Best Higher Learning Productions LLC Podcasts (2025)

1
The Employee Benefits Advisory Opportunity: Why Small Businesses Need Your Help 50:22

Play Pause

4d ago50:22

50:22

Small businesses offering 401(k) plans see 40% lower employee turnover in the first year, yet only 10% receive benefits guidance from their accountants. Justin Kurn explains how Dark Horse CPAs identifies the right triggers, such as growing staff or high turnover, to initiate benefits conversations. Meanwhile, Julia Miller from Gusto breaks down ho…

1
Why Historical Cost Accounting Is Broken (And What Could Fix It) 50:30

11d ago50:30

50:30

What if the foundation of financial accounting is fundamentally flawed? Tom Selling, author of The Accounting Onion blog, argues that historical cost accounting creates a "truth in labeling problem" that allows management to manipulate earnings while failing to capture economic reality. Through compelling examples from oil and gas, pharmaceuticals,…

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The $400 Million Question: Should Congress Eliminate the PCAOB? 50:13

26d ago50:13

50:13

What happens when Congress votes to eliminate the watchdog that's overseen public company audits for two decades? In this episode, Blake Oliver sits down with three leading accounting academics—Maureen McNichols from Stanford, Nemit Shroff from MIT, and Daniel Aobdia from Penn State—to examine the research behind the PCAOB's effectiveness and what …

1
Why CPAs Must Be 2.7x More Productive by 2035 (And How to Get There) 51:22

1M ago51:22

51:22

What if private equity could transform accounting firms without sacrificing their independence? David Wurtzbacher, founder of Ascend, shares how his "anti-rollup" model allows firms to maintain their identities while accessing enterprise-level resources. Discover why transitioning firm leaders from client work to true CEO roles unlocks explosive gr…

1
Beyond the Purchase: The Make-or-Break Integration Phase of Firm Acquisitions 48:35

2M ago48:35

48:35

What happens after the ink dries on an accounting firm acquisition? Michael Ly and Ashley Rhoden reveal why many buyers overinvest in the purchase but underinvest in the crucial integration phase. Drawing from their hard-won experiences—both successful and unsuccessful—they walk through how to develop a comprehensive 100-day integration plan that b…

1
Military Precision: How Veterans Can Solve the Accounting Talent Crisis 47:25

3M ago47:25

47:25

What if the solution to accounting's talent shortage has been hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Navy veteran Mark Steinhoff reveals how the precision required to maintain life support systems on submarines directly translates to accounting excellence. Having managed critical oxygen systems hundreds of feet underwater, Mark now applies that sa…

1
Behind the Numbers: The Truth About PCAOB Deficiency Rates 55:10

3M ago55:10

55:10

What if the numbers we use to measure audit quality are fundamentally flawed? PCAOB Board Member Christina Ho reveals why the headline-grabbing 46% deficiency rate in public company audits deserves serious scrutiny. In this candid conversation, Ho explains why smaller audit firms face disproportionate regulatory burdens, how the PCAOB's inspection …

1
How to Use AI to Analyze Data and Draft Financial Reports in Minutes 48:05

3M ago48:05

48:05

In this episode, Blake Oliver interviews Nicolas Boucher, one of LinkedIn's top finance thought leaders, who demonstrates how AI tools like ChatGPT and Python can dramatically accelerate financial data analysis and reporting while maintaining confidentiality. Nicolas shows how finance professionals can create instant analyses and dashboards, integr…

1
The Future of CPA Licensure: How Evolving Rules Could Impact Your Career 58:55

4M ago58:55

58:55

Join leaders from the Illinois, New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania state CPA societies as they explore recent and proposed CPA licensure changes. Discover the latest state-by-state updates, timelines, and resources you need to stay on track. We address the 150-hour rule, potential alternative pathways, and practical mobility and…

1
Beyond the Tax Hacks: Why Implementation Trumps Theory with Jasmine DiLucci 51:22

4M ago51:22

51:22

Ever wondered why there's so much questionable tax advice circulating on social media? In this eye-opening episode, Blake Oliver sits down with Jasmine DiLucci, a rare triple-threat professional - attorney, CPA, and enrolled agent with nearly 500,000 YouTube subscribers. Jasmine pulls back the curtain on why tax misinformation spreads like wildfire…

1
How CPAs Are Securing the Future of Digital Assets 53:55

6M ago53:55

53:55

Noah Buxton, CEO of The Network Firm, returns to continue the conversation on the evolving world of digital assets. Blake and Noah examine how digital assets have expanded beyond cryptocurrencies to include tokenized real-world assets like real estate and commodities. Noah explains how blockchain technology could revolutionize asset trading and own…

1
Bitcoin: Prudent Investment or Pricey Gamble? 57:20

6M ago57:20

57:20

Blake challenges guest Noah D. Buxton, Co-Founder and CEO of The Network Firm, to make the case for Bitcoin’s lasting value. They explore the nature of money, the complexities of digital scarcity, the inevitability of tokenized real-world assets, and the forces driving institutional interest in cryptocurrency. This candid exchange offers insights i…

1
Work Less, Earn More: Transforming Accounting into a Rewarding Career 1:04:02

7M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

Join Blake Oliver as he interviews Yuri Kapilovich, a CPA who's cracked the code on balancing work and life in accounting. Discover how Yuri maintains a thriving practice while working just 10-15 hours per week outside tax season and a maximum of 40 hours during crunch time. Learn actionable strategies for setting the right fees, optimizing workflo…

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Building a $200K Accounting Firm in Just 15 Hours a Week 1:03:23

8M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Erica Goode, CPA, reveals how she built a thriving $200K accounting firm working just 15 hours a week. Discover the power of niching, efficient processes, and work-life balance in this candid discussion. Erica will share her journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial success, offering practical insights on pricing strategies, time management…

1
Beyond Partnerships: Revolutionizing CPA Firms for the Modern Era 55:39

9M ago55:39

55:39

Join Ryan Spohn, CFO of Sikich, and host Blake Oliver to explore how modern CPA firms are revolutionizing the industry by abandoning the traditional partnership model. Discover innovative strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, including Sikich's alternative practice structure and novel performance metrics. Learn how firms shift from "t…

1
From SoCal to Tokyo: One CPA's Journey in International Tax 58:46

9M ago58:46

58:46

Join Blake Oliver for an interview with Eric Azevedo, a California CPA who has set up his own international tax practice in rural Japan. Discover how Eric leveraged his Japanese language skills to break into Tokyo's accounting scene and the unique challenges he faced. We'll delve into the complexities of international taxation, U.S. expat issues, a…

1
Integrating Wealth Management with Accounting Services 1:03:12

9M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

Join Blake Oliver as he interviews Kyle Walters, CPA firm partner and wealth manager at Atlas Wealth Advisors. Despite not being a CPA himself, Kyle brings a fresh perspective to the accounting world. We'll explore: - The benefits of integrating wealth management and accounting services - How non-traditional backgrounds can lead to innovative appro…

1
Successfully Selling Your CAS Practice: Lessons from Industry Experts 1:00:47

10M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Join Blake Oliver for a conversation with Lynnette Oss Connell and Craig Connell as they share their real-life journey of selling their Client Accounting Services (CAS) firm to a larger regional CPA firm. This webinar will explore the complexities and challenges of transitioning a boutique practice into a larger organization. Gain valuable insights…

1
The Savannah Bananas' Playbook for Unconventional Business Growth 1:03:21

10M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Blake Oliver interviews Savannah Bananas CFO Tim Naddy to learn unconventional strategies for explosive business growth. Discover how this innovative sports entertainment team achieved a million-fan waitlist and sold out over 200 consecutive games. Tim will share insights on creating innovative revenue streams, developing fan-centric KPIs to drive …

1
How Taxes Shape Our Economy and Lives 55:54

11M ago55:54

55:54

Join Blake Oliver, CPA, and Scott Hodge, President Emeritus and Senior Policy Advisor at the Tax Foundation, for an engaging and insightful webinar that delves into the complexities of tax policy as discussed in Scott's new book, "Taxocracy." Discover how tax policies impact everyday expenses like housing, healthcare, and education, and learn surpr…

1
Our Favorite Government Frauds: An Interview with the Hosts of "Oh My Fraud" 59:43

11M ago59:43

59:43

Greg Kyte and Caleb Newquist of the Oh My Fraud podcast share their favorite government fraud cases they've covered on the Oh My Fraud podcast, including Rita Crundwell's $53 million municipal fraud in Dixon, Illinois, and Claudia Viles' $500,000 tax-collector fraud in Anson, Maine. They also examine the "Fat Leonard" Navy contracting fraud, Eddie …

1
Practical Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent in Accounting 1:04:21

12M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

Explore cutting-edge hiring solutions for accountancy firms with Robin Thieme, CEO and founder of KBS CFO, and industry expert Blake Oliver. Learn how work simulations provide a "try before you buy" approach, ensuring a better fit for the firm and the candidate. Discover the benefits of apprenticeship programs, which KBS CFO has successfully implem…

1
The Art of Challenging Property Tax Assessments 45:51

12M ago45:51

45:51

Blake discusses the intricacies of property tax assessments and appeals with Josh Malancuk, President and Founder of JM Tax Advocates. Josh explains how his firm helps businesses minimize their property tax liabilities by providing a more accurate market value for their properties, which often differs from the assessor's valuation. He walks through…

1
Achieving Work-Life Harmony in Accounting with The 3.3 Rule 48:08

1y ago48:08

48:08

John Briggs, founder of Incite Tax and author of "The 3.3 Rule" joins Blake to explain his approach to ending burnout in accounting while increasing productivity, which involves working for up to three hours followed by a 30% recovery period. They explore how this method can double productivity compared to the traditional 8-hour workday, and John p…

1
Building a Modern CPA Firm: A Revolutionary Approach with Alan Whitman 1:04:18

1y ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Kick-start a new era in accountancy with Alan Whitman, the former CEO of Baker Tilly US. Using his invaluable experience as a CEO for nearly 8 years, Alan will share novel insights on transforming traditional CPA firms into modern, sustainable, and innovative powerhouses. This session delves into people development, strategic growth, service models…

1
How to Sell Your Accounting Firm 57:28

1y ago57:28

57:28

Thinking of selling your practice? Join us as serial acquirer Michael Ly shares an insider’s guide to preparing, pricing & selling your accounting firm. Learn how to value your firm for maximum sale price, find the right buyer, negotiate win-wins, protect clients through transition, and structure creative deals - whether nearing retirement or just …

1
The 5 Apps You Need In Your Accounting Firm 56:58

1y ago56:58

56:58

In an era where the right software can make or break your accounting firm, choosing the right apps is essential. In this webinar, Blake Oliver, CPA, draws on his experience as a firm founder to guide you through the essential software that will streamline your operations, upgrade your client experience, and drive future growth. This session is desi…

1
Navigating the Identity Crisis in the CPA Profession 1:00:10

1y ago1:00:10

1:00:10

The CPA profession faces an identity crisis, with challenges in the candidate pipeline, non-attest services' role, and CPE's effectiveness. This webinar explores the impact of the fifth-year requirement, the value of consulting services, the need for engaging CPE, and the use of the CPA designation in non-traditional roles. Join our expert panel as…

1
Making Audit Matter Again: The Future of Assurance 54:40

1y ago54:40

54:40

Audit is at a crossroads. Commoditization and compliance mentalities have diminished its value. Now, auditors face an existential crisis. How can assurance stay relevant? Join Alan Anderson and Blake Oliver as they tackle pressing questions on audit's failure to innovate and chart a new direction focused on value-added assurance. You’ll get a dynam…

1
How Expat Clients Can Legally Slash Their Tax Bill 54:53

1+ y ago54:53

54:53

Do you have clients living or working abroad who could save big on their taxes? In this episode, expat tax specialist Vincenzo Villamena outlines creative strategies US citizens overseas can use to legally reduce their tax burden. Learn how your expat clients can exclude $120,000 in foreign earned income, set up offshore corporate structures to cut…

1
Growing More 250 24:33

1+ y ago24:33

24:33

Talking to my dawg Fred aka 250. On our past days hanging out and where he is at currently in life. Movies and other business ventures.

1
Hollywood Accounting: A CPA's Journey Into Entertainment 59:44

1+ y ago59:44

59:44

Blake’s conversation with Kendale King, CPA, gives an insider’s view into the intriguing world of entertainment finance. Kendale shares his transition from Big Four auditor to accounting for multi-million dollar studio deals. You’ll see a new side of accounting blending creativity with business strategy. Gain insight into entertainment studios’ com…

1
The Future of QuickBooks 58:43

1+ y ago58:43

58:43

(Originally recorded on February 15, 2024 on Earmark Webinars+) Hector and Blake recount a brief history of QuickBooks Desktop vs QuickBooks Online through the end of 2023, the state of Intuit’s current offers and posturing in the market, and where they think QuickBooks is moving into for 2024 and beyond. Chapters (01:11) - Hector's Journey: From T…

1
How AI is Transforming and Disrupting Audit 56:50

1+ y ago56:50

56:50

Rob Valdez joins Blake to discuss how artificial intelligence and generative chatbots like ChatGPT could automate routine audit tasks. They also explore the potential to train staff more effectively, save significant time on substantive testing, draft higher quality work, and some challenges around adopting these tools, such as security fears, poor…

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Episode 89: Naming Your Podcast, Part 2 with Johnny Pyka (Podcasting 102) 36:54

1+ y ago36:54

36:54

Considering a rebranding of your show? Well, that starts with the name. So, what’s in a name? Well, in podcasting… it turns out there’s a LOT. So, my Pro Podcasting Peer Guest, Johnny Pyka and I are going to dive deeper into naming your podcast–starting first by debating whether the name should just say exactly what your show is about, versus going…

1
Solving Accounts Payable Pain Points with MakersHub 48:49

1+ y ago48:49

48:49

Phong Ngo and Charley Howe join Blake to discuss how their accounts payable automation software is helping small and mid-sized manufacturers, construction companies, and other businesses capture detailed invoice data to enable precise job costing and reporting without expensive ERP implementations. Learn how starting with solving the accounts payab…

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Episode 88: Your Sponsorship Sales with Nicole Walker (Podcasting 102) 39:10

1+ y ago39:10

39:10

Is your roadmap to sponsorship sales still fraught with fog? Let’s clarify the path for you! My guest Pro Podcasting Peer today is Nicole Walker of WinHers United. She is an award-winning podcaster, international speaker, sponsorship strategist, and women’s empowerment advocate. Nicole has been named a Top 50 Mom in Podcasting, a 2020 Top Influence…

1
From Public Accounting to Tech Unicorn IPOs With Brandt Kucharski 1:02:46

1+ y ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Blake chats with Brandt Kucharski, former chief accounting officer at GrubHub and current CAO at Ethos Life, about his career journey from public accounting to leading startups through IPOs. They discuss Brandt's pivotal role in taking GrubHub public as one of the first "unicorn" startups, the process of scaling accounting teams and controls, nonpr…

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Harness the Power of AI: Practical Uses for Accountants 1:00:02

1+ y ago1:00:02

1:00:02

On this bonus episode Blake explores how artificial intelligence will transform the accounting profession. You'll learn how leading AI tools and chatbots can help automate routine tasks, freeing you up to focus on more strategic, higher-value services. He'll also walk through real-world examples of using AI for document analysis, tax research, corr…

1
Overcoming Burnout to Create a Sustainable Accounting Practice 59:28

1+ y ago59:28

59:28

Hitendra R. Patil joins Blake for an insightful conversation about the staffing shortage in the accounting profession, identifying overwork and lack of work-life balance as key issues causing high burnout rates. They explore potential solutions like dropping the billable hour model, measuring impact rather than hours worked, outsourcing certain tas…

1
The Young CPA Perspective on the Talent Shortage 1:03:24

1+ y ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Blake is joined by two "Young" CPAs, Hannah Hood, and Joey Kinney, both virtual CFOs with Summit Virtual CFO by Anders. Among the topics of discussion are challenges for young accountants including low starting salaries, lack of flexibility and career path at traditional firms, the value of remote work, and the need for more women leaders and work-…

1
How Logan Graf Built a Dream Firm in Three Years 1:10:09

1+ y ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Rising CPA star Logan Graf joins Blake to discuss his success in growing a profitable firm in just three years. Logan shares his unique transparent approach, how he rapidly increases his pricing year over year, and how he structures productized service packages to maximize profits. Blake and Logan talk about automating the client onboarding process…

1
Jody Grunden's $10 Million Secret: Weekly Client Meetings 1:07:15

1+ y ago1:07:15

1:07:15

Jody Grunden, the founder of Summit CPA Group, was a trailblazer in establishing one of the first CPA firms specializing in virtual CFO services. They recently achieved an impressive $10 million in revenue. What propelled Jody's success? The key lies in his commitment to regular client meetings. In this enlightening discussion, Jody unveils his str…

1
Out of the safe 12:10

1+ y ago12:10

12:10

Gonna make you laugh

1
Accounting Firm Marketing In The Era of Generative AI 51:07

1+ y ago51:07

51:07

David Toth of Winding River Consulting joins Blake to examine how digital marketing and AI are disrupting accounting firm marketing. They also look at how innovative firms use marketing automation, CRMs, and content marketing to generate leads and close deals from their websites. Sponsor Check out our Sponsor LiveFlow — Advanced Financial Reporting…

1
From Auditor to Google: How Mike Manalac Landed His Dream Job in Accounting 59:04

1+ y ago59:04

59:04

Mike Manalac, AKA "Mike from Accounting," joins the show to share his inspiring career journey and unconventional path from public accounting to a dream role at Google. Despite accounting stereotypes, Mike crafted his adventurous route to his ideal job. He opens up about hustling into big tech, regrouping after rejection, taking calculated risks, a…

1
Becoming Employee-Owned: How BDO Broke Out of the Partner Model 51:22

1+ y ago51:22

51:22

Wayne Berson, CEO of BDO USA, joins Blake and guest host, David Leary, to discuss BDO's recent transition to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), making it the first major accounting firm to implement an ESOP structure. They discuss how the ESOP aims to attract and retain talent in the accounting profession and provide employees at all levels w…

1
An Alternative To Advisory: Collaborative Accounting 52:37

1+ y ago52:37

52:37

Blake is joined by Twyla Verhelst, Head of Accountant Channel at FreshBooks, to discuss a groundbreaking concept in advisory known as "Collaborative Accounting." This innovative approach aims to enhance collaboration between accountants and clients by providing a platform for efficient financial management. They delve into various aspects of this n…

1
Soft Skills, Not Spreadsheets: Keys to a Successful Accounting Career 1:00:11

2y ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Jerry Maginnis has over 40 years of experience in the accounting profession. In this episode, he shares his journey from college student to managing partner at KPMG, offering advice to young accountants on how to build a successful career. Jerry emphasizes the importance of soft skills like communication, empathy, and relationship-building, arguing…

1
From Felon to Firm Owner: An Unconventional Path in Accounting 1:07:06

2y ago1:07:06

1:07:06

Think the pathway to owning an accounting firm is linear? Think again. In this episode, Blake has a fascinating conversation with Scott “OKR” Scarano, an accounting firm owner with an unconventional background. Before becoming a successful firm owner, Scott started dealing drugs, got kicked out of UNC, and ended up with a felony conviction. But wit…