SpeakUP! International Inc. is your go-to podcast for inspiring stories, insightful interviews, and educational content that empowers listeners. Join us as we delve into diverse topics with a focus on uplifting black and brown voices, promoting creativity, and fostering personal and professional growth.
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Outweigh aims to break the stigma around disordered eating and eating disorders. Hosts Amy Brown and Leanne Ellington share their own experiences with overcoming food and body image struggles and talk with experts who provide wisdom and careful guidance. Each week provides a dose of encouragement and hope for anyone navigating thoughts and behaviors in this space. These episodes are also helpful for loved ones that are coming alongside someone on this journey. You can hear Amy on "The Bobby ...
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Want to achieve financial independence without missing out on the fun? FI Minded is for anyone who wants to achieve financial freedom, live life on their own terms, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey along the way! Whether you’re just starting to think about financial independence or already deep into the process, FI Minded gives you the tools and inspiration to make FI a reality - without giving up the things you love. Each episode, we’ll cover topics like: *Financial Independence Str ...
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The Chandler Method: Kem Frasier's Revolutionary Approach to Anti-Bullying
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48:00What would happen if we responded to bullies with kindness instead of confrontation? Kim Fraser's groundbreaking approach turns traditional anti-bullying strategies upside down, with remarkable results! Growing up in the Bronx, Fraser experienced bullying firsthand and once resorted to faking an epileptic seizure to escape her tormentors. Today, as…
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From Spoken Word to Community Leadership: Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony's Journey
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54:40What does it truly mean to "do the work" in the arts world? Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony answers this question through her remarkable journey from shaking like a leaf during her first spoken word performance to becoming an award-winning curator and advocate who's secured over a million dollars for arts organizations. This conversation sparkles with ins…
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Connecting with Divine Intelligence: Ellen Edmondson's Spiritual Awaking.
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54:35Have you ever sensed there's more to reality than what meets the eye? Ellen Edmondson's extraordinary journey from logical federal executive to spiritual messenger began with profound loss—her mother's passing just months before her son's birth—triggering questions that would transform her understanding of life's purpose. Through meditation intende…
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Why We Keep Looking Outside Ourselves for Validation (and How to Finally Stop) - Part 2
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13:32OUTWEIGH: In Part 2 of our series, Leanne dives deep into the brain science behind why we crave approval—and how that craving can become a constant chase for validation. From diet culture to social media to people-pleasing, we explore how the world wires us to outsource our self-worth. But we don’t have to stay stuck in that loop. You’ll learn what…
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You’re Financially Free But It Doesn’t Feel Like It | E165 Shannah Game
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30:09You’ve run the numbers a hundred times. You’ve built the spreadsheets, projected the growth, and calculated your safe withdrawal rate down to the decimal. On paper, money isn’t an issue. You should feel secure. But you don’t. Because even though the math checks out, the feeling doesn’t. The scarcity mindset, the one that pushed you to save relentle…
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Reclaiming Your Worthiness: Even if You Don’t Accept Yourself Yet - Part 1
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10:46OUTWEIGH: We are kicking off a brand new series here on Outweigh with a truth most women never hear: you don’t have to love yourself first in order to feel worthy. In this powerful conversation, Leanne redefines worthiness—not as something you have to earn, hustle for, or feel 100% confident about—but as something you can reclaim right now. Even if…
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Using Brain Science To Create A Natural "Ozempic Effect"
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14:14OUTWEIGH: In this episode of Outweigh, we’re diving deep into the science behind why food feels so powerful—and how to create the “Ozempic effect” naturally (using the power of your brain), without medication, side effects, or yo-yo weight regain. Leanne breaks down the brain’s food-seeking circuit, the hidden driver behind cravings, emotional eati…
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Elise Harding-Davis: "We Have a History That's Left Out, That Makes History Incomplete."
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55:58The threads of African-Canadian history weave a story of resistance, resilience, and remarkable achievement that spans centuries—yet these vital narratives remain largely untold in mainstream historical accounts. Elise Harding-Davis changes that through her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Black Canadian history. As a seventh-generat…
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How to DOUBLE Your Income in One Year | E164 Andrew Giancola
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40:16In my mid-20s, I was making $50,000. Between San Diego’s high housing costs, dating, a car payment, and other expenses, I barely had anything left to put toward financial independence - let alone fast-track it. I was cutting costs everywhere - negotiating bills, rarely eating out, even walking instead of driving. Frugality was helping but man, the …
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The Courage to Feel—Transforming Your Relationship with Emotions (With Dr. Chip Dodd)
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18:51OUTWEIGH: What if the emotions you fear most are actually the gateway to your greatest freedom? In this final episode of our series, Chip and Leanne explore how to stop fearing emotions and start listening to them instead. They break down the connection between numbing and disconnection, why vulnerability is the key to healing, and how embracing yo…
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Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Rohan Thompson, Dufferin County's Director of People and Equity
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54:05What happens when personal experience with discrimination fuels a lifelong commitment to equity work? Mr. Rohan Thompson, Director of People and Equity for the County of Dufferin, takes us on his remarkable journey from youth worker to systems change leader. Rohan reveals how childhood mentors who kept him "on the straight and narrow" inspired his …
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Healing from the Inside Out—Breaking Free from the Need to Numb (With Dr. Chip Dodd)
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16:49OUTWEIGH: If willpower alone isn’t enough to stop numbing, what is? In this episode, Chip and Leanne explore why true healing starts with understanding the function of our coping behaviors—not just trying to “fix” them. They share the first steps to recognizing an unhealthy coping pattern, decoding what it’s really telling you, and shifting from av…
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Queen D. Michele - Discovering Your Roots: How Ancestry, Travel, and Self-Awareness Shape Healing
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54:35What would you do if you discovered your teacher's pension wouldn't be enough to sustain you after retirement? For Queen D Michelle, the answer came in a life-changing decision to leave Atlanta behind and start fresh in Mexico's Lake Chapala region. Her remarkable journey reveals how necessity can become the catalyst for profound personal transform…
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Welcome to FI Minded (Podcast Rebrand Announcement)
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5:58
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5:58Want to achieve financial independence without missing out on the fun? FI Minded is for anyone who wants to achieve financial freedom, live life on their own terms, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey along the way! Whether you’re just starting to think about financial independence or already deep into the process, FI Minded gives you the tool…
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Is Real Estate the Best Path to Financial Independence? | E163 Chad Carson
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50:58Is Real Estate the Best Path to Financial Independence? As a die-hard index fund investor, I used to have a clear answer. But after researching Chad Carson’s “small but mighty” real estate philosophy, I’m starting to see the potential. While I still prefer the hands-off nature of index funds, especially as I focus on growing my income - I can see r…
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Beyond the Margins: Tina Garnett's Journey Through Systemic Barriers
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53:14"We are not what the system has told us we are," declares Tina Garnett, a powerful voice in the fight against systemic oppression. As a seventh-generation Black Canadian descended from Charlotte and James Handy, Garnett brings three decades of experience championing marginalized communities to this profound conversation about resilience, purpose, a…
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Why We Numb—The Real Reason We Avoid Pain & Seek Comfort (With Dr. Chip Dodd)
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18:45OUTWEIGH: Why do we turn to food, alcohol, shopping, or even busyness when life feels overwhelming? In this episode, Chip and Leanne dive into the real reason we numb—what we’re actually trying to escape or avoid—and how society conditions us to suppress rather than process emotions. They break down the neuroscience behind coping mechanisms, reveal…
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Amita Sharma and Nourishdoc: Empowering Women Through Perimenopause and Beyond
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48:02Half of a woman's life is spent in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause—yet these critical transitions remain under-researched, underfunded, and shrouded in unnecessary taboo. That's what drove Amita Sharma, after suffering in silence through her own hormonal journey, to create Nourishdoc: a holistic wellness platform empowering women throu…
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What Is Addiction, Really? The Coping Mechanism That Becomes a Trap (With Dr. Chip Dodd)
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20:15OUTWEIGH: Addiction isn’t just about substances—it’s about the ways we cope with pain, stress, and unmet needs. In this episode, Chip Dodd and Leanne unpack how behaviors like emotional eating, over-exercising, workaholism, and social media addiction follow the same addictive patterns as substances. They explore the difference between coping mechan…
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When You and Your Partner See Money Differently | E162 Brian Page
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52:33Love and money - a perfect match, right? If only it were that simple. Money is personal for everyone. We grow up with different values, learn different money habits from our parents, and develop our own financial preferences. So when two people with unique money mindsets come together, disagreements are bound to happen. Maybe one of you is a saver …
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Finding Love Within Herself Allowed Her To Receive It From Another (Suzanne's 2 Year update)
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44:04OUTWEIGH: Two years after our case study from last week, Suzanne came back to share what’s happened since her Stressless Eating journey—and the transformation goes far beyond food and body image. In this powerful follow-up, she reveals how healing her self-image not only gave her peace with food but also opened the door to calling in true love. Wha…
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From Food & Body Prison to Authentic Self-Love: Suzanne’s Transformation
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52:39OUTWEIGH: In this special case study episode of Outweigh, Leanne sits down with Suzanne, a woman who spent decades trapped in the exhausting cycle of dieting, binge-eating, and self-rejection. Despite her external success, she felt stuck—knowing deep down that life had more to offer but unsure how to break free from the vicious cycle of food and bo…
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Do You Know You Can Negotiate Your Medical Bills? Here’s how. | E161 Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington
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37:34In today’s conversation, we will learn how to negotiate your medical bills. Wait, you can do that? Yeah, this was new to me too. Maybe it was the confusing medical jargon or the assumption that hospitals charge fair prices, but negotiating never crossed my mind…and you know I love to negotiate just about everything. Not only should you be negotiati…
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Moy Fung: Embracing Radical Empathy in Entrepreneurship and Empowering Women to Overcome Business Barriers
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1:04:42What if embracing radical empathy could transform not just your life, but the lives of those around you? Join us as we explore this profound concept with the remarkable Moy Fong, an award-winning entrepreneur whose journey of leadership and empathy began at the young age of 19 when she became a mother. Moy shares her inspiring story of resilience, …
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The Lies Women Believe About Their Bodies Part 4: “I’ll Always Struggle With Food/My Body/My Weight”
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12:47OUTWEIGH: The belief that food and body struggles are a life sentence keeps so many women stuck in cycles of frustration and self-doubt. In this episode, Amy and Leanne shine a light on why this story feels so true and how years of diet culture and negative self-talk make struggling feel “normal.” They’ll explore the brain’s role in keeping you stu…
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Micah Elechi: Bridging Opportunities for African Youth with AfriLink and Redefining Tech Innovation Through Courage and Vision
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46:47Visionary entrepreneur Micah Elechi takes us on a transformative journey from his early days as a graphic designer in Nigeria to becoming a leading force in tech innovation with Macklemore Solutions . Hear how Micah's determination to overcome employment challenges led him to create AfriLink, a groundbreaking platform empowering African youth by br…
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The Lies Women Believe About Their Bodies Part 3: “I’ll Never Measure Up” / “I Have to Earn My Worth”
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14:47OUTWEIGH: From constant comparison to impossible expectations, this episode dives into the lie that your worth is conditional—tied to your looks, achievements, or success. Amy and Leanne discuss why the comparison game is unwinnable, how societal pressures keep us stuck, and what it takes to find peace and contentment in your unique story. Takeaway…
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Spending Experiments: Learn What Purchases Make You Happy | E160 Carl Jensen
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55:52Struggling to spend money? Same here. Honestly, I never thought this would be a problem as I got closer to financial independence. I mean, isn’t the goal to save up enough so we can finally spend on the things we want? Turns out, after 15 years of working hard to build wealth, it’s not so easy to let go. Add in some good old financial insecurities,…
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Nicole Osbourne-James Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Comedy
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54:47Nicole Osbourne-James, a renowned free thinker and accidental stand-up comedian, reveals her fascinating journey from the spoken word poetry scene of the 1990s to the dynamic world of comedy. Unpacking how her evolution as a young mother propelled her into comedy's broader expressive realm, Nicole shares insights into the role of spoken word in act…
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The Lies Women Believe About Their Bodies Part 2: “I’m the Only One Struggling Like This”
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12:03OUTWEIGH: Shame thrives in isolation, convincing us that we’re the only ones struggling with food, body image, or self-esteem. In this episode, Amy and Leanne explore the impact of silence and secrecy on mental health and how connection can break the cycle of shame. By opening up about your struggles, you can find support, validation, and healing. …
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Charlene Thomas: Crafting Compelling Young Adult Narratives and Navigating the Publishing World with Perseverance and Passion
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56:20Uncover the magic behind young adult fiction with acclaimed author Charlene Thomas on this episode of SpeakUP! International. From her childhood days of weaving tales in scribbled notebooks to becoming an award-winning writer, Charlene offers a heartfelt reading from her latest book, "Streetlight People." Her journey is a testament to the power of …
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Dr. Asanee Brogan: Embracing Ancestral Wisdom and Decolonizing African Spirituality for Modern Life
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1:04:13Discover the profound world of African spirituality with our captivating guest, Dr. Asanee Brogan, as she embarks on a journey of cultural and spiritual transformation. Dr. Brogan, a spiritualist and life coach, shares how she shifted her focus from financial education for the African diaspora to embracing the guidance of her ancestors through trad…
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Cheryl Polk: Transforming Career Potentials with Authenticity, Mentorship, and Balance
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48:53Cheryl Polk, a holistic career coach from Nashville, Tennessee, joins us on SpeakUP! International, bringing her inspiring journey from corporate accountant to career coach and certified resume writer. Cheryl's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and personal growth, offering insights into how she helps professionals unlock their care…
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The Lies Women Believe About Their Bodies Part 1: “I’ll Be Happy When…”
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13:12OUTWEIGH: The belief that happiness and confidence are tied to achieving a specific weight or size is one of the most common lies women tell themselves. In this episode, Amy and Leanne unpack how cultural conditioning and personal narratives convince us that joy is always “one goal away.” They’ll share real-life stories of why chasing a “goal body”…
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Kason Morris: Redefining Career Success and Navigating the Future of Work with Life-Work Synergy
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1:03:17What if you could craft a career that aligns seamlessly with your life’s mission and values? Join us in our conversation with Kason Morris, a trailblazer in the Future of Work Skills Strategy and the creative mind behind "Life Work Revolutionary." Kason challenges the conventional ladder of career success, urging a shift towards a dynamic lattice o…
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Fast-Track Your 2025 Money Goals Using These Strategies | E159 Justin Brown-Woods
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42:53It’s the start of a new year, and you’ve set some financial goals like paying off student loans, saving for a down payment, or maxing out your IRA. Whatever your goal, how awesome would it feel if you could fast-track your progress? It’ll take focus and dedication, but with the right strategies, you can turbocharge your cash flow and get there fast…
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Unhooking from Unrealistic Ideals: Guiding Teens to Find Their Own Path Rather Than Chasing Others’ Approval (Outweigh)
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15:04OUTWEIGH: In the final episode of our series, Leanne sits down with Natalie Borrell of Life Success for Teens to tackle one of the biggest pitfalls facing today’s youth: the constant battle for external validation. With social media, peer pressure, and cultural standards all shouting for attention, teens’ developing brains are especially vulnerable…
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Phil Vassell Championing Black Canadian Artists Through Archiving
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59:33Phil Vassell, a renowned figure with over 25 years of journalism experience, shares his remarkable story of transitioning from a career rooted in media to one focused on preserving cultural history through archiving. From his early days in Jamaica, where his love for media began, to his influential roles at CBC and as the creator of Word magazine, …
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Michelle Anne Johnson: From Stage to Boardroom and Beyond - A Journey of Leadership, Authenticity, and Self-Discovery
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51:54Michelle Anne Johnson joins us to share her captivating journey from a young actress, charming audiences with her George Jefferson impersonations, to a powerhouse in corporate leadership. Her story is a fascinating blend of determination, passion, and the unexpected twists life offers. Balancing auditions with a rising corporate career, Michelle tr…
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Your Teen’s Real Hunger: Meeting Emotional Needs When Food Isn’t the Answer (Outweigh)
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14:53OUTWEIGH: Have you ever wondered why your teen seems to reach for snacks—even when they’re not hungry? In this second part of our series, Leanne is back with Natalie Borrell of Life Success for Teens to dig into the hidden emotional triggers that push teens toward food for a quick dopamine hit. They look at how stress, loneliness, boredom, and anxi…
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What Happens After I Reach FIRE? Withdrawal Strategy, Spending Changes, & Finding Meaning | E158 Jeremy Schneider
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51:31Since discovering financial independence, I have focused on wealth-building: choosing the right accounts, investing wisely, and cutting expenses to save more. But now that I’m approaching my FIRE number, a new question has emerged—what happens after I reach financial independence? On one hand, there’s the technical side: What’s the best way to with…
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