Lifelong Learning

Kate and Chris talk about life in quarantine. Topics we discussed: Replacing Papergoods Frugal Living TikTok Cooking - Follow Chris - @cjnesi Thanks to everyone who also tuned in and watched some of this recording on Chris' Instagram!

On this episode, I'm learning from Emmy Simpkins. Emmy is Co-Owner and a Level 3 Crossfit Trainer at Crossfit Speakeasy in Belmar, New Jersey. Emmy is a Competitive Crossfit Athlete and was a former Division 1 Soccer Player at Rutgers University from 2008-2013. Emmy is an amazing coach, trainer, and friend who motivates everyone she meets to be their best. You'll find some great resources from Emmy to help you dig deep after hearing her story!

I can’t believe it’s been two years since I’ve talked about Aquafaba! In that time it has become mainstream and is even popping up in products all throughout the grocery store. Listen for a quick recap of how we've changed how we use Aquafaba in the last few years and the best uses we've found for it!

I've been doing Crossfit since May 2019 and Chris joined in August 2019. We chat about our experiences. We go over some of the basics of Crossfit and what we've learned, as well as explaining some common misconceptions and our experience in joining our new CrossFit community.

After podcasting for over 33 episodes straight, I learned quite a bit about podcasting that I had never imagined learning within that time and took a little time to reflect on my experience. Here's a little more about what I've learned and what you can expect coming soon!

We’re testing out the possibility of podcasting via the iPhone and FTP releases. I haven’t learned much about this yet, but this is a quick experiment to see how it goes! Send us feedback on your experience as the listener: kate@katenesi.com or @mrnesi on Twitter :)

Mr. Groovy is a recovering financial moron who got sick of the high cost of living on Long Island and relocated to Charlotte in 2006. There, he got his financial act together and discovered the FIRE community. In 2016, he retired and began leading a very groovy life. Mr. Groovy currently blogs with his wife, Mrs. Groovy, over at freedomisgroovy.com. Connect with Mr. Groovy: http://freedomisgroovy.com/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/freedomisgroovyshop Purchase the book: The Groovy Guide to Financial Independence: How to Escape the Tyranny of Mandatory Toil in Fourteen Years or Less  

Chris and I took a trip to the Gluten Free & Allergy Friendly Expo in Secaucus, NJ a weekend ago and for a whopping $12 per person (we signed up early) we had 4 hours of sampling delicious gluten-free goodies that mostly did not contain egg otherwise. Listen to our on the spot podcast from the event, and take a look below at all the images we snapped along the way. Ronzoni had a cute photo booth. I didn't realize after we took a photo we both got a full box of gluten-free pasta to take home. Whoop! Here's a list of all of the companies at the expo. There were A LOT to choose from and try out. Some local restaurants, as well as large companies and small bakeries. Halfway through we had started limiting our tastings because we were getting full. Most of the sponsors provided either a snack or coupons in our bags. Every vendor provided lots of coupons which was great to remember which I liked and what I'd like to try again or see what's in the store. We managed to finagle a day without the kids, but there were a ton of kiddos around the expo and they had various places set up for them to play in. Even race cars that Chris stopped to do as well for the kids. After two hours of making our way through the entire expo, we took a seat and recorded our thoughts. Mr. Podcast Man himself. The House of #Edtech guy. We used a portable recording device he purchased last year which has come in handy on several occasions. I like recording my individual episodes on it so I can sit anywhere in the house, or outdoors and share my learning. While I am heading in a no to low grain dive in my life, I still love my friend Bob from Bob's Red Mill. He's been a lifesaver when it comes to having to eat gluten-free. We noticed they have an egg replacer to try, so that may make its way into our pantry at some point if I ever run out of aquafaba. Notice my Wasa pasta lapel pin I've come to love... it's gluten free ;) Right before we left, I saw a long line for a Brooklyn Bakery and thought, let me see, let me see... this was the most delicious bread I've tasted in a long time! You keep it frozen and then toast it when you're in the mood for a slice. Perfect! Gluten-free bread can sometimes go stale far faster than glutenous bread, so this method makes it stay for quite a time. Plus, while most of their items used eggs, this one did not, so I quickly bought 2 loaves to stock away for when I needed a sandwich. Delicious and egg-free, too! Best bread I've found from a semi-local gluten-free bakery. Scharr tops my list as well as my own homemade bread or using Bob's kit for bread, too. The expo was really nice. You can listen more to what I learned while there and if we ever plan to return in the future. Check out the episode!

Way back when the dinosaurs roamed at the end of 2008, Sandy Smith started paying a little bit more attention to her debt. As the year faded into 2009, the idea to build a website to keep herself accountable for eliminating debt burst into her mind. Ever since Sandy has been helping others get out of debt and is an amazing resource for finding your next side hustle. She inspired me to shift back in April from my second job to a side hustle that has been more lucrative and enjoyable the past few months. Enjoy the episode! Links from the episode: Yes I am Cheap Facebook Twitter

Download Episode! Carl, of Mr. 1500 Days, has always had savings as a top priority since his very first job and luckily he found a wife who shared those same beliefs. In addition, as they saved they flipped houses and are now comfortably financially independent or what some may consider early retirement. Learn more about how and why Carl started Mr. 1500 Days and where he’s headed now a bit into his retirement! Links from the Show: Mad Fientist Planet Money This American Life Masters in Business Tim Ferris Animal Spirits Simple Path to Wealth Poor Charlie's Almanac Connect with Carl: Mr. 1500 Days Twitter Facebook

Download Episode! Shannon McLay started the Financial Gym back in 2013 where she focused on helping those in their 20’s and 30’s manage their money. Over time, she has blogged on Financially Blonde, as well as started the Martinis and Your Money Podcast. We discuss: Shannon's background in personal finance Why Shannon started the Financial Gym How the Financial Gym works and how to join The future of the Financial Gym Links from the show: Financial Gym Oprah Super Soul Conversations Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill Connect with Mabel: @thefinancialgym on Instagram @FinancialGym on Twitter @theshannonmclay on Twitter @theshannonmclay on Instagram Connect with Shannon McClay on LinkedIn

On this episode, I'm learning from Mabel Nunez, the CEO, and Founder of Girls on the Money. Girls on the Money is a stock market investing education company for women! We talk about how Mabel started out knowing nothing about stock investing and went on to complete an MBA and her path forward into helping other women get involved in the stock market. Links from the show: One Up On Wall Street - Peter Lynch Stock Market Investing Mini-Lessons For Beginners: A starter guide for beginner investors - Mabel A Nuñez The Little Book of Common Sense Investing - John C. Boogle Motley Fool Podcasts Connect with Mabel: Instagram @GirlsontheMoney Facebook.com/groups/GirlsontheMoney Facebook.com/GirlsontheMoney Email: GirlsontheMoney@gmail.com

Download Episode! On this episode, we can learn a lot about money, marriage, and raising financially responsible children from Mrs. Diane Harris! Diane is an award-winning personal finance journalist and financial wellness expert. She believes managing your money wisely is critical to your health and well-being and to living the life you aspire to. Previously, she was the editor-in-chief of Time Inc.’s Money Magazine, the first woman to hold the top spot, and one of the founding editors of its website, Money.com. Currently, she is the Editorial Director of Considerable.com, a new financial and lifestyle brand for people in their 50s and 60s that will launch officially in September, but you can check it out now. Book Recommendations: How to Make Your Money Last by Jane Bryant Quinn Make the Most of Your Money Now by Jane Bryant Quinn Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People by Jane Bryant Quinn The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack How to Be a Financial Grownup: Proven Advice from High Achievers on How to Live Your Dreams and Have Financial Freedom by Bobbi Rebell Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry Podcast Recommendations: Planet Money NYTimes The Daily So Money Financial Grownup Stacking Benjamins How to Connect with Diane: Considerable.com Twitter @DianeHarris Twitter @ConsiderableHQ LinkedIn

Download Episode! On this episode of the Lifelong Learning Podcast I chat with Paulette Perhach of the viral F*** Off Fund essay, and author of The Writer's Life. We discuss who should consider having an F*** Off Fund, why one should consider building up such a fund, and how you can get started building your own. We also talk about her writing, as well as her upcoming book and new podcast. Links from the show: Can We Talk About Money F*** Off Fund Paulette Perhach Lynda.com Welcome to the Writer's Life: How to Design Your Writing Craft, Writing Business, Writing Practice, and Reading Practice Connect with Paulette: Twitter @pauletteperhach Instagram @paulettejperhach Facebook Paulette Is A Writer

Natalie wanted to be an attorney just like Claire Huxtable when she grew up. After getting her Bachelor’s in Communications, she enrolled in law school believing that taking out loans to pay for school is “good debt.” Later she learned, there’s no such thing! Natalie ended up filing a Chapter 7 Petition under the bankruptcy code and learned a wealth of information related about student loans on her journey. I learned a wealth of information from Natalie! Listen to the episode to find out more about how you might want to tackle your student loans in bankruptcy court. Or if you're interested in the types of bankruptcy options available and how they might work to help you get back on track! Links from the show: My Student Loan Counselor - Natalie Jean-Baptiste, P.C. National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Books Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey Money: A Love Story by Kate Northrup Personal Bankruptcy Laws for Dummies Podcasts Dave Ramsey Know Debt No Problem by Mary Wheeler Follow @mystudentloancounselor on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you enjoy the Lifelong Learning Podcast you can do 2 things to help the podcast grow & reach more people: #1 - Tell someone else about the show! Word of mouth is the best way to share podcasts you enjoy! #2 - Leave a rating and review wherever you listen to the show.

Download Episode! On this episode, I get to know Lisa Rowan of The Penny Hoarder and the Pop Fashion Podcast. We discuss how she finds information to learn more about the retail and grocery industries on The Penny Hoarder, and also how she gathers information for the fun podcast she co-hosts, Pop Fashion. Links from the show: The Penny Hoarder Pop Fashion Podcast Target's Flushable Wipes The Ever Important Emergency Fund Racked.com Care + Wear Connect with Lisa: Twitter @lisatella IG @popfashionpodcast Twitter @justpopfashion

On this episode, I talk with Melanie Lockert of the website Dear Debt and one of the founders of the Lola Retreat I had the pleasure to attend in April. Melanie shares her story of being in debt, how she managed to get out of debt, where her blog came into helping her stay motivated, and how the Lola Retreat came to be. Links from the show: Dear Debt Lola Retreat 20 Things About Melanie Buy Melanie's Book: Dear Debt: A Story About Breaking Up With Debt  Connect with Melanie: Twitter @DearDebtBlog Twitter @LolaRetreat Instagram @DearDebt Instagram @LolaRetreat

On this episode, I talk to Kristin Wong of Get Money!  Kristin Wong is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to the New York Times, The Cut, and Lifehacker. She started out writing for one of my favorite blogs, Get Rich Slowly.  We discuss how Kristin started out writing about personal finance and how she's come to write a resourceful book for everyone to learn to take back control of their finances. Our chat includes a few chapters of her book, Get Money, and also a fun discussion about a few of the articles she's written about worrying and cursing! Links from the show: How to Be Better at Worrying (The Cut) Kristin Wong Calm.com FREE for Schools Further Reading: Get Money: Live the Life You Want, Not Just the Life You Can Afford Social Media: Follow Kristin on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

On this episode, I talk with Jaime and Chris Durheim of Keep Thrifty! We discuss how Jaime's love for a more minimalist lifestyle helped them to achieve a mini-retirement for Chris and what their plans are in the coming years. You'll learn the story behind the Little White Shack they have planned as well as how they came to focus on major shared dreams. Links from the show: Keep Thrifty Keep Thrifty App Jamie DeClutters Our Freedom Story Further Reading: The Seven Levels of Intimacy by Matthew Kelly My Year With Eleanor by Noelle Hancock   Social Media:   Keep Thrifty on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest  

On this episode of The Lifelong Learning Podcast, I share some of my latest fears doing the show and all about fermenting various types of yeast. Whether you're looking to make a fresh homemade pizza, a loaf of bread, or working with SCOBYs like Kombucha and Kefir you'll want to hear some of the great tips for keeping the yeast happy on this episode! In addition, I share my experiences getting into fermentation with champagne yeast when making hard ciders. If you have experience with different types of yeast, I'd love to hear your thoughts or what you've experienced. Please leave a comment on the show notes page or send me an email at kate @ katenesi.com Links from the episode: Seed Mat Warmers Gallon Jugs Airlocks Kefir Grains Champagne Yeast Active Dry Yeast

Personal finance blogger JD Roth discusses financial strategies, get out of debt tips, and running! JD started Get Rich Slowly in 2006 to document his personal journey to get out of debt. Then, he shared what he learned about savings and investing. Twelve years later, Roth managed to reach early retirement! JD will help you master your money — and your life. No scams. No gimmicks. Just smart money advice to help you get rich slowly. Recommended Reading: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Angela Duckworth) Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change (Stephen R. Covey) Other Financial Blogs: Mr. Money Moustache

On this episode, I talk with Beth Ridson from the wonderfully fun blog Shut Up and Run. Beth has inspired me for years and she is who I'd like to be when I grow up! Beth's words are encouraging and she is full of great information for anyone on a new or old running journey or looking to face new challenges in life. Be inspired! Shut up and run! Links from the show: Shut Up and Run.net Beth's Races I'm Ultra Excited for This TomTom Spark Connect with Beth Risdon: Twitter @shutuprun Facebook @shut up and run Instagram @shutuprun Blog http://www.shutupandrun.net/

Just a quick note to say Thank You! to the most important person who made me the lifelong learner I am today. Without my Dad, I am not sure I would be doing half of what I do now. Daddy, thank you.

On this episode, I talk with Mike from Maplewoodshop. I recently took a course with Mike to learn how to use hand tools in woodworking and more about this great venture to bring woodworking back to the forefront of lifelong learning. This was a great conversation with Mike and he shared some awesome resources to check out!   Links from the show: Lost Art Press Paul Sellers Building to Teach   Recommended Books: By Hound & Eye: A Plain & Easy Guide to Designing Furniture with No Further Trouble by Jim Tolpin The Essential Woodworker by Robert Wearing   Connect with Mike Schloff: Maplewoodshop @MaplewoodshopNJ Facebook Instagram @Maplewoodshop

On this episode, I talk with Jeff from The Happy Philosopher: A Guide to Freedom and Happiness. We discuss how he came to starting his blog and what the core message is that he wants to share. We talk cars, news, and killing your television! Links mentioned on the show: Frugality Matters Utility, Happiness, & Cost Kill Your Television! Why Your Life Never Seems to Change   How to Find Jeff: Facebook Instagram Twitter

On this episode, I invited Jason from Winning Personal Finance to come on the show and share a little more about his blog, why he started it, and his goals with the site. We also talked about running! Enjoy the show! Links: Winning Personal Finance @WinningPFin Pay Off Debt or Invest?  

On this episode, I share how I came to learn about making homemade kefir as well as how to properly say it and how you can learn to make your own at home. It's super fun and pretty simple, just give it a try! Links: What is Kefir? How to Pronounce Kefir Milk Kefir Step-by-Step Guide Kefir Lady Kefir Grains from Fusion Teas on Amazon Bandana Gramma on YouTube (Crockpot Yogurt)

Chris joins me for a holiday 2017 update and wrap-up! Find out how our frugal holiday plans turned out and what's ahead for 2018. Our Christmas Eve Menu: Penne Vodka Jeanne's Gluten Free Dinner Roll's Our Christmas Day Menu: Butternut Squash with Cranberries Italian Roast Beef Jeanne's Gluten Free Dinner Roll's Steamed Green Beans Creamy Mashed Potatoes Our New Year's Eve Menu: New Year's Eve Party Pack $16 Sweet n' Sour Meatballs Pepperoni and Cheddar Cheese Sparkling Grape Juice Hot Cocoa and Marshmallows Our friends brought hors d'oeuvres, soda, cider, meat platter, pickle dip, and cookies   Leave a comment below and let us know how your holidays went. We'd love to know what you cooked for family and friends!

Liz Cook, my friend, photographer and essential oil enthusiast shares insight about adding essential oils to your life. Notes from the show: What are Essential Oils Purchase a Starter Kit from Liz Curious about oils? Join the FB Group for more info and tons of resources/inspiration! Kate's 2 Ingredient Natural and Inexpensive Home Cleaner Contact Liz: www.liz-cook.com liz@liz-cook.com Find Liz in the This Mama Oils FB group

On this episode, I share my experience learning to crochet, some of the basic terms of crocheting and how to get started. There is information on types of yarn, hooks, and all of the various projects you can make once you learn how to crochet. Links from the show: The Crochet Crowd Fiber Flux Yarnspirations BHooked Crochet Melanie Ham My favorite yarns: Caron Simply Soft Bernat Baby Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick My favorite crochet hook size: H or J My favorite crochet hooks: Boye Ergonomic Crochet Hooks Don't be discouraged, it takes time to learn, but once you start to master the basics it gets even more exciting as you challenge yourself with new projects, various yarn types, or unique patterns! Share in the comments if you crochet, or knit, and what some of your favorite projects are to create!

In this episode, Chris comes on as a special guest Co-Host to discuss how we handle the Christmas Season in a frugal manner. We talk about paying for experiences vs. things, our holiday budgeting, what Christmas cards have worked best for us, and homemade gifts. It's a quick recap of what we've learned in the past 10 years of our marriage and the holiday expectations. Links Mentioned in this Episode: LLP Episode 003 - Aquafaba LLP Episode 004 - Gluten Free Do Children's Birthday Parties Need to be Expensive? Crocheted Hats: Monkey, Tiger, Octopus, Monster, Bunny, Snow Leopard, Duckling Last Year's Christmas Card No New Clothes Challenge The show may change in the future and incorporate more of what Chris and I are learning together with many frugal tips and tricks. I hope you keep listening! Share your feedback by leaving a comment on my blog or sending an email to kate @ katenesi.com Enjoy the Episode!

Run Walk Run has rekindled my passion for running (and walking)! I recently attended one of Jeff Galloway's Running Schools. This is what I've learned from the past year of running, changing to the run-walk-run program and also how much I learned from meeting Jeff and learning more how to utilize his plan to the fullest. Links from the show: Jeff Galloway Jeff's E-Shop Jeff's Half Marathon Training Plan Mental Training by Jeff Enjoy this week's episode and "Stay Positive!" and keep running!

On this episode, we’ll be discussing ideas for how to go from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset and becoming a lifelong learner. Carol S. Dweck poses this question in her book, Mindset: “Think about your intelligence, talents, and personality. Are they fixed or can you develop them?” Carol's site: https://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/whatdoesthismeanforme/index.html Dweck’s writing on Brain Pickings:  https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/29/carol-dweck-mindset/ I believe talents are something we may be born with, but I also believe talent is something we can discover and shape that is already within ourselves. Sure, our bodies may have physical limitations not allowing us to reach certain goals, and we may have some limitations in our brain power, but I’d venture to say that most things are within our reach if we truly want to learn to do them (or be them). Lifelong learning comes in when you flex your growth mindset muscles on a regular basis. Once you welcome the growth mindset into your life, now you’re open to learning for life however you wish. Trent Hamm wrote an excellent blog post on The Simple Dollar titled a Beginner’s Guide to Lifelong Learning at a Minimal Cost: https://www.thesimpledollar.com/a-beginners-guide-to-lifelong-learning-at-a-minimal-cost/ Think about your life and your goals. Was there a part of it where you thought - I just can’t do this. I’m not talented enough. And did you push through, or give up on that dream or path? Or have you always been a lifelong learner and it’s just been what you’ve known all along? I’d love to hear your stories! I love that his first suggestion is to take notes by hand using a simple lined notebook. Where can you learn on a budget… Your local library Local events or meetups Online courses or MOOCS I’ve taken the Child Nutrition Course from Stanford University last year on Coursera which was a great blend of learning via reading, books, and lectures via video. I’ll link in the show notes to courses from: Edx: https://www.edx.org/course MIT: https://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm Yale: http://oyc.yale.edu/ Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/ Podcasts Youtube Blogs and Websites Local experts and classes What I encourage you to do today is write down 10 things you’d like to learn how to do. Why 10? Well, according to James Altucher, you easily can write down four or five ideas. Once you hit six and beyond, you start to sweat. By exercising your idea muscle just as you would regular muscles when they start to sweat is when they start to grow. When you push past the easy answers, you might find something more challenging to get you started. (https://jamesaltucher.com/2014/05/the-ultimate-guide-for-becoming-an-idea-machine/) Thank you for listening and thank you for learning right alongside me!

Doing your own car maintenance isn't as hard as it seems.  On this episode, I’ll share what I’ve learned about when making the decision to change your own car’s oil, as well as other do it yourself car maintenance. Links from the Episode: Angie's List: Car Oil Change Costs What do the Oil Numbers Mean? Oil Specifications Explained If you enjoy the Lifelong Learning Podcast you can do two things to help the podcast grow and reach more people: #1 - Tell someone else about the show! Word of mouth is the best way to share podcasts you enjoy! #2 - Leave a rating and review wherever you listen to the show. Thank you for listening and thank you for learning right along side me!

In this episode, I share my experience choosing to go Gluten Free after going through the 8Safe Elimination Diet. Listen to the episode for more on what I have learned and some tips if you're interested in going gluten-free. My decision to do so was related to health reasons, not weight-loss. Links mentioned in the episode: 8Safe Elimination Diet use code FRUGALMOM$TER at checkout for 10% off A Gluten for Punishment I may be going Gluten Free Gluten Free Bread Fail Gluten Free Pizza in a Bread Machine Art of Gluten Free Baking Gluten Free Wishlist Book (affiliate link)

In this episode, I'll share with you how I use aquafaba as the ultimate egg replacement in any and all recipes that call for eggs.  Since this episode was recorded, we've also used aquafaba when making fried chicken and meatballs this summer. It's definitely an amazing new option to all who need or want to use an egg replacement. More from my blog on Aquafaba.

This episode goes into further detail on our story from our experience living the frugal good life. I share our ups and downs financially and how we came to find the frugal life, plus a few tips to get yourself started on the journey. Click here to get a copy of our Budget Spreadsheet or download in Microsoft Excel. Mentioned on the Show: Frugal vs. Cheap House of #Edtech Podcast Episode 52: No Cash Left Behind Simple Dollar Get Rich Slowly I hope you enjoy the show! Please share your thoughts in the comments below :)

Download Wow, I can't believe I'm hitting publish on a journey that I have been mulling over in my mind for the past twelve months. Welcome to the Lifelong Learning Podcast! This first episode is a short introduction to who I am, a bit more about my life, and what I hope to share and accomplish with this podcast. It will be a podcast that talks about learning with a huge helping of life mixed in. I hope you listen and connect with me, as I'd love to know what you're learning and what you might enjoy about the podcast as I release future episodes. Wahoo! Now... go listen :) Links mentioned in the episode: House of #Edtech Podcast Episode 52: No Cash Left Behind