
50 Fires: Money and Meaning with Carl Richards
Talking about money is hard. All over the world, people are taught never to talk about money, politics, sex or religion in polite company. On 50 Fires: A Podcast About Money and Meaning from Executive Producers Chip and Joanna Gaines, host and financial conversationalist Carl Richards will remove money from that list by having frank, funny, and often difficult conversations about money - the kind we were all told not to have! - with guests from all walks of life. In each episode, Carl will invite a new guest to answer the question “What does money mean to you?” Their answers will reveal much more than their attitudes about money, spanning revelations about identity, community, faith, family and the true meaning of wealth.Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Website: https://www.blindnilmedia.com/audio
Latest episodes

Apr 2, 2025 • 8min
What To Do When The Markets Are Scary
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.

Mar 26, 2025 • 9min
Facing a Tough Financial Decision? Try The Overnight Test
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

Mar 19, 2025 • 30min
A Life Well Lived with Peter Singer
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.

Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 8min
Finding Your Own Definition of Wealth with Katie Gatti Tassin
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

19 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
Common Sense Is Controversial with Kevin Dahlstrom
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.

Feb 26, 2025 • 60min
Taking Big Leaps and Meaningful Rewards From Author Pam Houston
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.

Feb 19, 2025 • 51min
Getting More Out Less with Joshua Becker
Joshua Becker, founder of Becoming Minimalist and bestselling author, dives into the intriguing paradox of wealth and happiness. He challenges cultural spending expectations, advocating for a fulfilling life rooted in faith and relationships rather than material possessions. Becker makes a compelling case against car payments, encouraging mindful financial decisions aligned with personal values. Reflecting on his own experiences, he emphasizes the joys of minimalism and the freedom that comes from owning less.

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 12min
Pursuing Passion and Making Money with ‘Real Fun, Wow!’ Artist Daren Thomas Magee
What happens when passion meets financial reality? In this episode of 50 Fires, Carl sits down with artist Daren Thomas Magee, the creative mind behind Real Fun, Wow. Daren opens up about the challenges of making a living as an artist, the unfiltered realities of financial ups and downs, and his unique approach to staying grounded despite financial stress. From the pressure of selling art to the mental resilience needed to navigate debt, this conversation explores what it really means to follow your passion while navigating a lot of the BS that’s out there. Tune in for an inspiring and relatable discussion about art, money, and redefining success on your own terms.For more visit https://realfunwow.com/—-----------------------------Follow 50 Fires on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/50firespod/Please direct business inquires to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com--------------------------------Cover 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

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 8min
“Do You and Money Have a Positive Relationship?” with Dr. Gena Gorlin
Have you ever caught yourself making a decision about money—big or small—and thought, Wait. Whose voice is that in my head? Is this really me? Or is it the voice of my parents, a professor, society, or maybe even fear?Dr. Gena Gorlin understands this deeply and has spent significant time unraveling this pattern of thinking. As a clinical psychologist specializing in the needs of ambitious builders—especially founders—she helps them break free from limiting voices and mental scripts that keep them stuck.In this episode of 50 Fires, Carl and Gena explore the complex relationship between creativity, entrepreneurship, and ethics. They discuss the motivations behind building—whether for good or ill—and the moral implications of profit in business. Their conversation delves into the spiritual aspects of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the connection between financial success and personal values. They also reflect on how spending habits reveal deeper beliefs and the pressures founders face from venture capitalists, ultimately advocating for a more humane approach to business relationships.The episode concludes with insights on teaching future generations about the true purpose of money and the importance of living a fulfilled life.For more visit https://genagorlin.com/—-----------------------------Follow 50 Fires on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/50firespod/Please direct business inquires to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com--------------------------------Cover 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

Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 12min
“Buying Things Is Usually Stupid” with Joel Stein
Joel Stein, a cultural commentator and author with sharp insights on money and status, joins the discussion to scrutinize our relationship with wealth. He shares humorous anecdotes about spending habits, including renting luxury cars and mingling with billionaires at Burning Man. Stein challenges the idea of 'having enough' and questions the secrecy around income. Through witty observations, he critiques the absurdity of status symbols and reveals why his so-called 'irresponsible' financial choices may resonate with many.