What if everything you thought you knew about October in the markets was wrong? In this episode, Wheeler and Colin dig into the so-called “October Effect” — why history says it’s a bad month for investors, and why this year flipped that narrative on its head. From the 1907 panic to 2008’s crash, they trace how superstition and seasonality shape investor psychology far more than we realize.

Then, the conversation pivots to what’s really driving today’s markets: a record $7.4 trillion sitting in money market accounts, historic highs in the NASDAQ, and why volatility isn’t always the enemy. The hosts unpack why risk is back on, what breadth expansion means for the health of the bull market, and how professional managers are scrambling to catch up before year-end.

Finally, Wheeler and Colin explore the deeper ripple effects beyond Wall Street — from sweeping layoffs to the shrinking value of a college degree, the rise of AI in white-collar work, and how Americans are redefining what “work” even means. It’s a conversation that moves from macroeconomics to mindset — and might just change how you look at your own career path.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compoundgrowthpod
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompoundGrowthPodcast
• TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@compoundgrowthpod
• Wheeler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheeler-crowley-0a63933b/
• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

The “996” work culture — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week — has found new life in Silicon Valley. But is working yourself to exhaustion really the key to success? In this episode, Wheeler and Colin sit down with returning guest Jessica Crowley to unpack the glorification of overwork, the myth of hustle culture, and the personal toll of tying your entire identity to your job.

They explore how the 996 mindset, originally born in China’s tech boom, has resurfaced in the U.S. startup scene — and why its effects can be devastating. From burnout and isolation to the pressure of ego and competition, the hosts reflect on the fine line between ambition and obsession. Jessica brings her expertise in burnout prevention and “life design” to explain how to build a career that serves your life, not the other way around.

This episode isn’t about rejecting hard work — it’s about redefining it. The hosts share lessons on balance, legacy, and how to create impact without sacrificing joy. Because real growth isn’t found in the grind; it’s in designing a life you actually want to live.

Find Jessica:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamoorecrowley/
SubStack: https://jessicacrowley.substack.com/

Follow Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compoundgrowthpod
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompoundGrowthPodcast
• TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@compoundgrowthpod
• Wheeler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheeler-crowley-0a63933b/
• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

What does the American Dream really mean today? In this episode, Wheeler and Colin sit down with Tori to unpack how our idea of “making it” has evolved—from owning a home and climbing the corporate ladder to building a life defined by flexibility, purpose, and balance. They dig into the generational shift from stability to freedom and how financial independence now looks more like personal choice than a picket fence.

The conversation moves from the roots of the American Dream to what’s shaping it now: the changing job market, the value of higher education, and how timing can determine opportunity. Wheeler shares data showing a surprising rise in unemployment among college graduates, while Colin reflects on how his own version of the dream has transformed with age and experience.

They close by talking about gratitude, perspective, and the power of redefining success at every stage of life. Whether your version of the American Dream means owning a home, traveling the world, or simply having the freedom to choose, this episode challenges you to rethink what you’re really working toward.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compoundgrowthpod
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompoundGrowthPodcast
• TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@compoundgrowthpod
• Wheeler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheeler-crowley-0a63933b/
• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims