Wealth is a choice Podcast

The Wealth is a Choice podcast is here to help you build a healthy relationship with money and make clear, confident financial decisions. Through candid interviews with estate planners, CPAs, and many other professionals in the financial industry, episodes will break down complex topics into practical takeaways you can actually use.

Wealth is a choice Podcast is a business podcast hosted by James Studinger, with 34 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

James Studinger hosts Wealth is a choice Podcast, a business show with 34 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #34

  #34 Michael Lux Student - Loans How to Borrow Smarter & Repay Smarter

  Aug 9, 20261h 51m

  Student loans are one of the biggest financial decisions many families will ever make, but they’re also one of the least understood. In this episode of the Wealth Is a Choice Podcast, James sits down with Michael Lux, one of the nation's leading student loan experts and Director of the Student Loan Repayment Division for the State of Michigan. Together, they break down the entire student loan journey—from choosing a school and understanding financial aid to selecting the right loans and creating a repayment strategy that fits your long-term financial goals. Whether you're a student, parent, recent graduate, or someone still paying off student debt years later, this conversation provides practical guidance to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to decide whether a college degree is a good financial investment • Why families should discuss college costs before applications are submitted • The differences between federal, Parent PLUS, nonprofit, and private student loans • How FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages fit together • Income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) explained • Common repayment mistakes that can cost borrowers thousands of dollars • How to evaluate student debt against your expected starting salary • Practical strategies to reduce borrowing and build a realistic repayment plan Michael also shares why “hope is not a strategy” when it comes to student loan forgiveness. While forgiveness programs can be incredibly valuable for those who qualify, borrowers need to understand the specific rules and build a repayment plan based on their own circumstances—not assumptions about future policy changes. If you're preparing for college, helping a child navigate higher education, or looking for a smarter way to manage existing student loans, this episode is packed with actionable advice that can save you time, stress, and money. Connect with JPStudinger Wealth Advisors: https://jpstudinger.com

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  Episode #33

  33 Scott Brown - Commitment, Character & Choosing Contentment

  Jun 26, 20261h 2m

  What does it really mean to finish what you start? In this episode of Wealth Is A Choice, James sits down with Scott Brown, longtime Tour Da Yoop rider, veterinarian, leader, and man of deep faith, for a conversation about commitment, perseverance, purpose, and living a life of contentment. Scott shares the defining experiences that shaped his character, from watching his mother overcome a life-threatening illness, to learning the importance of unwavering commitment, servant leadership, and helping others reach their potential. Through stories from Tour Da Yoop, his professional career, and his personal life, Scott offers practical wisdom on leadership, communication, goal setting, and finding meaning beyond success. Together, James and Scott discuss why true wealth isn't measured by money alone, but by the choices we make, the people we serve, and the purpose we pursue. In this conversation, you'll learn: • Why commitment matters more than achievement • The difference between being content and being complacent • How small daily victories lead to extraordinary goals • Lessons on leadership through listening instead of speaking • Why understanding another person's perspective transforms communication • How faith, family, and service shaped Scott's life • The culture of support and perseverance found through Tour Da Yoop • Why "never leave your wingman" is a principle that extends far beyond cycling Whether you're leading a team, pursuing a difficult goal, raising a family, or simply trying to become a better person, this conversation offers timeless lessons on living with purpose, integrity, and compassion. Learn more about JPStudinger Wealth Advisors: https://www.jpstudinger.com/ Listen now and discover why true wealth begins with the choices we make every day. #WealthIsAChoice #ScottBrown #Leadership #Purpose #Character #Contentment #Faith #GoalSetting #PersonalGrowth #TourDaYoop #Communication #LeadershipDevelopment #Resilience #FinancialPlanning #JPStudinger

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  Episode #32

  32 Karl Bohnak - A Voice of the U.P.

  Jun 26, 202653 min

  What happens when a trusted meteorologist steps away from broadcasting and into public service? In this episode of Wealth Is A Choice, James Studinger sits down with Representative Karl Bohnak, former longtime TV6 Chief Meteorologist and current Michigan State Representative for the 109th District. Karl shares his remarkable journey from forecasting weather across Michigan's Upper Peninsula to representing its residents in Lansing. Drawing from more than 30 years in broadcasting and his experience in state government, Karl offers a thoughtful perspective on leadership, public service, energy policy, economic development, and what makes the Upper Peninsula such a unique place to call home. Together, James and Karl discuss: • Karl's transition from meteorology to public office • Why reliable energy is essential for economic growth in the Upper Peninsula • The challenges of representing one of Michigan's largest geographic districts • Mining, tourism, and balancing conservation with economic opportunity • How legislation is created and how representatives evaluate complex policy • Why staying informed and involved matters more than ever • Lessons from a lifetime of following curiosity and pursuing meaningful work • Karl's definition of wealth—and why he believes it's about living a blessed life, not simply accumulating money Karl also reflects on memorable Upper Peninsula winters, the famous Blizzard of 1978, his unexpected path into meteorology, and the advice he'd give young people who are trying to discover their own direction in life. Whether you're interested in Michigan politics, the future of energy, leadership, or simply love hearing stories about the Upper Peninsula, this conversation offers practical insights and an inspiring reminder that meaningful work often begins by following your curiosity. Learn more about Representative Karl Bohnak: https://gophouse.org/member/RepKarlBohnak/about Learn more about JPStudinger Wealth Advisors: https://www.jpstudinger.com/ Listen now and discover why wealth isn't just measured in dollars—it's built through purpose, service, and pursuing what you're called to do. #WealthIsAChoice #KarlBohnak #UpperPeninsula #MichiganPolitics #Leadership #EnergyPolicy #EconomicDevelopment #PublicService #Meteorology #Michigan #UP #JPStudinger

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  Episode #31

  31 Bill Jackson - Behind the Legislative Process

  Jun 26, 2026—

  What if the biggest influence you have on government isn't money or political connections, but simply choosing to show up? In this episode of Wealth Is A Choice, James sits down with Bill Jackson, Senior Principal at McAlvey Merchant & Associates, one of Michigan's leading government affairs and lobbying firms. With more than two decades of experience working alongside legislators, businesses, conservation groups, and trade organizations, Bill provides an inside look at how legislation is shaped and how everyday citizens can make their voices heard. Together, James and Bill explore the legislative process, the role lobbyists actually play, why relationships matter in government, and how compromise, communication, and citizen engagement influence public policy. They also discuss unintended consequences in legislation, conservation advocacy, and why "showing up" is often the most powerful tool available to anyone. In this conversation, you'll learn: • What lobbyists really do, and why they're often misunderstood • How legislation is actually created before it reaches a vote • Why relationships and trust are essential in government • How ordinary citizens can meaningfully influence public policy • The importance of compromise in effective leadership • Why unintended consequences are a critical part of the legislative process • How conservation and sportsmen's organizations shape Michigan policy Whether you're interested in politics, leadership, public policy, or simply becoming a more engaged citizen, this conversation offers a thoughtful look behind the scenes of how government works—and why your voice still matters. Learn more about Bill Jackson and McAlvey Merchant & Associates: https://www.mcalvey.com/bill-jackson/ Learn more about JPStudinger Wealth Advisors: https://www.jpstudinger.com/ Listen now and discover why one of the most important choices you can make is simply to show up. #WealthIsAChoice #BillJackson #Lobbying #MichiganPolitics #Leadership #PublicPolicy #Government #Legislation #CitizenEngagement #Conservation #Advocacy #FinancialPlanning #JPStudinger #MichiganBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment

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  Episode #30

  30 John Damoose - Civil Discourse, Manufacturing, and Michigan's Future

  Jun 26, 20261h 23m

  Can respectful conversations still exist in politics? In this episode of Wealth Is A Choice, James sits down with Michigan State Senator John Damoose, who represents Michigan's 37th Senate District, spanning Northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula. John previously built a successful media production company before entering public service and now serves on several key legislative committees focused on appropriations, economic development, manufacturing, and tourism. Together, James and John explore the importance of civil discourse in today's political climate, why meaningful conversations require more than headlines, and how leaders can build trust even with those they disagree with. They also discuss Michigan's economic future, rebuilding American manufacturing, affordable housing, workforce development, infrastructure, natural disaster recovery, and why long-term thinking matters more than short-term politics. John shares stories from serving one of Michigan's largest and most diverse districts, explains how relationships, not rhetoric, help accomplish meaningful work, and offers an optimistic vision for Michigan's future through manufacturing, skilled trades, and community leadership. In this conversation, you'll learn: • Why respectful disagreement is essential for effective leadership • How political relationships accomplish more than political fighting • Lessons from Northern Michigan's flooding and infrastructure challenges • Why rebuilding American manufacturing is critical for Michigan's future • The growing importance of skilled trades and career education • How affordable housing impacts workforce development • Why long-term economic planning matters for the state's success • The importance of voting, civic engagement, and informed citizenship • Why human trafficking legislation became one of Senator Damoose's highest priorities Whether you're interested in leadership, Michigan politics, manufacturing, economic development, or simply learning how thoughtful conversations can bridge divides, this episode offers practical insights into solving complex problems with respect and purpose. Learn more about Senator John Damoose: https://www.senatorjohndamoose.com/ Learn more about JPStudinger Wealth Advisors: https://www.jpstudinger.com/ Listen now and discover why some of the most important conversations happen when people choose understanding over outrage. #WealthIsAChoice #JohnDamoose #MichiganPolitics #Leadership #Manufacturing #EconomicDevelopment #Michigan #CivilDiscourse #PublicService #WorkforceDevelopment #SkilledTrades #AffordableHousing #Infrastructure #HumanTraffickingAwareness #FinancialPlanning #JPStudinger

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