In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha welcomes Dr. Shaan Patel, founder and CEO of Prep Expert and Shark Tank entrepreneur. Shaan shares his inspiring story of overcoming an average SAT score to achieve perfection, launch a successful test-prep business, and become a board-certified dermatologist. The discussion traverses his childhood in a budget motel, his parents' immigrant sacrifices, and the resilience that propelled him through rejection to success with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank. Shaan also explores entrepreneurship, telemedicine, and why standardized tests matter more now than ever.

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[00:00:00] The impact of asking children, "What do you want to do when you grow up?"

[00:01:16] Dr. Elisha's personal story about identity and completing med school

[00:04:03] Shaan Patel's upbringing in a motel and the value his immigrant parents placed on education

[00:05:17] Shaan’s initial struggles with standardized testing and journey to a perfect SAT score

[00:07:28] From book rejections to launching Prep Expert

[00:09:31] Growing Prep Expert during medical school breaks

[00:10:01] Lessons on empathy and education from Shaan’s childhood environment

[00:13:17] Dealing with rejection and embracing the underdog mentality

[00:15:00] Parental influence and leading by example

[00:20:56] Shaan's Shark Tank audition and securing a deal with Mark Cuban

[00:26:57] Insights into working with Mark Cuban

[00:28:56] What Prep Expert offers and the value of test preparation beyond exams

[00:31:29] Entrepreneurship as freedom versus residency constraints

[00:33:35] The risks and uncertainties of entrepreneurship

[00:37:09] The importance of prioritizing helping others over making money

[00:40:18] Are standardized tests valid measures of intelligence?

[00:41:30] How test preparation builds essential life skills

[00:44:31] The most important advice Shaan plans to give his child

[00:46:30] Balancing career, entrepreneurship, and family life

[00:51:18] Advice for healthcare providers considering entrepreneurship

In this episode of I’ll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with Ron Cukier, whose life story spans survival, loss, and renewal. Born to Holocaust survivors, Ron opens up about the deep family traumas that shaped him and the decades-long battle with alcohol and drugs that nearly cost him everything. He recounts how a wrong number led him to his wife, how hitting rock bottom saved his life, and why sobriety remains the foundation of his success. From faith and family to honesty about addiction, Ron’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of never giving up.

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[00:00:00] Introduction to Ron Cukier’s family background and Holocaust legacy

[00:01:09] The impact of generational trauma and survival stories

[00:02:43] Early childhood, faith, and growing up in Boyle Heights

[00:06:14] How Ron’s mother’s hope and faith kept her alive

[00:10:31] College life, privilege, and the seeds of addiction

[00:14:27] First experience with alcohol and early drinking stories

[00:18:12] Short-lived marriages and escaping through Europe

[00:26:00] Meeting Danielle through a wrong number call

[00:29:59] Addiction deepens and Danielle leaves

[00:33:06] Hitting rock bottom and entering rehab

[00:35:32] Detox, rehab lessons, and the turning point

[00:38:05] Finding community and support in meetings

[00:40:02] Staying sober and giving back to others

[00:42:01] Faith, a higher power, and rebuilding life

[00:48:58] Mentors, his mother’s influence, and life lessons

[00:50:52] Reflections on antisemitism and generational strength

[00:53:10] Final thoughts on speaking up, hope, and resilience

Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aab

In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with Brandt Kuhn, Managing Director and Partner at Beacon Pointe. Brandt shares how his early career was shaped by the 2008 financial crisis and what ultimately brought him back to the Coachella Valley. They explore the realities of financial planning, addressing everything from risk and taxes to fatherhood and the role of money in our mental wellbeing. Brandt unpacks financial myths seen on social media, explains the real impact of debt, and shares how his nonprofit work and family values shape his approach to money. This wide-ranging conversation blends grounded advice with reflections on community, resilience, and what it means to live a rich life.

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[00:00:28] Introduction of Brandt Kuhn and overview of his professional and personal background.

[00:02:08] Why Brandt returned to the Coachella Valley and started his financial planning career.

[00:04:05] Early influences and how a meeting with a financial advisor shaped his path.

[00:06:12] How becoming a father changed his financial priorities and planning approach.

[00:08:22] Common misconceptions about financial planning and the complexity of the system.

[00:12:14] Joseph Elisha reflects on the lack of financial education in medical school.

[00:16:21] Brandt's perspective on the anxiety caused by money and the importance of building margin.

[00:18:57] Thoughts on economic shifts, job security, and the need for adaptable education.

[00:20:29] Distinction between knowledge and service economies and the impact of automation.

[00:23:44] Brandt's view on rising labor costs, automation, and the evolving workforce.

[00:26:30] Financial myths on social media and concerns over 'get rich quick' content.

[00:29:18] Risk management in financial planning and adapting to client life stages.

[00:30:59] Trends in how the wealthy spend—on homes, experiences, and modest living.

[00:34:31] The generational shift toward lifestyle balance over endless work.

[00:38:28] How Brandt stays grounded amid managing hundreds of millions in assets.

[00:40:34] Brandt’s nonprofit work and its impact on his personal and professional values.

[00:42:51] Teaching kids about money and the realities of household budgeting.

[00:45:33] Financial myths and facts: markets, housing, and economic uncertainty.

[00:52:22] The role of hope and optimism in facing financial challenges.

[00:56:03] What defines a rich life for Brandt Kuhn—emphasis on time over wealth.

[00:57:27] Final insights on building real wealth and overcoming early investing fears.

Links:

Beacon Pointe Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1sYqRME1BlueSBz9BlG3eQ

Most recent Macro & Markets – May 2025 - https://youtu.be/GIGdwQc_EJk?si=ZoFT-FwEJkkcqdHW

Beacon Pointe Palm Desert Website - https://beaconpointe.com/contact-us/california-palm-desert/