The Difference

The Difference

Join News Talk 1130 WISN’s midday personality, Dan O’Donnell, and the President / CEO of Annex Wealth Management, Dave Spano, each week for “The Difference”. Enjoy light-hearted conversation and opinion centered around investing, current events, consumer trends and much more. Weekly dialogue that will help make “The Difference” in your week! After decades of planning and preparation, Annex Wealth Management has established a way of doing business that promises the same warm, personal, one-on-one interaction to all their clients. Using state-of-the art technology, analytics and review, their staff of skilled professionals seek to confidently deliver an elite, full-service wealth management experience.

Episodes

“Peace, Politics, and Your Portfolio: The Cost of Conflict and Spending”

August 18, 2025 • 15 mins
In this episode of The DIfference, Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano dive into a historic moment of global diplomacy and dissect its ripple effects on markets, interest rates, and America's mounting debt crisis. From peace talks to rate cuts, they explore how political decisions shape economic realities—and your financial future. 
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"CPI Surprise: Cool Inflation, Hot Markets"

August 12, 2025 • 16 mins
In this episode of The Difference, Dan O'Donnell and Brian Jacobsen unpack the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which came in cooler than expected and sparked optimism across financial markets. They explore what this means for future Fed rate cuts, the real impact of tariffs, and whether reshoring U.S. manufacturing is more than just a political promise.
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U.S. Trade Triumphs and Economic Strategy Under Scrutiny

July 29, 2025 • 16 mins
The U.S. has secured a series of favorable trade deals, most notably with the European Union, positioning itself as a dominant global economic force while pressuring China ahead of a looming deadline. Meanwhile, concerns grow over the long-term impact of tariffs, Federal Reserve tensions, and rising national debt. Tune in to The Difference, with Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano.
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Is Jerome Powell #OpenToWork?

July 27, 2025 • 14 mins
Join Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano on The Difference, where in this episode they examine the palpable tension between President Trump and Chairman Powell, as well as trade negotiations, interest rate strategies, and the fallout from some major political events.
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Can America Afford Its Future?

July 15, 2025 • 15 mins
Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano unpack the economic balancing act facing the U.S.—from looming tariff deadlines and ballooning deficits to Fed uncertainty and the long-term sustainability of entitlement programs. Tune into The Difference as they dive in.
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I'm Just A Big, Beautiful Bill.

July 7, 2025 • 14 mins
A campaign promise was made, and that campaign promise was met. Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano react to the Big Beautiful Bill passing into law and the subsequent reactions on The Difference.
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Tacos, Tariffs, and Treasury: Understanding Trump's Economic Strategy

June 4, 2025 • 15 mins
In this episode of The Difference, hosts Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano, CEO of Annex Wealth Management discuss the "TACOS" acronym (Trump Always Chickens Out), coined by critics like the Financial Times. They analyze Trump's tariff strategies, particularly the delayed TikTok ban and trade negotiations with countries like China, the UK, and Switzerland, framing these as leverage for freer trade rather than economic punishment. Dan an...
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"The safest debt in the world"

May 20, 2025 • 15 mins
Economic and political risk, who's spending whose money? Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano discuss attempted cost reductions and slowed-down spending on The Difference.
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The China deal might affect more than tariffs

May 13, 2025 • 15 mins
It might be something in the air in Switzerland, but the United States and China were able to lay the groundwork for a deal that could change more than tariffs. The markets are responding. Dan and Dr. Brian Jacobsen talk about what may be impacted.
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A glimmer of tariff clarity?

May 5, 2025 • 15 mins
Tariff clarity remains elusive as tax policy stays murky. Fresh from another round of White House radio shows, Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano reconnect to discuss a week where the S&P 500 revisited Liberation Day levels.
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Pretty ugly in the next 30 days

April 22, 2025 • 15 mins
Market gains rarely move in a straight line. As the next round of earnings calls approaches, Dave Spano will be listening for key insights from corporate leaders. Meanwhile, Dan O'Donnell warns that we may be in the calm eye of a looming debt hurricane.
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Are we in a recession?

April 15, 2025 • 15 mins
It's a 50/50-coin flip. Made even more complicated by shifting messages. Dave Spano and Dan O'Donnell chop up the latest. 
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Tariff downsides? Recession and demand destruction

April 7, 2025 • 16 mins
It's a tight game being played. Art of the Deal or potentially turning the midterms upside down? Dan and Dave discuss the week after Liberation Day. 
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Perception is greater than reality

April 1, 2025 • 15 mins
Recession predictions are on the rise. Liberation Day is April 2nd. Will that be enough for our Master-Negotiator-In-Chief? 
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It's the White House not the Waffle House

March 25, 2025 • 15 mins
Were we due for an economic detox? Dan and Dave discuss tariffs and tactics. 
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Tariffs. The Bear case. The Bull case.

March 10, 2025 • 15 mins
We're seeing how the sausage is getting made. Not pretty. But are conditions poised to spring back when certain hurdles are cleared?
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The 'message' behind tariffs isn't getting across.

March 4, 2025 • 15 mins
We're truly at the intersection of politics and economics when it comes to tariffs and foreign conflicts. 
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Insights from Dan's day broadcasting live from the White House

February 24, 2025 • 15 mins
What was it like to broadcast from 'radio row' at the White House and interview officials like Scott Bessent and Doug Burgum? Dan takes us behind the scenes. DOD also fessed up and said, "Dave, you were right" regarding previous thoughts about one of his guests. 
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How about growing our way out of this mess?

February 18, 2025 • 15 mins
"Why are people up in arms that (DOGE) they want to find fraud in the system?" 
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The economic tool for non-economic outcomes

February 10, 2025 • 15 mins
Tariff talk as shifting policy changes make for an uncertain environment. Plus, the subject of DOGE sets the boys up to utter 'big balls' at least 7 times.
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