In this episode, Mike Collette (Founder of Prototype Training Systems) sits down with Brendan Sheehan, owner of Waymark Wealth Management, to talk about navigating financial market volatility — and how our emotions can impact decision-making during uncertain times.

-Brendan shares valuable insights on:-How political views shape market perceptions

-Why market pullbacks are normal and expected-The importance of emotional control in investing

-Why staying consistent with your health & fitness routine is critical — especially during stressful times

This is a real-world conversation about money, mindset, and maintaining focus when things feel uncertain.Connect with Brendan SheehanWaymark Wealth

Managementhttps://waymarkwealth.com/

Learn more about Prototype Training Systemshttps://prototypetraining.com/

Topic: Market Volatility, Emotional Decision-Making, & Health

• (00:01 - 01:00)
  Mike Collette introduces Brendan Sheehan (Waymark Wealth Management) to discuss emotional decision-making during market volatility, not from a political or technical standpoint but human behavior and psychology.

• (01:00 - 03:26)
  Brendan highlights that people’s reaction to market downturns is largely emotional and often politically influenced — Democrats and Republicans perceive the economy differently depending on who is in office.

• (03:26 - 05:13)
  Market pullbacks (5-10%) happen about 3x per year, and 10-20% drops occur roughly once per year — this isn’t unprecedented. History shows crises come and go (9/11, 2008 crisis, COVID).

• (05:13 - 06:58)
  Emphasis on controlling emotions during volatility — avoid echo chambers of negativity (social media, like-minded friends). Routine and surrounding yourself with stable influences is crucial.

• (06:58 - 09:47)
  Fitness parallels: People tend to cut health and fitness expenses first during stress — but exercise, routine, and community support are essential antidotes to stress, anxiety, and poor decision-making.

• (09:47 - 13:56)
  Human behavior during market downturns mirrors fear responses (fight/flight). Selling investments during panic requires being "right twice" — timing exit and re-entry perfectly, which is rare.

• (13:56 - 16:53)
  Brendan uses active listening with clients — letting them vent first, then guiding them with calm logic and perspective to avoid irrational financial decisions.

• (16:53 - 19:57)
  Strategy for handling fear/anxiety: Seek more information before making brash decisions. Routine and positive community support can break negative thought cycles.

• (19:57 - 22:18)
  Final takeaway: Health, fitness, and community are “medicine” for uncertainty and emotional stress — maintaining your routine (especially gym/training) is key to resilience in volatile times.

• (22:43 - End)
  Contact info for Brendan Sheehan and Waymark Wealth Management is provided for those seeking financial guidance.

Thank you for checking out the Community Conversation, brought to you by Prototype Training Systems, home of CrossFit Prototype! The Community Conversation highlights a different member of the Prototype Community each week and allows them to tell their story, share their life experience, and communicate their perspective on all things fitness.

We’ve all listened to podcasts and watched YouTube videos that highlight some of the world’s greatest leaders and visionaries. We believe we have some AMAZING people at Prototype and we want you to get to know them! (Check out our last episode here)

This is our 80th episode of The Community Conversation, and today we have one of our favorite 5am members, Stephanie Nephew on! In this episode, she talks with coach Mike about her history with endurance training... from ultra trail runs, to rowing at the collegiate level to even ice climbing in the French Alpes... tons of great stuff here. More importantly, how fitness has been such a big part of her life and her families lives.

So, click the link below to watch this Community Conversation on our YouTube page! You can also check out The Community Conversation on all major streaming platforms including Spotify! Don’t forget to subscribe!

Thank you for checking out the Community Conversation, brought to you by Prototype Training Systems, home of CrossFit Prototype! The Community Conversation highlights a different member of the Prototype Community each week and allows them to tell their story, share their life experience, and communicate their perspective on all things fitness.

We’ve all listened to podcasts and watched YouTube videos that highlight some of the world’s greatest leaders and visionaries. We believe we have some AMAZING people at Prototype and we want you to get to know them! (Check out our last episode here)

This is our 79th episode of The Community Conversation, and today we have one of our favorite 5am member, Emily Oberlee on! In this episode, she talks with coach Mike about her approach to making fitness a big part of her life and how important measuring your progress is.

So, click the link below to watch this Community Conversation on our YouTube page! You can also check out The Community Conversation on all major streaming platforms including Spotify! Don’t forget to subscribe!