50 Fires: Money and Meaning with Carl Richards

What if the boldest career move you ever made was stepping away? Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power of Pause, joins Carl to unpack the layered experience of pausing a high-powered career to prioritize family — and rediscover a deeper sense of self.Neha shares her journey as the daughter of Indian immigrants, growing up acutely aware of financial insecurity and the privilege of choice. She opens up about the clarity she found in early motherhood, the liberation in presence over productivity, and how she reframed staying home not as a step back, but as a bold act of agency. They also dig into the misconceptions surrounding stay-at-home parenting, the emotional balance sheet every family quietly navigates, and how intentional money conversations can build stronger, more equitable partnerships.-----------------------------Follow Neha Ruch @motherunited Purchase The Power Pause Book: http://motheruntitled.com/thepowerpause—-----------------------------Follow 50 Fires on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/50firespod/Please direct business inquires to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.comCover Art: Josh Passler - TheFinArtist.comMusic Credits: Alexandra Woodward / Rabbit Reggae / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.comCody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Henry Shukman, a poet and Zen teacher known for his memoir One Blade of Grass, shares profound insights on living freely and the nature of financial anxiety. He reflects on his youthful adventures with a wanderer named 'Speedy' and how early money experiences shape our adult lives. The conversation highlights reconnecting with nature, the essence of generosity in uncertainty, and the importance of inner peace amidst financial challenges. Discover how Zen philosophy can guide us toward clarity and purpose, regardless of our financial standing.

Singer-Songwriter Susan Werner joins Carl for a deeply personal conversation that weaves together her upbringing on a midwest farm, her financial philosophy, and how it intersects with her pursuit of creative integrity. From the sound of coins jingling in her father’s pocket as a young child to the smell of manure—“the smell of money” on an Iowa farm—Susan shares how early experiences shaped her understanding of value and work.Susan opens up about navigating the unpredictable economics of a life in the arts, her aversion to debt, the delicate balance between humility and hustle, and how those lessons built her tolerance for financial uncertainty as a working musician.—-----------------------------Follow Susan Werner on Instagram @thesusanwernerFor more on Susan and her music visit: https://susanwerner.com/—-----------------------------Follow 50 Fires on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/50firespod/Please direct business inquires to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.comCover Art: Josh Passler - TheFinArtist.comMusic Credits: Alexandra Woodward / Rabbit Reggae / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.comCody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should we do to protect our finances and investments right now? First off, when markets get scary? We should avoid chasing predictions.It turns out that creating financial resilience is not about making perfect predictions about what’s coming next. It’s about building a life that can adapt to whatever arrives. This approach works, regardless of what’s happening with tariffs, markets, or potential recessions. By focusing on what you can control, you’re building financial strength that serves you well in any economic environment.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Market volatility can stir up fear and anxiety, but it's vital to remember that fluctuations are normal. The speaker emphasizes focusing on long-term goals to navigate these emotional storms. Empathy plays a crucial role during market scares, offering emotional support that paves the way for sound financial decisions. A comforting metaphor of 'Scary Market Hugs' illustrates the need for connection amidst uncertainty, reminding listeners that they're not alone in facing market challenges.

Making tough financial decisions can be overwhelming, especially when emotions and biases come into play. In this mini episode of 50 Fires, Carl shares a powerful mental tool he calls The Overnight Test. This simple yet effective exercise helps navigate the inertia of holding onto investments, properties, or even routines that no longer serve us.Through real-life stories—including a long-abandoned family cabin, an under-performing stock, and a small business owner's dilemma—Carl illustrates how changing our perspective can lead to better, more intentional choices. Whether you're struggling to let go of something or just looking for a fresh way to evaluate your decisions, this episode will leave you with a practical strategy to use in everyday life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Peter Singer, a highly influential moral philosopher known for his work on ethics and effective altruism, shares insights from his life and career. He discusses the ethical responsibilities of wealth and the importance of thoughtful consumption. The tension between personal enjoyment and global suffering is explored, alongside the need for a balanced approach to giving. Peter emphasizes redefining status through purpose, and the responsibilities of the wealthy to foster charitable giving, challenging listeners to rethink their relationship with money.

Katie Gatti Tassin, the creator of the Money with Katie Podcast, joins Carl to explore the personal and philosophical sides of money. Katie shares her journey from launching a personal finance blog to selling it to Morning Brew, and how that experience reshaped her views on wealth, work, and independence.Together, they dive into Katie’s early memories of money, the financial habits instilled by her parents, and the emotional weight of financial decisions—like buying a luxury car and the conflicted feelings that followed. She opens up about her evolving perspective on financial success, the tension between abundance and scarcity mindsets, and the reality of scaling up lifestyle expenses while maintaining financial security.Carl and Katie also tackle systemic economic issues, including the illusion of meritocracy, and how shifting personal and societal financial narratives could lead to a more equitable future.—-----------------------------For more on Katie visit https://moneywithkatie.com/ Pre-Order her new book Rich Girl Nation: https://moneywithkatie.com/rich-girl-nation—-----------------------------Follow 50 Fires on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/50firespod/Please direct business inquires to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.comCover Art: Josh Passler - TheFinArtist.comMusic Credits: Alexandra Woodward / Rabbit Reggae / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.comCody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Dahlstrom, a four-time CMO and passionate rock climber, shares his journey toward discovering the secret to 'enough.' He discusses aligning life with personal values and prioritizing experiences over possessions. Kevin challenges traditional views on money, advocating for a flexible approach to work-life balance and the concept of 'maximalist minimalism.' His insights on navigating the emotional landscape of money and redefining success encourage listeners to embrace continuous growth and take risks for personal fulfillment.

Pam Houston, a celebrated author known for her memoir "Deep Creek," shares her transformative journey from financial anxiety to finding purpose in nature. She recounts the audacious story of purchasing her Wyoming ranch with minimal down payment and a signed book. Pam reflects on the impact of her father's relationship with money, the thrill of embracing risk, and the profound lessons from connecting with the land. Her insights on redefining happiness beyond wealth and discovering the true meaning of "enough" inspire listeners to seek fulfillment in simple joys.