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Directed IRA Podcast — Business
Directed IRA Podcast

The Directed IRA Podcast, hosted by attorneys Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler, is the leading source for investors navigating the world of self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s. As co-founders of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company (directedira.com), Mat and Mark have helped thousands of clients invest in alternative assets using tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Episodes cover topics related to self-directing retirement accounts, such as Roth IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, real estate, private equity and venture funds, promissory notes, private placements (PPMs), start-ups, IRA/LLCs (Checkbook IRAs), and the UBIT/UDFI tax rules. The podcast also addresses prohibited transactions and shares real-world examples from investors who have successfully self-directed their retirement for decades.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this podcast offers practical, expert-level insights into building wealth through self-directed strategies.

Mat Sorensen is an attorney, best-selling author of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, and CEO of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company, a leading self-directed IRA custodian with nearly $3 billion under administration. He is a national expert on self-directed retirement strategies and a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers. Mat also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mark J. Kohler.

Mark J. Kohler is a CPA, attorney, best-selling author of six books, and a nationally recognized authority on small business tax and legal strategies. Mark serves as a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers and Board Member at Directed IRA Trust Company, which manages over $3 billion in assets. As the founder of the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor Program, Mark has trained thousands of CPAs and Enrolled Agents nationwide, helping millions of small business owners better navigate tax and legal strategies. Mark also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mat Sorensen.

Copyright: © 2023 Directed IRA Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Transfers, Rollovers, & Contributions for Your Self-Directed IRA Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Download our Beginner’s Guide to Transfers and Rollovers: https://directedira.com/beginners-guide-transfers-rollovers/

Have you ever wondered how to fund an IRA? Do you have money in an old 401(k) that you want to move into an IRA?

In this episode, Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler break down what it actually takes to move money into your account, and why this step can be easier or more frustrating than people expect.

They cover the three primary ways to fund a self-directed IRA: transfers, contributions, and rollovers. Along the way, they explain why IRA-to-IRA transfers are usually the simplest option, why rolling over an old 401(k) can take more time, and how to handle the process without unnecessary delays.

Still have questions about transfers and rollovers? Book a call with our team: https://directedira.com/appointment/

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

How to Find, Vet, and Invest in Private Funds with a SDIRA (ft. Bridger Pennington) Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Visit Bridger's website: https://www.bridgerpennington.com/

On this episode, Mat Sorensen is joined by Bridger Pennington, founder of Fund Launch, to walk through how investors can actually find, evaluate, and invest in private funds.

They begin by establishing the role private funds play in today’s market and why capital continues to shift toward private assets, before turning to how investors are gaining access, including through self-directed IRAs, and what separates a well-structured fund from a poor one in manager selection.

They cover key diligence factors like audits, fund administrators, fee structures, and alignment, along with common mistakes investors make when they jump into deals too quickly or with too little deal flow.

The episode also touches on the bigger picture—how macro trends, timing, and market cycles impact private fund performance—and how to think more like an institutional investor when allocating capital.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

BREAKING - U.S. Dept of Labor Releases New Landmark Rule Allowing Alternative Assets in 401(k) Plans Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

In this special "Breaking News" episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat breaks down new guidance from the Department of Labor that could expand 401(k) access to alternative investments like private equity, real estate funds, and crypto.

Mat explains why alternatives have largely been excluded—fiduciary liability under ERISA—and how the proposed rule shifts the focus to a prudent, process-based standard centered on risk-adjusted returns.

Mat also discuss what the DOL’s “neutral” stance means for plan sponsors, what’s coming next from the SEC, and how this could reshape retirement investing.

Most importantly, Mat highlights that owning alternative assets in an IRA is already possible through the power or self-directed IRAs. Tune in to learn more or visit directedira.com.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

What is a Self-Directed IRA? Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

What is a self-directed IRA, and how does it actually work?
In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down the most foundational concepts in self-directed investing. If you have ever felt limited by traditional retirement accounts or wondered if you can invest your IRA in assets outside of Wall Street, this episode is for you.
As part of our Self-Directing 101 series, this conversation is designed to simplify the concept, clear up common misconceptions, and help you understand how to take control of your retirement strategy.
In this episode, you will learn:
• What a self-directed IRA is and how it differs from a typical IRA
• The types of investments you can make, including real estate, crypto, and private deals
• How to use existing retirement funds to get started
• Why contribution limits do not limit your growth potential
• The key rules to understand before you begin
Self-directing is not about complexity. It is about expanding your options and investing in what you know best.
🎧 Listen now to start your self-directing journey.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Open Forum Q&A Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Self-directed IRAs allow investors to go beyond traditional markets, but using them properly requires understanding the rules, structure, and process involved.
In this live session, Directed IRA Vice President of Sales Nate Hare, along with co-host Daniel Tercey, start with a brief overview of how self-directed IRAs work before opening the discussion to a live Q&A.
This format gives attendees the opportunity to ask practical questions and get straightforward answers about using retirement accounts to invest in alternative assets.
This is not intended to be a deep legal or tax presentation. Instead, the goal is to help investors better understand the fundamentals – what self-directed IRAs allow, how the process works, and what to consider before making your first investment.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore self-directed retirement accounts or already investing in real estate, private funds, startups, crypto, precious metals, or other alternative assets, this open forum is a chance to get clarity on the questions many investors encounter along the way.
This session is ideal if you’re newer to self-directed investing, exploring alternatives for the first time, or want a clearer understanding of the basics before going deeper.
Bring your questions – we’ll handle the fundamentals and point you in the right direction
Still have questions? Book a new account call here: https://directedira.com/appointment/
Visit our website: https://directedira.com/

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Self-Directing 101: The 5 Golden Rules of Self-Directing Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

What if your retirement account could invest in anything you believe in?
Welcome to Directed IRA's new podcast series, Self-Directing 101. In this series, Mat and Mark will be covering everything you need to know to get started when it comes to self-directed investing.
Today's Episode: The 5 Golden Rules of Self-Directing
From finding your own deals to avoiding costly mistakes, Mat and Mark cover what actually separates successful investors from the ones who fall off the “magic carpet ride."
If you’re serious about building wealth with a self-directed IRA, this episode is your playbook.
🎧 Tune in now and take control of your retirement.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Rentals, Lending, and Flips in your Self-Directed IRA Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down how investors can use a self-directed IRA, HSA, or solo 401(k) to invest in real estate and private lending. They cover the core strategies—rental properties, flips, land deals, and hard money loans—and explain how these accounts can be used to build wealth in a tax-advantaged way.

Mat and Mark also share real-world examples from their own investing experience, including buying rental properties inside retirement accounts, structuring private loans secured by real estate, and using Roth funds for high-growth opportunities. Along the way, they walk through the basic steps to get started, when an IRA/LLC may make sense, and the key prohibited transaction rules every investor needs to understand.

Whether you are brand new to self-direction or looking for a simple episode to share with someone who wants the big-picture overview, this is a practical introduction to investing retirement funds in assets you know and believe in.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Crypto Market Reset: What To Do Now Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

After every major run-up comes a correction – and after every correction, serious investors ask the same question:
What should I be doing now?
Directed IRA founder Mat Sorensen will host Tillman Holloway, Founder & CEO of Arch Public, and Arch Public co-founder Andrew Parish for a practical conversation on the current state of crypto markets and how disciplined investors are thinking about portfolio positioning after recent volatility.
In this session, we’ll cover:
- What historically happens after major crypto market corrections
- How algorithmic trading strategies respond to volatility
- Risk management considerations for digital asset portfolios
- Portfolio allocation between BTC, ETH, and other assets
- Using IRAs and Solo 401(k)s for tax-advantaged crypto exposure
- Common mistakes investors make after sharp pullbacks
This will be a focused, data-driven discussion about structure, discipline, and long-term strategy.
If you currently hold crypto, or are evaluating your allocation, this is a timely conversation you won’t want to miss.

Arch Public Home: https://archpublic.com/?v=0b3b97fa6688

Directed IRA's Crypto IRA: https://directedira.com/cryptocurrency/

SDIRA Summit: https://sdirasummit.com/

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Private Money Lending in a Self-Directed IRA Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

If you’re looking to generate passive income and steady returns from your retirement account, this is a strategy you need to understand.
Join Directed IRA’s VP of Sales, Nate Hare, along with co-host Daniel Tercey, for a live training on Private Lending in a Self-Directed IRA.
Private money lending has become one of the most popular strategies among self-directed investors, but it must be structured correctly to stay compliant.
We’ll cover:
- How to structure loans using promissory notes and trust deeds
- Which borrowers and assets your IRA can (and cannot) lend to
- The prohibited transaction rules that can disqualify your IRA
- How interest income flows back to your IRA tax-deferred or tax-free
- 10 key considerations before deploying retirement funds
- What happens in the event of foreclosure
- Real client case studies showing how note terms can be structured creatively and predictably
At Directed IRA, we’ve helped thousands of investors put over $3 billion into real estate, private funds, notes, and more, all inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Our team of experts and streamlined platform make it easy to invest with confidence.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Solo 401(k) Basics, Rules, and Contribution Deadlines Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

If you’re self-employed and want to put more money away for retirement, the Solo 401(k) is one of the most powerful tools available, but the rules and deadlines matter.
In this live webinar, Mat Sorensen will walk through the Solo 401(k) basics, including who qualifies, how it’s set up, and the special strategies that make it so effective compared to IRAs and SEP IRAs. He’ll also cover the key 2025 contribution limits and deadlines you need to understand before the 2026 tax filing season.
We’ll cover:
- What a Solo 401(k) is and how it differs from IRAs, SEP IRAs, and traditional employer 401(k)s
- Who qualifies (and who doesn’t)
- How a Solo 401(k) is set up and what has to be in place to maximize contributions
- 2025/2026 contribution limits, including employee vs. employer contributions and how they’re calculated
- Key deadlines to know before the 2026 tax filing season
- Special features unique to Solo 401(k)s
- Common mistakes and misconceptions that can create tax or compliance issues
Why Directed IRA?
At Directed IRA, we’ve helped thousands of investors put over $3 billion into real estate, private funds, notes, and more, all inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Our team of experts and streamlined platform make it easy to invest with confidence.

Click or tap the link below to download the slides from this webinar:
https://directedira.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Solo-401ks-2026.pdf

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

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