Today, Doug welcomes back Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist at FMG, to talk about how advisors can turn market volatility into a marketing strength. Samantha stresses that during uncertain times, silence from advisors breeds anxiety. Instead, consistent, proactive communication builds trust and positions advisors as steady, reliable guides—like a pilot reassuring passengers during turbulence. She shares FMG’s five strategies: regular outreach, dedicated market pages, webinars, social media engagement, and family financial sessions.
Samantha emphasizes using visuals and video to make complex topics digestible and emotionally resonant. She urges advisors to title content using real client questions to boost relevance and attendance. From timely emails to interactive webinars and legacy planning tools, she outlines how FMG helps advisors deepen relationships and expand their reach—especially when clients need guidance the most.
In this episode, Doug speaks with Michael Scaplen, SVP and Head of Sales and Relationship Management at Axos Clearing. Michael shares how Axos has evolved from its legacy roots into a tech-forward clearing firm, anchored by Axos Complete—a fully integrated ecosystem that unifies banking, investing, and planning. With tools like the Professional Workstation and a real-time client portal, Axos is eliminating operational friction and enhancing the advisor-client experience.
Michael also highlights Axos’ use of AI, biometric logins, and Envestnet integrations to streamline workflows and deliver personalized service. With solutions like tax overlay, private wealth consulting, and Axos Elite Banking, the firm empowers advisors to deepen relationships and grow revenue. It’s a bold vision for the future of clearing—one built on digital-first infrastructure and end-to-end support.
Jeremy Schwartz is the Global CIO at at WisdomTree. WisdomTree works to create a better way to invest, offering a leading product range that offers access to an unparalleled selection of unique and smart exposures.
Today, Jeremy joins Doug to talk about navigating today’s volatile market landscape. They discuss the impact of policy uncertainty, interest rates, and valuations on investor sentiment. While cautioning against reactive decisions, he reinforces the long-term case for equities despite short-term market swings.
Jeremy also discusses WisdomTree’s Equity Premium Income strategy (WTPI), which uses option selling to target a 2.5% monthly income. Designed for flat or choppy markets, WTPI offers a more defensive way to stay invested, with lower volatility than traditional 60/40 portfolios. As demand grows for income-generating strategies seeking downside protection, WTPI stands out as an option for cautious investors.
For standardized performance of WTPI, please visit here.
Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. For a prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus containing this and other important information about the fund, call 866.909.9473 or visit WisdomTree.com/investments. Read the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus carefully before investing.
You cannot invest directly in an index.
For definition of terms used in this discussion, please see the WisdomTree Glossary.
WTPI Risk information: There are risks associated with investing, including possible loss of principal. The Fund will invest in derivatives, including put options on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (“SPY Puts”). Derivative investments can be volatile, and these investments may be less liquid than securities, and more sensitive to the effects of varied economic conditions. All SPY Puts are exchange-listed standardized options. The SPY Puts are selected to target a premium of 2.5%. THE SPY Puts sold by the Fund may have imperfect correlation to the returns of the Index. Although the Fund collects premiums on the SPY Puts it writes, the Fund’s risk of loss if the price of SPY falls below the strike price and the SPY Puts are exercised as of the Roll Date may outweigh the gains to the fund from the receipt of such option premiums. The sale of cash-secured SPY Puts serves to partially offset a decline in the price of SPY to the extent of the premiums received. The potential return to the Fund is limited to the amount of option premiums it receives; however, the Fund can potentially lose up to the entire strike price of each option it sells. By virtue of its put option sales strategy, Fund returns will be subject to an upside limitation on returns attributable to SPY, and the Fund will not participate in gains beyond such upside limitation. The Fund’s investment strategy is subject to risks related to rolling. To the extent the Fund’s portfolio managers are unable to roll the SPY Puts as described in the Fund’s principal investment strategy, the Fund may be unable to achieve its investment objective. Due to the investment strategy of the Fund, it may make higher capital gain distributions than other ETFs. Please read the Fund’s prospectus for specific details regarding the Fund’s risk profile.
VIX: A key measure of market expectations of near-term volatility conveyed by S&P 500 stock index option prices. It is the premier benchmark for U.S. stock market volatility.
WisdomTree Funds are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, in the U.S.
Jeremy Schwartz is a registered representative of Foreside Fund Services, LLC.
In this episode, Doug welcomes Paisley Nardini, a portfolio manager and multi-asset strategist at Simplify. Paisley discusses the significance of diversifying portfolios, especially in times of market volatility and uncertainty, and highlights the innovative solutions Simplify offers, such as liquid alternatives, defined outcome strategies, and the use of derivatives.
Paisley delves into the importance of active management in achieving downside protection and the ongoing shift from a traditional 60/40 portfolio model to a 50-30-20 structure, and offers insights into how Simplify supports advisors through education and unique product offerings.
Today, Doug is joined by VanEck’s Fran Rodilosso, Head of Fixed Income ETF Portfolio Management, and Bill Sokol, Director of Product Management, to break down the opportunities in Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) and why they’re gaining traction with investors. They explain how CLOs offer higher yields, low default rates, and floating-rate protection against interest rate volatility, making them a compelling addition to fixed income portfolios.
They also dive into CLO structures, key risks, and why active management is essential for optimizing returns. Learn how VanEck’s CLO ETFs, CLOI and CLOB, provide access to this growing asset class while managing risk. Tune in for expert insights on how advisors can integrate CLOs into diversified portfolios.
In this episode, Doug is joined by Courtney Tsai, Senior Manager of Charitable Strategies Group at DAFgiving360TM. They delve into the benefits of donor-advised funds (DAFs) and how DAFgiving360 simplifies and enhances charitable giving.
Courtney explains the structure and tax advantages of DAFs, the importance of donating non-cash assets like private business interests and real estate, and how DAFgiving360 supports advisors and donors through complex giving strategies. Courtney highlights that non-cash asset donations can offer substantial tax benefits, and emphasizes the need for professional guidance in these transactions.
If you’d like to learn more about working with DAFgiving360 and the benefits to both you and your clients, review their online resources or request more information.
A donor’s ability to claim itemized deductions is subject to a variety of limitations depending on the donor’s specific tax situation.
DAFgiving360TM does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult a qualified legal or tax advisor where such advice is necessary or appropriate.
Contributions made to DAFgiving360 are considered an irrevocable gift and are not refundable. Once contributed, DAFgiving360 has exclusive legal control over the contributed assets.
Contributions of certain real estate, private equity, or other illiquid assets may be accepted via a charitable intermediary, with proceeds transferred to a donor-advised fund (DAF) account upon liquidation. Call DAFgiving360 for more information at 800-746-6216.
DAFgiving360 is the name used for the combined programs and services of Donor Advised Charitable Giving, Inc., an independent nonprofit organization which has entered into service agreements with certain subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation. DAFgiving360 is a tax-exempt public charity as described in Sections 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), and 170(b)(1) (A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Jeff Weniger is the Head of Equity Strategy at WisdomTree. WisdomTree works to create a better way to invest, offering a leading product range that offers access to an unparalleled selection of unique and smart exposures.
Today, Doug and Jeff discuss how WisdomTree’s investment strategies can help investors navigate market volatility in 2025. He highlights the firm’s two key funds—WisdomTree U.S. Value Fund (WTV) and WisdomTree U.S. Quality Growth Fund (QGRW)—and explains how combining value and growth strategies can create a well-diversified, risk-balanced portfolio.
Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. For a prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus containing this and other important information about the fund, call 866.909.9473 or visit WisdomTree.com/investments. Read the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus carefully before investing.
You cannot invest directly in an index.
For definition of terms used in this discussion, please see the WisdomTree Glossary.
There are risks involved with investing, including the possible loss of principal.
WTV Risk Information: Funds focusing their investments on certain sectors increase their vulnerability to any single economic or regulatory development. This may result in greater share price volatility. While the Fund is actively managed, the Fund’s investment process is expected to be heavily dependent on quantitative models and the models may not perform as intended. Please read the Fund’s prospectus for specific details regarding the Fund’s risk profile.
QGRW Risk Information: Growth stocks, as a group, may be out of favor with the market and underperform value stocks or the overall equity market. Growth stocks are generally more sensitive to market movements than other types of stocks. The Fund is non-diversified, as a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a diversified fund. The Fund invests in the securities included in, or representative of, its Index regardless of their investment merit. The Fund does not attempt to outperform its Index or take defensive positions in declining markets and the Index may not perform as intended. Please read the Fund’s prospectus for specific details regarding the Fund’s risk profile.
To learn more about WTV & QGRW’s performance, holding, and other details, please visit WTV Fund page or QGRW Fund page.
WisdomTree Funds are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, in the U.S
Jason Ozur is the CEO of Lido Advisors, a firm dedicated to providing clients with advanced wealth management and comprehensive, holistic financial services.
Today, Jason shares how the firm skyrocketed from $19B to $30B AUM, emphasizing a client-first approach, strategic M&A, and culture-driven growth. He also discusses expansion plans, AI’s impact on efficiency, and the challenges of scaling while maintaining top-tier service.
In this episode, we have with us Samantha Russell, the Chief Evangelist at FMG Suite. Doug and Samantha unpacked FMG’s 2025 Marketing Guide to explore how financial advisors can turn this year’s challenges into opportunities. From optimizing your website to growing your network, we share the strategies to elevate your marketing game.
In this episode, Doug talks with Natalia Keene, an advanced sales consultant at Lincoln Financial, about their proprietary annuity income rider, i4LIFE® Advantage, an optional benefit available only with Lincoln variable annuities for 0.40% per year above standard contract expenses. They discuss how it offers unique tax benefits, especially during the tax season of 2025, and can be a game-changer for retirement income planning.
Natalia explains the history and taxation of annuities, the benefits and limitations of non-qualified deferred annuities, and how i4LIFE bridges the gap between annuitized and deferred annuities. Financial professionals are encouraged to review their clients’ annuity contracts to explore the potential of i4LIFE in optimizing retirement portfolios.
This information is for general educational purposes and is not intended to provide investment advice nor are we soliciting any action based upon it, nor should it be construed as a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
Lincoln Financial affiliates, their affiliated distributors, and their respective employees, representatives, and/or insurance agents do not provide tax, accounting, or financial advice. Clients should consult their own independent professionals as to any tax, accounting, or financial information contained herein.
Variable annuities are long-term investment products designed for retirement purposes and are subject to market fluctuation, investment risk, and possible loss of principal. Variable annuities contain both investment and insurance components and have fees and charges, including mortality and expense, administrative, and advisory fees. Optional features are available for an additional charge. The annuity’s value fluctuates with the market value of the underlying investment options, and all assets accumulate tax-deferred. Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59½, may be subject to an additional 10% federal tax. Withdrawals will reduce the death benefit and cash surrender value.
i4LIFE® Advantage is an optional feature that is available for an additional charge with Lincoln variable annuities.
Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the variable annuity and its underlying investment options carefully before investing. The applicable prospectuses for the variable annuity and its underlying investment options contain this and other important information. Please call 888-868-2583 for free prospectuses. Read them carefully before investing or sending money. Products and features are subject to state availability.
Lincoln variable annuities are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so.
Contracts sold in New York are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer.
All contract and rider guarantees, including those for optional benefits, fixed subaccount crediting rates, or annuity payout rates, are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. They are not backed by the broker-dealer or insurance agency from which this annuity is purchased, or any affiliates of those entities other than the issuing company affiliates, and none makes any representations or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of the issuer
There is no additional tax-deferral benefit for an annuity contract purchased in an IRA or other tax-qualified plan.
Lincoln Financial is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. Affiliates are separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.
