Beyond the Numbers

Chris Everett

Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals come to talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by a fiduciary financial planner, the podcast reveals how people align business growth and personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. It’s a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build a financial life that actually works.Guests include entrepreneurs, advisors, and industry experts who share how they protect assets, create income streams, and design wealth that lasts. If you’re ready to go beyond profit and build something that matters, this show is for you.

  1. Crypto Isn’t Anonymous: Inside the World of Blockchain Forensics with Ralph Dahm | Ralph Dahm | Beyond the Numbers | EP 114

    3D AGO

    Crypto Isn’t Anonymous: Inside the World of Blockchain Forensics with Ralph Dahm | Ralph Dahm | Beyond the Numbers | EP 114

    Crypto Isn’t Anonymous: Inside the World of Blockchain Forensics with Ralph Dahm In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Ralph Dahm, a veteran in technology, financial investigations, and executive search, to explore the growing world of crypto fraud and blockchain forensics. Ralph began studying Bitcoin in 2013, when it was increasingly being used to bypass anti-money laundering (AML) laws and financial regulations. Since then, he has dedicated his career to tracing stolen digital assets, helping fraud victims seek justice, and educating the public about the risks of cryptocurrency scams. During the conversation, Ralph explains how crypto fraud affects real people, why recovery is so difficult, and why only 2–5% of cases result in recovered funds. He also walks through how blockchain tracing actually works, from transaction “hops” to AI-powered forensic tools used to follow funds across wallets and exchanges. Chris and Ralph discuss: • How investigators trace cryptocurrency across blockchains • Why law enforcement often struggles to pursue crypto cases • The rise of romance scams, tech-support scams, and AI impersonation fraud • The global networks behind modern financial crime • The risks of Bitcoin ATMs with high fees and weak identity verification • Emerging regulations designed to protect victims • Practical steps anyone can take to avoid becoming a fraud victim If you’ve ever wondered whether crypto is truly anonymous—or how investigators recover stolen digital assets—this episode offers an inside look at the world of blockchain forensics and financial crime investigations. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Introduction 00:35 Meet Ralph Dahm 02:50 Early Bitcoin Origins 04:08 Victims and Law Enforcement 06:27 Romance Scam Story 07:43 Subpoenas and Recovery 10:20 First Call With Victims 12:04 Fake Recovery Firms 13:26 Tracing on the Blockchain 14:37 AI and Old Cases 16:03 Explaining Blockchain Evidence 17:20 Working With Law Firms 17:53 AI Voice Scam Example 18:48 Justice for Scam Victims 21:07 Bitcoin ATM Fraud 23:15 Career Advice and Fraud Red Flags 25:22 Resources and Prevention Tips 28:03 Closing and Call to Action About Ralph Dahm Ralph Dahm is a Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI) with more than 30 years of experience in technology, financial crime investigations, and executive recruiting. He is the Founder of Twin Oaks Holdings, President of IT Audit Search, and Executive Managing Director at Smart Ballots, where he focuses on blockchain technology, election security, and fraud investigation. Ralph works at the intersection of blockchain forensics, cryptocurrency fraud recovery, and financial crime prevention, helping victims, law firms, and law enforcement agencies trace stolen digital assets and pursue justice. His professional network includes 10,000+ contacts across law enforcement, blockchain, and financial crime communities, and he frequently writes and speaks about the evolving risks of crypto fraud and digital asset security. Connect with Ralph: • https://ralphdahm.com • https://twinoakscrs.com • https://linkedin.com/in/ralphdahm About the Podcast Beyond the Numbers is where conversations about wealth go deeper. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast brings together leaders from business, finance, law, and technology to discuss the strategies, decisions, and purpose behind building lasting wealth. Subscribe for more conversations about wealth, leadership, and purpose. #blockchain #cryptofraud #bitcoin #financialcrime #cybersecurity #blockchainforensics #cryptoscams #wealthprotection #beyondthenumbers

    29 min
  2. The Warrior's Mindset: Leadership and Legacy with Sean Patton | Sean Patton | Beyond the Numbers | EP 113

    MAR 18

    The Warrior's Mindset: Leadership and Legacy with Sean Patton | Sean Patton | Beyond the Numbers | EP 113

    What does it take to lead under extreme pressure — and still build a life of purpose, fulfillment, and legacy? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett sits down with Sean Patton — former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) commander, Novus Global executive coach, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author of A Warrior’s Mindset: Six Keys to Greatness. Sean breaks down why real leadership isn’t a checklist — it’s a way of being. From West Point to combat deployments to building businesses after leaving the military, Sean shares the hard-earned lessons behind self-leadership, identity, resilience, and the long game of success. You’ll hear: • Why self-leadership comes before leading anyone else • How trust is built through vulnerability and modeled feedback (not “open door” policies) • The reality of transitioning from military purpose to civilian uncertainty • Sean’s honest story of over-leverage, burnout, bankruptcy — and rebuilding • Why wealth without purpose still feels empty • How to align vision, strategy, and mindset — including money decisions • A practical way to reframe limiting beliefs by weighing the short-term payoff vs long-term cost • How to start building legacy today, not someday If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, veteran, or anyone trying to build a life that actually works — this conversation will challenge you in the best way. 📌 Learn more about Sean: • Website: NoLimitLeadership.net • Book: A Warrior’s Mindset: Six Keys to Greatness (Amazon) • Podcast: No Limit Leadership • LinkedIn: Sean Patton 👍 If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Mission 00:35 Meet Sean Patton 02:10 West Point Leadership Lessons 03:51 Special Forces Team Trust 06:14 Culture of Feedback 09:11 Leaving the Military 11:38 Identity Beyond the Uniform 15:37 Entrepreneurship Burnout 20:43 Failure Builds Greatness 23:14 Wealth and Fulfillment 24:17 Fulfillment Through Service 25:39 Find Purpose Nearby 27:08 Mission First Business 32:10 Integrity With Money 34:35 Discipline And Patience 37:30 Rewrite Money Beliefs 42:54 Legacy And Next Steps   #BeyondTheNumbers #Leadership #WarriorsMindset #SeanPatton #ChrisEverett #Veterans #ExecutiveCoaching #Entrepreneurship #Purpose #Legacy #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #FinancialPlanning

    47 min
  3. Creating Aquatic Problem Solvers: Liz Huber’s Water Safety Revolution | Liz Huber | Beyond the Numbers | EP 112

    MAR 4

    Creating Aquatic Problem Solvers: Liz Huber’s Water Safety Revolution | Liz Huber | Beyond the Numbers | EP 112

    Beyond the Numbers: How CAST Water Safety Foundation Teaches Toddlers to Self-Rescue with Liz Hubbert What if the “water baby” dunking we see on vacation is actually teaching toddlers something dangerous—like believing an adult will always be there to pull them up for air? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Liz Hubbert, leader of the CAST Water Safety Foundation, to share the pivotal poolside moment that changed everything—and launched a mission to help children become aquatic problem solvers. Liz explains how self-rescue swim instruction (including ISR and similar programs) uses six weeks of daily, private 10-minute lessons to teach even very young kids how to swim, float, find air, and practice fully clothed—skills designed to prevent drowning, the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4, with many incidents occurring during non-swim time. CAST’s model is equally unique: ✅ Operates under the Innovative Lavin Family Foundation umbrella (connected to the Alberto Culver family) ✅ Works with ~35 partner instructors across the country ✅ Directs 100% of donations to swim lessons + safety education ✅ Offers scholarships for teachers, nurses, first responders, military families, children with special needs, and families with income-based need Liz also shares CAST’s collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Youth Safety Lab on a published study on 1-year-old water competency, plus practical safety guidance every caregiver should know—like proper pool fencing and checking water first if a child is missing. Learn more, find programs, and locate instructors: castwatersafety.org ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:40 Poolside Wake Up Call 03:12 Discovering ISR Lessons 06:30 Six Weeks to Self Rescue 08:22 From Teacher to Founder 11:50 Lavin Foundation Model 14:46 Aquatic Problem Solvers 17:42 Confidence Beyond Water 20:14 Community of Swim Families 20:52 Scaling Instructor Quality 22:28 Nationwide Team Impact 23:36 Scholarships and Access 24:55 WGN Stories and Awareness 27:46 Balancing Mission and Family 32:16 Community Culture and Growth 35:02 Water Safety Call to Action 38:46 Closing Thanks and Outro     🔔 Subscribe for more conversations where money meets meaning and purpose. ⭐ If this episode resonated, please like, comment, and share—a share can save a life. #BeyondTheNumbers #WaterSafety #CAST #DrowningPrevention #Parenting #ChildSafety #ISR #SwimLessons #NonprofitLeadership #FamilySafety

    40 min
  4. Navigating Wealth Management | Brad Jenkins | Beyond the Numbers | EP 111

    FEB 18

    Navigating Wealth Management | Brad Jenkins | Beyond the Numbers | EP 111

    In this episode of Beyond the Numbers — where money meets meaning and purpose, host Chris Everett sits down with Brad Jenkins, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer & CEO of MarketGuard, to unpack what it really takes to pursue strong returns without living through stomach-churning volatility. Brad shares the unlikely origin story that started with him reading the financial section in 7th grade, the moment he realized the industry often prioritizes profits over people, and why he built Market Guard around three pillars: excellence, integrity, and innovation. You’ll also hear the “cookies” framework behind Brad’s book Cookies and Retirement: A Recipe for Success—a simple way to understand portfolio construction, behavioral risks, and why “time and temperature” matter as much as ingredients. If you’re an investor who wants clarity, or an advisor evaluating an investment partner, this conversation breaks down what to look for, what questions to ask, and how disciplined downside protection can help clients stay invested when markets get loopy. 🎙️ Guest: Brad Jenkins, CFP® — CIO & CEO, MarketGuard 🎧 Host: Chris Everett — Everett Wealth Solutions In this episode, we cover: • Why Brad entered wealth management (and what nearly turned him away) • The 3 biggest threats to your money (and why “you” is #1) • What makes Market Guard different: returns with lower volatility • Why “Noah built the ark before it rained” is a risk-management blueprint • How to evaluate a money manager (track record, volatility periods, and skin in the game) • The Mastery Event with leadership strategist & American hero Sean Patton • What’s next: Market Guard’s new index + structured note conversations with major institutions 📌 About the show Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Everett Wealth 👍 If this episode helped: Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants a smarter way to think about wealth. #BeyondTheNumbers #ChrisEverett #BradJenkins #MarketGuard #EverettWealthSolutions #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #Investing #PortfolioManagement #RiskManagement #DownsideProtection #Volatility #BehavioralFinance #Fiduciary #RetirementPlanning #FinancialAdvisor #RIA #AssetManagement #Leadership #PurposeDrivenWealth #LegacyBuilding

    47 min
  5. When Money, Meaning, and Free Speech Collide | Nonna and Russell Working | EP 110

    FEB 4

    When Money, Meaning, and Free Speech Collide | Nonna and Russell Working | EP 110

    What does freedom really mean when you’ve lived without it? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers: Where Money Meets Meaning & Purpose, host Chris Everett sits down with authors and former journalists Nonna and Russell Working, a couple whose journey from the Soviet Union to the United States gave them a lived understanding of free speech, censorship, and the real cost of standing on principle. Russell, a Pushcart Prize–winning writer and former Chicago Tribune journalist, and Nona, an academic research administrator and author, share firsthand experiences reporting under authoritarian systems, navigating corruption, witnessing state-controlled media, and ultimately choosing meaning over financial optimization. From covering mafia wars and North Korean forced labor to confronting ideological conformity in modern America, this conversation explores how wealth, freedom, and purpose intersect when speaking the truth comes at a price. This is not a partisan debate—it’s a deep discussion about courage, incentives, personal responsibility, and what happens when people stop protecting comfort and start protecting values. Timestamps: 00:00 – What Beyond the Numbers is really about 01:36 – Choosing principle over financial optimization 02:29 – Leaving Russia: what was at stake 06:53 – Reporting during the collapse of the Soviet Union 08:20 – Mafia wars, corruption, and forbidden journalism 11:31 – Covering North Korean forced labor in Russia 14:52 – Why English-language journalism mattered 18:06 – Seeing censorship and ideological pressure in America 23:20 – Why communism misunderstands wealth creation 28:43 – Writing The Insurrectionist and challenging modern journalism 35:18 – When journalism turns into activism 40:05 – When should people speak up—even if it costs them? 47:39 – Financial security vs. living by your principles 54:08 – The internal freedom that replaces fear Call to Action: If this conversation challenged you, like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who values free thought and honest dialogue. Comment below: When have you faced a moment where speaking up came with a real cost?

    59 min
  6. Connection Codes: Rethinking Emotional Intelligence | Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill | EP 109

    JAN 27

    Connection Codes: Rethinking Emotional Intelligence | Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill | EP 109

    Welcome to Beyond the Numbers, the podcast where money meets meaning and purpose. In this episode, host Chris Everett sits down with Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill, founders of Connection Codes, to explore the science, faith, and human experience behind real connection. Born out of their own marriage struggles and shaped by decades of research, their work reframes how we understand emotions, communication, and relationships — not just in marriage, but in every area of life.   From emotional intelligence and brain science to faith, leadership, business, and personal growth, this conversation goes far beyond theory. You’ll hear how emotional disconnection happens, why traditional approaches often fall short, and how simple, practical tools can create profound change in relationships, teams, families, and organizations worldwide. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, spouse, parent, or simply someone who wants deeper connection, this episode offers a powerful lens on what it means to truly understand yourself and others.   Website mentioned: connectioncodes.co   ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Beyond the Numbers 00:27 – Introducing the episode theme: connection and emotional intelligence 00:55 – Meet Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill, founders of Connection Codes 01:47 – How marriage struggles sparked a decade of research 04:00 – Why traditional therapy often misses the mark 07:49 – Shifting the focus from disconnection to connection 08:43 – Faith, emotions, and the brain 12:17 – Growing up with “choose joy” and the cost of suppressing emotion 15:16 – How unprocessed emotions impact the body and performance 18:25 – The origin of the Core Emotion Wheel 20:02 – Why the tool is intentionally simple and time-bound 22:56 – The eight core emotions explained 26:55 – Live demonstration of the Connection Codes 31:42 – Audible listening and why silence can feel painful 33:01 – From marriage tool to universal human framework 35:24 – Global expansion and applications in business and organizations 38:31 – Addressing narcissism and emotional dysregulation 40:54 – The School of Connection and future vision 42:01 – Final reflections on money, meaning, and connection   Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.   👉 Subscribe, rate, and review to help more people discover conversations that go beyond the numbers. 📩 Share this episode with someone who could benefit from deeper connection.

    44 min
  7. Leaders Edge Founder | Brian Becker | Beyond The Numbers | EP 108

    JAN 8

    Leaders Edge Founder | Brian Becker | Beyond The Numbers | EP 108

    In this episode, Brian Becker joins the show for a thoughtful and grounded conversation on leadership, discipline, service, and what it really takes to build teams and organizations that last. Brian reflects on his career journey, the mentors who shaped him, and the values that guided his leadership decisions over time. From personal accountability and operational excellence to the quiet strength of consistency, this discussion highlights the kind of leadership that isn’t flashy — but endures. Throughout the conversation, Brian emphasizes the importance of trust, preparation, and showing up for people even when it’s uncomfortable. His perspective offers a refreshing reminder that sustainable leadership is built through habits, integrity, and a willingness to take responsibility. This episode is especially valuable for leaders navigating growth, pressure, and long-term impact. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome and episode introduction 00:44 — Introducing Brian Becker 01:32 — Early career influences and discipline 03:18 — Learning leadership through responsibility 05:07 — Mentorship and earned trust 07:26 — The role of consistency in leadership 09:41 — Decision-making under pressure 12:05 — Accountability without ego 14:22 — Building strong teams over time 16:58 — Lessons learned from failure 19:31 — Leading through uncertainty 22:10 — Why preparation still matters 25:06 — Service-oriented leadership 27:44 — Staying grounded as responsibility grows 30:12 — Advice for emerging leaders 32:20 — Final reflections and closing If this episode resonated with you: 👍 Like the video 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership conversations 📤 Share this episode with someone who values steady leadership

    1h 11m
  8. Bob Mondo | The Law Offices of Robert J. Mondo | Beyond The Number | EP 107

    12/25/2025

    Bob Mondo | The Law Offices of Robert J. Mondo | Beyond The Number | EP 107

    In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Robert J. Mondo, an estate planning attorney who has spent more than two decades helping families protect what matters most — with clarity, intention, and zero legal jargon. Bob brings a rare blend of deep tax expertise and an educator’s mindset, breaking down complex estate planning strategies into language everyday people can actually understand. From revocable trusts and special needs planning to asset protection and advanced tax-saving vehicles, this conversation goes far beyond documents and dives into why proper planning — and proper funding — makes all the difference. You’ll hear why most estate plans fail, the dangers of outdated trusts, the critical role of trust funding, and why estate planning only works when attorneys and financial planners operate as a true team. If you want to design a legacy that avoids confusion, unnecessary taxes, and missed opportunities, this episode is essential listening. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Beyond the Numbers 00:27 – Meet your host, Chris Everett 00:35 – Introducing Robert J. Mondo 01:31 – Why Bob approaches law as an educator 02:43 – From tax attorney to estate planning specialist 03:56 – Helping clients truly understand their plans 05:11 – Why most estate plans fall short 06:16 – The danger of form-based and DIY trusts 07:17 – Core estate planning structures explained 08:19 – Why old trusts (pre-2012) can be problematic 09:12 – Reciprocal spousal trusts and hidden risks 10:29 – Step-up in basis explained simply 11:41 – Why simplicity often wins in estate planning 12:30 – Why trusts older than 2012 should be reviewed 13:16 – What a revocable trust actually does 14:20 – Probate avoidance and asset control 15:24 – Asset protection trusts and who really needs them 16:13 – Special needs planning mistakes to avoid 17:41 – Intentionally defective grantor trusts explained 18:56 – Removing assets from taxable estates 20:18 – How promissory notes preserve control 21:41 – When advanced trusts make sense 22:00 – Attorney + financial planner collaboration 23:14 – Retitling assets without triggering taxes 24:36 – Common planning breakdowns 25:21 – A real-world missed planning opportunity 26:46 – Fixing estate problems after death 27:58 – Why transparency matters in planning 28:22 – Current estate tax law considerations 29:34 – Succession planning for solo attorneys 31:04 – Trust funding as part of a fiduciary process 32:17 – Why documents alone aren’t enough 33:27 – Checklists, reminders & accountability 34:35 – The danger of last-minute planning 35:00 – Bob’s law school journey 36:18 – Why tax attorneys collaborate differently 37:39 – Creating proprietary estate planning categories 38:58 – Custom planning vs template documents 40:18 – Why other attorneys notice the difference 41:15 – What to look for in an estate planning attorney 42:09 – Avoiding generalists in complex planning 42:58 – How to research the right attorney 43:36 – How to contact Bob Mondo 45:43 – Building the right financial team 47:16 – Why financial planning comes first 48:18 – Final thoughts & closing 🎧 CALL TO ACTION 👉 Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for deeper conversations about wealth and meaning. 👍 Like the episode and share it with someone reviewing their estate plan. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes. 📩 Share this episode with a family member or advisor who needs to hear it.

    49 min

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About

Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals come to talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by a fiduciary financial planner, the podcast reveals how people align business growth and personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. It’s a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build a financial life that actually works.Guests include entrepreneurs, advisors, and industry experts who share how they protect assets, create income streams, and design wealth that lasts. If you’re ready to go beyond profit and build something that matters, this show is for you.