From Wall Street to Nepal, Life-Changing Moments, and What It Means To Have Enough With James C. Hopkins

Aug 8, 2024

James C. Hopkins, a poet and ex-stockbroker, shares his remarkable journey from Wall Street to a minimalist Buddhist lifestyle in Kathmandu. He discusses how travel reshaped his understanding of happiness and the concept of 'enough' that led him to retire at just 45. James emphasizes the value of every experience, including a small moment that inspired him to create a social enterprise for children's education. He reflects on transforming cynicism into action and embracing compassion through Buddhist teachings, proving that life’s biggest changes often stem from saying 'yes' to new adventures.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

From Wall Street to Wisdom: A Transformative Journey

02:17 • 23min

Unveiling Inner Happiness: A Journey Through Material Success and Spiritual Discovery

25:28 • 4min

Maximizing Airbnb for Income and Experience

29:31 • 5min

From Wall Street to Wisdom: A Journey of Transformation

34:43 • 28min

Embracing Compassion Through Buddhist Teachings

01:03:01 • 6min

Embracing the Unknown

01:08:34 • 16min

Finding Home Abroad

01:25:04 • 9min

How has your life changed direction from traveling? Poet, entrepreneur, and retired stockbroker James C. Hopkins shares how he transitioned from a hectic life on Wall Street to a simple Buddhist life in Kathmandu.

We discuss why every experience has value, including the small moment that led to him creating a social enterprise to help fund education for kids. You’ll learn how to navigate new beginnings and improve your life, what compassion in action looks like, how to spend money wisely while traveling, why you should “shut up and do something” today, and so much more.

What moments in your life have caused you to make big changes? I'd love to hear about them, and I hope you will share them by sending me an audio message.

*This month, we're sharing previous episodes highlighting the most EPIC lists! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, providing valuable insight whenever you listen.

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Tune In To Learn:

How James managed life as a stockbroker by day and poet by night
Why traveling to India inspired James to reconsider his conception of happiness
The decision of “enough” that caused James to retire at 45
The lessons James learned as a stockbroker that carried into his new life
How travel can change your relationship with money and possessions over time
The power of saying “yes” to help others
How to transform cynicism into action
Why James was drawn to Buddhism and what it has taught him
How understanding the difference between detachment and non-attachment can improve your life
How fear has transformed over the years
How to make the most out of your money when traveling
And so much more

Resources:

Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Support Quilts for Kids
Check out the Himalayan Writers Workshop
Learn More about James’ Collection of Poetry

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