What's Up Next Podcast

What a death doula can teach us about money, meaning, and making time count Most of us approach financial planning as if it's purely a math problem. We reduce it to formulas and timelines: save a certain percentage, invest in the right accounts, retire at a specific age. It feels structured, predictable—almost controllable. But that sense of control depends on one fragile assumption: that life will unfold according to plan. What happens when it doesn't? That question sat at the center of a recent conversation I had on Earn & Invest with Rose Zealand, a Certified Financial Planner and end-of-life doula. Her work lives at a crossroads most people spend their lives avoiding—the intersection of money and mortality. And once you hear her perspective, it becomes very difficult to see financial planning the same way again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this "10 Things Thursday" episode of the Earn and Invest podcast, host Doc G revisits themes from his book, The Purpose Code, to explore the profound impact of purpose on our lives. He structures the episode around ten core insights, aiming to demystify purpose and offer actionable advice for cultivating it without falling into common psychological traps. Doc G begins by emphasizing that purpose fundamentally matters because studies link it to better health, increased happiness, and greater longevity—acting much like a miracle pill without the side effects. He then defines the happiness equation as a combination of meaning and purpose. He clarifies that "meaning" is cognitive, relating to how we make peace with our past and the stories we tell ourselves. "Purpose," on the other hand, is entirely action-based; it is rooted in the present and future, consisting of the activities that actively light us up. A major theme of the episode is dismantling the myth that purpose is something you "find". Doc G argues that treating purpose like a hidden needle in a haystack leads to analysis paralysis and what researcher Lissa Rainey identified as "purpose anxiety"—a condition affecting up to 91% of people. This anxiety manifests as frustration, depression, and even job-hopping as people restlessly search for a singular calling. Instead of finding purpose, Doc G insists that we must actively build it by testing out activities and seeing what brings us joy. Doc G attributes much of our purpose anxiety to societal pressures from parents, social media, and advertising, which push us toward what he calls "Big P purpose". He declares that Big P purpose is "always bad" because it is strictly goal-oriented, relying on massive, scarce achievements like becoming an astronaut, running a seven-figure business, or having six-pack abs. This sets people up for failure, loss aversion, or an endless "achievement treadmill". Conversely, he heavily advocates for "Little P purpose," which is process-oriented. Little P purpose involves engaging in abundant, failure-proof activities that induce a "flow state" where you lose track of time simply because you love the process. While Big P purpose is bad, Doc G clarifies that having goals is not inherently wrong, provided they don't ruin the process. For example, aiming for a million podcast downloads is fine if you genuinely enjoy the daily work of recording and interviewing. However, if achieving that goal requires doing things you hate—like making TikTok videos—it morphs into toxic Big P purpose. Ultimately, there are no strict rules for purpose; it can be a lifelong global mission or a fleeting, selfish hobby. By focusing on the easy, joyful pursuit of Little P purpose, Doc G believes individuals will naturally attract others and create a lasting legacy that impacts generations far more effectively than striving for unattainable grandiosity. In the episode's closing community segment, Doc G reads an email from a listener named Ted N., who shares his own "10 keys" to building wealth and achieving financial independence. Ted's strategy highlights a steady path to financial independence, including consistent investing, limiting debt, earning a Master's degree to boost income, living simply, taking full advantage of a company 401(k) match over 33 years, and prioritizing experiences like family vacations over material goods. Ted also emphasizes relying on a company pension plan and, most importantly, maintaining an "attitude of gratitude". Doc G concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to share their own lists and directing them to his Substack for detailed show notes and his weekly blog posts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Earn and Invest podcast, host Doc G interviews Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Ken Davenport about the mechanics and appeal of passion investing, specifically in Broadway shows. Davenport compares passion investing to buying a sports team: it is a way for individuals with financial security to add joy and potential profit to their portfolios. He emphasizes that investing in a Broadway show is essentially like investing in a startup company; it is a brand-new product trying to penetrate the market, which inherently makes it highly risky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Thursday “10 Things” episode of the Earn & Invest Podcast, Doc G shares his personal list of the ten biggest reasons he believes he successfully built wealth. Inspired by a recent conversation with financial historian Joseph Moore, Jordan begins by acknowledging the privileges that helped shape his path, including being born in the United States and growing up with professional parents. But he emphasizes that a series of specific habits and decisions—some simple and some unconventional—ultimately accelerated his financial journey. First, he credits relentless consistency. Inspired by Nick Maggiulli's philosophy of “just keep buying,” Jordan invested throughout his entire career regardless of market conditions. Even when he made early mistakes—buying individual stocks or expensive mutual funds—the habit of consistently purchasing assets eventually led him to the simplicity and power of broad index fund investing. Second, he explains why he never relied on a traditional budget. Instead, he and his wife automated their finances by living off one income while sending the entirety of the second income directly into savings and investments. This approach allowed them to build wealth automatically while avoiding the stress of tracking every spending category. Jordan also discusses why he stopped worrying about financial minutiae. Rather than chasing small optimizations like credit card points or the highest-yield savings accounts, he focused on the big financial moves—saving large portions of income, investing consistently, and building a profitable business. Throughout the episode, he highlights several other mindset shifts that shaped his success: ignoring people who said something “couldn't be done,” redesigning his medical practice into a low-overhead concierge model, and thinking in decades rather than weeks or months when pursuing long-term projects. He also shares the importance of embracing failure through experimentation, adopting an abundance mindset, losing interest in accumulating material possessions, and forgiving himself for inevitable financial mistakes along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the best financial advice isn't new—but simply forgotten? In this episode of Earn & Invest, Doc G sits down with historian Joseph S. Moore, author of How to Get Rich in American History: 300 Years of Financial Advice That Worked—and Didn't. Moore spent a decade exploring centuries of advice aimed at everyday Americans, testing which strategies actually worked—and which didn't. Remarkably, his research led him to build a seven-figure net worth using lessons from the past. Moore's journey began with a personal financial scare: after taking a risky “NINJA loan” to buy a townhouse in 2005, he realized his vulnerability as the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 approached. Selling his home just in time sparked a curiosity that would consume the next decade. One of his most surprising findings? Optimism is a powerful predictor of financial success. Research from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shows that believing you can shape your financial future often outweighs inheritance or education. Moore argues that financial “gurus,” often dismissed for overhyping strategies, actually provide hope and practical frameworks that help people take action. We also explore how many “modern” wealth tactics are centuries old. House hacking—renting out spare rooms to pay a mortgage—was once a standard working-class strategy, frequently managed by women whose contributions rarely appeared in official statistics. Mobility was another forgotten tactic; in the 1800s, roughly one in three Americans moved annually to chase opportunity. Moore introduces the concepts of slow time and fast time: slow time is when we build skills, capital, and relationships; fast time is when booms, crashes, or major shifts create opportunities. Those prepared in slow time can seize advantage when fast time arrives. We also discuss concentration vs. diversification, the myth of effortless compound returns, and why financial independence isn't the finish line—it's the point when life becomes flexible enough to pursue meaningful goals. For anyone curious about wealth-building, historical financial strategies, or the patterns behind money and opportunity, this episode offers practical insights drawn from 300 years of experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every parent wants to give their kids a financial head start. But I'm not convinced that means whiteboard lessons on compound interest at age eight. In this week's Earn & Invest, I shared 10 things I'm teaching my children about wealth. Most of them push back against the mainstream narrative. First, kids learn about money in three ways: didactic teaching, modeling, and experiential learning. The worst of these? Lectures. You can explain mortgages and index funds all day long. But until a child feels the weight of a financial decision, it won't stick. In medicine we say, “See one, do one, teach one.” Money works the same way. So instead of lecturing, we model. My kids overheard conversations about rental properties. They watched us set up LLCs. They saw investing as something normal, not mysterious. By college, buying and renting property didn't feel radical—it felt logical. We also replaced weekly allowance with a $500 lump sum each January. That money had to last the year. My son ran out after breaking his phone. My daughter saved so much she skipped things she wanted. Both learned something no lecture could teach: money involves trade-offs. I'm also wary of monetizing childhood. Kids don't need Roth IRAs before they need curiosity and kindness. I didn't start investing seriously until my thirties. Wealth can wait. Character can't. As for inheritance, I want to teach them how to fish. The ability to generate income matters more than a trust fund. The exception? College. I'll pay for it. Crushing debt isn't a safe learning experiment. Above all, I want them to know money is a tool. It buys time, flexibility, dignity. It is not happiness. Some of my best memories cost $2,000. Some expensive experiences felt empty. Joy comes from connection and meaning—not the price tag. If my kids understand that, they'll be just fine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial independence looks difference when you have kids. Yet, it can become a masterclass for how managing your finances well looks. We join Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung as they discuss their new book: Parent Like a Millionaire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Cramer from The Best Interest joins us today to talk about a study that has been circulating in financial independence circles that suggests that delaying retirement can be deadly. We breakdown the data and how not to fall for misinformation in the financial space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Giancola is the host of The Personal Finance Podcast. Today, we discuss how to build wealth on a small salary. While this may not be you...it might be your child, friend, or family member. Do you truly need a high income to make it today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are so many reasons to spend more money today than you did five years ago. Whether gross economic inflation vs personal lifestyle inflation, it's important to keep track of your budget. On this rewind episode, Joel and Matt from ⁠How to Money⁠ join us as we delve into spending growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this rewind episode we talk with Brian Preston who is the author of ⁠Millionaire Mission⁠ and cohost of The Money Guy Show. We discuss the financial order of operations. How do you maximize your ability to both spend today as well as to save for tomorrow. Brian talks about what has been successful for his clients through decades of financial planning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this mailbag episode, I address some of the more controversial feedback i have gotten from some select episodes. I welcome your criticism. Write me at docg@diversefi.com. Agree or disagree, this is what our community has had to say. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Darrow Kirkpatrick is best known to the personal finance community through his work on the amazing blog, Can I Retire Yet? But he is also an accomplished engineer and has been studying artificial intelligence since the 1980's. Today, he shares his wisdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you spend a lot of time worrying about financial catastrophe? Are you worried that no matter how hard you try, world events could bankrupt you? If that's the case, you are concerned with black swan events. This episode attempts to describe why black swan events will likely not thwart you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am joined by author Dr. Chloe Carmichael to talk first amendment rights, cancel culture, and the power of words. We discuss how self censorship can have untoward effects. Dr. Carmichael's book is Can I Say That? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this community episode, Roger and I talk about whether one should retire early or not. Roger is a lawyer and enjoys work but has contemplated whether he should leave his job since reaching financial independence. He is skeptical. Hear why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the biggest myths about innovation? Lorraine has been teaching about innovation for decades in both academics and corporate America. Her recent book is No Fear, No Failure. Are you an innovator? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode we talk spending. Will it make you happy? There is a continuum when it comes to spending and understanding it will help you make better decisions. Find out how. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss with Cherian Koshy neurogiving. This is the study of how neuroscience interacts charitable causes. The conversation, however, extends to how we sell oursleves and our causes in general. We also chat about storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this ten steps episode, we revisit happiness. Not as much as a concept, but as a guide on how to have more of it. This is just my opinion. I am not your coach or therapist. But, these steps have helped me a lot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is happiness and how do we pursue it? You all have heard me talk about this topic ad nauseam, I thought you might want to hear from someone else. Today we talk to Monique Rhodes--happiness expert and coach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, we discuss the positives and negatives of CoastFI. Don't know what CoastFI is? It might just be the most reasonable way to reach financial independence. Take a listen and hear why! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Hill was rushing towards financial independence as fast as possible when he hit a wall. His wife was unhappy, he was burning out at work, and his kids were growing up. Listen to hear how he found a better way. His book is Own Your Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode I talk about the art of spending down. If we all successfully earn and invest, at some point we will actually have to live off these investments. Sounds great...but maybe it is more complicated than you think! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by Jay Delsing to discuss growing up everything golf. From success on the PGA tour to getting punched in the face, we chat about having what it takes. His recent book, You Wouldn't Believe Me if I Told You. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We close 2025 with a community oriented episode. We will discuss the three biggest, but maybe quietist, stories of the year. In the second half, I tackle two community questions about previous episodes. Thanks for listening and Happy Holidays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We welcome David Bach to discuss the principals he set out over twenty years ago in his groundbreaking first book, The Automatic Millionaire. We cover such diverse issues as the Latte Factor and even Social Security. The updated version of The Automatic Millionaire is available everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this rewind episode we chat with John Hope Bryant, the founder of Operation Hope, about his book Financial Literacy for All. We discuss about the problems of "bad capitalism" and how to bring everyone, no matter what color, creed, or gender, the badly needed financial education that is lacking in many communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this illuminating rewind episode, join Andrew Giancola and I as we unravel the intricacies of eleven commonly misunderstood money hacks. Together, we explore how individuals aiming to cut costs might unwittingly be squandering their hard-earned cash. Gain valuable insights into financial pitfalls, debunk misconceptions, and discover practical strategies for optimizing your money management in this eye-opening conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we chat about the art of contrarianism. Are you a contrary thinker? If so, does it serve you? Ten things about the good, bad, and ugly about being a contrarian. Do you agree? Write me at docg@diversefi.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by Scott Trench and Mindy Jensen from BiggerPockets Money for this live mastermind meeting. We discuss real estate, the middle class wealth trap, and safe withdrawal rates. Lastly. mastermind members ask questions and get surprising answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, I talk ten things about happiness. Although the happiness code is looked as a mystery, I believe these ten things will make the concept more tangible. What is happiness to you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lybi Ma is an editor of the famed Psychology Today website. She has recently written a book called How To Be Less Miserable. In this fascinating conversation we talk about how our minds lie to us and often lead us astray from happiness. Do we try to be more happy or just less miserable? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this community episode, we discuss the role of AI in planning your retirement. Can ChatGPT provide us with the answers? Also, how early should we start planning for retirement day? We are joined by Bill Yount from The Catching Up to FI Podcast and community member SuzyB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We chat with dan Haylett about what it means to plan a human first retirement. Too often, we get the math right but the psychology wrong. How do we have a happy retirement? Dan's new book: The Retirement You Didn't See Coming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this ten things episode I talk investing. Investing, in general, is a lot easier than i think we make it out to be. Today, we focus on paper assets and I bring up ten key points about dealing with the stock market. Am I right? Let me know at docg@diversefi.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No matter how you look at it, retirement ends up being a big leap of faith. In this episode I talk with financial planner Jeremy Keil about all things retirement. How do you know when the time is right and how to plan accordingly? His book is titled Retire Today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I discuss a spate of negative Apple reviews about the podcast. I thought that listeners might want to hear a discussion about what and how I make the Earn & Invest. Why advertisements? We cover a few other objections brought up by the public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you choose passion or money when it comes to your career? I discuss the upcoming movie Bull Run with creators Bill Keenan and Alfredo Barrios Jr. The story follows a junior investment banker and the hijinks that uncover a deeper question about how we work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this ten things episode, I expound on something that I discuss a lot outside of the podcast. Longevity influencers abound and they are pedaling all sorts of advice about how to be healthy. In many ways, I think they are wrong. This is why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have parents or loved ones that you feel responsible for? Managing the finances of a parent or other person as they are getting older and dealing with disease and mortality is difficult. Today we talk about how you can run afoul and what to do about it with Beth Pinsker, author of My Mother's Money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This live podcast was recorded at the Wealth With Purpose Mastermind this past weekend in Chicago, Illinois. Participants were asked two questions and their answers were recorded. This is your community episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a part of a mastermind? If not, you may wonder what one is about and what we do in them. In this episode, I explore why masterminds can benefit you. Here is ten things about why I think they are important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this ten things episode we talk taxes. While my view may not match everyone's., I feel like we radically overthink the concept. Listen as i set the record straight. Send all comments to docg@diversefi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we roth crazy? Sean Mullaney and I talk about common misconceptions when it comes to tax planning. Not only whether we should be doing Roth conversions but also the future of taxation in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This solo episode is following up on our interview with Ilana Golan from the Leap Academy. Ilana faced dissapointment. So will you. Let's chat ten things about dissapointment. Do you agree? Let me know: docg@diversefi.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ilana Golan is the creator of Leap Academy where she helps people develop portfolio careers. What is a portfolio career and how do we develop it with the right amount of AQ? Listen to this broadranging converssation about the future of careers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While personal finance is personal, there are some universal money truths. In This Rewind episode we talk with Shannah Game from ⁠Everyone's Talkin' Money ⁠about her fifteen wise money tips. She asked over one hundred friends and experts and in this episode we discuss what she found. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this rewind episode of the Earn & Invest podcast we discuss the often-neglected topic of Social Security, with Mary Beth Franklin, a seasoned retirement expert, unraveling the complexities and dispelling common misconceptions. With over 40 years of financial journalism experience, Franklin provides a comprehensive Social Security 101, highlighting its importance in retirement planning and addressing the risks associated with both assuming its non-existence and overlooking its impact on financial security. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a live podcast episode at the FI Freedom Retreat in Bali, Indonesia. I am joinded by Jackie Cummings-Koski from the Catching Up To FI Podcast. Listen in as our conference attendees tell their stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shirzad Chamine is the author of New York Time's Bestseeling book, Positive Intelligence. We chat about how mindset effects our ability to get things done both personally as well as in organizations. How does our mind get in the way? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices