Episode 149

On this week’s episode of Next Mile, I talk with Ben Carlson, Director of Institutional Asset Management at Ritholtz Wealth Management. Ben is the author of five books on investing, including his newest, Risk and Reward. He is also the creator of the blog A Wealth of Common Sense and co-host of the Animal Spirits podcast.

Ben and I discuss how content has become a powerful engine for growth, clarity, credibility, and connection. We explore the value of consistency, how to structure content for different generations, and why showing up to solve client problems before they even arise builds an enduring business. Ben also shares his perspective on why in-person connection still matters in a digital-first world and how AI is changing the advisor-client dynamic.

Key Takeaways

• Create before you're ready and keep going longer than feels comfortable. Most content starts in silence. The early phase, where no one is watching, is actually an advantage. It lets you refine your voice without pressure. Consistency compounds, even when feedback doesn't. 

• Make complexity understandable, not simplified. Clients don't need jargon. They need clarity. The ability to explain complex ideas in plain language is a competitive advantage, especially in industries built on trust.  

• You can't predict what will resonate. So, publish anyway. The best strategy isn't perfection. It's volume, variety, and consistency. 

• Play the long game with audience building. People don't convert overnight. They show up after years of listening, reading, and observing, often triggered by a life event. Content builds familiarity long before action. 

Quotes

"Whatever format you use for content, make sure it's something that you enjoy first and do it for yourself first and foremost before thinking about trying to build an audience or build a brand." ~ Ben Carlson

"You never really know what piece of content is going to resonate with someone. You never really know what will work and what will not. And that's why I think casting such a wide net is helpful." ~ Ben Carlson

"No piece of technology is ever going to help people get more comfortable with the 'Am I going to be okay' question. That's what everyone wants to know when they get advice." ~ Ben Carlson

Links

• Ben Carlson on LinkedIn

• Ritholtz Wealth Management

• Risk and Reward

• Michael Batnick

• Joshua Brown 

• Barry Ritholtz

• Matt Middleton

• Future Proof

• Band of Brothers

Connect with our hosts

• Milemarker.co

• Kyle on LinkedIn

• Jud on LinkedIn

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• YouTube

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If you’d like to schedule a time to talk with me about anything we cover on our podcast or Milemarker, click here for 15 minutes.

Kyle Van Pelt