Best Music Made Simple Podcasts (2024)

1
Remembering D-Day 80 Years Later 51:10

8m ago51:10

51:10

On D-Day, June 6, 1944, 160,000 troops participated in the invasion of Normandy. Today just a few thousand of these veterans are still alive, with the youngest in their late nineties. As their voices, and those of the million combatants and leaders who swept into motion across Europe 80 years ago, fall silent and pass from living history, Garrett G…

1
Why You're So Bad at Giving and Receiving Compliments (And How to Fix That) 42:07

9m ago42:07

42:07

Over a decade ago, I remember reading a story that stuck with me. I think it was connected to the famous Harvard Study on Adult Development that studied a group of men across their lifetimes, but I can no longer find the reference. A much-beloved doctor, upon his retirement, was given a notebook filled with letters of praise and appreciation from h…

1
CyberFI and the FBI | Donna Peterson | 078 1:15:37

18h ago1:15:37

1:15:37

Donna Peterson is a retired supervisory special agent and joins Bill and Jackie to cover the essential topic of internet and financial security. Drawing from her extensive background in combating cybercrime with the FBI, Donna shares her expert advice on how to secure personal and financial information against common hacks, the importance of two-fa…

1
A Guide to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance 53:36

6m ago53:36

53:36

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. It's a peculiar book, especially for a bestseller. Not a lot of it is actually about zen or motorcycle maintenance, it combines a travelogue, a father/son story, and philosophical musings, and the structure of its narratio…

1
Tactics and Mindset Shifts for Making the Most of Life 55:14

2d ago55:14

55:14

Note: This is a rebroadcast. Matthew Dicks wears a lot of hats. Among other things, he’s a storyteller, communications consultant, writer, and schoolteacher. In order to excel in his professional life, as well as do what he loves in his personal life, he’s developed a set of strategies that help him be more creative and productive, and can be used …

1
The Life and Death of The 4% Rule | Christine Benz | 077 1:10:49

7d ago1:10:49

1:10:49

Christine Benz is the Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar. Christine shares her extensive insights into retirement planning, emphasizing the flexibility and adaptability of the 4 percent guideline over the rigid 4 percent rule. She discusses the value of variable withdrawal strategies, the importance of personalizing…

1
The Shadows Over Men's Hearts and How to Fight Them 58:51

18m ago58:51

58:51

There are a lot of unspoken challenges and hidden battles that men face in modern society. They often manifest themselves in a uniquely male malaise where a man feels apathetic, frustrated, cynical, and lost. Jon Tyson has thought a lot about the problems men face and has been on the ground trying to help them as a pastor in New York City. In today…

1
Patton and the Bulge: Blood, Guts, and Prayer 47:48

7m ago47:48

47:48

General George S. Patton is known for his aggressive, action-oriented tactical brilliance. His character was also marked by a lesser-known but equally fundamental mystic piety. Those two qualities would come together in the lead up to and execution of Patton's greatest achievement during WWII: the relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. …

1
The Wealthy Custodian Part 2: From Janitor to Millionaire | Jeff York | 076 53:20

10m ago53:20

53:20

In part 2, Jeff York continues his discussion with Bill and Jackie about the financial importance of amicable divorces, the nitty gritty on his investments, and how he was able to "graduate" on his modest salary. The three also dive deep into Jeff's unique lifestyle, the necessity of personal health before and after retirement, and the rewarding na…

1
Embracing the Strive State 47:47

5d ago47:47

47:47

We often think happiness will be found in the completion of a goal. We often think happiness will be found in ease and comfort. My guest says real joy is found in the journey rather than the destination, and that if difficulty and discomfort are part of that journey, that's all the better. Dr. Adam Fraser is a peak performance researcher and the au…

1
Pop Up Podcast: Behind the Sensation Talking FI with the NY Times | 075 48:42

19d ago48:42

48:42

In this special pop up episode, Bill, Jackie, and special guest Amy Coroso engage in a thought-provoking discussion sparked by a controversial New York Times Magazine article about the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. The three chat about the article's portrayal of diverse financial independence approaches as well as the articl…

1
The Dude's Guide to Laundry: How to Save Time, Money, and Your Wardrobe 48:24

7d ago48:24

48:24

If you didn’t grow up doing your own laundry, once you headed out on your own, you probably just figured things out on the fly, hoped for the best, and have been doing things the same way ever since. But, while you may be getting the job done okay, you also might be making some mistakes that are costing you time, money, and cleaner clothes. In this…

1
The Wealthy Custodian Part 1: A Blue Collar Guide to Financial Freedom | Jeff York | 074 49:53

7d ago49:53

49:53

Jeff York is a remarkable individual whose journey from custodian to millionaire offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice. Jeff's story breaks down conventional barriers, showcasing the power of education, financial literacy, and personal responsibility. From his unique investment strategies and the importance of health to his experience…

1
How to Get Better at Anything 46:02

12d ago46:02

46:02

Life revolves around learning—in school, at our jobs, even in the things we do for fun. But we often don’t progress in any of these areas at the rate we’d like. Consequently, and unfortunately, we often give up our pursuits prematurely or resign ourselves to always being mediocre in our classes, career, and hobbies. Scott Young has some tips on how…

1
Of Strength and Soul — Exploring the Philosophy of Physical Fitness 57:31

14d ago57:31

57:31

When you’re lifting weights, you might be thinking about setting a new PR or doing your curls for the girls. But throughout history, philosophers have thought about physical fitness on a deeper level and considered how exercise shapes not only the body, but also the mind and the soul. My guest today, Joe Lombardo, is a strength enthusiast who follo…

1
Sustainable FIlosophy with Mr. Money Mustache | Pete Adeney | 073 1:09:11

10d ago1:09:11

1:09:11

He’s here, Mr. Money Mustache! Also known as Pete Adeney, the financial independence OG shares his story with Bill and Jackie. From retiring at 30 and starting one of the most popular blogs in the community to the importance of choosing sustainability with your money. The three discuss some of Pete’s most impactful articles (listed below), highligh…

1
The No-BS Secrets of Success 46:08

19d ago46:08

46:08

Jim VandeHei didn’t have an auspicious start in life. His high school guidance counselor told him he wasn’t cut out for college, and he went on to confirm her assessment, getting a 1.4 GPA at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and spending more time drinking beer than planning his career. Eventually, though, Jim turned things around for himself, g…

1
How to Eliminate the Two Biggest Sources of Financial Stress 42:42

1M ago42:42

42:42

There are different philosophies one can have when it comes to money. Jared Dillian’s is built around eliminating as much anxiety around it as possible, so you hardly think about money at all. Jared is a former trader for Lehman Brothers, the editor of The Daily Dirtnap, a market newsletter for investment professionals, and the author of No Worries…

1
Celebrating Financial Literacy Month with Next Gen Personal Finance | Tim Ranzetta | 072 52:35

17d ago52:35

52:35

In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, Tim Ranzetta, co-founder of NextGen Personal Finance, chats with Bill and Jackie on the transformative power of teaching personal finance to students. Discussing stats, stories, and strategies, this episode covers everything from the ripple effects of financial literacy to state-level advocacy for require…

1
The Secret World of Bare-Knuckle Boxing 49:56

26d ago49:56

49:56

Have you ever noticed the guy in a fighting stance on the Art of Manliness logo? That’s not just some random symbol; it’s an actual dude: John L. Sullivan, the greatest bare-knuckle boxer of the 19th century. While most people think bare-knuckle boxing came to an end during Sullivan’s era, in fact, it never entirely went away. In his new book, Bare…

1
Why Your Memory Seems Bad (It’s Not Just Age) 44:09

1M ago44:09

44:09

Do you sometimes walk to another room in your house to get something, but then can’t remember what it was you wanted? Do you sometimes forget about an appointment or struggle to remember someone’s name? You may have chalked these lapses in memory up to getting older. And age can indeed play a role in the diminishing power of memory. But as my guest…

1
From Tech Stocks to Toilet Brushes: The Jensens' FI Journey | Mindy and Carl Jensen | 071 1:06:46

24d ago1:06:46

1:06:46

Although you’ve probably heard of this powerful pair, Mindy and Carl Jensen hop onto our show to share their personal journeys to financial independence and beyond. The Jensens discuss their experiences with podcasting, real estate investing, individual stock investments, and the lifestyle adjustments they've made after achieving financial independ…

1
Grid-Down Medicine — A Guide for When Help Is NOT on the Way 48:14

1M ago48:14

48:14

If you read most first aid guides, the last step in treating someone who’s gotten injured or sick is always: get the victim to professional medical help. But what if you found yourself in a situation where hospitals were overcrowded, inaccessible, or non-functional? What if you found yourself in a grid-down, long-term disaster, and you were the hig…

1
Skills Over Pills 1:06:37

1M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

Over the last decade, there's been an increase in the number of people, particularly young adults, who struggle with low moods, distractibility, and anxiety and consequent difficulties with getting their life on track and making progress in work, friendship, and romance. In addressing these difficulties, people are often given or adopt a mental hea…

1
Pathfinders: Triumphs and Trials on the Road to Financial Independence | JL Collins | 070 54:19

1M ago54:19

54:19

In Part 2 of Bill and Jackie’s conversation with JL Collins, the three explore his latest book “Pathfinders” and unravel the powerful narratives that underscore the ethos of financial independence. The trio discuss various topics such as the significance of starting early in investments, the pivotal moments which define one’s financial path, and th…

1
The Power of Everyday Rituals to Shape and Enhance Our Lives 44:58

1M ago44:58

44:58

When we think of rituals, we tend to think of big, inherited, more occasional religious or cultural ceremonies like church services, holidays, weddings, and funerals. But as my guest observes, we also engage in small, self-made, everyday rituals that help us turn life's more mundane moments into more meaningful ones. In the The Ritual Effect: From …

1
Walden on Wheels — A Man, a Debt, and an American Adventure 58:39

1M ago58:39

58:39

Millions of young adults know what it's like to graduate from college with student debt. For some, it's a frustrating annoyance. For others, it's a worry-inducing burden. For Ken Ilgunas, it was a dragon in need of slaying and a pathway to adventure. Ken is the author of Walden on Wheels: On the Open Road from Debt to Freedom, and today on the show…

1
Pathfinders: Stories of Success and Financial Independence | JL Collins | 069 55:32

1M ago55:32

55:32

Welcome back, JL Collins! Affectionately known as the Godfather of FI, Collins returns to discuss his latest book, "Pathfinders: Extraordinary Stories of People Like You on the Quest for Financial Independence" which explores real-life stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds navigating the journey toward financial freedom. Bill and official…

1
How to Create a Distraction-Free Phone 50:23

2M ago50:23

50:23

Jake Knapp loves tech. He grew up using Apple II and then Mac computers, browsing bulletin boards, and making his own games. As an adult, he worked at Microsoft on the Encarta CD-ROM, before being hired by Google, where he worked on Gmail, co-founded Google Meet, and created Google Ventures' Design Sprint process. Today, he's a venture capitalist a…

1
Want to Be Happy? Give Yourself Reasons to Admire Yourself 50:58

2M ago50:58

50:58

Happiness and depression can feel like slippery and befuddling things. We can do the things we've been told will make us happy, while still not feeling satisfied. Or, on paper, our lives can look great, yet we feel depressed. And the advice that's out there about these states doesn't always seem to correspond to our lived experience. Ryan Bush has …

1
Don't Miss Out On Today | Mark Ross | 068 1:11:16

2M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

Mark Ross is a retired executive and a rewired encorepreneur. Mark shares his journey from a traditional career into retirement and how he shaped a fulfilling post-retirement life through diversifying his interests, categorizing his work into things he does for a fee, for free, and just for himself. Through his personal story, he highlights the imp…

1
Tips From a Hostage Negotiator on Handling Difficult Conversations 47:44

2M ago47:44

47:44

In resolving hundreds of kidnap-for-ransom cases involving gang leaders, pirates, and extortionists, Scott Walker, a former Scotland Yard detective, has learned a thing or two about how to negotiate and communicate in a crisis. He shares how to apply those lessons to the difficult conversations we all have in our everyday lives in his book Order Ou…

1
Lessons in Action, Agency, and Purpose From Buying a Ghost Town 45:28

2M ago45:28

45:28

In the 19th century, Cerro Gordo, which sits above Death Valley, was the largest silver mine in America, a place where dreamers came to strike it rich. In the 21st century, Brent Underwood used his life savings to buy what had become an abandoned ghost town, and ended up finding a very different kind of wealth there. Brent has spent four years livi…

1
Catching the Wave to FI | Doug Nordman & Carol Pittner | 067 1:31:37

2M ago1:31:37

1:31:37

Doug Nordman and Carol Pittner are a financially-savvy father-daughter duo who take us on their money journey as a family. From learning about money management through unique family practices like the “Bank of Carol,” to achieving financial independence, Doug and Carol share the milestones, strategies, and setbacks of their financial journeys. They…

1
Get More Done With the Power of Timeboxing 51:02

2M ago51:02

51:02

From work to chores to entertaining distractions, there are many options for what you can be doing at any moment in the modern world. We often endlessly toggle between these options and, as a result, feel frazzled and frustratingly unproductive. We feel ever haunted by the question, "What should I be doing right now?" (Or "What am I even doing righ…

1
How to Shift Out of the Midlife Malaise 52:13

2M ago52:13

52:13

When you think about someone having a midlife crisis, you probably think of a man getting divorced, stepping out with a younger woman, and buying a sports car. But my guest today says the often jokey, mockable trope of the midlife crisis we have in our popular culture discounts the fact that the sense of dissatisfaction people can feel in their mid…

1
Scamalot! | Paula Pant | 066 1:10:08

2M ago1:10:08

1:10:08

Paula Pant is the creator and host of the Afford Anything podcast. She is also a writer, speaker, and media commentator on financial independence, real estate investing, money management, and financial literacy. Today Paula joins us to dive deep into the world of scams, particularly focusing on the elderly. We explore why scams are so convincing, a…

1
The 3 Musical Geniuses Behind the Most Popular Jazz Album of All Time 55:00

3M ago55:00

55:00

Even if you're not very into jazz, you probably know Kind of Blue, the jazz album that's sold more copies than any other and is widely considered one of the greatest albums ever, in any genre. Among the sextet of musicians who played on the album, three stand out as true jazz geniuses: Miles Davis, Bill Evans, and John Coltrane. Today on the show, …

1
A Butler's Guide to Managing Your Household 49:15

3M ago49:15

49:15

It's a tough job to manage a household. Things need to be regularly fixed, maintained, and cleaned. How do you stay on top of these tasks in order to keep your home in tip-top shape? My guest knows his way all around this issue and has some field-tested, insider advice to offer. Charles MacPherson spent two decades as the major-domo or chief butler…

1
Dumpster FIRE and the FIRE Brigade | Lauren Beltz | 065 1:20:00

2M ago1:20:00

1:20:00

Lauren Beltz is an engineer turned personal finance enthusiast who shares her insights on budgeting and financial independence with Bill and Becky. The three discuss topics such as the role of contentment in personal finance, necessity of an emergency fund and insurance, and tips for successful budgeting. They also touch on the concept of zero-base…

1
On the Road With Catching Up to FI | $lackers Part 2 | 064 53:44

3M ago53:44

53:44

To wrap up this installment of On the Road with Catching up to FI, Becky and Mark chat with Vince and Briana from their $lackers group. Vince discusses his transition to retirement and Briana sheds light on how she's preparing for her future while still working full-time. Thank you to the $lackers for sharing your stories with us! 🔗 Connect with us…

1
Down With Pseudo-Productivity: Why We Need to Transform the Way We Work 1:00:24

3M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

The last several years have seen the rise of a sort of anti-productivity movement. Knowledge workers who feel burned out and that work is pointless, meaningless, and grinding, have been talking more about opting out, “quiet quitting,” and doing nothing. My guest would argue that, in fact, productivity itself isn’t the problem and that most people a…

1
The 5 Factors for Crafting Simple (Read: Effective!) Messages 49:16

3M ago49:16

49:16

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or entrepreneur, you want to be able to persuade your students, children, and customers with your messages. That’s a tall task in the modern age, when people are bombarded with 13 hours of media a day. How do you cut through all that noise to make sure you’re heard? My guest would say it’s all about keeping things …

1
Retirement Planning Tips | Andy Panko | 063 1:02:08

3M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Andy Panko is the founder and owner of Tenon Financial, a retirement planning and investment management firm, and Tenon Tax Preparation, a tax return preparation company. Andy joins Becky and guest co-host, Mark, to discuss retirement planning, the role and value of annuities, when to claim social security, and how to determine if you have saved en…

1
On the Road With Catching Up to FI | $lackers Part 1 | 062 47:06

3M ago47:06

47:06

Meet the $lackers! Becky and guest co-host, Mark Trautman, introduce us to this fun-loving and world-traveling group made up of individuals who started as a mastermind and now enjoy doing life together. This week we meet Bob and Sharon, a couple who share about their transition into retirement, and Kevin, who offers insights on retirement life and …

1
The Misconceptions of HIIT (And the Role It Can Play in Your Fitness Routine) 49:50

3M ago49:50

49:50

You've probably heard of HIIT — high intensity interval training. In fact, you may feel so familiar with the idea that you think you understand it. But do you? People often hold some popular misconceptions about HIIT, and today we'll unpack what some of those are with Dr. Martin Gibala, a foremost researcher of this fitness modality and the author …

1
The Making of a Stoic Emperor 51:09

3M ago51:09

51:09

Perhaps you've read Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, a book many turn to to learn and internalize the teachings of Stoic philosophy. But what do you know of the man who penned that seminal text? Here to help us get to know the philosopher and ruler is Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavior psychotherapist and the author of Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic E…

1
Unpacking Retirement Planning Strategies | Kevin Lyles | 061 1:18:03

3M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Kevin Lyles, a retired lawyer turned retirement guru and coach, joins Becky and guest co-host Mark Trautman to discuss several aspects of planning for retirement, both financial and non-financial. Kevin talks about the difference between retirement planning and financial advice during the accumulation phase. He advises on how to navigate Social Sec…

1
The Secrets of Supercommunicators 44:41

3M ago44:41

44:41

Have you ever known one of those people who seemed to be able to connect with anyone? The kind of person who had the ability to make others feel understood and smoothly navigate even the trickiest of conversations? Charles Duhigg calls these folks "supercommunicators," and he's the author of a new book by the same name. Today on the show, Charles e…

1
7 Journaling Techniques That Can Change Your Life 49:28

4M ago49:28

49:28

In my twenties and early thirties, I was a regular journaler. Several years ago, however, I stopped journaling almost entirely because I wasn’t getting anything out of it anymore. But my guest has helped me see that my problem wasn’t with journaling itself, but that I had gotten into a journaling rut, and he’s introduced me to some new ways to jour…

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