Archives: Episodes

What if the key to better leadership, stronger teams, and smarter decision-making was hidden in understanding human behavior? In this episode of The Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Hugh Massie, Executive Chairman of DNA Behavior Solutions, to explore how behavioral profiling can transform the way entrepreneurs lead and scale their businesses.  

Patrick and Hugh dive into the biggest challenges leaders face when managing people, the number one trait of successful entrepreneurs, and why reframing the way we think about money can have a massive impact on business growth. They also discuss practical strategies for building high-performing teams, improving communication, and creating a company culture where employees thrive. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your leadership, enhance your decision-making, or gain a competitive edge in business, this episode is packed with powerful insights you won’t want to miss. 

Key Takeaways: 

• The #1 trait that sets successful entrepreneurs apart 

• How to understand and leverage behavioral insights in leadership 

• Why decision-making styles matter and how to navigate them 

• The impact of stress on communication and team dynamics 

• How to create a workplace culture that fosters growth and retention 

• Reframing your mindset around money for long-term success 

Find out more about Hugh: 

LinkedIn 

DNA Behavior Official Website 

Episode Resources:  

Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes by Morgan Housel 

Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff 

Resources:   

Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources     

Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies    

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies      

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast     

Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/     

Credits:    

Sponsored by Vital Wealth    

Music by Cephas    

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative 

Research and copywriting by Victoria O’Brien 

In today’s episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, we’re unlocking the secrets to using speaking engagements as a powerful tool to grow your business, attract your ideal clients, and elevate your brand. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your speaking career to the next level, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Host, Patrick Lonergan, is joined by Laurie-Ann Murabito, a master speaking coach, bestselling author, and podcast host. Together, they dive into how to build a speech that resonates and how speaking can pull in the right clients for your business. 

Laurie-Ann takes us behind the scenes of her journey from speaker to speech coach, sharing tips on how to create memorable presentations, the neuroscience of speaking with confidence, and how to leverage podcasting and live speaking to expand your reach. If you’re looking for a proven approach to building relationships, mastering the art of speaking, and standing out in your industry, this episode has everything you need. 

Key Takeaways: 

• How speaking engagements can attract the perfect clients for your business. 

• Steps to build an effective and memorable speech. 

• The neuroscience behind speaking with confidence. 

• How podcasting and stage speaking complement each other. 

• Tips for expanding your speaking opportunities. 

Resources:   

Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources     

Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies    

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies      

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast     

Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/     

Credits:    

Sponsored by Vital Wealth    

Music by Cephas    

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative 

Research and copywriting by Victoria O’Brien 

Is your business prepared to weather unexpected risks, safeguard its reputation, and reduce its tax burden all at once? 

Welcome to the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, where host Patrick Lonergan sits down with industry leaders to help entrepreneurs like you minimize taxes, master wealth, and optimize your life. In this episode, Patrick is joined by Van Carlson, the largest manager of 831(b) Captive Insurance plans in the country and a trusted expert in risk management and tax strategy. Together, they discuss how businesses can use risk financing to build reserves, protect their brand, and ensure long-term stability. 

Van shares insights into how the 831(b) plan can be a game-changer for businesses, especially in uncertain times, by helping them retain and fund risk without draining operating capital. You’ll also hear real-world examples of how this strategy has helped companies survive—and thrive—through economic challenges, from the Great Recession to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re looking to safeguard your bottom line, optimize your wealth strategy, and ensure your business is protected against the unexpected, this episode is packed with actionable advice. 

Key Takeaways: 

• How the 831(b) Captive Insurance plan works and why it’s an effective tool for businesses. 

• Strategies to manage risk and build financial reserves for long-term stability. 

• Why protecting your brand and reputation is critical for business success. 

• Real-world examples of businesses utilizing risk financing to thrive during economic uncertainty. 

• How to fund an 831(b) plan in challenging years without disrupting cash flow. 

• Common misconceptions about Captive Insurance plans—and why they’re often misunderstood. 

Find Out More About Van: 

SRA 831(b)

LinkedIn

Resources:   

Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources     

Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies    

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies      

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast     

Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/     

Credits:    

Sponsored by Vital Wealth    

Music by Cephas    

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative 

Research and copywriting by Victoria O’Brien 

What’s the secret to building a cohesive marketing strategy that truly works for your business? On this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan kicks off 2025 with a deep dive into marketing strategies for business owners looking to drive more revenue into their business. Patrick is joined by Jenny Cross, Founder and CEO of TwoTone Creative, a full-service marketing firm built on the principles of servant leadership and client-centered solutions. With a wealth of experience and actionable advice, Jenny shares her journey of growing her business, overcoming challenges, and helping others by answering their customers’ questions with clear, effective marketing strategies. 

In this conversation, Jenny and Patrick explore how business owners can connect the moving parts of their marketing efforts into one seamless approach. They discuss creating a strong company culture, using tools like the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS) model to track KPIs, and the importance of transparency in marketing. Whether you’re looking to refine your brand’s messaging, better understand your clients’ needs, or measure success effectively, this episode is packed with insights to help you take your business to the next level. Don’t miss Jenny’s tips on standing out in today’s crowded market and building a marketing strategy that drives real results. 

Key Takeaways: 

• The importance of thinking about your client’s needs first through servant leadership. 

• How to connect all your marketing efforts into a cohesive strategy. 

• Why being clear and concise is essential for effective storytelling. 

• The role of transparency in building trust with your clients. 

• Leveraging the EOS model to track KPIs and measure success. 

• Building a strong company culture that supports your business goals. 

• Tips for standing out in a competitive marketplace. 

Episode Resources: 

Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller 

They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan 

Find Out More About Jenny: 

TwoTone Creative

Resources:   

Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources     

Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies    

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies      

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast     

Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/     

Credits:    

Sponsored by Vital Wealth    

Music by Cephas    

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative 

Research and copywriting by Victoria O’Brien 

Could a passive investment in a franchise be the most overlooked path to financial freedom and diversification? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Kenny Rose, Founder and CEO of FranShares, to explore how entrepreneurs can passively invest in franchises to create diversified income streams. Kenny shares how FranShares connects investors with franchise opportunities and provides insights on what makes a franchise investment successful, including how to avoid bad deals and vet opportunities for strong returns. 

This episode is packed with valuable takeaways on passive franchise investments, ROI, who is a good candidate to invest in a franchise, and how to build a diversified portfolio. Whether you’re an accredited investor or just looking for alternative investment options, this conversation offers key insights into building long-term wealth. 

Key Takeaways: 

• The benefits of passive income through franchise investments 

• How to evaluate and vet franchise opportunities 

• What to look for in a successful franchise investment 

• Understanding liquidity and expected hold periods 

• Diversifying your portfolio with alternative investments 

Find Out More About Kenny Rose: 

FranShares 

Resources:   

Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources     

Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies    

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies      

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast     

Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/     

Credits:    

Sponsored by Vital Wealth    

Music by Cephas    

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative 

Research and copywriting by Victoria O’Brien 

What if the key to unlocking massive growth in a business was stepping away from it? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan dives into the strategies successful entrepreneurs use to work on their business rather than just in it. As 2025 begins, this episode is packed with insights to help entrepreneurs step outside the daily grind, take a strategic look at their businesses, and set the foundation for a year of intentional growth. Whether feeling stuck or simply aiming to level up, this is an episode listeners can’t afford to miss. 

Listeners will learn how to create a powerful vision for the next 3-5 years, set SMART goals, and overcome limiting beliefs that hold them back. The episode also explores how to plan yearly, quarterly, and daily schedules effectively, while making time for hobbies and personal development to fuel creativity. Tune in to discover practical steps for building systems, evaluating business health, and achieving consistent forward progress. 

Key Takeaways: 

• How to step back and strategically position your business for growth. 

• Planning frameworks for yearly, quarterly, and daily success. 

• The importance of vision, core values, and SMART goals. 

• Overcoming limiting beliefs to unlock potential. 

• Building systems and assessing business health. 

• Balancing work and hobbies to stay energized and creative. 

Episode Resources: 

Getting things done: Big Rocks and Little Rocks Priority Setting 

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey 

12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington 

Deep Work by Cal Newport 

Essentialism by Greg McKeown 

Traction by Gino Wickman 

The Bible 

Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown  

Resources:   

Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources     

Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies    

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies      

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast     

Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/     

Credits:    

Sponsored by Vital Wealth    

Music by Cephas    

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative 

Research and copywriting by Victoria O’Brien 

Are you aligning your faith with your goals to build the life you truly want? In this special episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan reflects on the intersection of faith, business, and personal growth. Sharing his journey of committing to a life guided by biblical scripture, Patrick introduces a framework centered around three essential steps—follow, believe, and obey—that not only deepen your spiritual life but also empower you to create your best life as an entrepreneur.  

This episode challenges listeners to rethink the role of faith in their lives and businesses. Through thought-provoking perspectives, Patrick reveals why faith alone isn’t enough and how intentional effort and alignment with biblical principles can lead to a truly fulfilled and prosperous life.  

Key Takeaways: 

• How following, believing, and obeying can transform your life and business. 

• Lessons from Jesus’ life that apply to building resilience and purpose. 

• Why faith requires action to unlock your full potential and achieve lasting success. 

• A business owner’s perspective on integrating faith into creating your best life. 

• Powerful scriptures from the bible to guide your mindset and decision-making. 

Episode Resources:

The Bible with Nicky Gumbel

Tara Lee Cobble Bible Study

Resources:   

Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources     

Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies    

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies      

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast     

Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/     

Credits:    

Sponsored by Vital Wealth    

Music by Cephas    

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative 

Research and copywriting by Victoria O’Brien 

Are you struggling to see the returns you want from your marketing efforts? What’s the missing piece in your strategy? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Borja Cuan, the founder of Four15 Digital, to discuss how businesses can evolve their marketing strategies to achieve real, measurable outcomes. Borja shares invaluable insights into the digital marketing world, from the importance of building deep client relationships to obsessing over retention and ensuring the customer experience evolves with your business. If you’re ready to transform your marketing efforts, this conversation is a must-listen. 

As the founder of Four15 Digital, Borja has successfully helped businesses scale through tailored digital marketing strategies that use advanced tools like media buying, tracking, and conversion optimization. Whether you’re a business owner looking to increase your marketing ROI or a marketer wanting to learn from the best, Borja’s actionable advice will set you on the path to success. 

Key Takeaways: 

• The importance of building strong, lasting client relationships in digital marketing. 

• How obsessing over retention and evolving the client experience can lead to long-term success. 

• Why customizing strategies for each client is essential in achieving real outcomes. 

• The role of sophisticated tools like media buying and tracking in scaling a business. 

• How to drive conversions and maximize your marketing impact. 

Resources:   

Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources     

Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies    

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies      

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast     

Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/     

Credits:    

Sponsored by Vital Wealth    

Music by Cephas    

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative 

Research and copywriting by Victoria O’Brien 

What if you could sell your assets, avoid capital gains tax, and still unlock financial freedom? 

In this episode of The Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan dives into the revolutionary strategy of deferred sales trusts with Brett Swarts, a #1 best-selling author of Building a Capital Gains Tax Exit Plan and host of the Built It to Billions Podcast. Brett is an expert in advanced tax-saving strategies that empower entrepreneurs and investors to maximize their wealth, minimize their risk, and maintain flexibility. Patrick and Brett uncover how deferred sales trusts can serve as a powerful alternative to the 1031 Exchange, enabling individuals to diversify their portfolios, eliminate financing risks, and align their wealth with their personal goals. 

Patrick and Brett explore real-world scenarios that show how this strategy can be used for major purchases, building family legacies, and creating financial freedom. By the end of this conversation, you’ll learn how to structure your finances for meaningful impact, stay compliant with IRS guidelines, and decide if this strategy is right for you. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just someone ready to take control of your financial future, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss. 

Key Takeaways: 

• How a deferred sales trust works and why it’s a compelling alternative to the 1031 Exchange. 

• The financial benefits of earning on the total balance of a sale vs the after-tax balance. 

• Real-world scenarios demonstrating flexibility, diversification, and risk elimination. 

• Key considerations: potential downsides, compliance, and aligning strategies with personal goals. 

• Thinking big picture and shifting focus from ROI (Return on Investment) to prioritizing your “Return on Impact.” 

Key takeaways: 

• Why market ups and downs present opportunities, not obstacles. 

• How to stay focused on long-term goals amidst short-term noise. 

• Practical steps to make more rational investment decisions. 

• Strategies advisors can use to better guide and support their clients. 

Find out more about Brett Swarts:

Website

Expert Tax Secrets

Brett Swarts Book

Resources:   

Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources     

Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies    

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies      

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast     

Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/     

Credits:    

Sponsored by Vital Wealth    

Music by Cephas    

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative 

Research and copywriting by Victoria O’Brien 

Have you ever wondered why, even with all the right information, investment decisions can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride? 

On this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan explores this question with special guest Jonathan Blau, Owner and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth. Jonathan is a renowned expert in behavioral finance, specializing in helping investors and advisors understand the impact of human behavior on financial decision-making. 

Listeners will hear Jonathan share invaluable insights into why embracing market volatility can lead to better returns and how cultivating a long-term mindset can outweigh short-term performance concerns. Whether you’re an investor aiming to make more rational choices or a financial advisor looking for tools to educate your clients, this episode delivers actionable strategies and profound wisdom. 

Key takeaways: 

• Why market ups and downs present opportunities, not obstacles. 

• How to stay focused on long-term goals amidst short-term noise. 

• Practical steps to make more rational investment decisions. 

• Strategies advisors can use to better guide and support their clients. 

Find out more about Jonathan Blau:

Fusion Family Wealth

Jonathan Blau LinkedIn

Resources:   

Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources     

Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies    

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies      

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast     

Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/     

Credits:    

Sponsored by Vital Wealth    

Music by Cephas    

Audio, video, and show notes produced by TwoTone Creative 

Research and copywriting by Victoria O’Brien