On this episode I sit down with my Papaw, Gordon Cripe, as he discusses his life story. Papaw was born in Rossville, Indiana, a small farmtown outside of Lafayette, Indiana. We discuss his roots on the farm and earliest memories of working with his dad and grandpa out in the fields and with livestock.

Papaw is a proud Purdue alumni, where he completed his undergraduate degree. Papaw's roots on the farm never left him as he went back to Purdue to pursue his Doctorate of Veterinarian Medicine. We transition to his 25+ year career co-owning and operating a Veterinarian clinic in Hartford City, Indiana with his wife, Sandy.

Along the way Papaw tells a varieties of stories that capture his kind hearted spirit and people-first mentality. At every step of the way, Papaw established long-lasting relationships, whether with his Farm House friends, wife, or two daughters, that have kept him young and full of energy for the last 80 years. Papaw, thanks for allowing me to capture a small snapshot of your life and being the best grandpa I could ask for!

Timestamps

0:10 Introduction

3:45 Life Growing Up

9:34 Being an Only Child

14:00 Finding Close Friends as a Young Adult / Farm House Fraternity

21:00 Purdue / Sports in Papaw's Life

35:00 Meeting Sandy at Purdue / Choosing a Life Mate

40:50 Working at the Vet Clinic

50:50 Papaw's Favorite Job Stories / Evolution of Veterinarian Medicine

1:04:40 Papaw's Work Ethic / Shoe Story

1:09:00 Selling the Veterinarian Practice / Dustin

1:19:00 Newer Generations and Work Ethic

1:28:00 Importance of Where You're From / Family History

1:39:35 Life Post-Retirement

1:50:10 Faith in God

1:55:55 Takeaways and Tears

1:58:55 The Changes From 1945 - Now

Alex Dilkovski is a junior at Indiana University studying Finance and Real Estate. Alex and I discuss his transition to the United States from Bulgaria when he was 12 years old. Through some hilarious and inspiring stories, Alex highlights how his Bulgarian roots influence the man he is today.

Alex's unique thought process was put to test after he narrowly escaped a deadly fire in the Spring of 2023. Tune in to hear more of Alex's story and how his background prepared him for dire situations!


0:00 Intro
0:30 Alex's Accent
3:45 Bulgarian culture
7:10 Day in the life in Bulgaria
12:10 Background to the Old Montreal Fire
22:35 Escaping the Old Montreal Fire
40:10 Takeaways from the fire
45:40 Conclusion

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Old_Montreal_fire

Andrew Marasco is a 19-year old student at Indiana University studying finance. Andrew owns and operates Matrice Capital - a hedge fund with over $1.1 million AUM. Andrew and I talk about his complex understanding of markets, his investment strategy for 2024, and the "why" of Matrice Capital.

Tune in and learn about value investing from one of the youngest hedge fund managers in the United States!

0:00 Wise words
0:58 Intro to Matrice Capital
5:35 Matrice mission in 2024
8:59 What differentiates Matrice
15:55 How many people work for Matrice Capital?
24:12 Life beyond the business
29:10 "Cloning" others
33:30 Takeaways and conclusion

Ryan Kerrigan is a student at Indiana University studying at the Kelley School of Business. His life before college was spent juggling a variety of jobs, working hard in the classroom, and eventually competing in an Ironman triathlon race.

Ryan discusses his mentality for attacking what many would call "unrealistic" goals. Listen in and become inspired by Ryan's will to do the impossible!

Timestamps

0:00 Intro
1:18 Ironman
8:15 Ol' man grabbing ankles
9:15 Spirituality in ultra events
11:40 Future goals for Ryan
17:00 Greasers and Die Hard
20:30 Conclusion

Mira Solomon is a Jewish American who recently spent her Summer in Israel, prior to the Israel-Hamas war. We discuss modern day anti-semitism, the history of anti-semitism, and Mira's current experience working with an Israeli start-up company. Mira details the trials her co-workers have faced and her unrelenting journey in supporting them.

Timestamps

0:00 Intro
0:40 Israel culture / Summer Internship
5:43 Communication differences / Clubbing on Shabbat
10:52 Staying present
13:08 Israel-Hamas War on Mira's life, job, and family
17:56 Lack of contribution to war efforts / Guilt
23:08 Rightful claim of the "holy land"?
28:57 Dancing / Ballet
33:52 Conclusion

Tokelo Makepe is an economic consulting major at Indiana University. He is originally from Botswana, Africa. We discuss his transition to the college American life and his ultimate ambition of holding high political office back in Botswana. Enjoy!

Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:00 Trials coming to America / Little 500 race
8:00 Comparison of Botswana / America
13:12 Economic consulting projects
18:41 Political plan and ambition
24:00 Life fulfillment in politics. Is it possible?
29:18 Conclusion

Conversation with serial entrepreneur and friend Izzy Branam. We discuss his first ventures as an entrepreneur and the mental will it takes to be an entrepreneur. Enjoy!

Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
3:28 Izzy as music producer
10:00 Leveraging contacts
11:42 Second venture
16:00 Imposter syndrome in life
19:16 Mental health as an entrepreneur
25:12 The Big Question

Kevin Gadd and I, Ethan Woodworth, discuss 9 life lessons that Kevin has learned throughout his life. As Kevin is nearly three times older than myself, he provides a new perspective that isn't limited to simply growing up in your parents' house.

Timestamps
0:00 Intro
2:00 Lesson #1
3:26 Lesson #2
8:30 Lesson #3
12:57 Lesson #4
15:42 Lesson #5
20:00 Lesson #6
27:02 Lesson #7
31:49 Lesson #8
36:15 Lesson #9


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The Stoic Sapling


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