Behavior Gap Radio

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares an essay on finding clarity in decision-making and risk. Inspired by a personal shift in his backcountry skiing approach after a tragic accident, he explores the powerful concept of focusing on terrain that's always safe rather than testing boundaries. This episode delves into three key themes: rethinking risk, clarifying motivations, and the creative process of distilling insights into a single, impactful idea—like finding one grain of sand on a vast beach. Join Carl as he reflects on applying this "Dr. Low Angle" philosophy both in skiing and in life.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/ 

In this special field episode from New York City, Carl shares reflections from his "idea tour," which has taken him across the U.S., exploring the profound alignment between money and personal values. He discusses the concept of "compounding kindness"—the idea that small acts of kindness can multiply and impact lives across the globe. Reflecting on personal encounters, he highlights the power of one-to-one kindness scaling into a global network of positive impact. With over a million downloads of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl envisions a future of spreading kindness at scale and invites listeners to join the movement by sharing the episode with others who could use a spark of inspiration.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/ 

In this thought-provoking episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl challenges us to rethink our relationship with money, suggesting that money itself is simply a word—a neutral tool that we've imbued with complex stories, emotions, and generational beliefs. He explores how recognizing money as a concept, rather than the source of our financial stress or aspirations, can open the door to clearer, more actionable financial thinking. Carl isn’t proposing a quick fix for financial struggles but rather a reframing: by seeing money for what it is and isn’t, we can begin to untangle our emotions from the practical steps needed to navigate our financial realities.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the balance between discovery and clarity, suggesting that true insight often emerges when we step away from constant consumption and allow space for reflection and creation. He explores the idea of alternating between periods of deep learning and intentional time to process and create, finding clarity through stillness rather than endless discovery. Tune in to consider how stepping out of "discovery mode" might offer a new path to deeper understanding and creativity.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/ 

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the idea of achieving "calm money" by shifting our mindset around finances. While society often bombards us with fear and anxiety about money, Carl suggests that cultivating a calm, intentional relationship with it can transform our experience. By recognizing and managing our fears, we can approach money with clarity and peace, sidestepping the noise that clouds our judgment. Tune in to learn why calm, not fear, is the best fuel for a healthy, sustainable relationship with money.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this brief yet impactful episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl delves into a powerful concept: kindness as an investment with compounding returns, while negativity acts as an expense that only drains. Building on yesterday’s thoughts on kindness, Carl highlights the ripple effect of our interactions and challenges us to choose kindness as a long-term investment in positive outcomes. Tune in for a simple yet transformative reminder that each moment of kindness is a step toward a better world.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/ 

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a profound realization sparked by a conference interaction—a reminder of the lasting impact that small acts of kindness can have on others. Reflecting on encounters from years past, he marvels at the compounding effect of positive moments: a thoughtful word, a high-five, or just a few seconds of genuine attention. This episode dives into Carl’s personal journey toward embodying "compound kindness" as a life mission, embracing positivity in every interaction and fostering a ripple effect of kindness that continues to grow with each person it touches.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/ 

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl revisits one of his favorite topics: investing. He challenges the common misconception that success comes from finding the "best" investment and explains how true investment success is about becoming a better investor. Instead of constantly searching for the perfect opportunity, Carl emphasizes the power of consistency, long-term commitment, and resisting the urge to interrupt compounding. He also touches on the behavioral challenges we face, such as spending versus saving, and how mastering these habits is key to long-term financial success.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/ 

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into the process of decision-making, particularly when faced with big, life-altering choices. He emphasizes the importance of balancing analysis with intuition. While gathering information, testing assumptions, and creating pros and cons lists are essential steps, there comes a point when the analysis must stop, and it's time to trust your gut. Carl reflects on the shift from head-based decision-making to heart-based, highlighting the beauty of quieting the noise and asking, "Which one feels right?"Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/ 

In this episode, Carl explores the inevitable arrival of risk when making important life decisions, particularly through the lens of parenting young adults facing monumental choices. From career paths to personal relationships, he reflects on how we react when things don't go as planned—whether it's failing a test, missing an opportunity, or changing life directions. Drawing inspiration from Kobe Bryant's mindset of learning from failure, Carl encourages us to embrace risk as part of growth. Tune in to discover how to navigate disappointment, keep moving forward, and learn from the challenges life throws our way.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/