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  • 186: The Healing Power of Water and Energy with Mario Brainović

    186: The Healing Power of Water and Energy with Mario Brainović


    Hi friends! A brand new podcast episode is live and I’m so excited to share this conversation with Mario Brainović all about the most essential element of health: Water

    Here’s what we discuss:

    – Why Mario believes our bodies have an innate ability to heal—and how water plays a key role in that process

    – What Analemma technology is, and how it transforms regular water into a coherent state that supports energy, brain function, and vitality

    – The science behind hydrogen water, and why it’s gaining momentum in the health world

    – How water stores frequencies, acts as an energy transmitter, and connects us to nature on a biological level

    – The link between water quality, cellular energy, and long-term wellness

    – Why meditation and whole foods are cornerstones of a sustainable healthy lifestyle

    – How our personal energy can influence the biology of those around us (!)

    …and so.much.more!

    If you’ve ever wondered whether the water you drink is truly supporting your health, this episode will leave you inspired to see it in a whole new light. ✨

    Connect with him here and check out Analemma here (use the code FITNESSISTA for 10% off)

    186: The Healing Power of Water and Energy with Mario Brainović

    Mario Brainović, CEO of New Earth Technologies Ltd.

    Mario is an entrepreneur, researcher and a visionary in the field of health and wellness. For years he ran a successful international advertising agency and a production house. He was always very passionate about health and wellness, about finding natural ways to heal, regenerate and restore the delicate balance between body, mind and spirit. This led him to establish a natural pharmaceutical company that successfully helped many people for years. After a while he became very passionate about water.

    Realizing its extraordinary significance he established New Earth Technologies, a company that offers Analemma Water to the world, as well as invests in the research of coherent water and its effects on biological
    systems – humans, plants and animals.

     

    Partners:

    Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they’ll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA30 for 30% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here!

    The Lifewave X39 patches have been a gamechanger for my energy; the Pilot is obsessed, too! Check them out here. 

    Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount.

    I’ve been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA50 for $50 off.

    If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don’t begin on this path. They’re friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career.

    You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! You can check out my review IHP Level 1 here and my review of Level 2 here.

    Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you.



  • Highlights for Industrial Industries from Cisco Live US 2025

    Highlights for Industrial Industries from Cisco Live US 2025


    IT leaders from across the country gathered at Cisco Live US 2025 to explore the latest innovations, strategies, and best practices in technology. The event featured tailored sessions and keynotes designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing manufacturing, transportation, utilities and other industrial organizations. Here are a few highlights from the week. 

    Modernizing Industrial Operations

    The most innovative demonstration on the show floor at Cisco Live featured a guitar refurbishment factory illustrating how industrial networks are becoming the nervous system of modern manufacturing. In this advanced assembly line, guitars underwent meticulous inspection and tuning by AI-driven robotics, showcasing the wide-ranging capabilities enabled by sophisticated networking technology.

    The demo featured AI-powered machine vision, virtualized programmable logic controllers, industrial visibility, network segmentation, secure remote access, data extraction, and more—highlighting how cutting-edge networking is fueling innovation and operational efficiency in industrial settings. Check out the below video to see the technology in action.

    Cisco Customer Achievement Awards

    The Cisco Customer Achievement Awards recognized outstanding Cisco customers who achieved exceptional results through innovative use of Cisco solutions. The awards celebrated excellence in areas such as AI-readiness, future-proof workplaces, digital resilience, and sustainability, highlighting transformative business outcomes and customer success stories. Winners were announced during the awards ceremony at Cisco Live San Diego 2025 and featured the below industrial customers.

    Future-Proofed Workplaces

    The Future-proofed Workplaces Awards honored customers modernizing work environments, ensuring secure access, immersive collaboration, hybrid work, and innovations in smart building tech and secure networking.

    • Fairlife – Modernized Infrastructure Maestro Award Winner

    High Impact Sessions

     There were numerous high impact sessions throughout the week including:

    Enhancing Plant Floor Security to Reduce MTTR at General Motors

    This session highlighted practical strategies for improving plant floor security and minimizing downtime in manufacturing settings. General Motors is tackling challenges like limited visibility into network traffic and endpoints, along with a shortage of skills and training, to secure its global plants. With the implementation of Identity Services Engine (ISE) for policy management and the deployment of Catalyst Industrial Ethernet (IE) solutions, IP67 switches, and Catalyst Center, GM is achieving increased efficiencies and a strong ROI.

    The Software-defined Factory Enabled by SDA 

    This session explored the application of Software-Defined Access (SDA) technology in industrial automation environments. It featured Audi, showcasing their innovative approach to virtualizing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) hardware. By leveraging hyperconverged infrastructure and SDA, Audi is creating efficient virtual environments that connect seamlessly to the plant floor.

    Explore Cisco Live US 2025 On-Demand Sessions

    Don’t miss the opportunity to catch up on all the valuable insights and innovations shared at Cisco Live US 2025 by exploring the Cisco Live on-demand session library. Whether you want to revisit your favorite presentations or discover new topics relevant to your organization, the on-demand sessions offer flexible access to expert-led discussions, product demonstrations, and industry best practices.

    Be sure to check out must-watch sessions such as Connecting and Protecting Manufacturing Organizations in the AI Era, for in-depth perspectives on how AI is transforming security and connectivity in manufacturing. It’s the perfect way to stay informed, inspire your team, and make the most of Cisco Live—anytime, anywhere.

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  • 6 Tools to Overcome Financial Insecurity & Anxiety

    6 Tools to Overcome Financial Insecurity & Anxiety


    I grew up with a solidly middle class upbringing. My parents owned our home, my dad worked full-time and my mom worked part-time.

    We were frugal, as many immigrants are, because we had to be.

    My dad came here on an education visa with a one-way ticket. He would send money home all the time.

    Money was a scarce resource and you had to be careful with it.

    Financial insecurity is the anxiety and stress you feel about your financial situation. It’s an emotional response, not a logical one, and it can stick with you regardless of how much money you make or how much wealth you’ve accumulated.

    🎧 Case in point: Here’s a short clip of a chat between Scott Galloway (~$100mm net worth) and Sam Parr (~$20mm net worth) and their financial insecurities – yes, it sounds absurd to have insecurities when you have tens to hundreds of millions… but it’s common! Khe Hy writes about it.

    I once felt this acutely and despite our net worth increasing, there are still times I feel it but there are steps you can take to mitigate it.

    Here are a few that have worked well for me:

    Table of Contents
    1. 🗣️ Talk to someone
    2. 💰 Keep a larger cash cushion
    3. 📔 Check in on finances regularly
    4. 🥅 Establish a financial plan with goals
    5. 📱 Calculate your debt-to-income ratio
    6. 📺 Stop watching the news
    7. 🧠 Remember, it’s a work in progress

    🗣️ Talk to someone

    Whether it’s a partner, close friend, or a therapist, it’s important to talk about your feelings with someone you trust. More or less, we all have emotional feelings about money. And like any other feelings, talking about them often makes them better.

    The person you talk to doesn’t need to have the answers or be able to help you solve your problems. They can simply be there to listen. Just putting it into words may help you deal with some of the anxiety and stress.

    I always find it funny that money is a taboo subject in such a capitalist society. Find someone you trust who you can talk to and it could significantly help your mental health.

    💰 Keep a larger cash cushion

    Remember, financial security is an emotional feeling, not a logical one, and so you have to trick yourself into believing you are financial secure – that means keeping a larger cash cushion in your checking and savings account.

    Call it an emergency fund. Call it a rainy day fund. Call it your regular ole checking – it’s fine to keep more than you truly need if it can help alleviate your anxiety.

    How much? That depends on how you feel.

    I keep a few months of expenses in our checking and savings account. I know it’s better off in something else but this peace of mind is worth the few extra dollars in interest. Most of it is in the savings account, which protects the checking account from overdrafts, so I’m not giving up that much in interest.

    📔 Check in on finances regularly

    I update our net worth each month and this is a very important part of our financial system.

    Every month, I log into each account and record the numbers. I used to check more often with tools like Empower Personal Dashboard but for monthly check-ins, I log in manually to each account. This has pushed me to simplify our finances, so I log into fewer accounts.

    By recording our net worth, I know how much we have.

    I don’t “feel” how much we have, I can see it.

    And I’m reminded that some months the market does badly and the number goes down by a lot. Sometimes the market does well and it goes up by a lot. This slowly inoculates me from the emotional response to market volatility, which is inevitable.

    🥅 Establish a financial plan with goals

    A financial plan is good regardless of how you feel about your money.

    One with goals will give you a sense of progress and growth as well as a path forward.

    Uncertainty is what creates worry. Having a plan can help with that uncertainty because now instead of fearing the unknown, you’re working towards a goal. You can redirect that energy.

    I do want to add that there is something known as the boring middle. This is when you’ve established a plan and you’re simply working towards your goals. There’s nothing to do, per se, except continue on the path you’ve chosen. It’s “boring” because there are no decisions, but that’s part of any trip.

    Don’t let insecurity creep in during the boring middle – keep following your plan.

    📱 Calculate your debt-to-income ratio

    If you have a “lot of debt,” that can be stressful. Sometimes it’s the numerical figure that causes you stress. Sometimes it’s simply its existence.

    By calculating your debt-to-income ratio, you can put that debt into context.

    And not all debts are equal. Unsecured credit card debt is different than mortgage debt. I’d argue that most people with a mortgage probably have a seemingly sky-high debt to income ratio… but that’s normal, especially if you’re young.

    📺 Stop watching the news

    During Covid, the news was a direct cause of my anxiety. It also caused financial anxiety because the markets were crumbling as the whole of the United States shut down.

    All of our kids were home. We were stressed. And now I’m watching scenes of overflowing hospitals and infection figures. It was terrible.

    I stopped watching the news. Being informed wasn’t helping me manage my day to day. It was making it worse.

    Stopping was the best thing I did for our mental health during that period.

    You can watch the news if it doesn’t cause you anxiety but if it does, consider stopping. Stop it and anything else that makes the feelings of anxiety and insecurity worse. Perhaps it’s staying off social media. Perhaps it’s something else – but try to identify it and stop.

    🧠 Remember, it’s a work in progress

    To this day, despite being in a much stronger financial position, I don’t like spending a lot of money. I also love finding a good deal. It’s hard to shake the things you learn as a kid but it’s something that you need to do, especially if they no longer serve you.

    Yes, the dopamine hit you get when you find a deal is always fun but it costs you precious time. While I won’t drive across the street to save 5 cents a gallon on gasoline, I will search for coupons before I buy something. 🤣

    It’s a work in progress and the work is never done. There’s always going to be a time when it creeps in and you just have to use your tools to calm it down. Hopefully some of these ideas will help.

    Do you have any strategies you use to combat it?

  • The Energy Budget: How to Spend Your Mental Energy Wisely

    The Energy Budget: How to Spend Your Mental Energy Wisely


    The Energy Budget: How to Spend Your Mental Energy Wisely

    Ever feel like you’re running on fumes and your brain feels like scrambled eggs?

    You, my friend, are likely battling mental fatigue—a sneaky energy thief that can leave even the most active, health-conscious women feeling utterly drained. The culprit? Your cognitive load and the sheer volume of decisions, stressors, and emotional labor you’re juggling daily.

    If you’re a woman who prides herself on getting things done, being the “go-to” person, and constantly striving to achieve, you know this feeling all too well. This kind of invisible burnout can sabotage your fitness goals, dull your mental clarity, and leave you feeling less vibrant than you deserve.

    Understanding how your mental energy budget works is crucial for safeguarding your well-being and finally feeling refreshed and resilient.

    Your Brain’s Bank Account: Understanding Mental Energy

    Think of your mental energy like a bank account (and no, don’t worry—we’re not getting technical here because I suck at math and accounting). But every single task, every tiny decision, every interaction (positive or otherwise) is a transaction. When you’re constantly making choices, big or small, you’re dipping into your decision fatigue reserves. Each decision is like a small withdrawal—and too many of them leave you staring at an empty balance.

    Stress is one of the biggest culprits. It hijacks your focus and places a massive damper on your “energy account.” Chronic stress keeps your brain on high alert, burning through energy like an uncontrolled spending spree. That’s why you might feel mentally fried even after a relaxing weekend—your internal system is still buzzing, constantly drawing down your available funds and threatening to push you into overdraft.

    Mastering Your Energy Flow: Spend Smart, Deposit More

    The good news? You can absolutely learn to manage your energy budget like a savvy investor. It’s all about identifying sneaky withdrawals and consciously depositing into what truly fuels you.

    1. Cut the Energy Leaks

    These sneaky siphons drain your mental reserves without you even realizing it—leaving you teetering on the edge of burnout.

    • Comparisonitis. Constantly scrolling through social media, comparing your current body or life to someone else’s highlight reel—or worse, to a former version of yourself? That’s a massive, unnecessary withdrawal from your mental energy account. It breeds inadequacy and anxiety, two huge energy suckers that leave you in the red.
    • Boundary Busting. Saying “yes” when you desperately want to say “no,” or failing to advocate for your own needs because you’re worried about disappointing someone? Every time you override your authentic needs, it’s like a penalty fee hitting your energy budget. It drains your self-respect and leaves you feeling resentful and depleted.
    • Pointless Pings & Scrolling. Those endless notifications and mindless scrolling sessions? They’re designed to hook you. Each ping is a tiny interruption that fragments your focus and prevents your brain from truly resting. It’s like a million tiny, unauthorized charges on your bank statement. Each one might seem small, but collectively they plunge you into a mental overdraft.

    2. Invest in High-ROI Habits

    Here’s where you build your energy reserves back up. These are the non-negotiables that truly replenish your mental coffers and boost resilience.

    • Prioritize Sleep. Beyond physical rest, sleep is when your brain cleans house, consolidates memories, and literally recharges. Consider it your daily energy direct deposit—and make it non-negotiable.
    • Consistent Movement. Movement is a powerful stress reliever and mood booster that directly impacts your mental energy. Find movement you genuinely enjoy—and commit to it.
    • Intentional Play & Fun. Schedule genuine fun like you would a work meeting. Laughter, hobbies, dancing—these are potent antidotes to mental fatigue and deliver BIG deposits into your energy account.
    • Nervous System Regulation. Even five minutes of structured breathing or a walk in nature can pull you out of fight-or-flight mode and conserve precious energy. It’s a critical investment.
    • Cultivate a Supportive Community. Connecting with people who uplift you and allow you to be your authentic self? That’s like a constant stream of tiny positive deposits into your well-being fund.

    Reclaim Your Mental Edge

    Treat your mental energy like the finite, valuable resource it is—and it will transform how you show up in your life.

    By plugging the leaks that push you into overdraft and consciously investing in activities that truly replenish you, you’ll stop feeling perpetually drained. You’ll build a body and mind that keep up with your busy-as-hell life—feeling strong, energized, and up to a decade younger without burning out or second-guessing every move.

    It’s time to stop constantly giving—and start strategically replenishing.

    What’s one energy leak you’re ready to plug today to reclaim your mental energy?— Alex

    P.S. If you’re tired of feeling mentally drained and ready to build unshakeable self-trust, my Unfuckwittable Membership is where we get real about identifying those sneaky energy leaks and plugging them for good. We’ll boost your mental, physical, and emotional bandwidth so you can conquer any challenge life throws your way, confidently and resiliently. Learn more and join this powerful community HERE.

  • It’s All About the Talent Now

    It’s All About the Talent Now


    People will always be the next big thing. 

    (more…)

  • Mitochondrial disease prevented with donated genes : Shots

    Mitochondrial disease prevented with donated genes : Shots


    Mitochondria, like the one seen in cutaway view, are the powerhouses inside cells.

    Mitochondria, like the one seen in cutaway view, are the powerhouses inside cells.

    ARTUR PLAWGO/Getty Images/Science Photo Library


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    ARTUR PLAWGO/Getty Images/Science Photo Library

    Scientists can protect children from being born with certain devastating genetic disorders by creating “three-parent” babies, according to the results of a landmark study released Wednesday.

    British researchers used the experimental technique to help families have eight children who appear healthy. They now range in age from younger than 6 months to older than 2 years.

    The families have been plagued for generations by rare but often fatal inherited mitochondrial disorders, according to two papers published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

    The four boys and four girls, including a set of identical twins, need to be followed longer to confirm the procedure is safe and effective, the researchers say. But the results are being hailed as a milestone in the quest to harness cutting-edge genetic technologies to enable more women to have healthy babies.

    “Mitochondrial disease can be devastating for the family. It can be tragic,” says Doug Turnbull, a professor of neurology who is part of the team at Newcastle University that has been developing the technique for more than a decade. “This is an important breakthrough — a big step forward.”

    The research is thrilling many families, doctors and other scientists.

    “I think this is a landmark advance. It is pioneering work,” says Dietrich Egli, an associate professor of developmental cell biology at Columbia University who had been advocating for lifting federal restrictions on similar research in the U.S. “It is extraordinary — no question about it.”

    Worries about risks temper hopes

    But some critics question the approach. They worry about risks, and whether the approach will open the door to using genetic technologies to manipulate the genes in other ways to someday create “designer babies.” Moreover, genetic changes like this can be passed down for generations. So any mistakes could introduce deleterious mutations into the human gene pool, they say.

    “It’s dangerous,” says Stuart Newman, a professor of cell biology and anatomy at the New York Medical College. “It’s biologically dangerous. And then it’s dangerous culturally because it’s the beginning of biological manipulation that won’t just end with preventing certain diseases, but will blossom into a full-fledged eugenics program where genes will be manipulated to make designer babies.”

    Her Son Is One Of The Few Children To Have 3 Parents' DNA

    Current U.S. regulations would prevent the procedure from being used in this country to produce children. But a New York doctor reported in 2016 that he had created a three-parent baby for a Jordanian family in Mexico. Australia has legalized it. And doctors in some other countries, including Greece and Ukraine, have used the technique to try to help infertile women have babies, even though it’s unclear the method works for that purpose.

    “I think it will normalize the fact that it’s appropriate to take this material and to tinker with it, all in the pursuit of the perfect baby, whatever somebody happens to think that is,” says Francois Baylis, a distinguished research professor emerita at Dalhousie University in Canada.

    Defective cellular powerhouses

    Mitochondrial disorders can cause serious health problems, including paralysis, heart failure, brain damage, strokes and blindness. Children born with one of these disorders often live short, painful lives. The disorders are caused by defects in mitochondrial DNA. The genetic material is the blueprint for structures called mitochondria, which provide energy to cells. This DNA is passed only from mother to child.

    The fix tested by the British scientists is sometimes called “mitochondrial donation.” It involves removing the genes from the nucleus of the fertilized egg of a couple who wants to have a healthy baby. Those genes represent the majority of genetic material in eggs and are responsible for most of a person’s traits, such as their appearance. The defective mitochondrial DNA is left behind.

    The genes from the nucleus of the egg are then injected into a fertilized egg from a healthy woman that has had all of its DNA removed except for the donor’s healthy mitochondrial DNA. This is called pronuclear transfer. The resulting embryo can then develop with the healthy donor mitochondria and later be implanted into the womb of the woman who wants a healthy, genetically related baby.

    As a result, the baby has all the DNA responsible for the main traits of the two parents trying to have a healthy baby along with a small amount of mitochondrial DNA from the woman who donated the egg. That is why they are sometimes referred to as “three-parent” babies.

    Early results are encouraging

    In the new study, the babies were born to seven women at high risk of transmitting serious, disease-causing mitochondrial DNA mutations to their offspring. Their mother’s disease-causing mitochondrial DNA mutations were either undetectable or present at levels that are unlikely to cause disease, the researchers reported.

    “A child with one of these conditions can be in a lot of pain, suffer all sorts of problems and die. It’s truly horrible to have to watch your child slowly die of something that bad. It’s heartbreaking,” says Robin Lovell-Badge, a developmental biologist at the Francis Crick Institute in London who wrote an editorial accompanying the papers. “So for women at risk of having children with serious mitochondrial diseases, this provides them with an option to have children without suffering. It’s very encouraging.”

    “All the children are well and continue to meet their developmental milestones,” Newcastle University’s Turnbull says.

    Baylis, at Dalhousie University, and others worry about risks that may not yet be apparent, to the babies themselves, the women having the babies and the women donating the eggs, such as a dangerous hyperstimulation of their ovaries.

    “There are risks to the women who are going to be receiving the embryo and there are risks to the women who are the donor of the eggs that will be providing the mitochondria, Baylis says. “We don’t know the future.”

    She’s also worried about putting so much importance on the need by couples to only have children with their own genes.

    “What you’re seeing is this sense that, ‘My genes are very valuable. My genes are the only ones worth reproducing.’ And I think that’s always worth questioning,” Baylis says.

    Women at risk of having children with a mitochondrial disorder have other options, including adoption, she argues.

    Turnbull acknowledges the research remains at a relatively early stage, requiring additional follow-up research and monitoring. “The results so far are very encouraging,” he says.

    Turnbull argues reproductive technologies are highly regulated in Britain and many other countries: “I think there are enough checks and balances in the system to prevent this from becoming a slippery slope to designer babies.”

    Others stress that the technology is distinct from gene-editing techniques like CRISPR, which have also raised fears about designer babies.

    “This is totally different,” Lovell-Badge says. “This is using a method that is avoiding a serious disease. If you care about peoples’ health, peoples’ desire to have genetically related children, then I see no reason why you should not accept these methods.”

  • 5 big surprises in the NFL executive Top 10 WR list

    5 big surprises in the NFL executive Top 10 WR list


    It’s always fascinating to see the disconnect between football fans and the people making the decisions. This is especially prevalent as ESPN released its wide receiver rankings, polling executives, scouts, and coaches to get their personal Top 10 list at the position.

    This is a consensus ranking, meaning everyone polled gave a list of one-through-10, and they were given a points system to come up with the final rankings, no dissimilar to All-Star voting. There were some surprises to say the least.

    Ja’Marr Chase over Justin Jefferson at No. 1

    This is one of football’s great debates, but those inside the league give the edge to Chase and his playmaking ability. One exec called him the “ultimate pick up and play” receiver, who can essentially do everything asked of him before, during, and after the catch.

    Putting Chase over Jefferson isn’t really a shocker. They’re No. 1 and No. 1A in the league — and then there’s a big drop off. I personally like Jefferson’s route running more, and think he’s shown the ability to get his yards even with sub par quarterbacks, while Chase has benefitted much more from having an elite talent under center.

    That said, I wouldn’t fault anyone for having thee two in either order.

    Tyreek Hill is No. 3

    Now this one we can make fun of for being bad. Front office folks are supposed to be able to look at a player holistically, and it’s wild to see Hill make it this high on the list despite having a down year and quitting on his team in Week 18.

    If Hill was truly the No. 3 receiver in the league he would have been traded right now. If a guy has such a pronounced level of talent that you’re putting him amongst the best in the league then you wouldn’t balk at his large contract.

    Hill finished 30th in the NFL in receiving yards last year. Sure, you can blame a lot of that on the injury to Tua Tagovailoa, but the best receivers in the league are still able to eat in spite of a change at QB. Hill just can’t.

    It should have been several other guys in this position.

    Brian Thomas Jr?

    This one is absolutely mind boggling to me. The only way it makes sense that the Jaguars rookie didn’t make this list is because not enough people around the league saw him.

    It was an abysmal 2024 season in Jacksonville, but Thomas Jr. was a mammoth bright spot. He finished third in the NFL in receiving yards, catching passes at all three levels and becoming one of the best young targets in the NFL. His 14.7 yards per reception ranked 6th in the NFL among receivers with over 100 targets, and truth be told it’s weird to have BTJ only get an honorable mention, while Malik Nabers ranked all the way up at No. 7.

    No love for Drake London

    It’s tough to even say that Drake London is “polarizing,” because execs were in lockstep that he doesn’t belong anywhere near the Top 10. That’s pretty wild considering he was 4th in the league in receiving yards last year, and one of only 10 receivers to catch 100+ passes in 2024.

    It’s not so much that London didn’t crack the Top 10, but more that he didn’t earn a single vote to be in the Top 10 at all. Receivers the likes of George Pickens, D.J. Moore, and Cortland Sutton garnered at least one vote, but it was crickets when it came to London.

    That likely speaks to the incosnsistent offensive coaching in Atlanta and their fluid quarterback situation. If Michael Penix Jr. can shine this season there’s no doubt he’ll rise.

    Did the NFL forget that Puka Nacua exists?

    Here’s a man who finished with 990 receiving yards despite only playing in 11 games. If we extrapolate out his usage rate he would have finished with 1,530 receiving yards — bettering his already ludicrous rookie season.

    Nacua doesn’t have that one unicorn trait that blows you away, which is why he was such a steal in the 2023 NFL Draft — but he plays quick. Every movement he makes is intentional, efficient, and done with a goal in mind. There’s no wasted motion to Nacua, which is why he might not have the top-end speed or quick-twitch athleticism of some top guys, but because everything he does is so intentional he’s able to close the gap and match top receivers.

    It’s dumb he didn’t crack the Top 10.

  • Navigating the next era of growth in insurance brokerage | Insurance Blog

    Navigating the next era of growth in insurance brokerage | Insurance Blog


    The brokerage market has enjoyed a period of sustained revenue growth, profitability, and shareholder value, driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions. M&A activity has flourished due to easy access to inexpensive capital on a robust cash flow business, while organic growth has been fueled by a hardening rate environment and inflation-driven exposure increases. Shareholder value, including that of financial sponsors and employees, has also been bolstered by a liquid capital market and historically high multiples, marked by a record number of transactions. However, these tailwinds are moderating as market conditions shift.

    The surge in interest rates, record-high valuations, and tightened access to capital have created significant headwinds for M&A activity, with deal flow declining by about 30% through the first 8 months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Despite this slowdown, M&A remains a crucial strategy for brokers to stay competitive in their offerings to clients and maintain their negotiating power with insurance carriers. Similarly, brokers’ organic growth, driven largely by increases in rate, over the past several years—averaging around 8 to 9% in annual revenue—is beginning to compress as P&C rate hikes moderate in some lines of business. Further, the average revenue of top 100 brokers and agencies held by private equity has nearly doubled in the past four years indicating that it takes more capital than ever to create liquidity events for the largest aggregators.

    As the macroeconomic tailwinds begin to moderate, a critical question emerges: How can insurance brokers evolve their strategies to usher in the next era of profitable growth?

    There are three longer-term levers the C-suite is exploring to create and sustain profitable growth:

    1. Drive a greater degree of standardization and integration

    Brokerages that operate with a highly federated model or function more as a holding company rather than an operating company often allow their underlying agencies to operate independently. While this approach offers flexibility and can promote an entrepreneurial spirit, it also leads to operational inconsistencies, disconnected technology systems, disparate data sources, and challenges with governance and controls. As the market evolves, brokerages are increasingly seeking to standardize ways of working and introduce a higher degree of integration in their operating models. This shift involves adopting a global redesign to establish uniform definitions and rethinking how enterprise-wide processes should be managed to enhance quality and controls.

    Further, process standardization and agency integration must be anchored by an integrated technology ecosystem spanning business segments and functional groups to enable traceable data flow throughout the organization and create a single source of truth for managing the business. Tighter integration and standardization form the foundation for improved efficiencies and the ability to generate greater insights to drive growth:

    • Greater enterprise leverage and margin preservation: Standard operating procedures and tighter integration enable brokers to better consolidate non-client-facing activities. Back-office functions such as accounting, IT, and HR can be shifted out of the agency office to create efficiencies and enable greater focus on sales and service initiatives.
    • Optimized procurement and indirect spend: Acquired agencies typically come with their host of technology licenses and third-party vendors; a greater degree of integration allows consolidation of fragmented vendor and licensing agreements, gaining economies of scale with a targeted vendor list. Additionally, efforts to drive operational standardization will introduce opportunities to normalize discretionary spending, such as reducing side tech projects or solution workarounds.
    • Improved data-driven decisions and accountability: With accurate, available data, operators can govern their business on a distinct set of insights with a clear understanding of what, how, and why each insight is measured, including how frontline colleagues, who operate much of the business, impact enterprise performance. The shift to fact-based decision-making creates focus and enables leaders to take calculated actions with measurable results, reducing the need for broad, ill-defined moves that often negatively impact margins – and creates clear accountability for what information needs to be captured in a consistent fashion, enabling the enterprise to harness the insights useful to the enterprise and the field.
    1. Activate new sources of growth:

    With more restrictive M&A conditions and moderating tailwinds from renewal pricing increases, brokers need to be strategic about where to invest in growth. Driving organic growth through data is essential, deploying strategies and tools like Generative AI to gain deeper insights for revenue-generating roles (e.g., leveraging Gen AI to identify cross-sell/up-sell opportunities across the brokerage book of business). Activating synergistic revenue streams by prioritizing investments in new capabilities (e.g., focusing on M&A that brings new products or geographic coverage), enhancing scale within existing markets, or exploring vertical integration opportunities should be key areas of focus moving forward. We also see brokerages differentiating themselves through industry niches and specialization, tying these to MGAs or affinity partnerships to become go-to distributors for specific industries. Lastly, as the E&S market continues to grow, brokerages have a significant opportunity to expand their scope to include wholesale business, capturing multiple revenue streams, especially in challenging exposure areas and coverage lines.

    1. Invest in foundational capabilities and new talent:

    As brokerages drive greater levels of integration, the focus is shifting toward agencies with strong operators rather than those solely led by savvy (sales) entrepreneurs. This change demands a different leadership profile—one that can manage operators and lead the transformations required to respond to growing market pressures while continuously delivering shareholder value (e.g., standardizing integration, enhancing technology, building and attracting new talent). Such skillsets are relatively fresh to brokerage leadership, and earmarking executives to lead these transformations can be challenging in a federated model composed of corporate and regional structures, and underlying agencies. The ability to influence and drive transformation across all layers is a distinctive skillset.

    Four short-term quick wins to get started

    While the longer-term response to the pressures facing the brokerage industry will require focus and coordination by the C-Suite, we recommend four initial steps brokerage leaders can take to get started:

    1. Identify priority areas for standardization and centralization: For more fragmented brokers, we start by standardizing level one data-entry processes (e.g., AMS standard operating procedures), begin to move toward common technologies (e.g., one agency management system), and work towards centralizing common low-risk activities to show success and build buy-in for future centralization (e.g., vendor payables, data processing, policy certifications, claims handling, etc.).
    2. Re-evaluate M&A agenda: Update enterprise M&A appetite to be more selective; each transaction should support a long-term growth agenda and be complimentary to the core business. Explore divesting areas of the business that are non-core to generate new sources of capital and allow the enterprise to focus on what will enable the business to be an operating company, not a holding company.
    3. Assess business reporting and data gaps: While management can generate financial overviews and operational reports, the fragmented nature of AMS and accounting systems often requires extensive data cleansing to fulfill these fundamental reporting requirements. Understand the technology/ systems landscape (e.g., how AMS instances connect to Accounting/ Finance source of truth) and operating models across the organization to map how data flows and identify opportunities for greater data hygiene, integrity, and availability. We see brokers first prioritizing standard ways of completing financial and operational management reporting to set the foundation for deeper insights.
    4. Determine priority talent gaps: Decisions to act on the levers discussed above are highly strategic and likely necessary for brokerages to withstand changes in the market, but executing these decisions requires talent not typically found in today’s brokerages. Identify core talent gaps (e.g., transformation leadership, business operators, data expertise, industry specialization) to pave the road ahead and develop a plan for acquiring this talent.

    We’ve helped and are actively helping brokerages navigate this evolving landscape. Please reach out to Heather Sullivan, Gina Papas, Robert Held, or Bob Besio if you’d like to discuss further.

     

  • Tax Deductions: Above-the-Line, Itemized, and Neither

    Tax Deductions: Above-the-Line, Itemized, and Neither


    The new 2025 Trump tax law — One Big Beautiful Bill Act — created several new tax deductions. Some people say they’re above-the-line deductions, but that’s not true. These new deductions are all below-the-line. This post explains the difference between the different types of tax deductions.

    Not a Tax Credit

    First of all, a tax deduction is not a tax credit.

    A tax credit directly reduces your tax dollar-for-dollar. If you’re supposed to pay $5,000 in tax, a $1,000 tax credit reduces your tax to $4,000.

    A tax deduction lowers your taxable income, which indirectly reduces your tax. If you’re supposed to pay $5,000 in tax, a $1,000 tax deduction lowers your taxable income by $1,000, which then reduces your tax by a fraction of it, depending on your marginal tax rate.

    Therefore, a $1,000 tax deduction is worth a lot less than a $1,000 tax credit.

    Within tax deductions, there are above-the-line deductions, standard deduction, itemized deductions, and a set of deductions that are neither above-the-line nor itemized.

    Above-the-Line Deductions

    Above-the-line deductions are officially called adjustments to income. The “line” refers to the line on the tax form for your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Your AGI is a key number that determines your eligibility for many tax breaks. It’s the starting point for Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for various purposes, for instance, child tax credit, ACA health insurance premiums, and IRMAA.

    The “Line”

    A tax deduction is either above-the-line or below-the-line. Above-the-line deductions lower your AGI and help you qualify for other tax breaks. Below-the-line deductions don’t affect your AGI, and they don’t help you qualify for other tax breaks.

    Therefore, a $1,000 above-the-line tax deduction is better than a $1,000 below-the-line deduction.

    Only specific tax deductions are designated as above-the-line. They are listed on page 2 of Form 1040 Schedule 1. Here are some examples:

    • HSA contributions made outside of payroll
    • Deductible Traditional IRA contributions
    • Educator expenses
    • 1/2 of the self-employment tax
    • Contributions to small business retirement plans
    • Self-employment health insurance deduction

    Standard Deduction Or Itemized Deductions

    The standard deduction and itemized deductions come after the AGI. They are below-the-line.

    The standard deduction and itemized deductions are mutually exclusive. If you choose to take the standard deduction, you give up itemizing your deductions. If you choose to itemize, you forego the standard deduction.

    Typically, you itemize only when the sum of your itemized deductions is greater than your standard deduction. You keep it simple and take the larger standard deduction when you know you don’t have that much in itemized deductions.

    Taking the standard deduction is a win because you’re deducting more than your allowable itemized deductions. Over 80% of taxpayers take the standard deduction. So do I.

    Itemized deductions are listed on Form 1040 Schedule A. Mortgage interest, state income tax, property tax, and donations to charities are typical itemized deductions (except for the new $1,000/$2,000 charity donations deduction for non-itemizers).

    Floors and Caps

    Just because something is tax-deductible, it doesn’t mean you can deduct 100% of it. This is because some deductions must first clear a floor.

    For example, medical expenses are tax-deductible, but you can only deduct the portion that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI. That comes to zero for many people.

    Some deductions have a cap. You can deduct only up to the cap, even if you paid more. State and local taxes (SALT) are a well-known example of this.

    The new 2025 Trump tax law increased the SALT cap. More people are expected to itemize deductions, but they’re still a minority. Over 80% of people will still take the standard deduction.

    Below-the-Line, Available-to-All

    In the old days, individual tax deductions were either above-the-line or itemized deductions. Only above-the-line deductions were available to both itemizers and non-itemizers. Below-the-line deductions were only the standard deduction or itemized deductions. After taking the above-the-line deductions, you could only take the standard deduction if you don’t itemize.

    This dichotomy between above-the-line and must-itemize no longer holds. Congress has created several deductions in recent years that are below-the-line but don’t require itemizing. You can still take these deductions when you take the standard deduction, but they don’t affect your AGI. A deduction available to both itemizers and non-itemizers doesn’t necessarily mean it’s above-the-line.

    Itemizers Non-Itemizers
    Above-the-Line Deductions ✅ ✅
    Standard Deduction 🚫 ✅
    Itemized Deductions ✅ 🚫
    Below-the-Line, Available-to-All ✅ (unless specifically excluded) ✅

    Both above-the-line deductions and this new set of deductions are available to everyone (unless it’s specifically excluded). The difference is in whether it affects your AGI. Only the standard deduction and itemized deductions are still either-or.

    Congress created these below-the-line, available-to-all deductions because they wanted to make them available to more people. Giving them to only itemizers (10-20% of taxpayers) would be too limiting. But Congress didn’t want these deductions to lower the AGI and trigger other tax breaks. Some of these deductions themselves have limits based on the AGI. Making them above-the-line would create a circular math problem.

    Here are some of the below-the-line available-to-all deductions:

    All of these deductions are still available if you take the standard deduction, but they don’t lower your AGI.

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  • Gastronomic Gifting – 5 Useful Kitchen Gifts For The Home Chef In Your Life

    Gastronomic Gifting – 5 Useful Kitchen Gifts For The Home Chef In Your Life


    Selecting the perfect gift for a friend or family member who loves working in the kitchen can sometimes feel like a challenge. This is especially the case if they are the type of dedicated food fanatic who already seems to have every piece of cooking equipment of gadget known to man.

    Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, housewarming, or just to let them know you care, here are five thoughtful and practical ideas for kitchen gifts that will make any passionate cook light up with joy.

    1. High-Quality Cookware Sets

    Every great home chef should have a top-quality set of pots and pans that they love to work with. A high-quality cookware set may be the most thoughtful and practical gift you could choose. Anyone who is constantly busy at the stove would most likely rather spend as little time as possible at the sink, washing up. For this reason, non-stick cookware sets are a natural choice. The non-stick coating makes cleaning up a breeze, and allows them to cook with less oil or fat. It’s a win-win for any health-conscious home cook! Search for varieties that contain hardy, non-toxic materials like PFAS-free ceramic or hard-anodized aluminum as a cooking surface. These options deliver safe performance that will last for years.

    2. Digital Meat Thermometer

    Meats and poultry, when cooked to perfection, can be the hallmark of a skilled home cook. However, even the best chefs can occasionally mess up and serve raw roast beef or charred chicken. For chefs who love their meat, precision tools like a digital meat thermometer are a gift that they will use and appreciate for the long haul, ensuring their carnivorous creations are never undercooked or dry. Some modern thermometers boast Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to monitor the temperature of their food from a mobile device. Such functionality is perfect for busy parents juggling work and kids while trying to get gourmet dishes onto the table.

    3. High-Powered Blender Or Food Processor

    You’ve seen the Instagram Reels and TikToks, and you know that blenders and food processors are essential time-saving devices that add flair and versatility to any cook’s repertoire. Whatever’s on the menu, from smoothies and soups to sauces & dips, the trusty blender can handle a massive range of kitchen tasks speedily and efficiently. Whether it’s a high-end countertop food processor or a hand-held vitamizer, this gift can make your friend or loved one’s day, whatever the occasion.

    4. Chef’s Knife Or Knife Set

    Any home cook worth their salt will tell you: a viciously sharp, beautifully weighted kitchen knife is worth its weight in platinum. When you gift a quality chef’s knife, a santoku knife or even an entire knife set, you’re placing the key to increased efficiency, precision and mastery in their hands. High-carbon stainless steel blades with ergonomic handles typically provide the finest experience for the user, making it worth investing in a high-quality item rather than a full set of lower-grade knives. To add an extra thoughtful touch, splash out on a honing rod or sharpening stone so they can keep their blades as sharp as a Hattori Hanzo for years to come. They will definitely thank you every time they slice through a pumpkin effortlessly!

    5. Cast Iron Dutch Oven

    When winter hits, there’s nothing more comforting than a piping hot stew or casserole. A cast-iron Dutch oven is the ideal piece of cookware to keep the inner fires stoked when it’s frozen outside. Dutch ovens can also be used for braising, soups and even baking bread, making them one of the most versatile pieces of kitchen equipment chefs of all skill levels can own. Most Dutch ovens are also eye-catchingly attractive items that can add a touch of color and style to their stove or countertop. The cast-iron construction means that most Dutch ovens will last for years, if not generations, making them ultimate timeless kitchen gifts.

    Final Thoughts

    Whichever kitchen gifts you choose, focus on balancing functionality with beauty, and the budding Masterchef in your life will be over the moon with the latest addition to their arsenal.