The Examined Life

Khe Hy, an experienced investment banker, shares his insights on the grueling 100-hour work weeks in his field. He discusses the severe toll these hours take on health and personal relationships. Through personal anecdotes, Khe reflects on the sacrifices made for financial gain and the emotional struggles faced. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing fitness and creating balance amidst the chaos. It's an eye-opening conversation about the high cost of overwork and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

Rachel Feintzeig, a work and life columnist at the Wall Street Journal, discusses the transformative power of sabbaticals. She explores how stepping away from a demanding job can help individuals reassess priorities like family, health, and personal passions. The conversation highlights the balancing act between career ambitions and family life, and the emotional complexities of co-parenting during a sabbatical. Rachel shares insights on navigating the reintegration into work afterward, underlining the potential for rejuvenation and personal growth through intentional breaks.

Joe Hudson, a Silicon Valley executive coach, shares profound insights on embracing envy for personal growth. He discusses how comparison not only breeds misery but also highlights true desires. The conversation explores balancing intellect, emotion, and intuition in coaching, revealing how envy can strain relationships despite admiration. Hudson emphasizes reframing competition as a path to joy, advocating for self-acceptance and authenticity in pursuing one’s goals. Through personal narratives, he illustrates the transformative power of self-discovery and commitment to one’s purpose.

Khe Hy, a guiding voice on overcoming productivity guilt, shares personal anecdotes that challenge societal norms about constant productivity. He introduces Internal Family Systems therapy to help listeners understand their emotional 'parts.' The conversation explores confronting one's competitive persona and finding a healthier, more balanced approach to life. Khe emphasizes the importance of embracing creative misfits in art and music, advocating for playfulness and innovation. Ultimately, he inspires a journey from ambition to emotional balance.

Cara Lai, a meditation teacher, dives into the transformative power of meditation beyond stress relief. She shares personal stories from her journey, including insights from silent retreats that enhance self-awareness. The discussion highlights the impact of vulnerability, embracing insecurities, and the importance of aligning actions with personal values. Cara also offers practical tips for starting meditation simply, while cautioning against spiritual bypassing and emphasizing living in the moment for deeper emotional connection.

Former hedge fund manager turned entrepreneur, Ben Jasper, shares his journey of leaving Wall Street to buy an unsexy business. Topics include buying a business with 5% down, steep learning curves of unsexy businesses, timing of leaving Wall Street, and wealth compound strategies. The podcast explores the challenges, financial risks, and rewards of acquiring and running a manufacturing company, highlighting the perseverance and hard work needed for success.

Ex-Wall Street professional Khe Hy shares 45 lessons learned after turning 45, covering workaholism, coping with long hours, taking pay cuts, and finding favorite t-shirts. Topics include career sacrifices, impact of titles in finance and internet careers, challenges of solo entrepreneurship, reevaluating success metrics, and personal reflections on health, relationships, habits, and inner work.

Writer and serial entrepreneur Nat Eliason shares his wild ride in the crypto world, from anonymous accounts to hacks and crashes. The podcast delves into navigating income fluctuations, transitioning to sustainable income through programming, and risky decisions in crypto trading. It also explores integrating crypto in gaming and a success story of a $13 million crypto investment.

Stephanie Harrison, expert on happiness, challenges the traditional belief that success leads to happiness. Delving into societal values, individualism, emotional expression, and the impact of relationships on genuine fulfillment.

Expert Khe Hy discusses 7 ways to develop social intelligence, focusing on topics like active listening, understanding decision-making, and being vulnerable without oversharing. He emphasizes the importance of EQ in professional settings and shares insights on enhancing social intelligence through observation, empathy, and communication skills.