Shows
FIRE Social Worker ShowSeason 3 - Episode One: Catching UpSend us a textLet’s catch up! I’ve been away from the mic for a while, but I want to get back into the grind! I apologize for the audio quality, but I’m on the road and didn’t have my usual set up. Future episodes will be much better, I promise!Support the showPlease join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.https://laswell.veteran.cards/2025-07-0519 minFIRE Social Worker ShowBalancing Big Purchases While Managing Everyday Expenses Isn't EasySend us a textRob and Becky are facing the financial realities that many homeowners dread - multiple expensive home repairs colliding with everyday budget challenges. Their journey through pool repair financing and potential HVAC replacement decisions offers a candid look at how couples navigate significant financial choices together.When they discovered their grocery bill had already hit $400 halfway through the month despite actively trying to reduce spending, it highlighted how even careful budgeters can be surprised by inflation's impact on essentials. Add in an unexpected $500 car repair, and you've got the perfect financial storm...2025-03-1453 minFIRE Social Worker ShowMoney Matters: Insights from Veterans on FinancesSend us a textSupport the showPlease join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.https://laswell.veteran.cards/2025-02-2853 minFIRE Social Worker ShowBuilding Financial Resilience in Military LifeSend us a textSupport the showPlease join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.https://laswell.veteran.cards/2025-02-2158 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Service to Stability: Unpacking Military Money MattersSend us a textSupport the showPlease join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.https://laswell.veteran.cards/2025-02-1458 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Service to Scams: Navigating Financial Threats and Empowering Veterans Through Gaming and EducationSend us a textSupport the showPlease join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.https://laswell.veteran.cards/2025-02-0752 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Corps to Code: Michael Cragholm on Veteran Transition, Tech Innovation, and Jiu-Jitsu EmpowermentSend us a textDiscover how Marine Corps veteran Michael Cragholm turned his military discipline into entrepreneurial success, reshaping the way we view veteran transitions with his tech innovation, Grappl.io. Join us as Michael reveals his inspiring journey from the rigorous world of the Marine Corps to the dynamic sphere of entrepreneurship. His story is more than just a career change—it's a testament to the transformative power of resilience and leadership honed in the military, now inspiring a new wave of veteran entrepreneurs to pursue unconventional paths.Uncover the evolution from personal jiu-jitsu se...2025-01-1759 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Airwaves to Assets: Joey Laswell on Veteran Empowerment Through Gaming and FinanceSend us a textDiscover the intricate dance between finance, gaming, and veteran empowerment in our latest episode with Joey Laswell, a certified financial social worker and former Air Force member. Joey shares his expert insights on personal finance management, highlighting the psychological factors that influence financial decision-making. Explore the innovative efforts of Military Broadcast Radio (MBR), a Denver-based nonprofit that's revolutionizing veteran support through podcasting and gaming. Joey helps us unpack the timeless benefits of gaming for veterans, while breaking down misconceptions and spotlighting the profound community-building it fosters.Embark on a journey through...2025-01-1059 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Call Centers to Coaching: Marthea Pitts on Redefining Social Work Careers and Financial EmpowermentSend us a textJoin us for an eye-opening conversation on the Fire Social Worker Show as we feature Marthea Pitts, the powerhouse known as the MSW Coach. With a career journey that has taken her from state government call centers to a PhD candidate at Florida A&M University, Marthea’s story is one of tenacity and innovation. She reveals her unique approach to social work, driven by a talent for demystifying complex policies and a commitment to uplift underserved communities. Discover how Marthea’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to create coaching programs that empower social work...2025-01-081h 08FIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Service to Savings: Joey and Kenny Laswell on Military Financial Freedom and Lifetime ResilienceSend us a textIn this heartfelt and insightful episode of Money in the Military, host Joey Laswell brings his brother, Kenny Laswell, retired Master Sergeant of the Air Force, onto the show for an in-depth discussion about life in the military, personal finances, and transitioning to civilian life.Highlights:Kenny’s Military Journey: Kenny shares his story of joining the Air Force in 2003, motivated by a desire to create a better life for his growing family. Over a 20-year career, he served as a structures troop in the Civil Engineer Squadron, with fi...2024-12-2759 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Air Force to Airwaves: Tony Hollinsworth on Overcoming Financial Turbulence and Empowering VeteransSend us a textWhat if the journey from military service to podcasting could teach you invaluable financial lessons? Join us for a riveting episode featuring Tony Hollinsworth, the voice behind "Inside the Hoosier Mind," as we explore his transformation from an Air Force serviceman tangled in debt to a successful podcast host. Alongside financial expert Joey Laswell, Tony opens up about his Indiana pride, military challenges, and the financial strategies that turned his life around.We'll navigate the often-turbulent waters of military Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, unraveling the financial chaos and unexpected...2024-12-201h 00FIRE Social Worker ShowHarnessing AI: Dr. Badillo-Diaz on Transforming Social Work and Ethical InnovationSend us a textIn this engaging third-round discussion, Joey Laswell, The FIRE Social Worker, reconnects with Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, The AI Social Worker, to explore the rapidly evolving intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Social Work.We discuss:The ethical considerations and potential of AI in social work practice.* How AI tools like ChatGPT and HIPAA-compliant solutions (Bastion GPT, Uphill) are helping practitioners reduce burnout and streamline administrative tasks.* The impact of AI on social work education, research, and workforce readiness.* Real-world applications, from chatbot therapy assistants to tools for...2024-12-171h 07FIRE Social Worker ShowNavigating Financial Landscapes Beyond the BarracksSend us a textJoin our engaging discussion on military finance and personal wealth management, where we promise you'll uncover strategies to navigate financial challenges unique to military life. Featuring Joey Laswell, a certified financial social worker and former Air Force member, and Mr. Cameron, a veteran turned aspiring podcaster, we explore insights from Joey's inspiring journey of overcoming significant debt while in service. Discover how understanding personal finance behaviors and the contrast between perceived and actual wealth, as highlighted in "The Millionaire Next Door," can transform your financial approach.Technology meets financial literacy as...2024-12-1300 minFIRE Social Worker ShowEmpowering Military Minds with Money ManagementSend us a textUnlock the secrets to financial success for military members and veterans with Joey Laswell, a certified financial social worker, and Cameron, a budding Military Broadcast Radio podcaster. Learn how to navigate the unique financial landscape faced by service members, from tracking military-issued gear to overcoming the hurdles of managing money during deployments. Cameron sheds light on his personal financial struggles while stationed in Germany, offering valuable lessons on maintaining financial discipline and the importance of a saving mindset.Hear compelling stories like that of Specialist Oskar, who made savvy decisions to...2024-12-061h 03FIRE Social Worker ShowNavigating New Horizons: From Military Missions to Financial VisionsSend us a textDiscover the world of military life, personal finance, and the art of transitioning to civilian life with our captivating guests, Joey Laswell and Cameron Bolts. Joey, a certified financial social worker and ex-Air Force member, marries his passion for personal finance and social work, providing invaluable insights into the psychological side of money management. Meanwhile, Cameron, a cross-country trucker and aspiring podcaster, offers his military experiences and plans for "Uncle Fester's Podcast," ensuring a rich discussion filled with personal stories and future aspirations.Join us as we explore the rigorous journey...2024-11-151h 02FIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Battlefield to Business: Joseph Martinez and Chris Benson on Veteran Entrepreneurship and Franchise OpportunitiesSend us a textDiscover how two inspiring veterans, Joseph Martinez and Chris Benson, turned their military experience into a thriving business that empowers fellow servicemen and women. This episode takes you through their remarkable journey from the battlegrounds of Afghanistan to the competitive world of entrepreneurship with Troops Haul Junk. With insights from Joseph, the Chief Operations Officer, we promise you'll walk away with valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the unique challenges veterans face when stepping into the business world.Immerse yourself in the veteran's perspective on franchising and business ownership. Our conversation...2024-10-3156 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Combat Boots to Entrepreneurial Roots: Joey Laswell and Chris Benson on Veteran Empowerment and Financial LiteracySend us a textUnlock the secrets to a successful transition from military life to entrepreneurship with insights from Air Force veteran Joey Laswell and Army veteran Chris Benson. Joey, a certified financial social worker, sheds light on the psychological facets of money management and the pivotal role of financial literacy for veterans stepping into civilian life. His compelling insights highlight the transformative power of financial education, setting the stage for a conversation that’s both enlightening and practical.Feel the resilience and adaptability of Chris Benson's journey from the Army infantry to becoming an en...2024-10-181h 01FIRE Social Worker ShowDecoding the Federal Reserve: Joey Laswell Discusses Interest Rates, Housing, and AISend us a textWhat do a certified financial social worker and an Air Force veteran have in common? Join us as Joey Laswell shares his incredible journey from tackling $20,000 in debt during active duty to becoming a financial expert. You'll gain valuable insights into trending financial topics like the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut and how these changes can impact your everyday finances. Joey's passion for personal finance shines through as he breaks down complex economic concepts into terms we can all understand.Ever wondered how the Federal Reserve shapes our economy? We...2024-09-2759 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Military to Marketplace: Veteran Business Ventures and Economic InsightsSend us a textWhat if transitioning from military service to civilian life could be your gateway to financial success? Discover the hidden challenges and untapped opportunities of this journey as we shine a spotlight on veteran entrepreneurship. We'll navigate the psychological aspects of financial management and share my own experience of paying off substantial debt while serving in the Air Force. Even though our special guest, Army veteran Chris Benson, couldn't join us, we still unpack valuable insights on launching and growing a business as a veteran, reflecting on both triumphs and setbacks to equip you...2024-09-271h 00FIRE Social Worker ShowDigital Networking to Financial Independence: Ken Peeples on the Power of Financial Social Work and Innovative CoachingSend us a textUnlock the secrets to financial independence with Ken Peoples, our special guest on the FIRE Social Worker Show. Ken shares his unexpected journey into financial social work, a field he discovered through LinkedIn Learning during the pandemic. The conversation reveals the power of digital networking and the growing interest in financial social work, especially in challenging times. We also discuss our excitement about upcoming events like the Military Influencer Conference.Discover the diverse strategies within the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, from lean FIRE to fat FIRE and coast FIRE...2024-09-1859 minFIRE Social Worker ShowVeteran Financial Mastery: Dan Farnsworth on Infinite Banking, AI Innovation, and Building Wealth After ServiceSend us a textUnlock the secrets of financial success with insights from our special guest, retired Navy lieutenant Dan Farnsworth, in this episode of "Money in the Military." Dan takes us on a compelling journey through his distinguished 23-year military career, from enlisting in 2002 to serving as a cryptologic specialist and later becoming a limited duty officer. He shares personal stories from diverse assignments, including ship tours and a year in Baghdad, and offers essential advice for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.Ever wondered how you can build wealth like a seasoned pro? We...2024-09-131h 00FIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Imposter Syndrome to Podcast Success: Amber Dietz on Veteran Challenges, Paranormal Encounters, and Financial ResilienceSend us a textImagine feeling like an outsider among your own peers. Amber Dietz, co-host of the "Into the Weeds" podcast, experienced that firsthand after a severe injury led to her medical discharge from the Army. Join us as Amber opens up about her emotional journey from feeling like an imposter to finding her footing in civilian life. She shares her struggles with inadequate support and financial instability before achieving 100% unemployability status, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges veterans face during their transition.Amber’s story doesn’t end there. She takes us behind the...2024-09-121h 00FIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Tornado to Transformation: Constance McConnell on Navigating Career Shifts and Financial Empowerment in Social WorkSend us a textEver wondered how a natural disaster could redefine your career path? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Constance McConnell, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Financial Social Worker, (CFSW) whose journey into social work began after a tornado struck her town during her senior year of high school. Constance reveals how this life-altering event led her to pivot from psychology to social work, and she shares her experiences working with students on individualized educational plans in elementary schools. You'll gain valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a school social...2024-08-3038 minFIRE Social Worker ShowTransforming Pain into Purpose: Adam Peters and Mark Messina on Veteran Support and Suicide PreventionSend us a textWhat happens when two veterans take their battle scars and transform them into a lifeline for others? In this gripping episode of "Money in the Military" on Military Broadcast Radio, we sit down with Adam Peters and Mark Messina, the dynamic duo behind QRF Up. Adam and Mark share their raw and inspiring journeys from military service to entrepreneurship, revealing how their personal struggles with mental health fueled their passion to combat the veteran suicide epidemic. Their stories are a testament to the power of turning pain into purpose.Adam and...2024-08-2856 minFIRE Social Worker ShowInnovative Tools for Social Workers: A Closer Look at AISend us a textWhat if you could seamlessly blend AI into your daily work as a social worker? Join us as we welcome back Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, the pioneering AI Social Worker making waves online, who brings a wealth of experience from her recent endeavors, including her hands-on work with ChatGPT 4 Mini and the much-anticipated ChatGPT 5. Marina shares her journey collaborating with marketing interns from the CUNY Launch program and highlights the transformative potential of AI tools like Canva, Gamma AI, and Designer AI in crafting compelling content and presentations. In our deep dive i...2024-08-2159 min
Military Retirement Podcast#69 Fearless Financial Freedom with @firesocialworkerJohn McConnell discusses the importance of expanding the military retirement community and the need for more resources and information. https://militaryretirementpodcast.com/resources
Joey Laswell, a financial social worker, joins the conversation and they discuss the importance of personalized financial counseling and the role of financial therapy in addressing the behavioral side of personal finance. The integration of AI into financial management is a topic of interest. AI can be a strategic tool to help with finances, but there are ethical concerns. The potential for AI in personal finance is still emerging, but it...2024-08-092h 03FIRE Social Worker ShowCamaraderie and Mental Health in the Military CommunitySend us a textCan the weight of financial burdens push our veterans to the brink? This episode confronts the harsh reality of veteran suicide and its strong ties to financial struggles. As a licensed mental health professional, I dive deep into the impact of financial strain on mental well-being and share the innovative efforts of organizations like QRFup.org. These organizations are pioneering solutions such as an SOS app designed for immediate support. We explore the urgent need for accessible resources to help our veterans navigate these treacherous waters and discuss collective ways to combat this...2024-08-0957 min