In this episode of Compound Growth, Wheeler and Colin take a sweeping yet grounded look at the intersection of artificial intelligence, personal finance, and long-term security. What starts as a casual conversation about “Back to the Future” quickly accelerates into a high-stakes discussion on what the real future holds—from AI-generated films to autonomous companies and personalized virtual realities. With reports from top thinkers like Mary Meeker, they lay out the trajectory of AI over the next decade and unpack what it means for careers, investing, and human relevance.

The duo then shifts into practical mode. Using insights from recent economic data and their own experience as advisors, they outline what it means to truly “bomb-proof” your finances. That means more than just having a rainy-day fund—it’s about reassessing what financial resilience looks like in a world where jobs can vanish, inflation persists, and markets swing fast. Real stats, real risks, and real talk.

Wheeler and Colin finish by offering actionable advice: build an emergency reserve that lasts, invest in your skills (especially those that complement AI), and avoid the false confidence that tech alone can solve all problems. Whether you're already feeling prepared or starting from scratch, this episode provides the clarity and motivation to take the next right step.

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• 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

In this wide-ranging and introspective episode, Colin and Wheeler explore the concept of unintended consequences—how innovations meant to improve life can subtly change behavior, expectations, and even our bodies. From the impact of cars and air travel on urban sprawl and health to the way apps like Robinhood have altered generational investing habits, they dig into how compounding effects aren’t always financial—they’re cultural, physical, and deeply personal.

The second half of the conversation zeroes in on the pair’s personal "money principles"—not rules, but values and frameworks that help guide intentional financial choices. Colin shares his "life equation," allocating income to long-term security and freedom spending, while Wheeler expands on the idea that “great is better than now,” drawing from Rick Rubin and personal experience. Together, they offer a grounded but optimistic look at building a life (and portfolio) aligned with who you are and who you want to become.

It’s not just about budgeting or saving—it’s about asking the deeper questions: What does great look like for you? Why are you spending money the way you are? And what trade-offs are you willing to make in pursuit of meaning? With real-life anecdotes and candid reflection, this episode is a reminder that personal finance is more personal than financial.

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• 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

In this episode of Compound Growth, Wheeler and Collin tackle one of the most persistent and complicated issues in American life today: wealth inequality. Starting with a humorous anecdote about poison ivy and prescription overload, we quickly pivot into deeper territory—exploring how the mechanics of capitalism, the psychology of comparison, and generational shifts in consumption have all played a part in creating today’s economic divide.

We unpack how the concept of compound growth, while a powerful tool for building wealth, can also become a wedge that pushes people further apart if they’re not participating in the game. The episode highlights how inflation, lifestyle creep, and the push for "more" have distorted our definition of success—driving societal overconsumption and worsening inequality. From housing costs and car size to international travel and higher education, the discussion touches on both statistics and stories to illustrate the systemic and personal nature of financial disparity.

Rather than offering a simple solution, we focus on reframing the problem—encouraging listeners to be intentional in how they interact with a capitalistic society. With nods to gratitude, delayed gratification, and the power of long-term thinking, we suggest that progress—personal and collective—starts with awareness. As always, the episode ends with a reminder that understanding the system is the first step to navigating it wisely.

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• 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 it really mean to retire? In this thought-provoking episode of Compound Growth, Colin and Wheeler challenge the traditional narrative of retirement and explore how it no longer fits the world we live in today. Drawing on history, personal stories, and economic data, they uncover how the original concept of retirement was designed for a different time — when life expectancy was shorter, work was more physically demanding, and stability came from a single government-backed program.

They dive deep into the current flaws of Social Security, how it's evolved (or failed to evolve), and why relying on it alone is a dangerous strategy. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. They ask bigger questions: What if the goal isn't to stop working, but to achieve financial independence and choose how you contribute? What if staying engaged — through meaningful part-time work, community involvement, or even pouring beers at a brewery — is not just better for your finances but better for your well-being?

The episode also explores the psychological shift needed as we age — how purpose and health span matter more than just a number on a calendar or a savings account. Whether you're in your 30s thinking about long-term planning or already in retirement, this episode will reshape the way you think about your future. It’s not about quitting work — it’s about choosing what work looks like.

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• 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

In this episode of Compound Growth, Colin and Wheeler tackle a fundamental yet often overlooked concept: safety. From financial markets to personal mindset, they explore how fear shapes decision-making—especially during periods of market volatility. Colin shares his personal reflections from therapy and how his own experiences with safety influence the conversations he has with clients. The duo gets candid about the emotional climate of 2025’s market pullback, and how it’s different from previous downturns like COVID.

They also discuss how fear often manifests in unexpected ways—whether through panic selling, political disillusionment, or the desire to control the uncontrollable. Through it all, they emphasize the importance of preparation over reaction, and the powerful role financial advisors can play in helping people feel secure. From practical travel hacks to the legacy of generational wealth, this episode reminds listeners that mindset and perspective are just as important as any investment strategy.

Finally, Colin and Wheeler share personal anecdotes—spilled smoothies, frugal travel tips, and nostalgic reflections on punk rock—to highlight how even the smallest daily experiences can compound into larger insights. If you're navigating a challenging market, or just trying to stay grounded in a chaotic world, this conversation offers a thoughtful, steadying voice.

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• 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

In this episode of Compound Growth, hosts Colin and Wheeler dive into the nuanced world of value—what it means, how we measure it, and why reframing our thinking around it can change everything. From a dinner table story about hacking classroom tech to reflections on a surprise encounter with Tony Robbins, the conversation navigates through how people create worth through action, intention, and mindset.

They unpack how some of the world’s most successful individuals—often those who faced learning challenges or humble beginnings—have developed their value not by following a straight path, but by questioning, rebelling (in the right ways), and continually asking “why.” The pair also reflects on how money, goals, and personal development intersect, revealing that increasing your value often starts with increasing your awareness and willingness to grow.

From AI-enabled education and rethinking school systems to consumer habits and mindset shifts around wealth, Colin and Wheeler bring personal anecdotes, client insights, and business reflections to life. Whether you’re trying to 10x your business or just figure out the next step in your career, this episode offers a thoughtful roadmap: start with why, get comfortable in discomfort, and recognize that sometimes the best rebellion is the one that pushes you forward.

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• 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

In this episode of Compound Growth, hosts Colin and Wheeler go deep—but this time, the spotlight’s on Wheeler. What begins as a nostalgic memory about comic books evolves into a raw and insightful account of Wheeler’s journey with money, debt, and resilience. From a childhood shaped by a single-parent household and early jobs to the unglamorous hustle of entry-level roles in the entertainment industry, Wheeler shares how his relationship with money was formed—through scarcity, improvisation, and a lot of IOUs.

As Wheeler traces his path through undergrad, grad school, and eventually cross-country moves to pursue a film career, we hear about financial naivete, student loans, and the grind of survival. But what stands out isn’t the struggle—it’s how each financial misstep built the foundation for future understanding. By the time he lands in a temp job at Wells Fargo, the picture starts to shift. Exposure to a different kind of wealth—and the tools used to build and preserve it—plants the seed for a future in financial advising.

This episode is an honest reminder that financial literacy doesn’t always come from textbooks—it often comes from lived experience. Wheeler’s story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and eventual clarity. It's about how surviving bad money decisions can lay the groundwork for helping others avoid them. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to reset your financial path, there’s something here for you.

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• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompoundGrowthPodcast
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• 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

In this episode of Compound Growth, Colin opens up about his personal journey into the world of finance, from childhood dreams of managing Bill Gates’s wealth to the real-world grind of launching his own advisory practice. We hear how early lessons in frugality shaped his money mindset and how a fascination with business and success stories propelled him toward a career in wealth management.

Colin walks us through the pivotal moments that defined his path—internships, hard-won licenses, cold calls, and even tabling at local garden shows—all in pursuit of building a client-first advisory business. From Citigroup margin calls to co-founding a firm during COVID, it’s a raw look at what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up. Along the way, we dive into why failure is essential, what it means to find freedom in financial planning, and how passion fuels perseverance.

Whether you're a young professional navigating your own career path, an advisor building your book, or just someone interested in the human side of finance, this episode is packed with honest insights and a reminder that growth is rarely linear—but always worth it.

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