

Lessons from a Quitter
Goli Kalkhoran
It is never too late to start over. No matter how much time or money you've spent chasing degrees and jobs to get to your current position, if ultimately you're unhappy, then it is time to quit. Each week, Goli Kalkhoran, a fellow quitter, will interview inspiring guests who have quit lucrative careers to forge their own path and create a life they love. Get insight, inspiration, tools, and resources to help you quit what you hate and figure out what it is that you love.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 16, 2025 • 36min
Why I'm Taking a Sabbatical (And What Comes Next)
In this deeply personal episode, I share why I decided to take a sabbatical after seven years of building Lessons from a Quitter. I unpack what burnout actually looked like for me, the many possible reasons behind it, and why the "why" ultimately mattered less than listening to what I needed. We talk about uncertainty, privilege, identity, people-pleasing, and the fear of stopping when things aren't broken. This episode is an honest reflection on letting go of what's good, creating space to rest and rethink, and trusting yourself enough to pause—even without a clear next plan.

Dec 9, 2025 • 28min
Stop Rushing Your Life: The Truth About Goal Setting
In this episode, we explore why so many of us rush through our lives believing happiness waits on the other side of achievement. As I prepare for a sabbatical, I share my philosophy of choosing one meaningful goal each year—not to fix yourself, but to deepen your experience of the life you already have. We talk about the trap of chasing "there," the shame cycle of over-goal-setting, and how slowing down helps you reconnect with joy, presence, and purpose. Instead of racing toward a future version of yourself, this episode invites you to savor the chapter you're in while intentionally shaping what comes next.

Dec 2, 2025 • 23min
The Paradox of Choice: Why More Options Make Us Miserable
In this episode, we dive into the hidden reason so many of us stay stuck: the paradox of choice. In a world overflowing with career paths, business ideas, and "perfect" next steps, too many options can keep us spinning in fear of choosing wrong. I talk about why our brains get overwhelmed, how endless possibilities dilute satisfaction, and how this shows up when we're burnt out and unsure of our next move. More importantly, I walk you through building the skill of making confident decisions, embracing "good enough," and moving forward without regret so you can finally redesign a life you love.

Nov 25, 2025 • 26min
Stop Judging Your Productivity: Understand Your Capacity
In this week's episode, we explore one of the most important—and most overlooked—keys to redesigning a life you love: honoring your own capacity. As I prepare for my upcoming sabbatical, I reflect on why so many high-achievers feel broken when they can't operate like everyone else. Using stories from my son's soccer team and my own burnout, I break down how our brains, bodies, and nervous systems are uniquely wired. When we stop fighting who we are and start working with our natural rhythms, we can make clearer decisions, reduce shame, and build a life that actually fits.

Nov 18, 2025 • 50min
How to Build a Full Life Without Burning it All Down with Dinesh Melwani
In this week's episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we sit down with special guest Dinesh Melwani to explore how small, intentional shifts can completely change the trajectory of your life and career. We talk about delegating without guilt, reclaiming your time, and building confidence through consistent, incremental action. Dinesh shares how he's redesigned his own life—juggling law, real estate, coaching, a podcast, and now a children's book—by narrowing his focus, embracing seasons, and letting his day job fund his bigger dreams. This conversation is a powerful reminder that you don't have to quit everything to build a life you love. Follow Dinesh Melwani at @dineshmelwani and check out his book on amazon.

Nov 11, 2025 • 22min
Hierarchy of Needs
In this week's episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into an unpolished but powerful reflection on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and how understanding it can help us navigate uncertainty and reduce unnecessary suffering. We explore the difference between "clean" and "dirty" pain and how our brains are wired to always look for problems—even when life is objectively good. By recognizing where we are on the hierarchy, we can cultivate more compassion for ourselves, redirect our minds toward meaningful goals, and find gratitude for the structure and challenges that keep us grounded, even in seasons of self-doubt or transition.

Nov 4, 2025 • 27min
Happy Life of Mediocrity
This discussion dives into the pressures of perfectionism and how chasing unattainable goals leads to burnout. Instead of striving to be the best, finding joy in mediocrity is celebrated as a path to less stress. The host highlights the liberating idea that life balances between highs and lows, urging acceptance of being average. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing meaningful experiences over perfection, listeners are encouraged to choose happiness over excellence and consider how 'good enough' can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Sep 9, 2025 • 32min
Experimenting with a 3-day workweek
In this week's episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I share a personal experiment I've started in my own business: taking Mondays and Fridays off to create a three-day workweek. While it sounds dreamy on the surface, the reality has been much messier—and that's exactly why I wanted to bring it to you. We dive into how hustle culture and perfectionism make rest feel uncomfortable, why our brains resist slowing down, and how important it is to give ourselves permission to experiment. This conversation is about challenging old rules, embracing imperfection, and creating more space for what you truly want.

Aug 26, 2025 • 50min
How to stop Emotional Outsourcing with Beatriz Albina
Beatriz Albina, NP, MPH, SEP, is a somatic life coach and host of the Feminist Wellness Podcast. In this engaging conversation, she explores the detrimental effects of emotional outsourcing, revealing how it leads to codependency and perfectionism. Béa shares powerful strategies for self-regulation and reconnecting with the body to reclaim joy. The discussion delves into overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, the science behind emotional regulation, and the importance of authenticity. Béa also teases her upcoming book, offering listeners a glimpse into transformative techniques for emotional well-being.

Aug 19, 2025 • 30min
How to Change the Story You Tell Yourself (and Change Your Life)
Discover how changing the story you tell yourself can unlock your potential. Learn to combat limiting beliefs that keep you stuck, exhausted, and feeling inadequate. The discussion emphasizes the power of reframing negative self-talk to reshape your reality and boost happiness. Celebrate your successes and reclaim your self-worth as you transform your self-narrative. Personal experiences and client transformations illustrate the profound impact this mindset shift can have on your life.


