The Examined Life

What happens when your world shatters with the unimaginable loss of a child? Mary Anne Keegan shares her raw journey after her healthy 20-year-old son Matthew was suddenly diagnosed with cancer and passed away just ten months later. She discovered that grief doesn't follow a playbook — giving yourself grace becomes essential when navigating between holding tight to memories and building a new life entirely. [Episode 99]Mary Anne Keegan is the CEO of a fractional marketing firm and is involved with the Matthew Keegan Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Learn more about Mary Anne:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makeegan/• Matthew Keegan Memorial Scholarship: https://www.asufoundation.org/education-and-scholarship/donor-named-funds/the-matthew-keegan-memorial-scholarship-CA125360.html—-JOIN OUR GROUP COACHING COHORTS:Are you looking to ask deep, introspective and provocative questions about your own life (with Khe and likeminded peers)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—-BECOME A RADREADER:📩 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join 50,000+ ambitious professionals⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for our weekly essays on productivity, money and career.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🐦 Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📸 Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💼 LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌍 RadReads Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎥 TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast art by Nate Kadlac, photography by Henry Thong

Dorothy Chow, host of the Death in Cambodia podcast, shares her transformative journey of recording her father's traumatic Khmer Rouge survival story. The conversation delves into how storytelling can heal generational wounds and foster vulnerability, especially between immigrant parents and their children. Dorothy discusses the emotional impact of personal narratives and the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue. She also highlights her projects, Khmer Courageous Conversations and Survivor Stories, aimed at bridging cultural gaps and promoting healing through shared experiences.

Dive into the lessons of the 2008 financial crisis, exploring the risky practices of banks that led to economic upheaval. Understand how subprime lending intertwined with securitization created systemic vulnerabilities. Discover the psychological impacts on individuals and the government's responses to the chaos. The discussion emphasizes the importance of cash flow in today's volatile markets, helping listeners prepare for potential financial uncertainties ahead.

A recent conference revealed a vibrant FIRE community, defying the bleak economic narrative. Participants were not just high-flyers, but everyday professionals like nurses and teachers. They emphasized the joy of intentional living, embracing frugality while avoiding sacrifice. The podcast also explores communal living and shared resources, showcasing how these choices lead to deeper connections and happiness. It challenges traditional views on financial independence, advocating for a balanced life over mere accumulation.

Join Jenny Wood, a former Google executive and author, as she shares her unconventional journey through workplace dynamics. She discusses the fine line between authentic boldness and calculated self-promotion, revealing the necessity of overcoming fears of judgment. Practical tips range from mastering the 'Monday MiniFesto' to fostering genuine connections in professional settings. Jenny's insights on striking a balance between assertiveness and ethical behavior highlight that success doesn't mean being manipulative—it's about embracing your true potential.

Annie Duke, an author and decision strategist, shares her unique insights from the world of poker to the nuances of decision-making. She discusses how identity can hold us back from making necessary career changes and the psychological traps, like loss aversion, that complicate quitting a job. Duke emphasizes that decisions can often be reversible, encouraging listeners to think about what they could reclaim if they walked away from unfulfilling roles. She also tackles biases and introduces the idea of evaluating opportunity costs for greater fulfillment in life.

Markets are selling off. Quick, how do you react? I’ve been long (i.e. no selling) since 1999. Yup, 25 years. But that doesn’t mean that major sell-offs don’t test my resolve. It’s particularly hard given our unique financial situation: lots of financial assets, no cash, low income and high spending. So how do we do it? [Episode 93]References from the show:• How to stay calm in a bear market: https://www.khehy.com/how-to-stay-calm-in-a-bear-market—-JOIN OUR GROUP COACHING COHORTS:Are you looking to ask deep, introspective and provocative questions about your own life (with Khe and likeminded peers)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—-BECOME A RADREADER:📩 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join 50,000+ ambitious professionals⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for our weekly essays on productivity, money and career.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🐦 Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📸 Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💼 LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌍 RadReads Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎥 TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast art by Nate Kadlac, photography by Henry Thong

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist and founder of Nest Labs, dives into the uncharted waters of career uncertainty. She discusses 'liminal spaces' and how to make the most of those awkward in-between phases. Rather than rushing into familiar territory, she advocates for setting smaller goals and conducting 'tiny experiments' to navigate your path. With insights on balancing passion and financial stability, Anne-Laure empowers listeners to confront their fears and embrace personal growth during transitional times.

Steven Mallouk, a former management consultant turned adventurer, shares his life-altering experience after a brain tumor diagnosis. He discusses the transformative journey from a career-focused mindset to embracing meaningful life experiences. Steven highlights the emotional challenges of facing surgery, the importance of vulnerability, and how his definition of success shifted from material gains to cherished relationships. His story demonstrates the beauty of confronting mortality and the deep connections formed during life’s toughest challenges.

Lou Marchetti, a former private equity dealmaker, shares his gripping story after a near-fatal heart attack during a workout. He reveals how this life-altering moment spurred his shift from relentless ambition to a more conscious existence. Lou delves into the emotional turmoil following his job loss, emphasizing the significance of reflection in navigating life’s challenges. He recounts his recovery journey, along with lessons on resilience and the transformative power of self-discovery, ultimately urging listeners to prioritize health and fulfillment over mere success.