Control and Compound with Darren Mitchell

Hosted by Control and Compound Financial | BNV Media

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273

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Aug 2026

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Welcome to Control and Compound with Darren Mitchell, a podcast about infinite banking, real estate investing, and what business owners and individuals should be doing with their money. For helpful tips and tricks, visit our Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @controlandcompound. Episodes release every Monday. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it. The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.

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August 17, 2026Episode 27019 min

McDonald's Was Never Really a Burger Business

Ray Kroc didn't invent McDonald's. He recognized that one successful restaurant could become something much bigger. At 52 years old, Kroc took the McDonald brothers' efficient restaurant model and transformed it into a global system. But hamburgers were only one part of the strategy. In this Financial Autopsy, Darren and Christina examine how Ray Kroc used standardization, franchising, real estate and accessible capital to build one of the most recognizable businesses in history. They break down: Why McDonald's true product was its system How single-location franchises helped Kroc maintain control Why real estate became central to the company's business model How Kroc reportedly borrowed against life insurance policies during McDonald's early years The difference between owning a business and owning a job Six lessons today's entrepreneurs can learn from Ray Kroc Ray Kroc's greatest innovation wasn't the hamburger. It was building a business that could operate consistently without depending on one individual. If you're a Canadian business owner who wants greater control over your capital and a system built for long-term growth, this episode is for you. Show notes: 00:00 - How Ray Kroc changed the world 01:27 - The opportunity the McDonald brothers couldn't see 03:00 - McDonald's wasn't selling hamburgers 04:09 - Why Kroc sold franchises one location at a time 05:58 - How McDonaldization changed modern business 07:23 - Do you own a business or a job? 10:15 - McDonald's real breakthrough was real estate 13:20 - How Ray Kroc accessed capital when banks wouldn't help 15:41 - Six lessons entrepreneurs can learn from Ray Kroc 17:00 - Working on your business instead of inside it Check out our webinar on infinite banking: https://shorturl.at/k1V89 FIND US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound _ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

August 10, 2026Episode 27021 min

How Banks Use Your Money to Build Wealth... and How You Can Too

You spent years building your company, creating revenue and accumulating retained earnings. But once the money has been made, an entirely different challenge begins: How do you keep it working without losing access or control? In this episode, Darren and Christina explain why successful business owners eventually begin thinking like bankers… even when they don't realize it. They examine how banks generate wealth by controlling the movement of capital, why traditional places for storing corporate wealth can leave money trapped or inefficient, and how properly structured participating whole life insurance can help entrepreneurs build their own banking system. You'll learn why infinite banking isn't simply an investment strategy, how corporate-owned life insurance can strengthen a corporation's financial position, and why making money and managing capital require two completely different skills. If you've built a successful business and are now wondering what to do with the money it has created, this episode is for you. Subscribe for straight-talking Canadian financial insights, business-owner strategies, and conversations you won't hear from your bank. Check out our webinar on infinite banking: https://shorturl.at/k1V89 Show notes: 00:00 - Why Successful Business Owners Become Bankers 01:55 - How Banks Actually Make Their Money 05:11 - The Evolution of a Successful Business Owner 07:11 - You May Already Be Building a Banking System 09:00 - The Problem With Trapped Corporate Capital 10:48 - Infinite Banking as a Capital Management Strategy 13:17 - Using Life Insurance as a Corporate Asset 15:01 - Getting Wealth Out of Your Corporation 17:20 - The Questions Wealthy Entrepreneurs Ask 19:20 - The Lesson Banks Have Been Teaching Us FIND US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound _ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

August 6, 2026Episode 26748 min

How Seaweed Helped Build a Skincare Business in Rural Newfoundland | The Story of 7 Fathoms Seaweed Skin Care

Courtney and Terrence Howell didn't move to rural Newfoundland because it was the easiest place to build a business. They moved there because it was where they wanted to build their life. After meeting while teaching English in South Korea, the couple eventually settled in Grates Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. With backgrounds in anthropology and fine arts, they launched an art and tourism business before transforming an old school into a Cajun-Creole fusion restaurant. Then a walk along the beach changed everything. Terrence, who has lived with Crohn's disease for most of his life, was dealing with serious irritation around his medical appliance. After handling a piece of local seaweed and noticing an unexpected change in his skin, he and Courtney began exploring how its naturally occurring bioactive compounds could be extracted and preserved. That discovery eventually became 7 Fathoms Seaweed Skin Care. In this Entrepreneurial Spotlight, Courtney and Terrence join Darren to discuss building a business in rural Newfoundland, finding their earliest customers, working with scientific researchers, sustainably harvesting seaweed, appearing on Dragons' Den and preparing 7 Fathoms for its next stage of growth. Learn more about 7 Fathoms Seaweed Skin Care: https://www.7fathomsseaweedskincare.ca/ Follow Control & Compound for more conversations about Canadian business, entrepreneurship, investing and building lasting wealth. Show notes: 00:00 - From Seaweed to a Growing Skincare Company 01:15 - Meet Courtney and Terrence Howell 02:02 - Choosing a Life in Rural Newfoundland 03:14 - Starting Their First Business 04:04 - Building a Restaurant at the End of the Road 06:25 - Terrence's Journey With Crohn's Disease 08:59 - The Walk on the Beach That Changed Everything 11:15 - Turning a Personal Discovery Into a Product 13:43 - When Customers Started Calling 15:44 - The Scientist Who Walked Into Their Restaurant 19:01 - Why Entrepreneurial "Luck" Isn't Really Luck 19:19 - Discovering the Science Inside Newfoundland Seaweed 22:09 - Navigating the Difficult Years 25:00 - Raising a Family While Building a Business 27:07 - Scaling From Rural Newfoundland 31:05 - Harvesting Seaweed Sustainably 36:19 - Making It Onto Dragons' Den 38:53 - Preparing for the Dragons' Den Effect 41:37 - The Biggest Myth About Entrepreneurship 45:23 - Curiosity, Courage and Giving Back 45:51 - Where to Find 7 Fathoms Check out our webinar on infinite banking: https://shorturl.at/k1V89 FIND US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound _ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

August 3, 2026Episode 26842 min

Trump's 50% Tariffs, a Falling Loonie & the Gordie Howe Bridge Deal

The Bank of Canada says the Canadian economy is beginning to improve, inflation has fallen to 2.8%, the TSX has reached another all-time high and Canadian consumers continue to spend. So why does the economic outlook still feel so uncertain? In the August 2026 Economic Update, Darren and Christina break down the proposed 50% U.S. tariffs on certain Canadian products, the latest movement in the Canadian dollar, what's driving the Canadian and American stock markets, and why major institutions continue buying Bitcoin. They also examine the growing disconnect between the federal government's promise to build 500,000 homes annually and CMHC's forecast that Canadian housing starts will decline over the next several years. Darren also digs into the newly opened Gordie Howe International Bridge, why the project is great news for Canadian trade and the unanswered questions surrounding the revised revenue-sharing agreement with the United States. Plus, they discuss the difference between mortgage insurance and personally owned term insurance, Manulife's growing use of AI, Control & Compound's new Instagram account and the episodes coming in August. *** Follow the new official Control & Compound Instagram account: @controlandcompound_ Show notes: 00:00 - Canada's August Economic Update 03:54 - Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rates 06:42 - Inflation Falls but Groceries Keep Rising 08:15 - What's Pushing Down the Canadian Dollar? 10:30 - The TSX Outpaces the S&P 500 15:02 - Bitcoin Rebounds as Institutions Keep Buying 18:54 - Canada's Housing Market Begins to Stabilize 20:55 - The Government Promised 500,000 Homes a Year 23:13 - The Gordie Howe Bridge Is Officially Open 25:42 - Questions About the Revised Bridge Agreement 30:38 - Trump's Proposed 50% Tariffs 32:34 - Some Positive News for Canada's Economy 34:36 - Term Insurance Versus Mortgage Insurance 37:04 - How Manulife Is Using AI 39:07 - Control & Compound's New Instagram Account 41:18 - Recent Episodes and What's Coming in August FIND US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound _ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

July 27, 2026Episode 26723 min

How Michele Romanow Went From Selling Caviar to Building a Billion-Dollar Company

Check out our webinar for business owners: https://hub.controlandcompound.com/business-masterclass-webinar-replay Michele Romanow didn't build her wealth by chasing a bigger salary. She built companies, retained ownership and used each success to create her next opportunity. In this financial autopsy, Darren and Christina examine how the Dragons' Den investor went from launching a caviar company in New Brunswick to building businesses such as Buytopia, SnapSaves and Clearco. More importantly, they break down the financial pattern that continued throughout her career. You'll learn why ownership can create wealth differently than income, how skills and relationships compound alongside money, why entrepreneurs should think carefully before giving away equity and how successful business owners eventually make the transition from operator to investor. Michele's journey is a Canadian success story—but the principles behind it can be applied by business owners everywhere. Show notes: 00:00 The Financial Autopsy of Michele Romanow 01:19 - Why Michele's Story Is Different 03:50 - Meeting Michele Romanow 04:44 - The Story Before Dragons' Den 05:01 - Building a Caviar Business From Scratch 06:44 - Entrepreneurship Is About Finding Answers 08:33 - How Michele Romanow Built Her Wealth 09:03 - Why Ownership Matters More Than Income 10:22 - Turning One Success Into the Next 11:39 - The Business Problem That Inspired Clearco 12:16 - Why Founders Give Away Ownership 13:18 - Capital Without Giving Away Equity 14:22 - Control, Capital and Financial Flexibility 16:04 - Five Lessons From Michele Romanow 16:27 - Your First Business Isn't Your Forever Business 16:53 - Skills Can Compound Faster Than Money 17:28 - Protecting Your Ownership and Equity 18:26 - Making the Shift From Operator to Investor 19:30 - The Work Behind the Success 21:24 - Final Thoughts FIND US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound _ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

July 20, 2026Episode 26625 min

Canada's $50 Billion EV Gamble: What Happens Now?

Check out our webinar for business owners: https://hub.controlandcompound.com/business-masterclass-webinar-replay Canada set out to become an electric vehicle superpower. Governments backed the strategy with up to $52.5 billion in support, automakers announced massive projects, and the expectation was that jobs, exports and an entirely new Canadian supply chain would follow. Since then, demand has fallen short of early projections, trade tensions have changed the market and some of the country's biggest EV projects have been paused or suspended. In this episode of Control and Compound, Darren and Christina break down the economic and environmental arguments behind Canada's EV strategy, the assumptions the plan depended on, what happened to Honda's proposed $15 billion Ontario EV supply chain, and why Canada is now allowing up to 49,000 Chinese EVs into the country annually. Was the vision wrong, or did the government try to force the future before consumers and the market were ready? Darren also explains why this story is about much more than cars; it's about who carries the risk when governments make massive industrial bets with taxpayer money. Show notes: 0:00 - Canada's $50 billion EV gamble 2:50 - Canada's original EV superpower vision 3:36 - Economic strategy or environmental policy? 7:01 - The business owner test 8:19 - Did government force the future too quickly? 10:01 - What Canadian taxpayers committed 11:54 - Four assumptions behind the EV strategy 16:52 - What happened to Honda's $15 billion project? 18:18 - Chinese EVs enter the Canadian market 20:27 - Four ways this could play out 21:25 - The bigger issue beyond electric vehicles FIND US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound _ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

July 13, 2026Episode 26027 min

If You Died Tomorrow... Would Your Family Know What to Do?

Check out our webinar for business owners: https://hub.controlandcompound.com/business-masterclass-webinar-replay Most people think their family knows where everything is. The reality? They usually know pieces of the puzzle. If something happened to you tomorrow, would your spouse know where your will is? Your insurance policies? Your passwords? Your investments? Your business information? Your digital accounts? In this episode, Darren and Christina walk through the practical checklist every Canadian should have to make one of life's hardest moments a little easier for the people they love. Whether you're a parent, business owner, homeowner, or simply want to protect your family, this conversation could save your loved ones months—or even years—of confusion, stress, and unnecessary legal headaches. Topics include: Emergency binders Wills Executors Business succession Digital assets Life insurance Common-law considerations Estate planning mistakes Protecting your family If this episode helps you, share it with someone you care about. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 02:18 - Questions Every Family Should Answer 05:20 - Build Your Emergency Binder 10:22 - The Legacy One Client Left Behind 13:11 - What Happens Without A Will 20:10 - Choosing The Right Executor 22:17 - Business Owners Need A Different Plan 24:27 - One Hour That Could Change Everything FIND US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound _ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

July 9, 2026Episode 26442 min

Entrepreneurship, Resilience & Building a Global Company with Travis McDonough

Check out our webinar for business owners: https://hub.controlandcompound.com/business-masterclass-webinar-replay What does it really take to build a global company from Atlantic Canada? In this month's entrepreneurial spotlight, Darren sits down with entrepreneur Travis McDonough, founder of Kinduct and Wellnify, to explore the mindset, resilience, leadership, and relentless perseverance required to build one of Canada's most successful sports technology companies. From overcoming learning disabilities and competing as a national boxer to building a company trusted by more than 650 professional sports organizations, including teams across the NHL, NBA, MLB, and NFL, Travis shares the hard-earned lessons that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. He opens up about remortgaging his home to make payroll, navigating failure and uncertainty, scaling a startup, raising capital, leading high-performing teams, and ultimately selling Kinduct before launching his next mission-driven company, Wellnify. This conversation goes far beyond business. It's about developing habits that shape your future, finding purpose through entrepreneurship, building organizations that matter, and creating a lasting impact in your community. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, startup founder, executive, investor, or someone striving for personal growth, this episode is packed with practical insights on leadership, innovation, resilience, business growth, and the mindset required to build something extraordinary. In this episode: • Building a global tech company from Halifax, Nova Scotia • The entrepreneurial mindset behind long-term success • Leadership lessons from elite sports • How to build and scale high-performing teams • Overcoming adversity, failure, and rejection • Raising capital and growing a startup • The story behind Kinduct and Wellnify • Why habits determine your future • Innovation, community, and purpose-driven leadership If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Control & Compound for more conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and innovators who are shaping the future of business and wealth in Canada. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 01:03 - Learning Disabilities That Became Travis' Greatest Strength 05:09 - What Sports Taught Him About Entrepreneurship 07:24 - Building a Business from Scratch in Ireland 11:52 - How Kinduct Grew to 650 Professional Sports Teams 17:27 - Mortgaging the House to Keep the Company Alive 23:09 - Life After Selling Kinduct 26:21 - Why Travis Started Wellnify 36:06 - Building a Legacy That Matters 40:01 - "Build Stronger Fences, Not More Ambulances" FIND US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound _ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us FIND TRAVIS ON: LINKEDIN: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/travismcdonough WEBSITE: https://wellnify.ai/

July 6, 2026Episode 26342 min

The Hidden Crisis Facing Canada's Economy

Check out our webinar for business owners: https://hub.controlandcompound.com/business-masterclass-webinar-replay Canada has a problem... and it's bigger than inflation. On this month's economic update, Darren and Christina break down the hidden crisis facing Canada's economy: uncertainty. From interest rates and inflation to the falling Canadian dollar, housing, trade negotiations, business investment, and Canada's untapped natural resources, this update explains why so many Canadians feel like the official numbers don't match real life. They also cover what the uncertainty around the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement could mean for business owners, investors, jobs, wages, and the future of the Canadian economy. If you're trying to understand what's really happening in Canada right now — and how it could affect your money — this episode is worth watching. Subscribe for more Canadian financial education, economic updates, and strategies to help you take control of your money. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 00:40 - Bank of Canada Rate Decision 02:35 - Inflation Is Rising Again 04:00 - Canadian Dollar Hits One-Year Low 06:05 - Stock Market Update 08:05 - Bitcoin Drops Again 10:20 - Canadian Housing Market 11:35 - Government Buying Unsold Condos 16:10 - Canada's Biggest Opportunity 20:00 - The US Trade Deal Explained 24:55 - Why Business Investment Is Stalling 28:55 - China Trade Problems 32:15 - Life Insurance Industry Update 35:00 - Keyspire Summit 37:20 - Podcasts You May Have Missed 40:30 - Final Thoughts FIND US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound_ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/controlandcompound/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

June 29, 2026Episode 26225 min

The Retirement Trap: Why the Retirement Plan Canadians Were Sold Is Breaking

Check out our webinar for business owners: https://hub.controlandcompound.com/business-masterclass-webinar-replay For decades, Canadians were told retirement was simple: ✔ Pay off your mortgage ✔ Max out your RRSP ✔ Collect CPP and OAS ✔ Retire comfortably. But that plan was built for a completely different Canada. In this episode, Darren and Christina explain why inflation, taxation, government policy, and longevity are changing retirement forever—and why accumulating assets alone is no longer enough. They break down: Why retirement has become a control problem instead of a savings problem The hidden inflation most retirees underestimate The RRSP "tax bet" almost nobody understands How government policy can completely change your retirement plan Why wealthy Canadians focus on flexibility instead of simply accumulating more money How tax diversification creates more retirement options Where participating whole life insurance fits into a long-term wealth strategy If you're relying solely on traditional retirement advice, this episode may completely change how you think about building wealth. Subscribe for weekly episodes covering Canadian wealth building, Infinite Banking, tax strategies, investing, entrepreneurship, and financial freedom. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 01:49 - The retirement formula Canadians grew up believing 03:29 - Inflation, taxes and why retirement is different today 04:58 - The shocking effect of inflation over 30 years 07:56 - Why taxes destroy more wealth than investments 09:04 - The RRSP tax bet most Canadians don't realize they're making 11:05 - Hidden tax stacking in retirement 13:20 - Government policy risk and changing retirement rules 17:35 - How just 1% more taxation changes everything 19:19 - What wealthy Canadians do differently 20:40 - Why flexibility beats accumulation 22:30 - Building retirement options instead of one strategy 24:02 - Final thoughts FIND US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound _ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us