Maximize your return on money and life. Explore the intersection of money, relationships and purpose through curious & lively conversations with professionals, business leaders, authors and specialists. Join John Christianson, founder and CEO of Highland Private Wealth Management, to gain insight and inspiration for connecting your money to a life of meaning and purpose.
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April 7, 202552 min
Finding Joy in Possibility: A Living Fully Conversation with John Bigelow of JM Cellars
In this episode of Living Fully Conversations, John Bigelow, owner of JM Cellars, shares how he left a thriving tech career to become an award-winning winemaker. He opens up about the power of embracing simplicity, the unexpected advantage of a little naivety, and the pivotal moments that led him to a more purpose-driven life.
John’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passion. From bold risks to surprising successes, his story offers inspiration—and practical wisdom—for anyone seeking a life fully lived.
July 15, 202424 min
Want to Experience “Unscripted Magic”? Let Jennifer Zinda Show You How.
Seattle resident Jennifer Zinda has always loved having adventures in the mountains, especially with her children, and when her son suggested that it had always been her dream to live in a mountain town, she decided to finally make this dream a reality. Jennifer, who is a people person and a self-proclaimed “joy seeker,” was admittedly a bit nervous about spending six weeks on her own, living and skiing in Park City, Utah. Would she be able to find community and connect with locals?
In this Living Fully Conversation, Jennifer shares her journey of pursuing a dream, overcoming fear in the process, and why she has no regrets. She describes how opening herself up to “unscripted magic”— serendipitous moments that aren't planned but happen when you take a small step toward what you want – has become a way of life. Her advice is simple: start somewhere, take a first step, then ride the wave of joy that follows. Listen now to Jennifer's conversation with John and be inspired to take your own steps toward making a dream come true, through living fully.
July 2, 202421 min
Tom Douglas and Betting on Dreams
In this inspiring conversation with James Beard award-winning chef and renowned Seattle restaurateur, Tom Douglas, you’ll hear about his journey to elevate Northwest cuisine in Seattle, starting with his first restaurant, the Dahlia Lounge which aspired to marry an innovative and elevated menu with warm, informal hospitality. Tom's 35-year journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From a single restaurant, his enterprise has grown to include multiple dining establishments, a farm, a catering division, and a product line, along with three best-selling cookbooks. Yet, through all the growth, the essence of his business remains unchanged – serving delicious food with gracious hospitality.
In this Living Fully Conversation, John and Tom discuss the art of taking risks and betting on oneself for success, the vital role of community during times of adversity, and the roller-coaster ride of the restaurant business. Be inspired by Tom’s story of perseverance, dreaming big, and empowering others to chase their dreams.
About Tom Douglas:
Tom Douglas is a celebrated Seattle chef, restaurateur, author, and radio talk show host. He earned the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Northwest Chef in 1994 and was named Best Restaurateur by the James Beard Foundation in 2012. His book, Tom Douglas' Seattle Kitchen, was honored as the Best American Cookbook in 2001. Tom and his team continue to champion Northwest cuisine and exceptional hospitality with unwavering dedication.
March 15, 202421 min
Family Finance Fix: Supporting Adult Kids
In this episode, John and his wife, Kelle, speak with two Highland advisors and certified Wealth Confidants, Kyle Thomas and Colleen Kroeger, about how to best approach providing financial assistance to their adult children. In this conversation key questions are raised and addressed: How do you provide financial help in a way that is equitable among your children? How do you ensure you are helping your kids in such a way so that it is good for the kids, for you and your relationship? What is the best way to help them given the financial and family dynamics? Get insights on how to make smart decisions when it comes to supporting your adult children financially. You’ll get tangible ideas for navigating these decisions and learn how Highland helps clients think about the big picture, understand their true financial options and consider the best course forward based on what will serve the family as a whole.
January 8, 202435 min
Maximizing Your Return on Midlife
Throughout life, you’re often warned about the downsides of middle age— bodies and brains change, social circles shift, and ageism can rear its head at work. It's no wonder many approach this phase with dread or fear. But what if you viewed this stage in life not as a crisis, but as a "chrysalis"? In this conversation, John speaks with New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and CEO of the Modern Elder Academy, Chip Conley about the idea that midlife is a transformative journey brimming with new purpose and unexplored possibilities. Chip shares insights from his new book, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age (http://tinyurl.com/lovemidlife) offering an alternative narrative to the way people commonly think of middle age, which is defined as the time between 35-75 years of age. John and Chip also spotlight the pivotal role financial advisors can play during this stage of your life. When advisors step into the role of coach, or what we refer to as a Wealth Confidant, they can help you connect your money to what matters most in life and help you take a holistic view of wealth. No matter where you are in your midlife journey, this conversation will inspire you to find joy, purpose, and success in the years ahead and maximize your return on midlife.
John is giving away signed copies of Chip’s new book to 5 lucky winners - sign up to receive the Living Fully newsletter here to enter: highlandprivate.com/living-fully.html
About Chip Conley:
At 26, Chip Conley founded what became the second largest boutique hotel brand in America. Twenty-four years later he sold his company and joined Airbnb as the in-house “modern elder” to the three young founders. Today he is CEO of the Modern Elder Academy, with a campus in Baja California Sur and two forthcoming locations in Santa Fe, NM. He is a popular keynote speaker and a New York Times bestselling author.
Never miss an episode. Follow Living Fully Conversations here: https://pod.link/1231103056
December 7, 202346 min
Caring for Our Elders: A Heartfelt Guide
In this conversation, John speaks with Lisa Mayfield, founder of Aging Wisdom, a provider of senior care services & management in the greater Seattle & Bellevue areas about the challenges faced by the "sandwich generation" – individuals in their forties and fifties who are simultaneously caring for aging parents and raising their own children. Topics include resistance to help, the burden of care amidst work and family, planning for our own aging, the role of professional care managers, the cost of care, and preserving relationships. Get insights on how to navigate the complexities of caring for an elderly loved one, and learn about the resources to help you provide the best care possible while maintaining your own well-being in the process.
December 5, 202338 min
Reimagining Generosity: A Life-Changing Act of Kindness
Generosity is often a secret and untapped joy creator. When we use our talents, resources and energy to make an impact in our world, we all thrive. And the truth is, everyone can do something, big or small – it all contributes to the wellbeing of our community. Jeff Piha, a CPA at Sweeney Conrad, experienced his own journey of generosity which led him to donate blood marrow to a boy he didn’t know: “There are little things we can all do to make a difference, and we should try to find those opportunities because we’re all lucky in some way. Every single one of us has something we can do. You can change people’s lives, you can make things better.”
Listen to an interview with Jeff to learn more about his experience, which may inspire your own journey of generosity. Read more at www.highlandprivate.com/blogs/insight/listen-how-a-prominent-cpa-saved-a-child-he-didnt-know-and-it-reshaped-his-view-of-what-it-means-to-be-generous
December 5, 202344 min
The Powerful Role of Family Storytelling
Did you know that one of the most powerful things you can do for your family is quite simple? Develop a strong family narrative by telling stories.
In this interview between John and Dr. Marshall Duke, a professor of psychology at Emory University, you’ll learn about the impact of sharing family stories in order to build resilience in children. You may have seen Dr. Duke featured on Good Morning America, in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and other prominent media outlets.
Read more at www.highlandprivate.com/blogs/insight/listen-maximize-your-return-on-your-summer-vacation-questions-to-prompt-meaningful-family-storytelling
December 5, 202336 min
Nurturing Empathy in Kids
A conversation between John Christianson, CEO and Founder of Highland Private Wealth Management and Dr. Michele Borba, one of the foremost authorities on child development. Dr. Borba is the best-selling author of UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in an All About-Me World, and more recently, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine. An educational psychologist and internationally recognized educator and speaker, she appears regularly on NBC’s Today Show as an expert on character and social-emotional development, bullying prevention and other parenting topics.
During their conversation, John and Dr. Borba explore the relationship between privilege and empathy, what makes us altruistic and what doesn’t, and how putting the emphasis on grades rather than empathy can actually be detrimental to your child’s success in the future. They discuss wealth and abundance issues, along with thoughts on where we are going as a culture in terms of raising strong, caring leaders.
Read more at www.highlandprivate.com/blogs/insight/how-to-build-empathy-in-kids-in-a-world-of-abundance, and visit www.micheleborba.com for more about Michele's work.
November 28, 20231 min
Introducing: Living Fully Conversations
Explore the intersection of money, relationships and purpose through curious & lively conversations with professionals, business leaders, authors and specialists. Join John Christianson, founder and CEO of Highland Private Wealth Management, to gain insight and inspiration for connecting your money to a life of meaning and purpose.
Let us know what you'd like to hear on the show by emailing john@highlandprivate.com.
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