WealthStyle Podcast

Opus PC

In this podcast we breakdown how to move your wealth, purpose and lifestyle forward with clarity and confidence. Always Forward is this show’s mantra. Enjoy the podcast with host and WealthStyle evangelists, Russ Carpentieri, Iván Watanabe and the rest of the Opus Private Client team.

  1. FEB 16

    Planning Basics for Growing Families: Cash Flow and Coverage with Russell Carpentieri (Ep. 116)

    Starting a family often changes how people think about money, responsibility, and risk. The real challenge is not access to information, but turning it into clear action before small gaps become big problems. In this episode, Iván Watanabe and Russell J. Carpentieri, Founder and Managing Partner at OPUS Private Client, LLC,  walk through the foundational planning steps families should address as life becomes more complex. They focus on understanding cash flow, evaluating employee benefits, and identifying coverage gaps before making bigger financial decisions. The conversation highlights how simple check-the-box actions can reduce exposure, why wills are often overlooked, and how planning brings clarity when expenses and responsibilities grow. Key takeaways: How cash flow clarity creates better decisions as family expenses grow Why employee benefits are often the fastest starting point for coverage How to think through insurance needs using real math instead of guesses Why non-working spouses still represent significant economic value The risks families face when wills and basic documents are delayed And more! Connect with Iván Watanabe: Opus Private Client, LLC  iwatanabe@opus-pc.com LinkedIn: Iván Watanabe YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC Connect with Russell J. Carpentieri: Opus Private Client, LLC  rcarpentieri@opus-pc.com LinkedIn: Russell J. Carpentieri YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC   About Our Guest: Russell J. Carpentieri has over 34 years of experience in the Health/Welfare industry. He is the co-founder of Opus Private Client, LLC, and Opus Advisory Group, LLC. Russell manages the life insurance, retirement, and healthcare practices within each entity. His clients represent various industries, including finance, private equity, retail, real estate, healthcare, entertainment, and professional services. A believer in continuous professional development, Russell is an active member of the American Association of Life Underwriters, National Association of Health Underwriters, J.P Morgan, and Westchester County Blue Ribbon Task Force for NYS healthcare. As well, he spends time guest lecturing for numerous private equities, CFO and real estate symposiums, and insurance carrier conferences. Russell also cares deeply about his community. In fact, he is a founding member of the Make-a-Wish Foundation’s Westchester Chapter. In addition to serving on the Syracuse University Athletic Board and National Football Foundation Board, Russell enjoys being involved in the American Heart Association, 21st Century Board of White Plains Hospital, and the Pajama Program at Turtle Bay Music School in New York City. After graduating from Syracuse University’s management and finance program in 1983, Russell joined the New York Jets Football Club for two seasons as a special-teams player. Russell lives in Bedford, New York, with his wife, Suzanne. They have four children: Stefan, Nikolas, Maia, and Sophia.

    21 min
  2. FEB 2

    How to Start Difficult Conversations With Aging Parents With Maria Garceffa (Ep. 115)

    Having Difficult Conversations With Aging Parents: How To Start And What To Say In this episode of the WealthStyle Podcast, Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl are joined by psychotherapist Maria Graceffa to explore how families can approach difficult conversations with aging parents around estate planning, healthcare decisions, and end-of-life wishes. The discussion focuses less on financial details and more on communication, timing, and emotional awareness. Maria shares why topics that feel taboo are often the most important to address, and how understanding your audience matters just as much as having the right information. The conversation covers practical guidance on aligning with siblings before approaching parents, choosing the right messenger, and framing discussions as invitations rather than directives. Listeners will also learn what language to avoid, how silence can create space for trust, and what to do when conversations become emotional or go off track. This episode offers thoughtful, real-world insight for anyone navigating multi-generational planning conversations and wanting to protect family relationships while creating clarity for the future. Key takeaways: Why avoiding “taboo” topics like death, inheritance, and long-term care often creates more stress than clarity How aligning with siblings and choosing the right messenger matters more than having the most expertise How to frame conversations as invitations, not directives, using open-ended questions that preserve a parent’s sense of control What language and timing to avoid, and how pauses and silence can reduce defensiveness and build trust Why these discussions work best as an ongoing dialogue rather than a one-time conversation And more! Listen to this episode of the WealthStyle Podcast and subscribe to stay connected to conversations that move your wealth and lifestyle forward, always forward. Connect with Iván Watanabe: Opus Private Client, LLC  iwatanabe@opus-pc.com LinkedIn: Iván Watanabe YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC Connect with Evan Wohl: Opus Private Client, LLC  ewohl@opus-pc.com  LinkedIn: Evan Wohl YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC   Connect with Maria Graceffa: Maria Graceffa Psychotherapy LinkedIn: Maria Graceffa counseling@mariagraceffapsychotherapy.com   About Our Guest: Maria Graceffa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and Connecticut. She earned her degree in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University, and is known for being an exceptional listener—a professional secret-keeper, in the best colloquial sense. Maria is a seasoned clinician, creating a supportive space where clients can heal their vulnerabilities. She communicates directly—no BS—while always leading with gentle compassion. Her work focuses on helping clients process old hurts, develop new and adaptive belief systems, and build healthier behavior patterns that support lasting change. She helps folks have the hard conversations to get unstuck within family, work, and overall life. Maria is further specialized, offering EMDR and couples counseling. Outside of the therapy room, Maria is a real sports-ball-Mom, with gear, goggles, nets, and balls for every season. She also shares her days with a senior pup who still performs daily auditions for Cirque du Soleil, keeping life both grounded and entertaining.

    42 min
  3. JAN 19

    Episode Title: Moab 240 & the Mindset of Doing Hard Things with Christine O’Hara Ryan (Ep. 114)

    What does it take to run 240 miles through storms, sleep deprivation, mountains, desert nights, and total isolation, while raising two kids and leading a fast-growing career in healthcare?  Christine O’Hara Ryan joins the WealthStyle Podcast to share the truth behind completing the Moab 240, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, and how the experience reshaped her perspective on leadership, parenting, focus, and what we are capable of when we decide to move forward with intention. Christine explains how she trained for nearly a year around work and parenting, the storms that nearly stopped the race, the hallucinations, the fear, the support team that helped her push through the darkest stretches, and why she crossed the finish line with only fifteen minutes to spare. Her story is not just about endurance. It is about clarity, discipline, and the small steps that move every part of life forward. What listeners can expect in this episode: How Christine balanced nine months of training with parenting, leadership, and a demanding career What really happens inside a 240-mile ultramarathon, from weather breakdowns to sleep deprivation to hallucinations Why grit, discipline, and micro wins matter more than motivation Lessons from Moab that translate directly into family life, business, and personal growth And more! Resources: Why DFL is important in the Ultra Community Attempting to Run 240 Miles in 100 hours (Moab 240) 2025 Moab 240 | Day 5 | Overnight Finishers   Connect with Iván Watanabe: Opus Private Client, LLC  iwatanabe@opus-pc.com LinkedIn: Iván Watanabe YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC   Connect with Evan Wohl: Opus Private Client, LLC  ewohl@opus-pc.com  LinkedIn: Evan Wohl YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC   Connect with Our Guest: Charlie Heath LinkedIn: Christine O’Hara Ryan Facebook: Christine O’Hara  Instagram: @xtine_ohara    About Our Guest: Christine O’Hara Ryan is a leader who knows what it means to go the distance — in business, in sport, and in life. A senior sales leader and ultra-endurance athlete, she has built a career transforming teams, elevating leaders, and driving meaningful growth across healthcare, medtech, and high-growth startups. She is known for bringing clarity to chaos, inspiring high performance, and building mission-driven cultures that move with both urgency and heart.   In 2025, Christine completed the MOAB 240 — one of the toughest ultramarathons on the planet — crossing the finish line as the final official runner after five relentless days on the trail. Her endurance journey spans Ironmans, Mt. Kilimanjaro, collegiate hockey, and numerous ultra-distance events. She draws on these experiences to teach leaders how to cultivate resilience, lead with purpose, and stay committed when the path gets steep.   Christine’s message is simple: grit is built, not born — and anyone can rewrite what they believe is possible. At the core of her approach is focus — the courage to choose what matters most and the discipline to let go of everything that doesn’t. Her leadership philosophy is shaped by long hours training alone on the trail: pace yourself, trust your team, stay present, and keep moving forward, one mile at a time.   Most of all, Christine is a mom of two young kids — her greatest motivation and constant reminder that courage is contagious, and that bold lives are built by showing up, again and again, with heart.

    44 min
  4. JAN 5

    What Most People Overlook in Divorce Planning with Meg Priest (Ep. 113)

    Divorce is one of the most emotional and confusing transitions someone can face, and most people are not prepared for how overwhelming the process can feel.  Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl talk with Meg Priest, founder of Plan for Divorce, about why she created a service that helps women prepare emotionally, financially, and logistically before filing. Meg shares her own experience navigating a non-contentious divorce that still cost over fifty thousand dollars, much of it spent on administrative tasks that could have been handled more efficiently with the right guidance. She explains why preparation can reduce both legal fees and emotional strain, how checklists and structured planning keep people grounded, and why slowing down before filing may lead to a smoother, less reactive process. What to expect: How preparation can save money, time, and emotional stress The most common mistakes people make before and during a divorce Why administrative tasks often drive legal costs How Plan for Divorce supports women through structure, clarity, and calm And more! Connect with Iván Watanabe: Opus Private Client, LLC  iwatanabe@opus-pc.com LinkedIn: Iván Watanabe YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC Connect with Evan Wohl: Opus Private Client, LLC  ewohl@opus-pc.com  LinkedIn: Evan Wohl YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC Connect with Megan Priest: Plan For Divorce LinkedIn: Plan For Divorce Facebook: The Divorce Organizer Instagram: @thedivorceorganizer meg@plan-for-divorce.com About Our Guest: When my marriage ended, I spent more than $50,000 on my divorce—and about 85% of what I spent wasn’t for legal strategy. It was for administrative work: forms, documentation, and endless process. It turns out I didn’t need a lawyer for all that. I needed a Divorce Organizer. I didn’t have one, so I became one. After 20+ years leading HR and Talent teams, I know how to bring order and efficiency to complicated situations. Now, I use that same skill set to help women take control of the practical side of divorce—organizing their finances, paperwork, and plans so they can spend their money wisely and make clear, confident decisions. And because divorce is often the catalyst for needing to rebuild or improve finances, I also help clients strengthen their professional foundation—leveraging my insider knowledge from years in hiring and leadership to help women position themselves for better roles, negotiate with confidence, and step into careers that truly support their next chapter. I believe preparation is power. The more organized you are, the less you’ll spend—and the more peace you’ll have. Now I help women get organized before they file — so they can spend less, stress less, and make clear, confident decisions through one of the hardest transitions of their lives. Outside of work, I’m a mom to a son and daughter and my two wonderful former step-sons (now adults). Family needn’t be defined by legal documents. I’m also an avid kayaker—there’s nothing like time on the water to reset, refocus, and remind me what matters most.

    32 min
  5. 2025-12-22

    Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Forward: Growth, AI, and What’s Next

    What does it take to turn reflection into forward momentum? As another year closes, the opportunity to pause and assess becomes more valuable than ever. Looking back at wins, lessons, and shifts can reveal patterns that shape how we approach what comes next. In this episode, Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl reflect on their standout moments from 2025, the shifts they’re seeing in client needs and technology, and what they’re prioritizing as they head into 2026. They discuss personal milestones like turning 40, the importance of pushing physical limits, how AI is reshaping work and relationships, and why building community matters more than ever. They also share insights on balancing family, career growth, and staying adaptable in a rapidly changing environment. Key takeaways: Personal milestones and lessons learned from physical challenges like High Rocks competitions How AI adoption is changing workflows while increasing demand for human connection and in-person events Balancing career growth with family priorities and creating intentional one-on-one time Finding opportunities in emerging platforms like live social shopping and resale commerce The importance of evolving client relationships beyond numbers to become truly irreplaceable And more! Connect with Iván Watanabe: Opus Private Client, LLC  iwatanabe@opus-pc.com LinkedIn: Iván Watanabe YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC Connect with Evan Wohl: Opus Private Client, LLC  ewohl@opus-pc.com  LinkedIn: Evan Wohl YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC

    37 min
  6. 2025-12-15

    Your Guide To Student Loans in 2025 with Joe McGrath (Ep. 112)

    Student loans have shifted so many times this year that even well-informed professionals are unsure what rules still apply.  Iván Watanabe and Evan Wohl talk with returning guest Joe McGrath of GradFin to help bring clarity to a landscape that feels anything but stable right now. Joe explains what borrowers should understand about the SAVE program pause, why PSLF has become harder to navigate, and how the upcoming RAP program could reshape repayment for years to come.  He also discusses the mistakes that often derail forgiveness and the updated refinancing environment as rates continue to adjust. What to expect: A simple breakdown of SAVE, IBR, RAP, and how each affects your path to repayment Why PSLF rejection rates remain high and how to avoid common pitfalls When refinancing may make sense again for high earners Guidance for physicians and professionals facing major policy shifts And more! Connect with Iván Watanabe: Opus Private Client, LLC  iwatanabe@opus-pc.com LinkedIn: Iván Watanabe YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC Connect with Evan Wohl: Opus Private Client, LLC  ewohl@opus-pc.com  LinkedIn: Evan Wohl YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC Connect with Joe McGrath: GradFin LinkedIn: GradFin LinkedIn: Joe McGrath About Our Guest: Joseph McGrath presents GradFin’s services to financial advisors from coast to coast about the value of meeting with a student loan consultant to help navigate the perfect repayment plan. In addition to his current role in sales and client management, he has additional experience in both the recruiting and non-profit industries. Joseph currently lives in Philadelphia and is a graduate of Temple University’s Fox School Of Business with a BBA in Marketing.

    32 min
  7. 2025-12-01

    How to Be an Ally to Parents of Neurodiverse Kids (Ep. 111)

    How do you help a child thrive, especially when traditional methods fall short? In this heartfelt episode, Iván Watanabe sits down with Mindy Coolidge and Meredith Greenwald, co-founders of Up, Up & Away, to talk about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), building trust with neurodiverse children, and how true progress happens when empathy leads the way. As behavior analysts with decades of experience, they share why “happy, relaxed, and engaged” is the gold standard and how their relationship-first model is changing lives, one child at a time. What to expect: The difference between reinforcement and bribery (and why it matters) Why ABA isn’t “compliance training”, it’s empowerment How parents and bystanders can support children with autism Practical takeaways any parent can use today And so much more! Connect with Iván Watanabe: Opus Private Client, LLC  iwatanabe@opus-pc.com LinkedIn: Iván Watanabe YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC Connect with Up Up and Away: Up Up And Away info@upupandawaynyc.com  LinkedIn: Meredith Greenwald, MA, BCBA, LBA (CT and NY) LinkedIn: Mindy Coolidge Facebook: Up Up And Away Instagram: @up_up_and_away_nyc About Our Guests: Meredith Greenwald is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst, New York State Certified Special Education Teacher, and co-founder of Up Up and Away Behavior Analyst PC. She received her BA in Psychology at Lafayette College in 1998 and her MA in Special Education from New York University in 2000. Meredith has 18 years of experience using the principles and practices of Applied Behavior Analysis, working with children diagnosed with Autism and other developmental delays. She excels at developing and implementing programs, social skills training, relationship development, and family training. Meredith lives in Stamford, CT with her husband and two children. She has four dogs – Mabel, George, Pixel, and Cookie. Mindy Lee Coolidge is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst, New York State Certified Special Education and General Education Teacher, and co-founder of Up Up and Away Behavior Analyst PC. Mindy has 11 years of experience working with children who have the diagnosis of Autism, have other developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and/or problem behavior. Mindy excels in the areas of: building meaningful relationships with students and their families, speaking as an expert witness/ advocating for a student, administering assessments and creating programming based on the results, collaborating with families and teams for best outcomes, and using the science of ABA to help every child learn in an individualized way that is meaningful, fun, and effective.

    37 min
  8. 2025-11-17

    Real Estate the Right Way with Morgan Keim (Ep. 110)

    Most people think the path to wealth is income, and today’s guest, Morgan Keim, thought that, too. But after building food-tech startups for a decade, he realized financial freedom required more than a high-paying job; it required a fundamental shift. Join host Iván Watanabe and his former high school classmate, Morgan Keim, as they explore how undervalued properties in emerging markets can deliver both purpose and profit. From the concept of “pride of rentership” to AI-powered lease-ups, Morgan is redefining workforce housing and reshaping what it means to build lasting wealth. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why income isn’t freedom and what to do instead The 4 ways real estate investors get paid (and what most overlook) How to spot distressed assets with hidden value The key mistake most syndicators make after the deal closes And more! Connect with Iván Watanabe: Opus Private Client, LLC  iwatanabe@opus-pc.com LinkedIn: Iván Watanabe YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC About Morgan Keim: Morgan is the Managing Partner of Ocean Ridge Capital, a real estate private equity firm that specializes in matching high net worth investors with recession-resilient assets to create tax-efficient cash flow and compound wealth. With 15+ years as a former startup executive (having raised over $400M to build and scale food-tech ventures), and over a decade in multifamily real estate investing (across 2,500+ doors), Morgan expertly combines creativity, strategic insight, and decisive action that creates durable wealth for his clients. He is based in Orange County, CA where he lives with his wife and two young daughters.  Publishing Tags:

    28 min

About

In this podcast we breakdown how to move your wealth, purpose and lifestyle forward with clarity and confidence. Always Forward is this show’s mantra. Enjoy the podcast with host and WealthStyle evangelists, Russ Carpentieri, Iván Watanabe and the rest of the Opus Private Client team.