The Next-Level Income Show

Whole life insurance has long been one of the most debated financial tools in the world of personal finance. Some view it as an outdated product with high costs, while others consider it a powerful wealth-building strategy when used correctly. In this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, host Chris Larsen sits down with Rod Zabriskie and Blake Brogan from Money Insights to explore whether whole life insurance still makes sense in today’s financial landscape. Rod Zabriskie, President of Money Insights, brings over a decade of experience in financial services along with an MBA focused on entrepreneurship and a background in marketing communications. Having spent years helping individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions, Rod focuses on creating strategies that are both practical and empowering. Alongside him is Blake Brogan, a Wealth Strategist who specializes in maximum overfunded life insurance strategies. With eight years of industry experience, Blake works closely with clients to design financial plans that help them achieve greater long-term stability and control.

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On this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, we unpack one of the most misunderstood money strategies out there: how the wealthy legally minimize taxes—not through shady loopholes, but by structuring their wealth differently than the average earner. Most people are trained to focus on income. Work harder, earn more, pay more taxes. The wealthy play a different game. They focus on building assets that grow over time and are treated more favorably by the tax code. This shift in mindset—from income to wealth—is the foundation of how high-net-worth individuals keep more of what they earn. One powerful concept discussed is turning debt into income. That sounds backwards at first, but here’s the strategy: instead of selling assets and triggering taxes, the wealthy borrow against assets they already own. Because loans are not considered taxable income, this allows them to access cash without creating a tax bill.

Access to capital is one of the biggest hurdles small business owners face when trying to grow. Traditional bank loans can be slow, restrictive, and often out of reach for entrepreneurs who don’t fit neatly into rigid lending criteria. On the Next Level Income podcast, we explore smarter, more flexible ways to build wealth and scale businesses. In this episode, we sit down with Ian Samlin, CEO and Founder of REIL Capital, to unpack how private credit is becoming a powerful growth tool for small business owners. Ian’s journey into finance is rooted in both education and real-world experience. After earning his degree in Finance from Towson University, he went on to build deep expertise in business development and capital markets. Rather than following a traditional corporate path, Ian chose to build REIL Capital from the ground up with a clear mission: deliver tailored financial solutions grounded in trust, transparency, and long-term client success.

Building generational wealth through real estate isn’t just about buying properties—it’s about knowing how to preserve capital, defer taxes, and strategically reposition assets over time. On this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, we sit down with real estate veteran Tim Tepes to break down two powerful tools that sophisticated investors use to scale and protect wealth: 1031 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs). With over three decades of hands-on experience and more than 2,000 properties closed, Tim brings rare, real-world insight into how these strategies work beyond theory—and how investors can use them to move from active ownership into long-term, legacy-focused investing.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tyson Cobb shares how high-income professionals can build passive income, regain time freedom, and invest with purpose using the BONES framework.

Discover where Americans are moving in 2026 and what it means for real estate investors. Chris Larsen and Collin Campbell break down the latest U-Haul migration trends, top growth markets like Texas and Florida, and how to invest smartly in today's housing landscape.

In this episode, Neal Bawa—aka the “Mad Scientist of Multifamily”—joins Chris Larsen to discuss how AI is transforming real estate operations, why the market may have already bottomed out, and where the best investment opportunities lie in 2026 and beyond. From multifamily trends to senior housing and small industrial, this data-driven conversation is packed with actionable insights for forward-thinking investors.

Catherine Bell joins Chris Larsen on the Next Level Income podcast to share how she built 13 streams of passive income, scaled her business with AI, and launched a mission to help 120,000 foster children find forever homes through her nonprofit, Chosen Forever. A powerful episode on wealth, purpose, and impact. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

👇 Timestamps & Topics Covered: 00:00 – Intro: The "Real Life Wendy" from Billions 00:49 – What is Achievement Addiction? 02:00 – Allison’s Background: Therapist, Founder, Entrepreneur 03:00 – Surviving Asheville’s Halloween Disaster: Resilience in Action 06:30 – Community Leadership in Crisis 07:11 – Growing a Business in Chaos 08:22 – “Nobody’s Coming to Save Me” – The Power of Ownership 10:10 – How Hardship Builds Resilience (but only if you let it) 11:09 – Why Entrepreneurs Struggle Emotionally at Home 12:24 – Work Identity vs. Family Presence 13:59 – Slowing Down Is Hard: The Cost of Constant Motion 15:00 – Feelings, Avoidance & Emotional Performance 16:30 – Why Business Owners Need Therapy 18:10 – Your Role Beyond Business: The Identity Crisis 19:05 – The 90/10 Effort Trap: Where Is Your Energy Going? 21:06 – Doctors, Execs, and Entrepreneurs All Face This 22:55 – When Business Becomes a Mistress 25:11 – Tanking Deals Because You Can’t Let Go 26:20 – When Is the Right Time to Get Help? 28:50 – Freeing Up Time, Making More Money, Enjoying Life 30:07 – Family Time Isn’t Screen Time 30:45 – Want Your Own “Wendy”? Here’s How to Find Her Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Discover Chris Larsen’s proven 3-year vision strategy to plan your best year ever. Learn how to align your goals, habits, and finances, plus get a 2024 real estate market outlook based on the 18.6-year cycle. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

In this episode of the Next Level Income Show, host Chris Larsen interviews Suzanne Norman from the Retirement Income Institute to discuss the retirement challenges Gen X faces. Learn about protected income, annuities, the sandwich generation, and how financial planning can boost your retirement confidence. A must-listen for anyone preparing for the peak 65 era! Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

George Rivera shares how he scaled to $50M while working less, using his Buy Back Time Formula to escape burnout and reclaim time for family and freedom. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Discover how to build wealth, reduce taxes, and raise financially savvy kids with bestselling author Loral Langemeier. In this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, host Chris Larsen explores Loral’s proven “live corporate” strategy to help professionals escape the W-2 trap and create lasting financial freedom. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Here's a **short SEO-optimized Google description** for Episode 291: --- Discover how healthcare practice owners can build lasting wealth with expert financial strategies from Eric Miller, RIA and co-owner of Econologics Financial Advisors. In this episode of *Next Level Income*, learn how to avoid common financial mistakes, plan like the ultra-wealthy, and create a bulletproof retirement and investment plan. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Discover how billionaires invest in private credit, real estate, and alternative assets. Bob Fraser of Aspen Funds shares macro insights and wealth strategies for smart investors. We talked about: Why private credit can offer equity-like returns with lower risk How to structure your portfolio like a business The power of rebalancing and avoiding emotional investing What’s coming in the economy—and how to prepare 📚 Want to go deeper? Bob’s new book, Invest Like a Billionaire, is out now and packed with insights on portfolio construction, risk management, and mindset shifts every investor needs. 👉 Get it here: Invest Like a Billionaire on Amazon 💼 Want to learn how we’re partnering with Aspen Funds to give our clients access to private credit and other wealth-building opportunities? 👉 Visit: https://www.nextlevelincome.com This episode is all about investing smarter, not harder—and building wealth that lasts. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

In this episode of the Next Level Income Show, Chris Larsen talks with former college football star turned crypto entrepreneur Tilman Holloway, founder of Arch Public. Learn how he’s helping investors automate crypto trading, leverage Bitcoin’s volatility, and combine real estate with Bitcoin treasuries for long-term wealth. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Discover how to scale your business and build high-performing teams using human analytics. In this episode, Chris Larsen interviews Culture Index expert Matt White on hiring smarter, improving communication, and unlocking team potential with psychometrics. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Discover how Conar Fair went from $50K in student debt to building an 8-figure business using viral short-form videos. Learn his 6-step framework to grow on TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts, turn scrolls into sales, and win in the creator economy. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Learn how to legally reduce your tax bill with expert Davis Oliver from Taxes Saved. Discover powerful tax strategies for W-2 earners, business owners, and retirees—like Roth conversions, bonus depreciation, and Section 181 film investing. Featured on the Next Level Income Show with Chris Larsen. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com