Alisa shares about her virtual wine tasting adventures and how to think about your week. Michael talks about investments and the elements of building wealth. If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod. More from Alisa: Happy Cactus Club | @thehappycactusclub More from Michael: @michaeldm

Seriously Though Podcast

26. Wine, Wealth & Your Work Week

Every city has their unique charm. For us and our hometown of Fresno, CA, we brought in one of Fresno’s newest fans, Jordan Maddox. Jordan hosts Fresno’s Best Podcast, a podcast showcasing the movers, shakers and changemakers of the Central Valley. Join us as we discuss booze, books, and some Fresno faves.   Serious Talking Points: The best options for non-alcoholic beers Why you should go to Lodi, CA for wine-tasting Beet roots - good for lattes or the best farmers market finds? Fresno’s new Mediterranean spot: Mayd Is Me n Ed’s really the best pizza? The one book Michael has kinda sorta read but knows a lot about: Orthodoxy How Martha Stewart leveraged her prison time for a book on entrepreneurship Fresno’s Best: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fresnos-best/id1495138106   If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod. More from Alisa: The Happy Cactus @thehappycactusclub More from Michael: @michaeldm 

Bonus Episode: Talkin’ About Fresno’s Best

We are all unique beings with unique skills and talents. At some point in your journey through life, someone might have urged you to “find your spark.” But what does this truly mean? Some discover their path early in their lives, while others continue to search in vain. We even doubt ourselves without realizing only we steer our lives. So create what you want to create — and that goes the same with our life journey. In this episode, Alisa talks about her journey toward becoming a Vision Producer. She delves into the story behind finding her spark and eliminating her “shoulds.” She also shares the meaning behind her company's name, The Happy Cactus, and what entrepreneurs can take away from it. If you want to know how you can find your spark, then this episode is for you. Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode Discover what being a vision producer is all about. Find out how getting stuck in the land of shoulds hinders your journey as an entrepreneur. Learn the idea behind being a happy cactus. Resources Beenspiration by Geraldina More from Alisa: Happy Cactus Club | @thehappycactusclub More from Michael: @michaeldm Episode Highlights [00:52] The Impact of the Pandemic The pandemic has highlighted what is important to people. The important answers Alisa got in her conversations are spending time with family, making their home nice, and making sure their time is well-spent. People who have gotten the "entrepreneurship itch" have realized this is an excellent time to start a business. [01:35] Beenspiration It's a podcast all about entrepreneurship by Alisa's friend, Geraldina. Geraldina has a photo booth business in Florida and has an educational background. Geraldina asked the question, “What’s your spark?” to prepare for her interview. [02:13] Find Your Spark Alisa: “When I think about the word ‘spark,’ I think about what lights me up.” As a Vision Producer, Alisa’s job is all about helping people find their spark and do something with it. More than the discovery process, her job is action-based. If you want to eliminate your "shoulds", then you need to get super clear on what you want and what's important to you. What’s important to you? Find your spark! [03:41] Her Job as a Vision Producer Alisa: “If your brain feels like spaghetti, I'm the person that's gonna come and help you take all of your ideas noodle by noodle, and help either separate them or bring them all together.” Alisa is a vision producer at The Happy Cactus, helping women untangle ideas they have in their heads. People who have big visions often think they have too many, and nothing connects. However, many times, everything connects because of who we are. [04:26] Alisa’s Background About a year ago, she was in the corporate world and had been working in executive coaching for almost ten years.   She knew she wanted to be in that world and move up the ranks and eventually become an executive herself. But then, she started getting bored. She didn't want to become a full-time executive coach because there are a lot more things she wanted to do. Working with her coach, she started rediscovering things she loved doing in her career. She discovered it was working with visionary people. [05:26] Alisa’s Journey Toward Becoming a Visionary Producer Tune in to the full episode to find out about Alisa’s first visionary jobs! Throughout her career, she realized that she could help put pieces together for visionary people to make things happen. Her coach compared this to being a producer, which birthed the title, Vision Producer. Here, she brings back her marketing savvy from her corporate experience and thinks above the surface for visionary women. She helps them see the bigger picture. She uses all of her skills in her job to create her path and career. In the future, she would like to have her vision production agency and create other vision producers. [07:24] The Land of Shoulds Alisa: “There are a lot of shoulds that have stopped me along the way.” She always had identity crises because she realized her identity is not about following a specific path. Once she realized that she creates her journey, it gave her permission to continue to create as an entrepreneur. For her, entrepreneurship was not a big vision or choice. It was a realization of who she is. After getting laid off from her corporate job, she got to the point where she had to make it happen for herself. [08:32] The Happy Cactus Her company's name is The Happy Cactus because when she was stuck in her "shoulds," she thought about her cute bunny ear cactus. She owns one that she adored and wanted to post on Instagram. But as months went by, it started growing weird and sometimes ugly ears. One day, while looking outside her patio window, she saw the cactus out there taking all the sun. It’s growing weird ears whenever and however it wants. She realized that the cactus was happy doing what it wanted. And she wanted to be like that happy cactus, growing where she wants to grow and doing things her way. She named her company Happy Cactus as a reminder that there is no path she’s following as an entrepreneur. She’s creating her path as she goes. Alisa: “I was looking outside my patio window and I saw it (Alisa’s bunny cactus) out there in the sun taking it all and growing weird ears whenever it wanted, however it wanted and I thought, you know what? That cactus is so happy. I want to be like that happy cactus.” [10:02] Her Spark The idea of The Happy Cactus: you can be you, and being you is okay. Her spark is knowing that she can create what she wants to create. Everyone can be a happy cactus. Whenever you feel like the weight of the world is on you, remember that if you find your spark, you can create your own life and be happy. Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, make sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Leave a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in to the show, then don't forget to leave us a review. You can also share this with your friends. Find your spark, and help others create the life of their dreams and find their own spark! Have any questions? If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod. For more episode updates, visit our website. You may also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify.

24. How to Find Your Spark and Create Your Path

And being yourself! When you focus on your natural gifts instead of what you think you should be doing, you’ll run into a wall every time. Alisa and Michael talk about strengths and weaknesses and financial assets and liabilities to help you find balance in your life and in your pocketbook. Serious Talking Points: PSA: Vermouth is only good for three months Focus on working from your strengths, not your weaknesses Keep a balance sheet! Know your Net Worth Total Assets (own) - Total Liabilities (owe) = Net Worth Review your balance sheet regularly to know where you stand (pulse check) Ask yourself the tough questions. What areas of your balance sheet need your attention? Do some research, retrace your steps Your balance sheet, spending plan, and financial goals should all be in alignment Self-reflection will help you understand your strengths/assets and deficits/liabilities Be your awesome self by living in your strengths/assets Bee’s Knees cocktail recipe Social Media Picks: Michael: Carl Richard's IG post Alisa: @thehappycactusclub's IG post If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod. More from Alisa: The Happy Cactus @thehappycactusclub More from Michael: @michaeldm 

23. Bad Vermouth, Bee’s Knees, and Balance Sheets

Summary: In today’s episode, Michael and Alisa get right down to business! Michael discusses the importance of creating and using a spending plan to reach your financial goals. Alisa shares other powerful benefits of going for a walk to beat work-from-home burnout.   Serious Talking Points: Spending Plan vs. Budget With a spending plan, you get to decide and direct where your money goes and how it is spent Give your money a “job” and make it work for you Do the more important things more and the less important things less! 5 reasons why you should seriously consider going for a purposeful walk Want your strengths to work for you? Sign up to join Alisa’s 3-month group experience for modern professionals to learn, grow, and live in your strengths starting March 11. Social Media Picks: Alisa: @beenspirationbg’s IG post  Michael: @thegrowinginvestor’s IG post    If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod.   More from Alisa: The Happy Cactus @thehappycactusclub More from Michael: @michaeldm 

22. Take Your Money For A Walk

In this episode, Alisa and Michael talk beer (and of course, wine), The Bachelor, and music. Seriously though, Alisa and Michael also share ideas on learning, growing, living in your strengths, and financial goal-setting as an important component of creating your own financial plan. Music Picks:Michael: Classical music all the way, but a bit of Muse here and there pumps him up.Alisa: Anything to slow her down, like Classical Chill on Apple Music or Minimalist Classical. Serious Talking Points: Alisa, thanks to their last episode and the help of her assistant, gained awareness and a realistic view of her money, hopes, and dreams. Financial goal-setting means aligning your dreams, your values, the most important things, with your money over a reasonable amount of time. What do you want to do with your money? What are you saving for? How much do you need to reach your goals Long-term goals first. Start big, aim high! The intermediate and short term goals will present themselves as you continue to brainstorm. When pursuing your goals, course corrections are inevitable. Not to worry, keep moving forward! “If you aim for nothing, you will hit it everytime!” Join the Strengths Revolution: Imagine a society where your strengths are the focus, where they are fostered and where you could grow and thrive using your natural gifts One study compared a city in China where people in the workplace focused on strengths to a city in the US where the focus was on weaknesses. Result: people in China were 30% more productive, they were happier and more fulfilled than in the US city.  Knowing your strengths can help you grow in areas where you’re naturally gifted. Everyone has a different skill set and set of strengths. Find out what your natural talents are so can use them effectively in your career and life. Want to know your strengths for free? Try the High 5 Strengths Test. Something to look forward to: Alisa is creating a 3-month group experience for modern professionals to live, grow, and learn their strengths starting February 24. Sign up to get the latest info!   If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod. More from Alisa: The Happy Cactus @thehappycactusclub More from Michael: @michaeldm 

21. The Bachelor, Goal-Setting & Leaning into Your Strengths

Alisa and Michael welcome 2021 by ditching the old intro that included Le Croix (sorry, not sorry) and announcing they’re streaming live in their new Facebook group: Seriously Though | Facebook. The celebratory mood continues as they share how they spent their New Year’s. (Michael donned a suit and had some French champagne while Alisa and their mom bonded over Gilmore Girls and a bottle of Prosecco) Seriously though, this episode is all about how to create the life of your dreams and the wealth to go with it.  Serious Talking Points: Alisa takes a wealth assessment (join Seriously Though | Facebook for the link) to help her learn how to build wealth as an entrepreneur and she learned what type of team she needs to for her business Alisa talks about using the Wheel of Life Exercise to begin creating the life of your dreams with Michael gladly participating in the activity and revealing which areas of his life he feels most and least satisfied  Michael talks about the six areas of wealth you need to know to go along with the life of your dreams (Seriously Though Financial docs) If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), you can reach us at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod.  Join Seriously Though | Facebook to watch us when we livestream and participate in our discussions and gain access to exclusive content. Follow Alisa @thehappycactusclub and Michael @michaeldm, too!

20. Create The Life Of Your Dreams & The Wealth To Go With It

Summary: In today’s episode, Michael and Alisa discuss the importance of taking breaks, giving your brain a break, and stepping back to look at what’s crucial to move forward. With that comes a break for this podcast, too. The plan is to come back stronger than ever in 2021. Thank you for listening, Serious Fam!  Social Media Picks: Take a Break...Never Give Up by Beyond Endo Your Spending Habits Make You Rich, Not Your Salary by Clever Girl Finance Serious Talking Points: Zero-Sugar Gatorade - yay or nay? Register for Gearing Up for 2021 and Beyond Nov 18 by The Happy Cactus Club! Alisa takes magnesium taurate for better sleep each night...ask your dr if this is right for you How Do Work Breaks Help Your Brain? Article from Psychology Today Recharging your brain with creativity when you’re doing left-sided activities Minute Mindfulness Exercise by The Happy Cactus Club Want a Seriously Though sticker? Send us your address! If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), you can reach us at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod. More from Alisa: The Happy Cactus Club @thehappycactusclub More from Michael: Bolt Wealth Management  @michaeldm 

19. The Power of the Pause

Do you say “taco” or “thaco”? “Queso” or “Kay-so”? As 4th generation Mexican-Americans, we connect to our culture in different ways than our first generation relatives and friends. Today we talk about what it means for us to be Latino and how we express our own cultural identities as siblings, in honor of Latino Heritage Month.  Spoiler alert: music is a huge part of our cultural identities. Here are the songs and playlists we mention, specifically: Las Mañanitas - origin and lyrics Sobre Las Olas - a Mexican Waltz, info at Journal of the Society of American Music El Rey by Vicente Fernandez Michael’s Spotify playlist of Mexican composers Apple Music’s Somos: Voces playlist The full Somos music collection representing Latinx heritage Michael’s new cookbooks: Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico Mexican Ice Cream: Beloved Recipes and Stories Alisa’s cultural exploration questions: How do you define your cultural identity? In what ways do you live out your cultural heritage? What's important for you to keep, treasure, preserve for yourself as you get older?  What's your favorite part about your cultural identity? If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod. More from Alisa: The Happy Cactus @thehappycactusclub More from Michael: Bolt Wealth Management  @michaeldm 

18. How Do You Explore Your Cultural Identity?

What day is it again? Seems like every day is a blur, but our wine game is staying strong and we hope you are, too. Michael and Alisa talk about wine bargain buys, movies to watch and our COVID lives. We also talk about Robo-Advisors (aka investment apps on your phone) and how to find a mentor to show you the ropes and make your life a little easier. Social media picks:10 Movies for Investors “Service Can often lighten your burdens and make your challenges seem less hard.” Serious Talking points: Wine Bargain Buys: Kirkland Pinot Grigio, Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc, Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon How we’re doing (how are you???) What’s a Vision Producer and The Happy Cactus launch party The Pros and Cons of Robo-Advisors like Betterment, Acorns & Wealthfront How to Find a Mentor 5 Steps to Building Successful Mentor Relationships If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod. More from Alisa: The Happy Cactus @thehappycactusclub More from Michael: Bolt Wealth Management  @michaeldm 

17. Robo-Advisors & How to Find a Mentor

They say life is what you make of it, so why not make it? Why not create the life you want? In this episode, we share our experiences learning to carve our own paths, and ignoring the haters along the way. Oh, and we talk a bit about Angry Birds, too! Social media picks:How Angry Birds Got Started Decide What You Stand For Serious Talking points: Figure out what you value and what’s important to you (Michael talks about his experiences not wanting to work for a bank anymore) Ask yourself what you want. Do you do this enough? Alisa talks about how her new company, The Happy Cactus is all about carving your own path (and the story behind the name) Get creative on making it happen - when you have limited resources, your ability to innovate increases Don’t listen to the haters - sometimes people who are more experienced than you won’t be your biggest cheerleaders. Share your goals and vision wisely. Keep moving forward! If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod. More from Alisa: The Happy Cactus @thehappycactusclub More from Michael: Bolt Wealth Management  @michaeldm 

16. How to Carve Your Own Path

Having debt doesn’t make you a failure. Failing doesn’t make you a failure. In this episode, we talk about getting comfortable with our shortcomings so we can learn from them and continue to move forward with our goals. First, what we’re watching on Netflix: Fastest Cars, The Single Wives, Indian Matchmaking, Love on the Spectrum, The Last Dance, The Office (still). Shoutouts: @debtfreesis, @touristyaf & @natnatpena from @thehappycactusclub! 3 Ways to Get Comfortable with Failure Serious Talking points: Michael says educational debt is worth the investment. Do you agree? How your friends and family view your debt and your failures Alisa’s biggest failure in college and how it affected her The importance of “balcony” people in your life to cheer you on How to move forward with failure by acknowledging your fear Embracing your inner child when it comes to debt and failure If you want to give generously, you can’t give what you don’t have Keeping your goals and purpose in mind How to pay off debt  Snowball method: pay your smallest balance off first Avalanche method: pay your highest interest rate off first Saving money by staying home! Social media picks:  Michael Jordan’s failures Becoming financially secure If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com or @seriouslythoughpod. More from Alisa: The Happy Cactus @thehappycactusclub @alisa.coach  More from Michael: Bolt Wealth Management  @michaeldm 

15. The Truths About Debt & Failure

Remember your 2020 goals? Us, neither. Well, half of us (*ahem, Alisa*). But that’s what this episode is all about; a quick financial check-in & tips on how to be a better listener and be more present with others.  Michael always has ingredients for negroni cocktails on hand, so Alisa encourages him to up his vermouth game and try her twist on an Americano. Try it! Americano (w/ Cynar): 1.5 oz sweet vermouth1.5 oz cynar3 oz. club sodaOrange peel Serve over ice Seriously though, anyone can invest, anyone can lead, anyone can coach, anyone can serve. Presence is an act of service. Being truly “there” for someone means putting their needs above yours. Learn four ways to practice presence in your daily life. Your mid-year financial review should include re-evaluating your plan, including: goals, spending plan, and strategy. It’s also a good time to make sure you have 3-6 months of expenses saved up as an emergency fund. If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com. To schedule an introductory coaching session, visit Alisa.Coach. For more information on financial planning, visit Bolt Wealth Management.  Links: Michael’s social media pick: 2020 Bear Market Chart Alisa’s social media pick: Boundaries During a Pandemic Alisa.Coach Bolt Wealth Management  @michaeldm @alisa.coach  @Seriouslythoughpod 

Mid-Year Financial Review & Becoming More Present with Others

Join us as we follow our taste buds around the world to learn about incredible foods from Pakistan, The Netherlands, France, Germany, Singapore, New York, and Puerto Rico. Our friends tell us what they're eating during COVID and share their tips on how to persevere through this pandemic. Severine Chaari, Beenish Saaed, Jantien Tap, Niiamah Ashong, Merary Simeon, and Jessica Labesehr talk to us about what’s going on in their countries and remind us that it really is a small world, after all!  Our Serious Fam has incredible wisdom and insights to share regarding how to stay sane when the world is falling apart. Plus, they introduce us to some delicious eats from their cultures in this very special guest-filled episode! If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com. To schedule an introductory coaching session, visit Alisa.Coach. For more information on financial planning, visit Bolt Wealth Management.    Links: @Seriouslythoughpod Bolt Wealth Management  @michaeldm Alisa.Coach  @alisa.coach  

Around the World with Alisa & Michael

From elderflower cocktails to managing uncertainty in the stock market, we’ve got you covered! What’s that, you say? You also need help managing your weekly schedule? We got you, Serious Fam! In this episode, we share what we’re drinking during quarantine (see links below). Warren Buffet is famous for saying, “be fearful when the market is greedy and be greedy when the market is fearful.” Michael shares how to deal with fear and greed when the stock market swings (like, now).  Then Alisa shows you how to take control over your week. You own your schedule; your schedule doesn’t own you. Learn a time blocking technique that you can start applying today. If you have questions for Michael or Alisa (or both of us), please submit them for “Serious Fam Q&A” at seriouslythoughpodcast@gmail.com. To schedule an introductory coaching session, visit Alisa.Coach. For more information on financial planning, visit Bolt Wealth Management.  Links: White Linen Cocktail Recipe Cucumber Mint Vodka Michael’s social media pick: Neurohacker Collective Alisa’s social media pick: Emma Gannon Dreams Fear & Greed Index How to Manage Your Weekly Planner Bolt Wealth Management  @michaeldm Alisa.Coach  @alisa.coach  @Seriouslythoughpod 

Take Control Over Your Schedule and Stock Market Uncertainty

Welcome to Seriously Though, a podcast about succeeding in life and at work. Michael and Alisa are siblings who rarely fought as children, lived together for a short stint, and once even worked at the same office. They’re close. Now with Michael living in Fresno and Alisa living in LA, they use this podcast to chat about what they’re up to in work and life. Seriously though, Michael is a financial adviser and Alisa is an executive coach. You can expect Michael to reveal tips to save, manage, and invest your money. Alisa will share best practices on mindset, leadership techniques, and creating a life catered to your personal strengths.

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Seriously Though Podcast

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