

FI Minded: Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It
Justin Peters
Want to achieve Financial Independence (FI) without missing out on life?
FI Minded is the podcast for anyone seeking financial freedom, time freedom, and a work-optional lifestyle — all while enjoying the journey along the way.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your FI journey or already deep into Coast FI or Slow FI, this show gives you practical strategies and insights to reach early retirement and design a life that aligns with your values, purpose, and fulfillment.
Popular topics include:
- FI Optimization Strategies: Actionable advice to reach Financial Independence faster without unnecessary stress.
- Work Optional & Lifestyle Design: How to transition from the corporate grind and build a life of freedom, flexibility, and intentional living.
- Time Freedom & Coast FI: Making the most of your time while still planning for the future, including mini-retirements, travel, and other ways to enjoy your life now.
- Post-FI Identity & Purpose: What to do once you’ve achieved FI, and how to create meaning beyond money.
- Burnout & Balance: Avoid the pitfalls of over-optimization and learn to balance saving for the future with mental health and happiness.
If you want to reach financial independence, design a life that’s purposeful and fun, and avoid burnout along the way, FI Minded is your guide to building a sustainable, fulfilling, and free life.
Some of our past guests include Carl Jensen (1500 Days), Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club), Nick Loper (Side Hustle Show), Andrew Giancola (The Personal Finance Podcast), Jordan Grumet (Earn & Invest), Rachael Camp (Work Optional), Jillian Johnsrud (Retire Often), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy), Jill Sirianni (Frugal Friends), Jackie Cummings-Koski (Catching Up to FI), Joel Larsgaard (How to Money), Cody Garrett (Measure Twice), Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors), Jess (The Fioneers), Chris Hutchins (All The Hacks), Diania Merriam (EconoMe), and many more inspiring voices in the FI space.
FI Minded is the podcast for anyone seeking financial freedom, time freedom, and a work-optional lifestyle — all while enjoying the journey along the way.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your FI journey or already deep into Coast FI or Slow FI, this show gives you practical strategies and insights to reach early retirement and design a life that aligns with your values, purpose, and fulfillment.
Popular topics include:
- FI Optimization Strategies: Actionable advice to reach Financial Independence faster without unnecessary stress.
- Work Optional & Lifestyle Design: How to transition from the corporate grind and build a life of freedom, flexibility, and intentional living.
- Time Freedom & Coast FI: Making the most of your time while still planning for the future, including mini-retirements, travel, and other ways to enjoy your life now.
- Post-FI Identity & Purpose: What to do once you’ve achieved FI, and how to create meaning beyond money.
- Burnout & Balance: Avoid the pitfalls of over-optimization and learn to balance saving for the future with mental health and happiness.
If you want to reach financial independence, design a life that’s purposeful and fun, and avoid burnout along the way, FI Minded is your guide to building a sustainable, fulfilling, and free life.
Some of our past guests include Carl Jensen (1500 Days), Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club), Nick Loper (Side Hustle Show), Andrew Giancola (The Personal Finance Podcast), Jordan Grumet (Earn & Invest), Rachael Camp (Work Optional), Jillian Johnsrud (Retire Often), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy), Jill Sirianni (Frugal Friends), Jackie Cummings-Koski (Catching Up to FI), Joel Larsgaard (How to Money), Cody Garrett (Measure Twice), Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors), Jess (The Fioneers), Chris Hutchins (All The Hacks), Diania Merriam (EconoMe), and many more inspiring voices in the FI space.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 28, 2020 • 51min
Moving On From a Toxic Relationship and Reprogramming Unhealthy Behaviors l E18 Angela Marie
Today’s guest is Angela Marie, Founder of Find Your Purpose and Shine.
During a thriving 19-year career in network marketing, Angela often found herself giving advice and coaching other professionals on how to succeed in the industry. That experience, and going through a live transformation of her own, lead her to creating her coaching business and writing a book titled “Get Overself Yourself and Find Your Purpose and Shine.”
In this episode, Angela and I discuss topics such as moving on from a toxic relationship, dealing with failure, reprogramming unhealthy habits, and what she learned from her mentor, the Bikini Business Coach.
This episode is perfect for your friend who’s been struggling to move on. I hope this episode gives you the confidence to do so.
Key Takeaways:
[11:53] Managing a toxic relationship
[22:49] How you parent motivation
[33:01] Dealing with failure and heartbreak
[37:45] How to create a gratitude practice
[40:22] What Angela learned from the bikini business coach
Favorite Quotes:
[6:40] “No one can take a skill from you.”
[13:13] “When you aren’t healthy yourself, you’re going to continue to attach that toxic and abuse into your life.”
[28:54] “It’s okay to fail because if you don’t have failure, you can’t have success.”
[40:05] “Your subconscious doesn’t know the difference between reality and what you want to happen.”
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Sep 14, 2020 • 30min
Why You Should Learn a New Skill and How to Do It l E17 Justin Peters
Today, I go solo and speak on the importance of skill acquisition. I believe learning new things will not only lead to professional advancements but a more meaningful, personal life as well.
In this episode, I give a framework for how you can start learning something new. I will also caution you on obstacles to look out for and how to overcome them.
This episode is perfect for someone who feels they’re living a mundane life and looking to change that today.
Key Takeaways:
[3:02] Why you should pursue acquiring new skills for both professional and personal reason
[9:07] Staying in the beginner’s mindset
[14:14] Simple framework for learning something new
[19:46] Obstacles to look out for when learning a new skill and how to overcome them.
Favorite Quotes:
[2:07] I’m not sure you can live a meaningful life if you’re not actively pursuing learning new skills.
[9:46] When was the last time I tried something that I felt completely out of my comfort zone?
[20:27] You’re keystrokes away from learning anything.
[27:15] If you have some kind of fear, then manage the fear.
Mentions:
Ideas on Things to Learn (Google Document): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q-G2cf5hhmtQxG9laj7QlxLhzVLcHfxkIr7mIeZpA8g/edit?usp=sharing
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Aug 31, 2020 • 53min
Public Speaking Best Practices, Passion is Bogus, and Pitching a CEO l E16 Brenden Kumarasamy
Today’s guest is Brenden Kumarasamy, a speaking coach and Founder of MasterTalk.
Growing up poor in Montreal, Brenden started seeking a better life for himself and his mom. He competed in case competitions in college which landed him a consulting job at IBM.
After speaking over 400 times, he has now turned his attention to helping others find their public speaking talents. He founded MasterTalk with the goal of being the top YouTube channel focused on public speaking.
In this episode, you’ll hear Brenden’s thoughts on passion, advice on how to pitch a CEO, and how to grow your following. Of course, Brendan also shares a ton of insight on how to become a better public speaker.
This episode is perfect for someone who thinks they’re too young to accomplish something big.
Key Takeaways:
[13:28] Why passion is bogus and what you can do to find your calling
[19:02] How to pitch a C-level executive by showing not telling
[26:49] How Brenden gained MasterTalk’s first 1,000 subscribers
[31:09] Structuring your speech with a key idea
[36:50] Where the fear of public speaking comes from
Favorite Quotes:
[11:40] “The reason had nothing to do with being a motivational speaker or being a YouTuber. I just wanted to be the best in the program.”
[13:48] “What does the world need you to do the most now and why?”
[16:59] “If you don’t have a vision for the world, steal someone else’s.”
[26:13] “What would you do if you met him tomorrow?”
[35:07] “There is no such thing as boring topics, just boring people.”
[51:18] “Be insane or be the same.”
Mentions:
The Last Dance (Michael Jordan documentary)
https://www.charitywater.org/
The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World's Most Successful People Launched Their Careers by Alex Banayan
More of Brenden
Instagram: @masteryourtalk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBYFP4mZLQovr7W6Si6sueA
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Aug 17, 2020 • 58min
Saying No to An Invite, Apologizing the Right Way, and Communication that Works l E15 Jonathan Miller
Today’s guest is Jonathan Miller, a speaker, facilitator, and communication coach. He is also the host of the incredible podcast, Mindful Communication, where he has conversations with thinkers and influencers about the art and science of connection.
In this episode, Jonathan and I discuss why there is not a right or wrong whenever it comes to communication.
He also gives advice on how to say no to an invite, how to give a powerful apology, and how to take on someone else’s perspective.
This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to have more clarity with their words.
Key Takeaways:
[10:30] There is no right or wrong with communication rather what works or doesn’t work
[20:01] How to say no to an invite without offending the host
[23:17] Conflict can lead to two outcomes: drama or creativity
[35:29] The difference between a regular apology vs a powerful apology
[44:45] How to take on someone else’s perspective
Favorite Quotes:
[18:04] “We are denying the fact that we indeed have a choice and when we don’t have choice, it means we are a victim of circumstances.”
[30:45] “How is this person actually looking to work with me and I am getting in the way of working with them.”
[45:00] “There are as many perspectives on this planet as there are people.”
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Aug 3, 2020 • 52min
How to Address Performance Issues, Gain Trust with Senior Leaders, and Become a Better Leader l E14 Steve Gillen
Today’s guest is Steve Gillen, Senior Executive at Marsh & McLennan Agency, with over 35 years of management and leadership experience.
I was fortunate to work along side Steve for over 7 years. He’s a people first leader whom is both fair and challenging.
In this episode, we will discuss how to become a better leader, addressing performance issues within your team, how to gain trust with more senior leaders, and much more.
This episode is perfect for first time managers looking to grow into exceptional leaders.
Key Takeaways:
[2:01] The difference between a manager and a leader
[10:49] How to become a better leader
[27:03] Three things to ask yourself when addressing performance issues on your team
[32:40] What to look for in a potential leader
[41:36] How to gain trust with senior leaders
[44:45] What is the biggest challenge facing leaders today?
Favorite Quotes:
[3:27] You’re not a leader if you don’t have followers.
[19:44] I am not afraid, and never be afraid, to roll up my sleeves and do the things that they are doing or need to do.
[26:34] If you don’t have confidence in someone to do the job, you need to address that. It’s not about delegation at that point, it’s about performance.
[36:32] When you’re in front of the group or in front of the room, you are representing the organization and that positivity needs to be there.
[42:43] Trust is not given, it’s earned.
[45:04] We are defined as leaders by how well we manage through a crisis.
Mentions:
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
More of Steve:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-gillen-6737546/
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Jul 20, 2020 • 1h 7min
Relationship Lessons from Our First Year Dating I E13 Gaby Deimeke
Today’s episode is a little different than the usual interview style format.
Gaby Deimeke and I have officially been dating for one year, so I invited her on the show to have a discussion about the past year together.
We share insights including what we’ve learned about each other, what we plan to work on in year two, and break down what’s worked for us so far.
We are far from perfect but we are hoping that we might just say something that you can try out in your relationship.
Key Takeaways:
[8:48] Effort is the bedrock of every healthy relationship
[11:45] Sharing the spotlight and supporting each other in our relationship
[21:08] How we adapt to each other’s primary love languages
[31:25] How we do weekly date nights
[45:09] Being able to respectfully tell your partner no
[53:10] Defining core values in our relationship
Favorite Quotes:
[3:07] Okay, wow. We are a year in, forever to go.
[8:51] Always put in 10 times the effort even if you aren’t going to get that in return.
[29:06] Real love and real relationships are the most effort you can put in.
[55:27] Figure out what values you want to cultivate. And it's crazy how much by being intentional about cultivating it, it will come into your relationship.
Mentions:
5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Relationship Theory with Tom & Lisa Bilyeu
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
More of Gaby:
Instagram: @gdeimz
Website: www.gabydeimeke.com
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Jul 6, 2020 • 52min
Improve Your Sleep with These Simple Tips I E12 Lee Chambers
Today’s guest is Lee Chambers, a Workplace Wellness Consultant that wants to help people live a healthier version of themselves.
At a critical time in his life with a young child and a pregnant wife at home, he lost the ability to walk. After 11 months of rehabilitation, he regained mobility and decided to start a coaching business called Essentialise.
During our conversation, Lee shares advice on practical ways to improve your sleep including caffeine curfews and bedroom optimization.
Key Takeaways:
[2:17] Why Lee started Essentialise
[8:08] How Lee responded when he lost the ability to walk
[20:25] Lee’s thoughts on the culture around sleep deprivation
[31:16] Strategies for balancing coffee and alcohol with sleep optimization
[36:30] How to redesign your bedroom to optimize your sleep
Favorite Quotes:
[9:52] You get a lot of time to reflect when you’re stuck in a hospital bed and can’t move.
[12:06] By the time she’s walking, god dammit I’m going to be walking too.
[25:03] In the past 10 years people have started to realize sleep is the fundamental driver of health and performance.
[37:55] Your bedroom should be for sleep and sex.
[45:05] We don’t even embrace boredom anymore.
More of Lee:
Instagram: @essentialisecoach
Website: https://www.essentialise.co.uk/
Website: https://leechambers.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClTzVmPvXM09HB7uL-gWPag/
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Jun 22, 2020 • 1h 9min
”NO Stands for Next Opportunity” How to Overcome Rejection and Get What You Want I E11 Dee Goines
Today’s guest is Daniel “Dee” Goines, who has spent the last 15 years crafting an impressive career in higher education.
His story illustrates how you can create opportunities for yourself and capitalize on them. He has an infectious personality with a humble storyline. Oh, and he shook The Rock’s hand (you’ll hear more about it in the episode).
This episode is perfect for someone who has been going through a time of rejection and needs some inspiration.
Key Takeaways:
[3:06] Dee’s difficult route to college
[18:14] Dee meeting his mentor John Buck
[27:23] Advice on how to overcome rejection and cultivate more hunger
[33:39] How you go from knowing no one in high school to being a super connector in college
[44:57] How Dee met Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
[55:41] Dee’s thoughts on the current racial climate and advice on being an ally
Favorite Quotes:
[22:28] “If you think about it, all the cool people have one name.”
[31:32 “All of those 10 times I asked for a job, it was like an interview 10 times.”
[36:25] “Buck taught me the value of remembering someone’s name and greeting them by name.”
[37:54] “Just call me Dee.”
[44:30] “No stands for next opportunity.”
[49:56] “Having a plan, and not giving up, and like knowing you have to make stuff happen.”
[50:44] “It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice.”
[53:29] “She said, Danny, there is a Santa Claus.”
[1:01:22] “If you care about a piece of property more than someone’s life, then there is a greater conversation that needs to be had.”
More of Dee:
Twitter: @deeucme
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dee.goines
Email: deegoines@gmail.com
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Jun 8, 2020 • 59min
When It Comes to Big Decisions, Trust Your Gut I E10 Kate Holtz
Today’s guest is Kate Holtz, a good friend who I admire for her ability to follow through with scary decisions.
As a left-brain dominate, I’ve find sanctuary hearing that most of Kate’s big decisions are based on a gut feeling.
In this episode, Kate and I discuss her decision to go to Butler University, how she found herself in San Francisco post-college, and handling the transition to long distance dating.
This episode is perfect for those who find themselves overthinking decisions way too often.
Key Takeaways:
[4:41] How Kate’s upbringing affected who she is today
[15:35] How Kate made the decision to go to Butler University
[26:12] Kate’s choice to move to San Francisco and the challenges she had to overcome when doing that
[40:07] Handling long distance dating
[0:00] Advice when you’re seeking your first job
Favorite Quotes:
[10:54] My seventh grade brother called me bossy and that was definitely the tipping pointing where you start to realize you need to grow up and refine some of your characteristics
[13:28] Is there somebody else in the room that could do that better?
[19:58] There you go again thinking
[30:00] You know, I think I’m moving to San Francisco?
[46:53] You realize small things can make a big impact. You don’t have to do these grand gestures to make the other person feel loved.
More of Kate:
Instagram: @kate_holtz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-holtz-arm-40b4ba10a/
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

May 25, 2020 • 55min
Level Up Your Communication Skills with a Toastmaster President I E9 Geoff King
Today’s guest is Geoff King, a communication expert and all around great human.
In this episode, Geoff and I discuss why we believe effective communication is the number one skillset that everyone should be investing time into mastering.
Geoff shares some of his insights he’s learned from growing his real estate business, being President of a Toastmasters club, and competing and coaching in speech and debate.
This episode is perfect for those who are looking to keep themselves relevant in a world where clear communication can make a huge difference.
Show Notes:
[2:10] What Geoff learned from Toastmasters
[15:56] The most important skill Geoff looks for when hiring
[28:27] Stories from coaching speech and debate
[32:30] How to give effective feedback
[41:24] Why failure and learning are synonymous
[44:50] Using the 10X Rule to crush your goals
Favorite Quotes:
[22:50] “We look for someone that’s consistent. Are you committed to whatever it is that you’re doing?”
[25:24] “It’s not supposed to sound like you. It’s supposed to sound like someone that has already sold hundreds of houses.”
[38:57] “Once you get in the real world, the more you mess up, the faster you learn.”
[52:54] “It’s business as usual in an unusual way.”
Mentions:
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone
More of Geoff:
Instagram: @thegeoffking
More of TSIR:
Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/


