Behavior Gap Radio

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the concept of "Not knowing is most intimate," a Zen koan that challenges our perception of knowledge and vulnerability. Reflecting on personal experiences in the mountains and the markets, Carl discusses how facing the unknown reveals deep truths about ourselves and others. He shares stories of how people, including himself, react when confronted with uncertainty, from speeding up to feeling panic, and the beauty of slowing down to sit with the discomfort. Through these reflections, Carl highlights how embracing the unknown can lead to more intimate and meaningful connections with ourselves and those around us.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 dangers of thinking we "know" more than we actually do. He shares personal insights on how quickly we make judgments in various aspects of life, from investments to outdoor adventures, often without any solid grounds. Using examples like private investments and risky outdoor conditions, Carl emphasizes the importance of recognizing when we don't know and simplifying decisions as a result. His key takeaway? In moments of uncertainty, it's better to acknowledge the unknown and make things simpler—sometimes, that means just saying no.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 his love for simple tools and how they can be surprisingly effective in daily life. Building on the previous day's discussion about gratitude, he talks about using the iPhone's built-in Reminders app to help reinforce positive habits instead of spending hours searching for more complex solutions. By focusing on simple, accessible tools like the Notes and Reminders apps, Carl emphasizes the power of replacing distractions with meaningful practices. He reflects on how these simple methods leave no room to hide from action, making them a valuable part of his daily routine.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 power of gratitude and finding contentment in the present. After returning from a trip, Carl experiences a profound realization while running through the trails near his home in Park City, Utah. He shares how he's been conditioned to constantly think about acquiring new things or chasing the next goal but recognizes that true happiness comes from appreciating what he already has. Carl encourages listeners to practice gratitude, not for the material things but for the sense of home, connection, and fulfillment that is already present in their lives.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 continues his exploration of the relationship between time and money by sharing personal stories of friends who handle their time and spending in vastly different ways. From paying for river guides to changing their own oil, each individual makes unique choices based on what they value more—time or money. Carl reflects on these trade-offs and poses the question: Where are we willing to spend money to buy back time, and when does it actually save us time? Join Carl for a thought-provoking discussion on prioritizing time and 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 episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl poses a thought-provoking question: Would you rather waste money or time? Inspired by an interview where James Corden shared his belief that time is the only currency of true value, Carl reflects on the importance of prioritizing time over money. He delves into the idea that while traditional financial planning often centers on money, it might miss the mark by not considering time, energy, and attention as equally valuable forms of capital. Join Carl as he explores how we allocate our most precious resource—time.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 dangers of overconfidence, especially among experts. Building on the previous episode, he explores how the gap between knowing and doing can lead to costly mistakes. Overconfidence, Carl suggests, is a common issue for experts who begin to rely too much on their knowledge and forget the importance of maintaining a beginner’s mindset. Through thought-provoking insights, Carl reminds us that while expertise is valuable, the real risk comes when experts lose the humility to keep learning and adapting.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 puzzling phenomenon of experts making critical mistakes—even when they know better. From avalanche terrain to the investment world, Carl examines why those with the most knowledge can still make fatal errors, often due to the gap between knowing and consistently doing. He explores the dangerous stories we tell ourselves, group dynamics, and the psychological traps that lead even the most seasoned professionals to make catastrophic decisions. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of why expertise doesn’t always prevent failure.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 concept of "predictive value" and the challenges of identifying factors that can forecast success, particularly in the investment and startup worlds. He reflects on his experience advising institutional investors and the ongoing search for variables that can reliably predict outcomes. Carl highlights the complexity of determining whether success is due to skill or luck, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the process rather than just the outcome. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on what truly has predictive value and how to apply this in various fields.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 story about renowned interior designer Axel Vervoordt and his encounter with a simple yet profound solution to a complex design challenge. When tasked with connecting a seating area to a centuries-old lake, a world-renowned expert's response was unexpectedly simple: "Take your chair and move it closer to the water." Carl reflects on the power of simplicity in solving complex problems and asks, "What if the answer is less?" Join Carl as he explores the beauty of minimalism and the wisdom found in straightforward solutions.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/