Podcast
CBS Spotlight
Hosted by Tedd Hikes and Eric Alvarado · EN
Our podcast is tailored to those in the RIA space. More knowledge equals less fear or the unknown, so we are here to kick open the toolbox, play with the tools, and have a honest/blunt conversations about the insurance toolbox accessable to you and your clients.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Teresa De Leon Arden Trust
2w ago00:31:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode of CBS Spotlight, the conversation features Teresa De Leon, National Director of Sales at Arden Trust, who discusses how trust planning can help families preserve wealth, protect beneficiaries, and create continuity across generations. Teresa shares how Arden Trust partners with financial advisors and their clients to navigate complex trust and estate planning needs, emphasizing the value of engaging a corporate trustee early in the planning process.The discussion explores the importance of proper trust administration, the challenges that can arise when family members are tasked with trustee responsibilities, and how a professional trustee can provide objectivity, continuity, and fiduciary oversight. Teresa also highlights Arden's relationship-focused approach, which seeks to complement the advisor-client relationship while helping families manage sensitive dynamics, protect aging clients, and ensure their wishes are carried out effectively. Ultimately, the conversation centers on how thoughtful trust planning can bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind to both clients and their loved ones.
Transcribe →Kim Luthy Synthesis Wealth Pt 2
May 2200:23:22Tap to summarizeIn this Part 2 episode of CBS Spotlight, Kim Luthy, Partner and Director of Wealth Planning at Synthesis Wealth, shares her perspective on growth, resilience, and intentional living. She discusses viewing life in “seasons,” using transitions as opportunities to reflect and realign priorities.Kim reflects on her time as a single mother, emphasizing how firm boundaries allowed her to stay focused at work while being fully present for her children. She also challenges the idea of “balance,” encouraging individuals instead to align with the priorities of their current season and protect their time.The conversation highlights her belief that money is a tool—not the source of happiness—but a way to live out values like kindness, generosity, and growth. She also credits persistence as a key driver of success, viewing challenges as lessons and encouraging others to take ownership of their path.Kim closes by emphasizing mentorship and legacy, with a passion for inspiring women to believe in themselves, claim their seat at the table, and support one another in their growth.
Transcribe →Kim Luthy Synthesis Wealth Pt 1
May 800:26:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of CBS Spotlight, the conversation features Kim Luthy, Partner and Director of Wealth Planning at Synthesis Wealth, who shares her remarkable personal and professional journey. Kim reflects on her 38‑year career in the financial industry and how life’s challenges—from stepping into a caregiver role at a young age to advocating fiercely for her children during serious health crises—shaped her into a resilient leader and advisor. The discussion explores her definition of “grit,” the importance of advocacy and generosity in leadership, and how her lived experiences directly inform the way she shows up for clients, mentors others, and builds deep, trust‑based relationships within her practice.
Transcribe →Liz Hand - Pleasant Wealth Pt 2
Apr 2300:24:14Tap to summarizePart 2 of our conversation with Liz Hand goes even deeper. Liz expands on how values‑based planning shapes better outcomes for clients, especially women navigating retirement transitions. She shares practical insights on creating space for meaningful conversations, balancing growth with sustainability, and leading with empathy in an industry that often prioritizes numbers over people. It’s an honest look at how intentional firm design—and intentional listening—can transform both client relationships and long‑term success.
Transcribe →Liz Hand - Pleasant Wealth Pt 1
Apr 900:22:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of CBS Spotlight, features Liz Hand from Pleasant Wealth. Liz shares her journey as a second‑generation financial advisor and how she’s helped reshape her family’s practice into a more intentional, human‑centered firm. The conversation dives into the intersection of money and mindset, serving women approaching and entering retirement, and building an advisory practice rooted in purpose, clarity, and long‑term sustainability
Transcribe →James Wong - The Founder's Chair
Mar 2000:55:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we feature James Wong, founder of The Founder's Chair. With over two decades in financial services, James brings deep experience in insurance, technology distribution, startups, and M&A. He shares his personal journey and the philosophy behind The Founder’s Chair, focused on helping founders lead with clarity and connecting funders with meaningful growth opportunities.
Transcribe →Rick & Jake Eskin - Dye & Eskin, INC.
Jan 2700:41:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of CBS Spotlight, features Rick & Jake Eskin from Dye & Eskin, highlight unique corporate life insurance solutions that do not require medical exams. The discussion focuses on how advisors can leverage these guaranteed issue life products to provide substantial benefits to corporate clients, streamline the insurance process, and expand their business with minimal effort
Transcribe →John Swystun - Auxesys INC Part 2
Dec 400:24:03Tap to summarizeIn Part 2 of our conversation with John Swystun, CEO of Auxesys, Inc., we dive deeper into the strategies that help financial advisors stand out in a crowded market. John shares actionable insights on leveraging authentic storytelling, digital ecosystems, and creative branding to foster trust and long-term client relationships.We also explore how technology and compliance intersect in marketing—and why adaptability is key for sustainable growth in wealth management firms.
Transcribe →John Swystun - Auxesys INC
Nov 1900:24:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode of CBS Spotlight, John Swystun shares his unconventional career path from producing snowboard videos to becoming the CEO of Auxesys, Inc., a digital marketing firm specializing in wealth management. He discusses the importance of storytelling, systems thinking, and creativity in marketing, particularly for financial advisors. The conversation highlights how these elements can create organic growth in wealth management firms while adapting to regulatory challenges.
Transcribe →Fabian Gonzalez - National Vice President Symetra
Oct 3000:30:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Eric Alvarado and Ted Hikes discuss the high net worth foreign national market with Fabian Gonzalez from Symetra. They cover the attractiveness of US life insurance, market opportunities, and the unique challenges faced by foreign nationals in obtaining life insurance. Gonzalez highlights the importance of partnerships, establishing connections in the US, and working with a knowledgeable insurance company to navigate this complex market.Symetra's high-net-worth foreign national (HNWFN) market program may have new or amended rules and restrictions, and is subject to change in order to be compliant with requirements in the client's home jurisdiction. The program is subject to change without notice. Life insurance is issued by Symetra Life Insurance Company, 777 108th Avenue NE, Suite 1200, Bellevue, WA 98004. Not available in all U.S. states or any U.S. territory EOPM-312 8/25
Transcribe →