Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

Nathan Mersereau
  • 5.0 (26)
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  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Think of the people you interact with every day, would you want to spend a day in a canoe with them? This show is all about creating the life that you want, one filled with wealth, wisdom, meaning and purpose. And that starts with surrounding yourself with the right people – people you'd want to spend a day with, in a canoe.

  1. Navigating Vulnerability and Healing with Julie Barton, New York Times Best-Selling Author

    3D AGO

    Navigating Vulnerability and Healing with Julie Barton, New York Times Best-Selling Author

    We sit down with Julie Barton, a "New York Times" bestselling author, teacher, and writing mentor, to discuss the profound connection between humans and animals. She shares how her golden retriever, Bunker, helped her navigate the depths of depression and how this life-changing bond inspired her memoir, "Dog Medicine: How My Dog Saved Me From Myself." In this episode, we explore the importance of vulnerability in writing and mental health, the unexpected challenges of navigating an inherited fortune, and the definition of true wealth.   Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction.  01:53 The transcendent and unconditional connections humans form with animals. 05:57 Navigating depression by releasing shame and asking for help. 09:48 Teaching vulnerability and the primal power of writing by hand.  11:11 The unexpected global resonance of publishing "Dog Medicine."  13:30 Defining true wealth as family health and creative freedom.  18:46 Navigating inherited wealth and avoiding the trap of chasing status   Resources Mentioned: Julie Barton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-barton-773a4814/ "Dog Medicine: How My Dog Saved Me From Myself" YouTube Strand Book Store reading - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Svkp0GQJ9k "Dog Medicine: How My Dog Saved Me From Myself" by Julie Barton - https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Medicine-How-Saved-Myself/dp/0143130013/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JROXLOJKTQRM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WTk2fYFIdjMnmp8MjfCvr2elKuGdynYNFeKwMOitPh7GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.BE1RALxNsrNQ21x33sUJx6Vlf9s5TKEZcwKVQ21w5ds&dib_tag=se&keywords=Dog+Medicine%3A+How+My+Dog+Saved+Me+From+Myself&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1772611108&sprefix=dog+medicine+how+my+dog+saved+me+from+myself%2Caps%2C253&sr=8-1 Jackson Hole Writers Conference - https://jhwriters.org/conference/ EMDR Therapy - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_movement_desensitization_and_reprocessing Substack - https://substack.com/   Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of "Day in a Canoe." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.   If you'd like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.   Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.   #WritingCommunity #CreativeWriting #PoetryLife

    22 min
  2. Rewriting Life's Narrative with Jennifer Griffith of Post Hill Press

    FEB 23

    Rewriting Life's Narrative with Jennifer Griffith of Post Hill Press

    Jennifer Griffith, tech sales expert come author, now working at Post Hill Press,  shares how her family history and career pivot have helped her rethink vulnerability, motherhood, and forgiveness. Jennifer explains why looking back with curiosity can be the fastest path to moving forward with clarity. We also explore what it really means to understand where we come from and how our parents' untold stories shape our identity. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:36 Jennifer follows her passion for writing after spending nearly 20 years in tech sales. 04:37 Her dad works hard, stays honest, and says a lot by saying very little. 05:41 Knowing who a mother is before she becomes a parent shapes who we are. 06:46 Nearly 10 years at Salesforce teaches storytelling, listening, and curiosity. 08:07 Three years of IVF and two miscarriages shift priorities, leading to change. 10:57 Generational shifts and invisible boundaries keep parents from sharing vulnerability. 13:40 How Jennifer's book will help her son understand himself better. 15:19 Jennifer creates a pandemic-era podcast exploring how parents shape us. Resources Mentioned: Jennifer Griffith https://www.linkedin.com/in/byjennifergriffith/ Jennifer Griffith | Website https://byjennifergriffith.com/ Post Hill Press | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/post-hill-press/ Post Hill Press | Website https://posthillpress.com/ About Your Mother Podcast https://byjennifergriffith.com/podcasts   Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of "Day in a Canoe." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you'd like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives. #MemoirWriting #FamilyStories #PersonalGrowth

    18 min
  3. From Dial-Up Dating to Modern Marketplaces, Building Trust at Scale with Fran Maier of BabyQuip

    FEB 9

    From Dial-Up Dating to Modern Marketplaces, Building Trust at Scale with Fran Maier of BabyQuip

    We sit down with Fran Maier, CEO and Founder of BabyQuip, to explore how she helps shape category-defining brands, starting with Match.com and now through BabyQuip. Fran shares what it takes to build trust at scale, the lessons she has learned from early exits and pivots, and how curiosity continues to drive her entrepreneurial journey. Fran also reflects on supporting women founders, creating economic opportunity through BabyQuip's provider network, and redefining true wealth as impact, time, health, and meaningful relationships. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:41 Match creates a new way for people to find partners. 04:39 Dating apps level the playing field, but can increase polarization. 06:26 Fran reflects on Match's early exit under $8M and key lessons. 10:41 Curiosity and experience help Fran spot new travel trends. 11:57 A chance meeting sparked BabyQuip, launching in 2016 and evolving fast. 13:26 BabyQuip delivers baby gear like Vrbo, powered by moms. 14:49 Trusted brands deliver promises through safety, transparency, and protocols. 16:17 True wealth is in empowering moms. It's about time, people, and the impact you have.  Resources Mentioned: Fran Maier https://www.linkedin.com/in/franmaier/ BabyQuip | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/babyquip/ BabyQuip | Website https://www.babyquip.com/ Match Group https://mtch.com/ Tinder https://tinder.com/ OkCupid https://www.okcupid.com/ Craigslist https://geo.craigslist.org/ eBay https://www.ebay.com/ Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/ Vrbo https://www.vrbo.com/ Turo https://turo.com/ Stripe https://stripe.com/   Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of "Day in a Canoe." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you'd like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives. #Entrepreneurship #WomenEntrepreneurs #BrandBuilding

    19 min
  4. Writing, AI, and the Artistic Voice with Matt Daly of Jackson Hole Writers

    JAN 26

    Writing, AI, and the Artistic Voice with Matt Daly of Jackson Hole Writers

    We sit down with Matt Daly, Executive Director of Jackson Hole Writers, to explore how creativity and community shape a meaningful life. Matt shares how poetry, reflection, and human connection fuel his approach to building a thriving writing community in Jackson, Wyoming. His perspectives reveal how creative practice strengthens self-awareness, deepens relationships, and supports overall well-being. Matt also discusses the evolution of the Jackson Hole Writers Conference and why expanding the definition of "being a writer" opens new doors for aspiring creators. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:46 Community is essential to sustaining a thriving writing life. 03:28 Writing a poem every day to push through writer's block and stay connected. 04:48 Introducing yourself as a poet often surprises people and sparks conversation. 06:12 Writing as a reflective, meditative practice that mirrors inner experience. 08:52 Story and lyrical writing help express complex inner experience. 10:37 Highlighting broader paths in the writing life. 12:51 Writers use AI as a helpful tool, but human creativity leads. 15:19 Many emerging writers seek out a community. Resources Mentioned: Matt Daly https://jacksonholebookfestival.org/authors-2024/matt-daly/ Jackson Hole Book Festival | Website https://jacksonholebookfestival.org/ Write to Thrive https://writetothrive.net/ "The Invisible World" by Matt Daly https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-World-Matt-Daly/dp/1963115074 "Between Here and Home" by Matt Daly https://www.amazon.com/Between-Here-Home-Matt-Daly/dp/1950730042 "Red State" by Matt Daly https://sevenkitchenspress.com/rane-arroyo-series/matt-daly-red-state/   Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of "Day in a Canoe." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you'd like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.   #WritingCommunity #CreativeWriting #PoetryLife

    17 min
  5. How Storytelling Fuels Success and Self-Fulfillment with Andrew Buckley of Monkey/Wolf Productions

    JAN 12

    How Storytelling Fuels Success and Self-Fulfillment with Andrew Buckley of Monkey/Wolf Productions

    Andrew Buckley, writer and producer of the StoryCentric Podcast, joins us to share his journey from aspiring screenwriter to accomplished storyteller and educator. With a background in film, creative writing, and marketing, Andrew brings a refreshing perspective on how humor, fantasy, and authenticity intertwine to create stories that genuinely connect with people. He explores the evolution of storytelling — from novels and podcasts to corporate communication — and highlights how self-awareness, discipline, and community play essential roles in building a fulfilling creative life. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:45 Early love for writing and film shaped Andrew's creative path. 03:02 British humor shaped Andrew's natural blend of wit and fantasy in writing. 06:20 The shift from film to novel writing simplified the creative process. 08:16 Many writers struggle with social media, yet it remains essential. 10:28 StoryCentric connects writers and creators through authentic conversations. 12:03 Storytelling is the core of communication, teaching, and marketing. 13:12 The StoryCentric Method revealed storytelling's power to connect people. 15:33 True wealth comes from self-fulfillment and defining success on your own terms.   Resources Mentioned: Andrew Buckley https://www.linkedin.com/in/buckleyandrew/ Andrew Buckley https://linktr.ee/andrewbuckleyauthor The StoryCentric Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1yxQ9AEVDhHcfPjRlpXRFv?si=641cf5f20da1431a&utm_medium=share&utm_source=linktree&nd=1&dlsi=e38488fedc074eb0 Vancouver Film School https://vfs.edu/ Jackson Hole Writers Conference https://jhwriters.org/conference/     Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of "Day in a Canoe." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you'd like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.     #PersonalGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyWealthManagement

    18 min
  6. From Prompting to Strategy: Using AI as a Competitive Advantage with Rajeev Kapur of 1105 Media

    12/29/2025

    From Prompting to Strategy: Using AI as a Competitive Advantage with Rajeev Kapur of 1105 Media

    We sit down with Rajeev Kapur, President and CEO of 1105 Media, to explore how AI, leadership, data readiness, and human connection are shaping the future. Rajeev brings decades of global executive experience — from building billion-dollar businesses at Dell to writing bestselling books and advising leaders worldwide. We also dive into the realities of AI adoption, the misconceptions leaders face, and the opportunities emerging in both business and everyday life as technology becomes more deeply integrated into how we live and work.   Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 03:18 AI serves as a thinking partner that fuels new ideas and personal growth. 04:49 Many leaders see AI as a silver bullet, leading to confusion and wasted effort. 07:58 Strong prompts use four parts: role, task, context, and ask. 10:36 Offloading repetitive tasks to AI frees time for higher-value work. 12:16 Why radiology departments are taking on more staff as a result of using AI.  13:56 Machine learning algorithms rely on human interaction for training. 14:37 AI can quickly personalize daily routines like meals and fitness. 19:53 AI gives society a choice: build a better future or risk a worse one.   Resources Mentioned: Rajeev Kapur https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeevkapur1/ 1105 Media | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1105-media/ 1105 Media | Website https://1105media.com/ "Chase Greatness" by Rajeev Kapur https://www.amazon.com/dp/1642251895 "AI Made Simple" by Rajeev Kapur https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962017001 "Prompting Made Simple" by Rajeev Kapur https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962017060/   Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of "Day in a Canoe." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you'd like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.   #AIinBusiness #EntrepreneurshipInsights #InvestmentStrategies

    22 min
  7. Breaking Cycles and Finding Meaning Through Nature with Bridget Crocker, Author of "The River's Daughter"

    12/15/2025

    Breaking Cycles and Finding Meaning Through Nature with Bridget Crocker, Author of "The River's Daughter"

    Today, we're joined by Bridget Crocker, Adventure Travel Writer and Author of "The River's Daughter," to talk about her journey from growing up along the Snake River in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to becoming an international river guide and writer. Bridget explores how nature, adventure, and personal reflection shaped her understanding of true wealth — one rooted in connection, curiosity, and healing. Her memoir captures both her physical and emotional voyages, revealing how confronting hardship can lead to profound growth and reconciliation. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:50 Bridget's life on the Snake River sparked her passion for guiding and writing. 03:54 At 20, Bridget's Zambezi guiding sparked a global journey. 05:03 Successful clients with big careers find themselves on an equal footing in nature. 07:17 "The River's Daughter" tells of finding connection in nature and a life on rivers. 09:19 The Zambezi river god Nyami Nyami teaches that anger often hides deeper pain. 11:28 A story that offers hope to anyone seeking healing and a new family legacy. 12:38 A dream of Bridget's late father in a canoe symbolized love and legacy. 13:22 Bridget's father was her paddle partner in breaking cycles and inspiring hope. Resources Mentioned: Bridget Crocker https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgetcrocker/ Bridget Crocker's | Website https://bridgetcrocker.com/ The River's Daughter Book https://www.amazon.com/Rivers-Daughter-Bridget-Crocker/dp/1954118546   Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of "Day in a Canoe." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you'd like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.   #TrueWealth #NatureConnection #LifeLessons #AuthorInterview #Inspiration

    14 min
  8. Redefining Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI with Scott Austin of JadePuma

    12/03/2025

    Redefining Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI with Scott Austin of JadePuma

    Scott Austin, Owner of JadePuma, joins us to share his journey from military service to entrepreneurship and how his broad experiences across industries and countries shaped his outlook on technology, leadership, and fulfillment. He reflects on the evolution of his career from early days at Microsoft to launching his own ventures, and the philosophy that guides his life and work today. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:18 Scott delivers action-focused, solution-based conversations. 03:36 AI enhances creativity, efficiency, and problem-solving. 05:01 Always prompt AI to cite sources to avoid misinformation and overconfidence. 08:15 Experience revealed that cultural and personal differences enrich the world. 10:00 Buying decisions often balance price sensitivity with valuable features. 12:18 Returning to San Diego led to a long-awaited leap into entrepreneurship. 15:25 Scott lives by a "leaf in the stream" philosophy, steering with intent. 18:39 Deep, lasting friendships bring the greatest happiness and connection.   Resources Mentioned: JadePuma website https://jadepuma.com/ Shopify Solutions Podcast https://www.shopifysolutionspodcast.com/ GoDaddy https://www.godaddy.com/ Microsoft https://www.microsoft.com/ Porch https://porch.com/   Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of "Day in a Canoe." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.   If you'd like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.   Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.   #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #AI #Innovation #Ecommerce

    20 min
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About

Think of the people you interact with every day, would you want to spend a day in a canoe with them? This show is all about creating the life that you want, one filled with wealth, wisdom, meaning and purpose. And that starts with surrounding yourself with the right people – people you'd want to spend a day with, in a canoe.

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