In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Ralph Dahm, a veteran in technology, financial investigations, and executive search, to explore the growing world of crypto fraud and blockchain forensics.

Ralph began studying Bitcoin in 2013, when it was increasingly being used to bypass anti-money laundering (AML) laws and financial regulations. Since then, he has dedicated his career to tracing stolen digital assets, helping fraud victims seek justice, and educating the public about the risks of cryptocurrency scams.

During the conversation, Ralph explains how crypto fraud affects real people, why recovery is so difficult, and why only 2–5% of cases result in recovered funds. He also walks through how blockchain tracing actually works, from transaction “hops” to AI-powered forensic tools used to follow funds across wallets and exchanges.

Chris and Ralph discuss:

• How investigators trace cryptocurrency across blockchains • Why law enforcement often struggles to pursue crypto cases • The rise of romance scams, tech-support scams, and AI impersonation fraud • The global networks behind modern financial crime • The risks of Bitcoin ATMs with high fees and weak identity verification • Emerging regulations designed to protect victims • Practical steps anyone can take to avoid becoming a fraud victim

If you’ve ever wondered whether crypto is truly anonymous—or how investigators recover stolen digital assets—this episode offers an inside look at the world of blockchain forensics and financial crime investigations.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Podcast Introduction 00:35 Meet Ralph Dahm 02:50 Early Bitcoin Origins 04:08 Victims and Law Enforcement 06:27 Romance Scam Story 07:43 Subpoenas and Recovery 10:20 First Call With Victims 12:04 Fake Recovery Firms 13:26 Tracing on the Blockchain 14:37 AI and Old Cases 16:03 Explaining Blockchain Evidence 17:20 Working With Law Firms 17:53 AI Voice Scam Example 18:48 Justice for Scam Victims 21:07 Bitcoin ATM Fraud 23:15 Career Advice and Fraud Red Flags 25:22 Resources and Prevention Tips 28:03 Closing and Call to Action

About Ralph Dahm

Ralph Dahm is a Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI) with more than 30 years of experience in technology, financial crime investigations, and executive recruiting.

He is the Founder of Twin Oaks Holdings, President of IT Audit Search, and Executive Managing Director at Smart Ballots, where he focuses on blockchain technology, election security, and fraud investigation.

Ralph works at the intersection of blockchain forensics, cryptocurrency fraud recovery, and financial crime prevention, helping victims, law firms, and law enforcement agencies trace stolen digital assets and pursue justice.

His professional network includes 10,000+ contacts across law enforcement, blockchain, and financial crime communities, and he frequently writes and speaks about the evolving risks of crypto fraud and digital asset security.

Connect with Ralph: • https://ralphdahm.com • https://twinoakscrs.com • https://linkedin.com/in/ralphdahm

About the Podcast

Beyond the Numbers is where conversations about wealth go deeper. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast brings together leaders from business, finance, law, and technology to discuss the strategies, decisions, and purpose behind building lasting wealth.

Subscribe for more conversations about wealth, leadership, and purpose.

#blockchain #cryptofraud #bitcoin #financialcrime #cybersecurity #blockchainforensics #cryptoscams #wealthprotection #beyondthenumbers

What does it take to lead under extreme pressure — and still build a life of purpose, fulfillment, and legacy?

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett sits down with Sean Patton — former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) commander, Novus Global executive coach, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author of A Warrior’s Mindset: Six Keys to Greatness.

Sean breaks down why real leadership isn’t a checklist — it’s a way of being. From West Point to combat deployments to building businesses after leaving the military, Sean shares the hard-earned lessons behind self-leadership, identity, resilience, and the long game of success.

You’ll hear:

• Why self-leadership comes before leading anyone else • How trust is built through vulnerability and modeled feedback (not “open door” policies) • The reality of transitioning from military purpose to civilian uncertainty • Sean’s honest story of over-leverage, burnout, bankruptcy — and rebuilding • Why wealth without purpose still feels empty • How to align vision, strategy, and mindset — including money decisions • A practical way to reframe limiting beliefs by weighing the short-term payoff vs long-term cost • How to start building legacy today, not someday

If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, veteran, or anyone trying to build a life that actually works — this conversation will challenge you in the best way.

📌 Learn more about Sean: • Website: NoLimitLeadership.net • Book: A Warrior’s Mindset: Six Keys to Greatness (Amazon) • Podcast: No Limit Leadership • LinkedIn: Sean Patton

👍 If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it.

Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Mission 00:35 Meet Sean Patton 02:10 West Point Leadership Lessons 03:51 Special Forces Team Trust 06:14 Culture of Feedback 09:11 Leaving the Military 11:38 Identity Beyond the Uniform 15:37 Entrepreneurship Burnout 20:43 Failure Builds Greatness 23:14 Wealth and Fulfillment 24:17 Fulfillment Through Service 25:39 Find Purpose Nearby 27:08 Mission First Business 32:10 Integrity With Money 34:35 Discipline And Patience 37:30 Rewrite Money Beliefs 42:54 Legacy And Next Steps

#BeyondTheNumbers #Leadership #WarriorsMindset #SeanPatton #ChrisEverett #Veterans #ExecutiveCoaching #Entrepreneurship #Purpose #Legacy #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #FinancialPlanning

Beyond the Numbers: How CAST Water Safety Foundation Teaches Toddlers to Self-Rescue with Liz Hubbert

What if the “water baby” dunking we see on vacation is actually teaching toddlers something dangerous—like believing an adult will always be there to pull them up for air?

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Liz Hubbert, leader of the CAST Water Safety Foundation, to share the pivotal poolside moment that changed everything—and launched a mission to help children become aquatic problem solvers.

Liz explains how self-rescue swim instruction (including ISR and similar programs) uses six weeks of daily, private 10-minute lessons to teach even very young kids how to swim, float, find air, and practice fully clothed—skills designed to prevent drowning, the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4, with many incidents occurring during non-swim time.

CAST’s model is equally unique: ✅ Operates under the Innovative Lavin Family Foundation umbrella (connected to the Alberto Culver family) ✅ Works with ~35 partner instructors across the country ✅ Directs 100% of donations to swim lessons + safety education ✅ Offers scholarships for teachers, nurses, first responders, military families, children with special needs, and families with income-based need

Liz also shares CAST’s collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Youth Safety Lab on a published study on 1-year-old water competency, plus practical safety guidance every caregiver should know—like proper pool fencing and checking water first if a child is missing.

Learn more, find programs, and locate instructors: castwatersafety.org

⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:40 Poolside Wake Up Call 03:12 Discovering ISR Lessons 06:30 Six Weeks to Self Rescue 08:22 From Teacher to Founder 11:50 Lavin Foundation Model 14:46 Aquatic Problem Solvers 17:42 Confidence Beyond Water 20:14 Community of Swim Families 20:52 Scaling Instructor Quality 22:28 Nationwide Team Impact 23:36 Scholarships and Access 24:55 WGN Stories and Awareness 27:46 Balancing Mission and Family 32:16 Community Culture and Growth 35:02 Water Safety Call to Action 38:46 Closing Thanks and Outro

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations where money meets meaning and purpose. ⭐ If this episode resonated, please like, comment, and share—a share can save a life.

#BeyondTheNumbers #WaterSafety #CAST #DrowningPrevention #Parenting #ChildSafety #ISR #SwimLessons #NonprofitLeadership #FamilySafety

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers — where money meets meaning and purpose, host Chris Everett sits down with Brad Jenkins, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer & CEO of MarketGuard, to unpack what it really takes to pursue strong returns without living through stomach-churning volatility.

Brad shares the unlikely origin story that started with him reading the financial section in 7th grade, the moment he realized the industry often prioritizes profits over people, and why he built Market Guard around three pillars: excellence, integrity, and innovation.

You’ll also hear the “cookies” framework behind Brad’s book Cookies and Retirement: A Recipe for Success—a simple way to understand portfolio construction, behavioral risks, and why “time and temperature” matter as much as ingredients.

If you’re an investor who wants clarity, or an advisor evaluating an investment partner, this conversation breaks down what to look for, what questions to ask, and how disciplined downside protection can help clients stay invested when markets get loopy.

🎙️ Guest: Brad Jenkins, CFP® — CIO & CEO, MarketGuard 🎧 Host: Chris Everett — Everett Wealth Solutions

In this episode, we cover: • Why Brad entered wealth management (and what nearly turned him away) • The 3 biggest threats to your money (and why “you” is #1) • What makes Market Guard different: returns with lower volatility • Why “Noah built the ark before it rained” is a risk-management blueprint • How to evaluate a money manager (track record, volatility periods, and skin in the game) • The Mastery Event with leadership strategist & American hero Sean Patton • What’s next: Market Guard’s new index + structured note conversations with major institutions

📌 About the show Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building.

Everett Wealth

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Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants a smarter way to think about wealth.

#BeyondTheNumbers #ChrisEverett #BradJenkins #MarketGuard #EverettWealthSolutions #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #Investing #PortfolioManagement #RiskManagement #DownsideProtection #Volatility #BehavioralFinance #Fiduciary #RetirementPlanning #FinancialAdvisor #RIA #AssetManagement #Leadership #PurposeDrivenWealth #LegacyBuilding

What does freedom really mean when you’ve lived without it?

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers: Where Money Meets Meaning & Purpose, host Chris Everett sits down with authors and former journalists Nonna and Russell Working, a couple whose journey from the Soviet Union to the United States gave them a lived understanding of free speech, censorship, and the real cost of standing on principle.

Russell, a Pushcart Prize–winning writer and former Chicago Tribune journalist, and Nona, an academic research administrator and author, share firsthand experiences reporting under authoritarian systems, navigating corruption, witnessing state-controlled media, and ultimately choosing meaning over financial optimization. From covering mafia wars and North Korean forced labor to confronting ideological conformity in modern America, this conversation explores how wealth, freedom, and purpose intersect when speaking the truth comes at a price.

This is not a partisan debate—it’s a deep discussion about courage, incentives, personal responsibility, and what happens when people stop protecting comfort and start protecting values.

Timestamps: 00:00 – What Beyond the Numbers is really about 01:36 – Choosing principle over financial optimization 02:29 – Leaving Russia: what was at stake 06:53 – Reporting during the collapse of the Soviet Union 08:20 – Mafia wars, corruption, and forbidden journalism 11:31 – Covering North Korean forced labor in Russia 14:52 – Why English-language journalism mattered 18:06 – Seeing censorship and ideological pressure in America 23:20 – Why communism misunderstands wealth creation 28:43 – Writing The Insurrectionist and challenging modern journalism 35:18 – When journalism turns into activism 40:05 – When should people speak up—even if it costs them? 47:39 – Financial security vs. living by your principles 54:08 – The internal freedom that replaces fear

Call to Action: If this conversation challenged you, like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who values free thought and honest dialogue. Comment below: When have you faced a moment where speaking up came with a real cost?

Welcome to Beyond the Numbers, the podcast where money meets meaning and purpose. In this episode, host Chris Everett sits down with Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill, founders of Connection Codes, to explore the science, faith, and human experience behind real connection. Born out of their own marriage struggles and shaped by decades of research, their work reframes how we understand emotions, communication, and relationships — not just in marriage, but in every area of life.

From emotional intelligence and brain science to faith, leadership, business, and personal growth, this conversation goes far beyond theory. You’ll hear how emotional disconnection happens, why traditional approaches often fall short, and how simple, practical tools can create profound change in relationships, teams, families, and organizations worldwide. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, spouse, parent, or simply someone who wants deeper connection, this episode offers a powerful lens on what it means to truly understand yourself and others.

Website mentioned: connectioncodes.co

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Beyond the Numbers

00:27 – Introducing the episode theme: connection and emotional intelligence

00:55 – Meet Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill, founders of Connection Codes

01:47 – How marriage struggles sparked a decade of research

04:00 – Why traditional therapy often misses the mark

07:49 – Shifting the focus from disconnection to connection

08:43 – Faith, emotions, and the brain

12:17 – Growing up with “choose joy” and the cost of suppressing emotion

15:16 – How unprocessed emotions impact the body and performance

18:25 – The origin of the Core Emotion Wheel

20:02 – Why the tool is intentionally simple and time-bound

22:56 – The eight core emotions explained

26:55 – Live demonstration of the Connection Codes

31:42 – Audible listening and why silence can feel painful

33:01 – From marriage tool to universal human framework

35:24 – Global expansion and applications in business and organizations

38:31 – Addressing narcissism and emotional dysregulation

40:54 – The School of Connection and future vision

42:01 – Final reflections on money, meaning, and connection

Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

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📩 Share this episode with someone who could benefit from deeper connection.

In this episode, Brian Becker joins the show for a thoughtful and grounded conversation on leadership, discipline, service, and what it really takes to build teams and organizations that last.

Brian reflects on his career journey, the mentors who shaped him, and the values that guided his leadership decisions over time. From personal accountability and operational excellence to the quiet strength of consistency, this discussion highlights the kind of leadership that isn’t flashy — but endures.

Throughout the conversation, Brian emphasizes the importance of trust, preparation, and showing up for people even when it’s uncomfortable. His perspective offers a refreshing reminder that sustainable leadership is built through habits, integrity, and a willingness to take responsibility.

This episode is especially valuable for leaders navigating growth, pressure, and long-term impact.

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome and episode introduction

00:44 — Introducing Brian Becker

01:32 — Early career influences and discipline

03:18 — Learning leadership through responsibility

05:07 — Mentorship and earned trust

07:26 — The role of consistency in leadership

09:41 — Decision-making under pressure

12:05 — Accountability without ego

14:22 — Building strong teams over time

16:58 — Lessons learned from failure

19:31 — Leading through uncertainty

22:10 — Why preparation still matters

25:06 — Service-oriented leadership

27:44 — Staying grounded as responsibility grows

30:12 — Advice for emerging leaders

32:20 — Final reflections and closing

If this episode resonated with you:

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In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Robert J. Mondo, an estate planning attorney who has spent more than two decades helping families protect what matters most — with clarity, intention, and zero legal jargon.

Bob brings a rare blend of deep tax expertise and an educator’s mindset, breaking down complex estate planning strategies into language everyday people can actually understand. From revocable trusts and special needs planning to asset protection and advanced tax-saving vehicles, this conversation goes far beyond documents and dives into why proper planning — and proper funding — makes all the difference.

You’ll hear why most estate plans fail, the dangers of outdated trusts, the critical role of trust funding, and why estate planning only works when attorneys and financial planners operate as a true team.

If you want to design a legacy that avoids confusion, unnecessary taxes, and missed opportunities, this episode is essential listening.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Beyond the Numbers

00:27 – Meet your host, Chris Everett

00:35 – Introducing Robert J. Mondo

01:31 – Why Bob approaches law as an educator

02:43 – From tax attorney to estate planning specialist

03:56 – Helping clients truly understand their plans

05:11 – Why most estate plans fall short

06:16 – The danger of form-based and DIY trusts

07:17 – Core estate planning structures explained

08:19 – Why old trusts (pre-2012) can be problematic

09:12 – Reciprocal spousal trusts and hidden risks

10:29 – Step-up in basis explained simply

11:41 – Why simplicity often wins in estate planning

12:30 – Why trusts older than 2012 should be reviewed

13:16 – What a revocable trust actually does

14:20 – Probate avoidance and asset control

15:24 – Asset protection trusts and who really needs them

16:13 – Special needs planning mistakes to avoid

17:41 – Intentionally defective grantor trusts explained

18:56 – Removing assets from taxable estates

20:18 – How promissory notes preserve control

21:41 – When advanced trusts make sense

22:00 – Attorney + financial planner collaboration

23:14 – Retitling assets without triggering taxes

24:36 – Common planning breakdowns

25:21 – A real-world missed planning opportunity

26:46 – Fixing estate problems after death

27:58 – Why transparency matters in planning

28:22 – Current estate tax law considerations

29:34 – Succession planning for solo attorneys

31:04 – Trust funding as part of a fiduciary process

32:17 – Why documents alone aren’t enough

33:27 – Checklists, reminders & accountability

34:35 – The danger of last-minute planning

35:00 – Bob’s law school journey

36:18 – Why tax attorneys collaborate differently

37:39 – Creating proprietary estate planning categories

38:58 – Custom planning vs template documents

40:18 – Why other attorneys notice the difference

41:15 – What to look for in an estate planning attorney

42:09 – Avoiding generalists in complex planning

42:58 – How to research the right attorney

43:36 – How to contact Bob Mondo

45:43 – Building the right financial team

47:16 – Why financial planning comes first

48:18 – Final thoughts & closing

🎧 CALL TO ACTION

👉 Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for deeper conversations about wealth and meaning.

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