Colin and Wheeler unpack the profound meaning behind Rick Rubin's quote: "Great is better than now." They dive deep into the concept of deferred gratification and how prioritizing the "great" future over the "good enough" present influences major life decisions, from buying a house to building a successful business. Using real-life examples like the famous Marshmallow Experiment and the persistent engineering of the Porsche 911 , they explore the necessity of process, patience, and repetition in achieving true, lasting greatness. This discussion offers a balanced, thoughtful perspective, like a trusted friend, helping listeners think more clearly about their own goals.

The conversation then pivots to the practical struggles of recognizing when a goal is truly achieved—the tension between the "infinite horizon" of ambition and appreciating the "now great" things in your life. Colin and Wheeler introduce powerful tools like journaling and thought partnership (even with AI) as ways to break mental circles, process conflicts in core values, and define a clear end goal for major life changes, whether it’s a career shift or moving to a new location. The hosts emphasize that while instantaneous choices often lead to regret, true pride is built through a massive amount of sustained effort over time, creating a valuable legacy rather than something quick and fleeting.

Tune in to discover how embracing the journey and trusting the process is essential to personal and financial growth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an investor, or someone seeking to live more intentionally, this episode will inspire you to pause, check your information diet, and commit to the ongoing evolution of making things great. It serves as a cornerstone for the Compound Growth community—a space where thinking people gather to stay curious, optimistic, and grounded in a noisy world.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compoundgrowthpod
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompoundGrowthPodcast
• TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@compoundgrowthpod
• Wheeler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheeler-crowley-0a63933b/
• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

In this month’s "What Just Happened" recap, Colin and Wheeler take a look back at November to make sense of the mixed signals in the economy. We start by breaking down the shift in retail season—why Black Friday deals feel different this year and how "sales season" has morphed into a month-long event. We also discuss the cooling auto market and ask a controversial question: Did "Peak EV" excitement actually happen back in 2015?

The conversation then pivots to the biggest question on investors' minds: Is Artificial Intelligence a bubble waiting to burst? We analyze the data comparing today's market to the Dot-Com crash, looking specifically at how current S&P 500 earnings are actually moving in lockstep with valuations—suggesting we aren't seeing the "irrational exuberance" of the past. We also look at global market concentration to show that, despite the headlines, the U.S. market is surprisingly well-diversified compared to other major economies.

Finally, we address the human side of the numbers. Despite strong corporate earnings, consumer sentiment remains low, driven by a rising fear of job insecurity that is hitting younger generations the hardest since 2008. We explore the disconnect between a booming stock market and the real-world anxiety many are feeling, aiming to help you process the noise and navigate your own growth with a clearer perspective.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compoundgrowthpod
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompoundGrowthPodcast
• TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@compoundgrowthpod
• Wheeler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheeler-crowley-0a63933b/
• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

We kicked off this episode with a great question: What's a purchase you've never regretted? That surprising discussion then led us into a much deeper topic: gifting, legacy, and charitable giving. We unpack how intentional gifting can actually be a core part of your financial plan, aligning your money with your personal values. Colin and Wheeler break down various strategies for giving, including the annual exclusion amount for family and friends , options like super funding a 529 for college , and using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to save on taxes.

In this episode, we dive into more advanced charitable strategies like Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUTs). Wheeler and Colin explain how a mechanism like the CRUT can allow you to receive income for life while benefiting a charity and even fund a life insurance policy (ILIT) to leave a tax-free legacy for your beneficiaries. We also discuss the big tax changes coming in 2026, especially regarding charitable floors and ceilings.

The biggest takeaway is that you don't need a lot of money to be charitable —small acts of kindness and giving your time count just as much. We encourage you to move past any sense of guilt and focus on the positive outcomes of giving, seeing it as a powerful tool for building wonderful things and a way to embrace your capacity for more.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compoundgrowthpod
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompoundGrowthPodcast
• TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@compoundgrowthpod
• Wheeler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheeler-crowley-0a63933b/
• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims