Directed IRA Podcast Podcast By Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler cover art

Directed IRA Podcast

Directed IRA Podcast

By: Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler
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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.

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Episodes
  • Transfers, Rollovers, & Contributions for Your Self-Directed IRA

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

    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/

    Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

    Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

    Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/


    Other:
    Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
    KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
    Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
    Show more Show less
    26 mins
  • How to Find, Vet, and Invest in Private Funds with a SDIRA (ft. Bridger Pennington)

    How to Find, Vet, and Invest in Private Funds with a SDIRA (ft. Bridger Pennington)
    Apr 7 2026

    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.

    Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

    Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

    Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/


    Other:
    Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
    KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
    Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • BREAKING - U.S. Dept of Labor Releases New Landmark Rule Allowing Alternative Assets in 401(k) Plans

    BREAKING - U.S. Dept of Labor Releases New Landmark Rule Allowing Alternative Assets in 401(k) Plans
    Apr 6 2026

    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.

    Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

    Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

    Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/


    Other:
    Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
    KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
    Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
    Show more Show less
    14 mins
All stars
Most relevant
I love listening to an audio on the topic of SDIRA’s. I had no idea this was even an option and love that Matt and Mark take the time to discuss real life examples of what is possible as alternative ways of diversifying your retirement portfolio.

So Informative

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