The Soup of Wall Street

The world moves too fast for anything to feel grounded anymore, which is why I can jump from culture headlines to Odell Beckham Jr. explaining how “easy” it is to burn through a hundred million dollars without hardly a breath. The gap between how people actually live and how public figures talk about money is hilarious and kind of the whole point of this episode. I’m digging into perspective, delusion, and also the math nobody wants to look at.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

You know how everyone online screams about their frameworks and “five-step blueprints” for starting a business? Yeah… Pink’s Window Services  blew up by doing the opposite. I sit down with Brandon Downer and Carter Smith to talk about Pink’s rise to Insta fame, how to clean windows, and the weird stuff people overthink.I love conversations like this because they remind me how close most people are to changing their entire life. They founded Pink’s Window Services, turned it into a franchise, and somehow convinced the internet that they cracked a code when really they were just having a good time and doing the work.Don’t forget to tell us your favorite soup in the comments…

The world looks normal until it absolutely doesn’t. One minute you’re creeping through downtown traffic like a civilized adult, the next a grown man on a rental scooter is screaming at you in Chelsea boots before punching your window like he’s auditioning for a fight scene. That’s 2025. Everyone’s playing different games.This week I’m talking about all the weird incentives shaping the world right now. Why a 50-year mortgage is a disaster disguised as a gift, how celebrity tequila probably sucks, why comparing yourself to strangers online might be the dumbest hobby we’ve invented, and why some people need the simple brutality of sports just to feel something predictable.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

A business quarter away and the world went feral without me. New York just hired a 34-year-old foreclosure counselor to run the most financially influential city on the planet, and everyone’s acting weird about it.The craziest part is how the internet tricked all of us into thinking we should have opinions about everything, all the time. Elections aren’t thoughtful committee decisions anymore. They’re individual panic attacks aggregated into policy. And yet… stocks keep going up, we’ve got fresh water, and life is still somehow pretty good. Welcome back to the chaos.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

You really think you're gonna win by making the best underwear? The best shampoo? The best anything? Cute. The truth is, most of the time, the world doesn’t want the best. It just wants something. A thing that exists. A hotel that’s not the worst. A gym that’s $10 a month. A pair of Skechers. This one’s for every founder who’s stalling their launch because they think their product isn’t perfect yet. Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

If I had a dollar for every time someone called a starter home an “investment,” I’d be… well, not rich, but a lot richer. Let’s talk about why buying a house you can’t afford, just to repaint the walls, might not be the flex you think it is. Especially when two-thirds of your mortgage is just a fancy rent payment to the bank.Also: a bartender smells suspiciously good, which leads me to uncover portals into alternate economic realities where making drinks at the airport nets you six figures. Oh, and I no longer believe in overcommunication. Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

This was one of those days when the world feels like it’s running on 1200 mg of caffeine and everything is annoying, from the 3 PM weekday traffic to the course-selling scammers, and the absolute circus that is NYC politics.Why are there always people at Target at 10 AM on a Tuesday? Who’s still eating at Olive Garden? Why do crypto bros only trade at 2 am? Welcome to more of a therapy session than an episode of The Soup of Wall Street.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Is it better to be flashy or just really freaking consistent? “Boring” just might be the ultimate business strategy. For example Warren Buffett, with his low-key empire in Omaha, routinely skips the spotlight.Aren’t you tired of being told to “be louder” when you’re just trying to do your job well? In this episode, I’m joined by Brodrick Lothringer in a collaboration with his show, The Fintape. Brodrick Lothringer on LinkedInPodPonyGot questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

This week I got blamed for bugs, told I invest too safely by a guy who lost $2 million, and remembered why most networking advice is useless. People say wild stuff with full confidence and zero self-awareness. Honestly, I’m just here to report the chaos.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

What do you get when you road trip through America in a Tesla, vlog with 106 YouTube followers, and try to import Canadian coffee mugs? A weirdly accurate snapshot of the modern economy, recorded from a hotel room in Bentonville—where everything feels fake, everyone works for Walmart, and your car decides where you're allowed to drive.Between heatstroke in Texas, supercharger roulette in Oklahoma, and the realization that tariffs turned $600 mugs into a $1,200 mistake, this episode is part travel diary, part economic fever dream. If you've ever wondered what it's like to live inside a glitchy simulation run by algorithms, spreadsheets, and Walmart's HR department... you're in the right place.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

We’ve been sold the idea that more tools = more productivity. But what if the “helpful” things—email apps, calendar pings, handwritten parking notes—are actually making life harder, not better?In this episode, we talk about the difference between being useful and being effective. Why Warren Buffett doesn’t pay dividends. Why deleting your email app might be the best decision you’ll ever make. And why asking strangers not to park on public streets is… not a strategy.Turns out, doing less might get you a whole lot further.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

You ever pay for something that felt ridiculous—but you still did it? That’s not a pricing mistake. That’s capitalism at work. From The Masters to Coachella, we unpack how sky-high prices aren’t scams—they’re love letters from the free market saying, “You want this more than your money.”Because when you roll your eyes and still tap your card? That’s not greed. That’s just how value works now.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

The market just threw its biggest fit since COVID… and nobody noticed. Restaurants are packed, streets are buzzing, and if you didn’t check your portfolio, you’d never know the S&P was spiraling. Unlike 2020’s synchronized collapse, today’s economic weirdness is a solo act.So while the wealthy lose sleep over red charts, debt-holders might actually benefit. Call it a silent wealth tax, with bonds back in style and international stocks showing up to play. Meanwhile, the average American is more tuned into Taylor Swift than Treasury yields.This isn’t just a blip—it might be the first market-led shift since 2008. The question is: will Wall Street’s mess eventually spill onto Main Street, or are we entering a new kind of economic split-screen?Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Rich people aren’t automatically good with money. Even an $80 million fortune can’t save you from poor financial decisions. Gene Hackman’s outdated estate plan just turned into a legal circus, all because no one thought to update the documents since 2005. Many people don’t want to deal with the stress that millions of dollars comes with, and some just delegate those decisions away. Here’s the bottom line: Money ≠ good planning, and your estate plan won’t update itself. Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Most people think wealth means flying private or stacking cash—when really, it’s just not overdrafting your account, putting your money in a 401(k) and forgetting about it until you retire. There are levels to this money game:Normal people“Smart” peopleTruly rich peopleEveryone’s playing different games with different rules—and still comparing bank accounts. Want a real flex? Live within your means and stop chasing someone else’s fantasy.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Most of the ads on social media for ‘building passive income’ are actually very much NOT passive at all. In fact, in the rare occasion where your income is truly passive, you probably had to work for it leading up to it. If you think renting is just throwing money away, think again. While homeowners deal with surprise expenses, market crashes, and “passive” income that’s anything but passive, renters enjoy flexibility and zero repair bills. So who’s really winning there?I also dive into the "usefulness" of tech and the privilege of eating out, plus how social media warps our spending habits. Maybe all you really need is a countryside farm and some WiFi.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Are you dodging investing like an awkward ex? You’re not alone. We unpack why people avoid their money and how bad stereotypes (looking at you, used car salesmen) mess with our decisions.Many say investing is just glorified gambling, but patience, index funds, and basic math say otherwise. If you’re interested in investing but have always wondered how exactly you go about it, this episode’s for you. Get your money right before your accounts end up in the unclaimed property abyss.Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

A "quick" move turned into a ten-hour disaster—because moving is a nightmare. Meanwhile, rich people like Elon Musk just don’t own a lot of things. Must be nice.Also: why New Year’s resolutions are a joke, why some people chase millions while others won’t move for $100K, and how local businesses quietly make bank while startup bros grind for clout.Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

When your financial advisor is Reddit, what could go wrong? From GameStop memes to questionable hot takes, we explore the wild world of online money advice. With endless demand for guidance, even mediocre advisors thrive—and AI tools aren’t helping the chaos. Learn how to spot the difference between wisdom and noise before Uncle Joe or a subreddit ruins your retirement.Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Is a Master's in Business Administration even worth it? Is success just society’s way of keeping us busy chasing things that don’t actually make us happy? In this episode, I dig into why money, titles, and early retirement might not be the life goals they’re cracked up to be—and what actually matters instead. Time to rethink what we’re all running after.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop me an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Ever wonder why the stuff your grandparents thought was fancy is now just collecting dust at estate sales? In this episode, I explore how nostalgia shapes how we spend money today. From boomers doing it all themselves to younger generations clicking apps for everything, I dig into how different generations think about cash, value, and luxury. Tune in for a dose of reality on how we view spending and status today.Got questions or think I missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

The art of political simplicity: apparently, all it takes to win is to promise not to tax tips and overtime—who knew? Not Kamala I guess. Trump’s easy-to-digest tax ideas seem to overshadow Kamala Harris’s more complicated, theoretical proposals. Add in voter confusion about early voting, and voila—election magic.We also poke at the big promises: SALT cap repeal, auto loan deductions, and the fantasy that these policies don’t shift tax burdens. Because "fiscal responsibility" is rebranding the same ideas to sound fresh. Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Think more is better? Think again, more only makes life more complex. The secret is, how much complexity can you handle? Life’s obsession with piling on possessions, tasks, and digital clutter often leaves us more stressed and less decisive. While we outsource everything and chase convenience, we forget the basics: health and relationships—life’s only non-negotiables. Maybe the key isn’t doing more but closing a few tabs, shedding the extras, and focusing on what actually matters. After all, less isn’t just more—it’s sanity.Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Ever wonder if politicians are the ultimate “smart dumb” people? They’ve mastered self-promotion but have a hard time with, you know, actual governing. We’re unpacking the absurdity of voter priorities, then we dive into the weird reality of running cities like NYC—$112 billion budgets with a salary that barely attracts the capable. No wonder the candidates look... familiar. And to cap it off, a look at personal ambition, misguided social media flexes, and the bizarre ways people define “success.”Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Think a 0.5% interest rate cut will save you on your mortgage? Think again. In this episode, we break down why these cuts mostly help banks, not you, and why long-term mortgage rates couldn’t care less. We also dive into the government’s headache with rising rates—spoiler: borrowing just got a lot more expensive. If you're wondering how all this affects your wallet and Uncle Sam’s budget, stay tuned!Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Is success all about hard work, or the circumstances we’re born into? This episode challenges age-old myths. We also take a fun stroll through how acceptable behavior has changed over time—from normal to shocking. Add in a little reflection on how the internet, despite its “limitless” reach, still leaves people unaware and unbothered in their own snug little box, and we've got quite the episode. We also tackle the indecision epidemic and how people just love sticking to their own views, even when they don’t actually know what they want. Enjoy!Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Are you “risk-averse”? Chances are you're not even evaluating risk correctly. We compare daredevil free climbers to your boring daily drive and explain why stuffing cash under the mattress isn’t as safe as you think. Freaked out by bank failures? Relax, your money’s more secure than your panic suggests. We’ll also clear up why investing in stocks isn’t as terrifying as it sounds, and why keeping cash and managing debt might actually save your financial butt.Oh, and we’ll throw in some lessons from Tiger, Roger and Scottie.Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Is the 9-5 grind dead post-COVID? Massive layoffs at Facebook and Tesla are shaking up Austin’s housing market—spoiler: house prices are tanking, credit card debt is skyrocketing, and savings are a distant memory. Thanks, instant gratification and modern tech!We'll also chat about whether people will use their "free time" to be productive or just scroll aimlessly. Hint: one choice could make the rich richer and the poor poorer. And let’s not forget the joys of over-spending to keep up appearances. Join us for a reality check on how to survive this economic circus.Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Oh, because everyone knows using credit cards for rewards is a really great, sustainable strategy, right? If you're tired of following the crowd and getting nowhere, this episode is for you. Let’s dive into the not-so-brilliant financial habits we're all guilty of—like chasing returns and ignoring those "boring" employee benefits. Time to get real, rethink your strategy, and actually start winning at this finance game. Tune in if you're ready to stop settling for average.Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Are vacations overrated? It’s hard to maintain balance while on the road, from working out and eating well to getting enough sleep. And if your lifestyle is better back at home, you really start to wonder…In this episode we reflect on how growing up in a large family shaped both work ethic and parenting style, and take a look at the roots of our personal and professional lives. We share our journeys up through academia and career shifts—from sports management and fitness to financial advising, and everything in between. Running a family business? Oh, that’s a walk in the park. We talk on the joys of hiring people, dealing with employees, and the rollercoaster ride of shifting from commission to fee-based services.Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Did you know that the retirement age of 65 was essentially made up? Believe it or not, it started as a random pick back in 1880s Germany. Fast forward to today, and we're still stuck with it! In this week’s episode, we unpack the strange history and harsh realities of planning for retirement in an age where Social Security might be a fairy tale. Forget pensions and count on your own stash. We’ll explore why building personal savings is more vital than ever, thanks to skyrocketing lifespans and economic curveballs like inflation. And hey, about that college degree and climbing student debt—was it worth it?Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Ever feel like the monotony of the workweek might be slowly draining your soul? Soup Martinez and Brandon Downer, Co-Founder and Owner of Pink’s Window Services, sit down to recount their journeys from traditional careers to the realm of entrepreneurship. Hear how Brandon turned a basic window-washing service into a booming business over 5 years. We’ll discuss the highs and the lows, from wrestling with our own doubts, mastering challenging customer interactions, and embracing rapid decision-making. Tune in for a mix of humor, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tips that might inspire you to polish up on your entrepreneurial dreams. Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Ever wondered how $10 million could change your life? I didn’t think so. Instead of just daydreaming about yachts and private jets, let’s dive into the real headaches that come with striking it rich. This episode isn't just about dodging financial ruin; it’s about bracing for a windfall that could knock you over just as easily.We also talk about the heavy burden of sudden wealth, the pressures to spread that wealth around and the crucial need to grasp the true cost of your champagne lifestyle. That’s right—trying to keep up with the Joneses? Say hello to bankruptcy. It's easier than you think.Got questions or think we missed a spot? Drop us an email at [email protected] and get in on the conversation!

Why isn’t financial literacy taught more in schools? Social media often gives a distorted view of taxes and wealth, and in this episode of The Soup of Wall Street, we share stories like a high school class that only used Dave Ramsey's pre-recorded lessons, which just goes to show the need for better financial education.We also look at Dave Ramsey's famous seven-step financial plan. From his start in church halls to becoming a popular radio personality, we discuss his methods and whether or not they’re madness.We also talk about the practice of tithing in religious communities and just how huge some of these organizations are. And to cap it all off, the age old phrase…“Kids these days… .” Join us for a discussion on the importance of understanding personal finance and the impact of social media.

What if the secret to financial success isn’t about working longer, harder hours, but saving smarter? In this episode we talk about the ways your job can be your greatest asset for building wealth, while still enjoying life's simple pleasures, like golf, or beach bumming.  We take down common assumptions about money and work, and discover how balance can lead to both financial and personal gain.Saving money is critical, and a few percentage points can make a dramatic difference. We’ll talk about strategies to automate your savings and manage your spending better. Whether you're just starting to take better care of your finances or looking for ways to max out your money, this episode will definitely give you something to think about… if that’s a good thing.

So, you want to become an influencer….how original? Behind the beauty filters and paid sponsorships, most people don’t understand what turning social media into a full-time career actually takes. There’s a reason why mega-influencers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Selena Gomez have millions of followers—and no, it’s not just because they’re rich. Becoming an influencer takes the right combination of content, authenticity, and luck from the algorithm. This week, Soup Martinez and Brodrick Lothringer discuss whether becoming an influencer is even worth it. With thousands of people wanting to be the next TikTok star, the conversation covers what you need to know to get ahead—from finding your niche to creating a content strategy. We can’t promise you a million Instagram followers…but who would even want that?

Everyone is familiar with the American college experience: parties, dorm rooms, late-night study sessions, and a suffocating amount of student loan debt. Colleges may promise a brighter future, but the amount of former students crying over their loans beg to differ. This week, Soup Martinez and Brodrick Lothringer discuss whether student loan forgiveness is the right solution (spoiler: it’s not) and debate the value that students are receiving from their education. Is the student loan crisis caused by the astronomical price of tuition? The lack of financial literacy? The fact that we allow teenagers to take out $100,000 in loans? Well, it’s not our job to find out. With insights on using personal agency to advance your career and tips to prepare you to enter the workforce, Episode 6 might have you questioning your art degree. 

Ever wondered what it's like to live in a city that's a hotbed for tech jobs, a mecca for outdoor aficionados, and the self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World"? Austin, Texas is under the microscope in today's episode, where we're joined by local, and somewhat reluctant host, Soup – a man who's ready to hoist a "No Vacancy" sign on the city's outskirts. Together, we peel back the hype to reveal the raw reality of a city grappling with growing pains, from the intense summer heat to the pollen that could have you on a first-name basis with your allergist.Soup brings a dose of humor to our conversation, serving up a candid look at the everyday pros and cons of Austin living that guidebooks won't tell you about. While he may not be rolling out the welcome mat for newcomers, he doesn't shy away from the truth about Austin's vibrant culture, the strong job market, and the outdoor lifestyle – including his own battles with the local flora. Whether Austin's siren song has you considering a move, or you're just intrigued by the city's ongoing transformation, this episode promises an authentic snapshot of life in the heart of Texas, with all the quirkiness and charm that locals like Soup experience daily.

Would you pay $70 for an omelet? On a normal day, the obvious answer would be “no,” but while on vacation, that answer often changes. This week, Soup Martinez and Brodrick Lothringer discuss the value of our time, and how convenience and perception can influence our decisions—for better or worse.We take you into the world of Disney, where time becomes its own currency. When you’re flooded with choices, we explain the connections between time, decision-making, and how companies seem to get away with raising their prices. It’s not all about money, either. We factor in the nuanced emotions and judgment that go into making that final call. So, if you're ready to see what your time and money are really worth, tune-in. 

Hey there, pondering whether to splurge on a Tesla? Well, buckle up because Soup Martinez and Brodrick Lothringer are diving into the nitty-gritty of that exact dilemma. Picture this: living in a world where sci-fi dreams are becoming our reality faster than you can say "flux capacitor"! We'll be chatting about how snagging a Tesla (or not) impacts your wallet, your feels, and even your social standing.And you know what? We're not just talking about Elon Musk and Bill Gates like they're some distant figures on a pedestal. Nah, we're digging deep into their legacies and what they mean for us regular folks.So, if you're on the fence about Tesla or any other tech wonders, join today's convo. 

Why do we often regard financial advisors with the same wariness we reserve for telemarketers or politicians? This episode peels back the layers of trust, or the lack thereof, that color our perception of financial advice. We spotlight the critical disconnect between the services we willingly seek from doctors and the skepticism we harbor towards financial advisors, despite both being instrumental in life's crucial decisions. Through personal stories and pointed questions, we explore the importance of seeking advisors who prioritize understanding over selling and who can genuinely relate to your unique financial journey.The value of a financial advisor can't be overstated, especially when it comes to the  mathematics of investing for the long haul. This discussion isn't just about the numbers; it's about the human element in financial planning. We dissect the nuanced strategies that can lead to above-average returns and why most individuals might struggle without professional guidance. This episode lays bare the realities of portfolio management, life events, and the critical decisions that shape a secure financial future. We attempt to identify the true worth of a financial advisor—it's not just in the advice they give, but in the understanding and adaptation to your personal narrative.

We're thrilled to welcome you back to the relaunch of our podcast, "The Soup of Wall Street." Join us as Soup and Brodrick run through quirky nicknames to the behind-the-scenes hustle that brought us here, we're excited to share our journey with you. Get ready for a candid, lighthearted dive into finance and fun as we stir the pot on all things money and mirth. So, grab your favorite mug and join us for a piping hot serving of laughter and financial insights!