Flexibility Is the Future of Financial Advice with Derek Gubala

As the financial advisory industry evolves, flexibility - not formulas - is becoming the differentiator. In this episode, Derek Gubala, Co-President of AlphaStar Capital Management, joins Tom to share what he's seeing across the independent RIA landscape heading into 2026. From shifting advisor demographics to customizable platforms, modern training, and the growing importance of client experience, this conversation explores what advisors must rethink to grow, and stay relevant, in a rapidly changing industry. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🚀 Advisor demographics are changing and expectations are too 🧩 One-size-fits-all platforms are losing relevance 🧠 Training must go beyond products to business-building skills 🤝 Retention and client experience are becoming growth strategies 📣 Marketing still matters, but messaging and consistency matter more Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com [https://www.figmarketing.com/] 800-527-1155

Advisor Empowerment Series: Elevate Your Practice for 2026 with Nicholas Ross & Dave Henry

This episode introduces FIG's brand-new Advisor Empowerment Series, a live, collegiate-style learning experience designed to give financial professionals deeper mastery of the topics that drive today's planning conversations. Nicholas Ross and Dave Henry also discuss FIG's highly praised playbooks- covering life insurance, annuities, long-term care, estate planning, and business owners- and explain how advisors are using them to spark better client conversations and uncover new opportunities. Then, they reveal the four upcoming course tracks for 2026: business owner planning, life insurance training, succession planning, and differentiation strategies. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎙️ Podcast Purpose: empowering advisors through deeper education 📘 Intro to Playbooks: structured tools for client conversations 🎓 Why advisors need live, interactive education 🏢 Deep-dive courses launching in 2026 🚀 Differentiation Strategies: advanced planning to elevate your practice Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com [https://www.figmarketing.com/] 800-527-1155

Tariffs, AI, and the Future of Investing with "Mr. Wonderful," Kevin O'Leary

This episode, Tom sits down with Kevin O'Leary- entrepreneur, investor, and of course, "Mr. Wonderful" from Shark Tank. The conversation covers everything from tariffs and the ripple effects on global markets to the powerful role artificial intelligence is playing in reshaping supply chains and boosting productivity. Kevin also shares timeless lessons on diversification, drawing inspiration from his mother's disciplined investing approach, and why preservation of capital- not performance- is the ultimate measure of a great advisor. Along the way, he opens up about his Shark Tank investments, the unpredictability of venture capital, and surprising asset classes gaining traction, like fine watches and collectible sports cards. Kevin even gives a glimpse into how tokenization and stablecoins could transform financial transactions. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Kevin's take on tariffs and global markets 💡 The #1 mandate of top advisors: preserve capital 🔀 Kevin's personal rules for diversification (inspired by his mother) 💼 Lessons from Shark Tank and venture investing ⌚ Alternative assets like fine watches and collectible sports cards Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com [https://www.figmarketing.com/] 800-527-1155