The Generational Investors Podcast

In Episode 20 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with Matthew Blades, CFP® for a rapid-fire run through the financial misconceptions they hear most often from clients. These are not obscure technicalities. They are things people believe confidently and act on, and some of them cost real money. The conversation covers whether Social Security is really going broke, why Medicare is not free and what it will not cover, the divorced spousal benefit almost nobody knows about, why you may not land in a lower tax bracket in retirement, the spousal IRA most single-income households overlook, and what a raise into a higher tax bracket actually does to your paycheck. If you have ever wondered whether something you believe about your money is true, this is the episode. John's Weekly Pick this week: cast iron and stainless steel cookware.

In Episode 19 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with WCAMG Chief Financial Officer and CPA Joan Woodard to break down one of the most tax-efficient and underused strategies available to retirees: the Qualified Charitable Distribution. Joan explains what a QCD is and how it works, who qualifies, the contribution limits, and the year-end deadline that leaves no room for error. The conversation covers why a QCD is so valuable once required minimum distributions begin, and how keeping that money out of your taxable income can lower your adjusted gross income, and with it, your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. They also cover what changed under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including the new deduction now available to the roughly ninety percent of filers who take the standard deduction. If you are charitably inclined and over seventy, this episode could save you real money. John's Weekly Pick this week: walking.

In Episode 18 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with WCAMG founder and president John Woodard Jr. to tell the story behind the four words that close every episode of this show: Always Buy Quality and Diversify. John Woodard Jr. explains why those two principles, quality and diversification, became the foundation of the firm in 1985, using real examples of what happens to a portfolio when either one is missing. The conversation moves into how that philosophy comes to life today in the firm's Market Leaders Portfolio, and how an idea that has now stood unchanged for four decades became the compass for everything the firm does. If you have ever wondered what our motto actually means in practice, this is the episode. John's Weekly Pick this week: Daingerfield's at Westglow in Blowing Rock.

In Episode 17 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with a special guest and good friend of the firm, Stu Epperson Jr., founder and president of The Truth Network, host of the nationally syndicated Truth Talk, author, and member of the Salem Media Group Board of Directors. Stu shares the story of how he came into broadcasting and built a network that now reaches more than 400 affiliates nationwide, and why he has always seen the work as a calling rather than a career. The conversation covers what it means to run a business rooted in faith, the role gratitude plays in his life and leadership, how he adapted through decades of sweeping change in media and technology, and his advice for anyone who wants to start a business of their own. It is a conversation about purpose, positivity, and building something that matters. John's Weekly Pick this week: the power of prayer.

In Episode 16 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with WCAMG founder and president John Woodard Jr. for a full recap of a strong second quarter in the markets. After a first quarter defined by the shock of the Iran conflict, stocks staged a broad and powerful recovery, with the S&P 500 up 14.9 percent, the Dow closing at a record high, and the Russell 2000 surging more than 21 percent. John and his father discuss the strong corporate earnings and AI-driven demand behind the rally, the Federal Reserve under new Chairman Kevin Warsh, and the strengthening U.S. dollar and its ripple effects across international markets and commodities like oil, gold, and silver. They close with a measured look at what could lie ahead in the second half. John's Weekly Pick this week: farming.

In Episode 15 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with advisor Matthew Blades, CFP® to break down one of the most talked about new savings vehicles in the country: the Trump Account. Launched on July 4, 2026, Trump Accounts are a brand new type of retirement account for children, and they come with a one-time $1,000 contribution from the federal government for eligible kids. Matt explains exactly what these accounts are, who qualifies for the free money and how to claim it, the contribution rules and investment options, and the important fine print that trips families up, including the per-child contribution limit and how the money is actually taxed when it comes out. If you are a parent, a grandparent, or a business owner, this is the episode that tells you what to do and when to do it. John's Weekly Pick this week: ketosis and the keto diet.

In Episode 13 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with WCAMG founder and president John Woodard Jr. for a look inside how the firm actually invests. The conversation opens with a brief look at Tactical Asset Allocation, one of the firm's two complementary management styles, before turning to the heart of the episode: the Market Leaders Portfolio. John Woodard Jr. walks through the history of the strategy, which has been run on essentially the same principles since the firm's founding in 1985, and explains the philosophy behind it. Why the firm chooses to own the leaders of each industry, the best of the blue chips with the management, capital, and durability to weather a full market cycle. He also breaks down the research process that supports the portfolio and the disciplined buy and sell policies that guide every decision, where positions are held for the long term and sold only when the underlying thesis deteriorates. If you have ever wondered how a fee-only fiduciary firm approaches building a stock portfolio, this is the episode. John's Weekly Pick this week: Charleston Grill.

In this special Fourth of July edition of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III celebrates America's 250th birthday with the story of the American stock market, from its humble birth under a buttonwood tree on Wall Street in 1792 to the global powerhouse it is today. As the nation marks 250 years of independence, John walks through the founding of the New York Stock Exchange, the original handful of securities that started it all, and the oldest company still trading today, one founded by Alexander Hamilton before the Constitution was even ratified. Along the way he marks the milestones that shaped modern investing, including the creation of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1896 and the rise of the S&P 500, and shares a series of striking then-and-now comparisons. How many millionaires America had at its founding versus today, how stock ownership went from a privilege of the few to a habit of the many, and what a single share of the nation's oldest stock would be worth if it had never split. It is a story of resilience, growth, and the long arc of American prosperity, fitting for a nation turning 250. John's Weekly Pick this week: a reverse osmosis water filter.

In Episode 12 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with advisor Matthew Blades, CFP® to break down the most important numbers in retirement. Retirement is not a single date on a calendar. It is a series of them, and missing one can cost you thousands in penalties or missed opportunities. Matt also tackles the magic number debate, the popular idea that everyone should be chasing one specific dollar figure in their retirement accounts, and explains why the real answer is more nuanced than a single target. From there he walks through the key ages that matter, from penalty-free access at 59½, to Social Security and Medicare decisions in your sixties, to Required Minimum Distributions, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and more. If you are approaching retirement or helping someone navigate it, this is the roadmap you have been looking for. John's Weekly Pick this week: Weight Lifting.

In Episode 11 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with WCAMG Chief Compliance Officer and Investment Advisor Todd Senter, CFP®, for one of the most important conversations the podcast has had yet. Most people spend decades building wealth and very little time thinking about what happens to it when they are gone. This episode changes that. Todd walks through what every account owner should be doing right now to prepare their beneficiaries, what the process looks like at Woodard and Company when a client passes, and what beneficiaries can expect when that moment comes. The conversation covers beneficiary designations, the common mistakes families make, real examples of what works and what does not, and an introduction to the WCAMG Wealth Transfer Guide, a resource the firm offers to help clients and their families get organized before it is too late. This is the episode to share with a parent, a spouse, or anyone who has accounts and loved ones who will one day need to navigate this process. John's Weekly Pick this week: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.

In Episode 10 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with WCAMG founder and president John Woodard Jr. for one of the most educational episodes yet. The episode opens with a look at what is currently moving markets, with a focused conversation on memory chip stocks and what the recent action in that space is signaling for the broader technology sector. From there they break down the Federal Reserve from the ground up, what it is, what it actually does, and why it is the most consequential financial institution in the world. John Woodard Jr. walks through the history of the Fed in depth, including the Boskin Commission and its lasting impact on how inflation is measured and reported. The conversation then moves into the Fed balance sheet, what it is, how it grew to $6.7 trillion, and why it matters far more to investors than most people realize. The episode closes with a thorough look at incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, who he is, what he believes, and what a Warsh led Federal Reserve means for monetary policy and your portfolio going forward. John's Weekly Pick this week: Blue Light Glasses.

In Episode 9 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with WCAMG founder and president John Woodard Jr. for a full breakdown of the first quarter of 2026. From record highs in January to the disruption of Operation Epic Fury in late February, they walk through what happened, where the major indices landed, and what the data says about where markets go from here. The conversation covers the resilience of corporate earnings, which remained the quiet anchor of the quarter with forward estimates climbing to record highs despite the volatility, as well as the behavior of oil and gold through the conflict period. They also touch on the Federal Reserve's current posture and the rate outlook, with a deeper monetary policy episode coming soon, and walk through the positioning changes made across client portfolios during the quarter. John's Weekly Pick this week: Stretching.

In Episode 8 of The Generational Investors, host John III is joined by WCAMG Chief Financial Officer, Joan Woodard, CPA, for a timely deep dive into tax season. With the April 15th deadline closing in, Joan walks through the documents every filer needs, the most common mistakes she sees — especially among investors — and critical IRA and HSA contribution windows that close with the deadline regardless of extensions. The conversation also covers proposed changes from the Big Beautiful Bill, what to do with a refund, and the penalties that come with waiting too long to act. The episode closes with John's Weekly Pick: Fasting.

In this episode of The Generational Investors Podcast, John Woodard III sits down with Matthew Blades, CFP®, to begin a new Financial Planning Series with a broad discussion on the foundations of financial planning. The conversation covers the difference between investing and true financial planning, the core pillars every financial plan should include, and why long-term planning often matters more than simply picking investments. They also discuss retirement planning basics and introduce basic concepts, which will be explored in greater detail in future episodes. This episode serves as the starting point for a broader series that will dive deeper into topics such as tax strategy, Roth conversions, estate planning, and planning for future generations. John’s Weekly Pick: Ryan’s Restaurant – Winston-Salem

In this episode of The Generational Investors Podcast, John Woodard III and John Woodard Jr. discuss the historical role of gold and silver and how these metals behave in modern markets. The conversation looks at how precious metals have performed across different periods of economic history and how those historical patterns relate to today’s environment. They also cover why investors turn to gold and silver during times of uncertainty, how the metals tend to trade in relation to inflation, interest rates, and the U.S. dollar, and the role they can play within a diversified portfolio. The episode concludes with John’s Weekly Pick: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.

In this episode of the Woodard & Company Asset Management Group Podcast, John 3 sits down with Steve Hungerford to break down everything you need to know about Roth IRAs. They discuss how Roth IRAs work, the key benefits of tax-free growth, contribution limits, income restrictions, and how Roth accounts fit into a long-term retirement strategy. John and Steve also cover common misconceptions, Roth conversions, and when a Roth IRA may — or may not — be the right choice for you. Whether you're just starting to save for retirement or reviewing your current financial plan, this conversation provides practical insights to help you make informed decisions about your future. If you have questions about your retirement strategy or would like to learn more about Roth IRAs, contact Woodard & Company Asset Management Group to schedule a consultation.   John’s Pick of the Week: Micro-Plastics — John shares his thoughts and insights on this trending topic and why it caught his attention.

In Episode 3 of The Generational Investors Podcast, the team from Woodard & Company Asset Management Group is joined by John 3 and Todd Senter for a practical conversation on employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. They break down how these plans work, common mistakes employers and employees make, and key strategies for building stronger retirement outcomes across generations. Whether you’re offering a plan or participating in one, this episode delivers clear insights you can put to work.

In Episode 2 of The Generational Investor, John Woodard III and John Woodard Jr break down the key market trends that defined 2025 and share their forward-looking outlook for 2026.  This episode offers a multigenerational perspective on navigating an evolving financial landscape.   Whether you are a seasoned investor or just beginning your wealth-building journey, this conversation delivers practical insights, thoughtful analysis, and timeless principles to help you prepare for the year ahead.

Welcome to The Generational Investors, the introduction podcast from Woodard & Company Asset Management Group, Inc., hosted by John Woodard III and John Woodard Jr. This series brings together the power of experience and the energy of the next generation to explore smart, values-driven investing.  In this opening episode, John III and John Jr. share the story behind Woodard & Company, their multi-generational approach to wealth management, and a clear vision for helping individuals, families, and businesses build, protect and transition wealth with confidence.  Whether you're a seasoned investor or just beginning your financial journey, this podcast sets the foundation for practical insights, long-term thinking and strategies designed to stand the test of time.