Shows
Wealth is a choice Podcast#12 Steve Crane - Fighting for the InnocentIn this powerful episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger sits down with Steve Crane, a professional investigator whose career took an unexpected and deeply meaningful turn after opening a single letter on Christmas Eve. His career began with and still includes fraud investigation work but he’s added a new calling: helping uncover wrongful convictions and fighting for people who have been incarcerated for crimes they did not commit.
Steve shares gripping, firsthand stories from his work including the case of James Clay, a man wrongfully convicted decades after an alleged crime, and ultimately fr...
2025-12-291h 54
Wealth is a choice Podcast#11Greg Gogolin - Understanding AI Beyond the BuzzwordsIn this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger sits down with Dr. Greg Gogolin, Distinguished Professor of Information Security & Intelligence and Director of the Center for Cybersecurity & Data Science at Ferris State University. Dr. Gogolin helped design Ferris State’s nationally recognized Information Security & Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence programs and is a Fulbright Scholar whose work spans digital forensics, cybersecurity, and AI.
Together, James and Dr. Gogolin unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes with artificial intelligence. Using clear, real-world examples, they explore how AI models are trained, where bias creeps in, how larg...
2025-11-141h 03
Wealth is a choice Podcast#10 Greg Gogolin - The Rise of Cybercrime and What You Can DoIn this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger welcomes Dr. Greg Gogolin, Distinguished Professor of Information Security & Intelligence and Director of the Center for Cybersecurity & Data Science at Ferris State University. A Fulbright Scholar and one of the early pioneers in digital forensics and cybersecurity education, Dr. Gogolin has trained law enforcement and intelligence professionals across the world and helped design Ferris State’s nationally recognized cybersecurity and AI programs.
James and Dr. Gogolin dive into the rising wave of cybercrime, how it exploded after COVID, how work-from-home culture changed the threat landscape, and wh...
2025-11-141h 35
Wealth is a choice Podcast#9 Carrie McCoy - Riding Life’s Hills with PurposeIn this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger reconnects with professional triathlete Carrie McCoy to revisit her incredible solo cycling journey around Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Carrie became the first woman to earn plaid by completing 1,200 miles in just 10 days during the Tour Da Yoop, Eh.
James and Carrie reflect on the powerful moments from that adventure, from the people she met and the challenges she faced, to how those experiences shaped her perspective on life, resilience, and gratitude.
Carrie’s story is one of courage, connection, and continuous self-discovery. Her belief that...
2025-11-061h 04
Wealth is a choice Podcast#8 Brandon Geisler - The most powerful wealth-building tool in America & how it worksIn this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger welcomes Brandon Geisler, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager of the Alger Mid Cap Growth Fund.
It’s ironic, the tool that builds more American wealth than any other, the mutual fund, is also one of the least understood. In this episode of Wealth Is a Choice, we explore why so many investors never master the very asset that defines their financial lives, and how understanding it can unlock real, lasting wealth.
Making Investing Tangible: Connecting portfolios to real-world companies and the emotions that come wi...
2025-11-0632 min
Wealth is a choice Podcast#7 Kevin Liberacki - The Endurance Mindset: Lessons from 59 Years of GrowthIn this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger welcomes endurance cyclist Kevin Liberacki, who recently set a course record in the Psycho 48 bike race. Kevin and James first met during the Tour Da Yoop, Eh, an event James hosts and have since shared a passion for cycling.
Together, they explore the mindset and methods behind Kevin’s remarkable achievements. Kevin shares what he learned works for him from hydration and nutrition to improving efficiency on the bike all while continuing to learn and grow at 59 years old.
James notes that Kevin didn’t be...
2025-11-0353 min
Wealth is a choice Podcast#6 Stephen Merz - Finding Your Fit: How Custom Bike Fitting (and Financial Planning) Help You Go the DistanceIn this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger welcomes Stephen Merz, owner of Trek Bicycle Grosse Pointe, to explore the art and science of proper bike fitting—and the surprising parallels it shares with personal finance.
Stephen explains how no two cyclists are alike. To create the perfect fit, he considers each rider’s injury history, athletic background, and personal goals—whether that’s competitive racing, building endurance, or simply enjoying more time outdoors. The process is about optimizing comfort, power, and aerodynamics so riders can perform their best and stay healthy for the long hau...
2025-10-281h 02
Wealth is a choice Podcast#5 Ben Heller - Building Wealth, Building Homes: The Blueprint for Financial SuccessIn this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger welcomes Ben Heller, an accomplished architect and builder, to discuss the striking similarities between constructing a home and building personal wealth.
Together, they explore how the same principles that guide great architecture—strong foundations, careful planning, and long-term vision—also apply to financial success. James and Ben share how patience, structure, and adaptability play vital roles in turning both physical and financial blueprints into lasting achievements.
The conversation also touches on the principles of Feng Shui and how thoughtful design can influence not only the...
2025-10-171h 38
Wealth is a choice Podcast#4 Senator John Damoose - Leadership, Public Service, and the EconomyIn this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger sits down with Michigan Senator John Damoose for an inspiring discussion about the power of civic involvement and the vital role individuals play in shaping their communities.
Senator Damoose shares his journey from private citizen to public servant, emphasizing how meaningful change often begins when everyday people take the initiative to bring local concerns to state leaders. He also discusses the importance of working across the aisle, finding common ground, and building relationships that prioritize people over politics. Together, James and Senator Damoose explore how collaboration...
2025-10-1751 min
Wealth is a choice Podcast#3 Robin Lott - Demystifying Michigan’s College Savings PlansIn this episode of Wealth is a Choice, host James Studinger sits down with Robin Lott, Executive Director of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning, to clear up the confusion surrounding Michigan’s three college savings plans—and to help families make confident, informed decisions about investing in education.
Robin explains the differences between the state’s options: one pre-paid tuition plan and two investment-based plans, addressing common questions about how these accounts work if a child attends school out of state, chooses not to pursue higher education, or ends up with funds left over. Together, James and Ro...
2025-10-171h 25
Wealth is a choice Podcast#2 Brad Ziegler - Wealth Through Photography, Art, and EnduranceWhat does it mean to be a “master of your craft,” and how can the same principles that drive artistic excellence also build financial freedom?
In this episode of the Wealth Is a Choice podcast, host James Studinger welcomes renowned photographer Brad Ziegler to explore the deep connections between creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal wealth.
Brad shares his unexpected journey from military school and fashion shoots to becoming a sought-after portrait artist. The conversation dives into how a simple compliment or bit of encouragement can change everything—and why learning to recognize your unique gifts leads to succ...
2025-09-081h 43
Wealth is a choice Podcast#1 Joe Garavaglia - Estate Misses & FixesWhat REALLY Happens When Estate Plans Go Wrong? | Wealth Is a Choice Podcast
In the premiere episode of Wealth Is a Choice, Joe Garavaglia (estate planning attorney) and host James Studinger (financial advisor) take you behind the scenes of “estate planning gone right… and gone wrong.” From sibling squabbles and surprise lawsuits to shocking stories of trustees gone rogue, this candid conversation unveils the real-life pitfalls—and smart fixes—you must know about.
Key Topics We Cover:
Family feuds and emotional upheaval after a loved one passes
Why copious notes, clear communicatio...
2025-06-102h 01
Copper Country TodayCopper Country Today - May 15, 2022 - Bicycle Safety, Tour da Yoop ehBicycle season has arrived in the Keweenaw. Todd VanDyke talks bicycle safety with "Tour da Yoop eh" organizer James Studinger, and also previews that event, which will visit the Copper Country later this summer.
Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.
2022-05-1525 min
Authors AccessJames P. Studinger - Using Your Book as an Investment ToolOn August 19th, 2010 Irene Watson and Victor R. Volkman spoke with financial adviser and author James P. Studinger. He is the author of Wealth Is a Choice, and owner of the JPStudinger Group, a wealth-management company. Studinger wrote this book to create a road map for his children to follow should anything happen to him. This passion blossomed into a book to educate readers and help them embrace, not fear, financial decisions. This evening he spoke about the critical role of understanding how an author can exploit their book to best financial advantage, including: What is the secret to becoming...
1970-01-0100 min