

Mile High FI Podcast
Doug Cunnington & Carl Jensen
Real talk about Financial Independence and life after corporate jobs. Doug Cunnington and Carl Jensen talk about FI, lifestyle, side hustles, health, and anything on their minds. Plus, they interview experts and non-experts interested in the FI lifestyle. It's raw, candid, pretty much like you get to sit in on a private conversation.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 22, 2025 • 50min
Early Retirement Nightmare: Retiring Into a Bear Market | MHFI 277
Doug chats with David about his recent transition into retirement amidst a fluctuating stock market environment. David shares his decision to sell a significant portion of his portfolio near the market’s recent bottom, discussing the impact of market volatility on his investment decisions and the balance between seeking peace of mind and maximizing returns. He also shares reflections on market timing, portfolio allocation, the importance of planning and adapting to financial uncertainties, and adjusting to life post-retirement.
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Need a fee only advisor? Nectarine is a network of financial advisors where you just pay for investing & planning advice. Advisors don’t manage your money, sell products, or earn commissions.
https://milehighfi.com/nectarine
Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!
Guitar Accessories
Hiking & Outdoor
Essentials for Sleep
Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington
Links
Connect with David
Email: davidrmoser@gmail.com
LinkedIn
The New Yorker, “The Scold” (Mr. Money Mustache profile)
JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Morgan Housel
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Check out Producer Chris’s new blog: Epic Financial Journey
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com
0:00 Introduction
2:39 David’s financial journey
6:50 Future plans & investment decisions
13:06 This time is different
19:28 Keeping cash on-hand & withdrawing
27:53 Portfolio diversification
32:34 Contingency plans & advice for others
39:44 Life after retirement
45:16 Soundcheck – Credit card points

Jul 18, 2025 • 1h
Mr. Money Mustache: Financial Strategies, Happiness, & Lifestyle Choices [bonus]
Mr. Money Mustache, Pete Adeney, and Doug discuss the nuances of early retirement, staying financially agile, and how small lifestyle adjustments can make a big impact. The conversation also explores personal growth, meaningful living, and the joy of communal activities.
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!
Guitar Accessories
Hiking & Outdoor
Essentials for Sleep
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:54 Changing Perspectives: Pete’s New Outlook
02:37 Neighborhood Qualities and Preferences
05:04 Transition to One Car Lifestyle
09:33 Financial Strategies and Roth Conversions
24:28 Tracking Happiness and Meaning
30:18 Helping a Friend with a Basement Project
30:33 Jam Sessions at the Coworking Space
31:17 Balancing Productivity and Relaxation
32:21 Cooking and Socializing
33:07 Coaching Experiences and Financial Advice
37:31 Bootcamp and Email Series
42:06 Podcast Sponsorship and Recommendations
48:30 Live Streams and Community Engagement
49:23 Balancing Financial Goals with Living Intentionally
51:25 Parenting and Frugal Activities
55:08 Final Thoughts

Jul 15, 2025 • 57min
Why are Timeshares Horrible? | MHFI 276
Doug chats with both his dad and Chris Rusin about timeshares and each of their experiences with them. They explore the aggressive sales tactics often used, financial pitfalls, hidden fees, the dubious resale market, harsh realities of escalating maintenance fees, and ultimately selling a timeshare. They also highlight tactics for surviving timeshare presentations and explore how timeshares may fit into broader financial strategies.
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!
Guitar Accessories
Hiking & Outdoor
Essentials for Sleep
Need custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington
Links
Connect with Chris
Chris Rusin Music
Chris Rusin YouTube
Life Outside the Maze
Chris Rusin on MHFI episode 020
Chris Rusin on MHFI episode 273
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Check out Producer Chris’s new blog: Epic Financial Journey
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com
0:00 Introduction
2:43 A masterclass in sales
8:18 Analyzing the value of timeshares
15:14 Timeshare memories with Doug’s dad
21:10 The sales process
28:42 Maintenance fees & freebies
34:42 Getting rid of timeshares
41:31 Pros and cons
46:18 Opportunity cost of owning a timeshare
54:39 Soundcheck – Horseback riding

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 2min
Credit Card Points, Doug’s Cognitive Meltdown, Saying NO! [rebroadcast] | MHFI 275
Doug and Dusti Young chat about a potpourri of topics on this random episode:
Credit card points – which cards Doug & Dusti each have, hoarding points
Cognitive biases – loss aversion, sunk cost, maximization (optimizing) vs. satisficing
Having a hard time saying NO
Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 178
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you!
Guitar Accessories
Hiking & Outdoor
Essentials for Sleep
Need custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington
Links
Connect with Dusti:
Instagram
Facebook
ChooseFI Travel Rewards
Steven Keys (Trip of a Lifestyle) on The Doug Show
Barry Schwartz, “The Paradox of Choice”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Logan Ury, “How to Not Die Alone”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Derek Sivers, “Hell Yeah or No”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
SideDish podcast
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Check out Producer Chris’s new blog: Epic Financial Journey
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com
0:00 Introduction
6:06 Puppy yoga, laziness, & napping
12:46 Credit card points
18:56 Hoarding points
24:21 Doug’s gym conundrum
29:32 Loss aversion & sunk cost
36:20 Maximizing vs. satisficing
42:19 Just say NO
47:40 Trade-offs & setting boundaries
55:42 Soundcheck – Go-karting

12 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 7min
JL Collins & Jillian Johnsrud on FU Money & Mini-Retirements | MHFI 274
Join JL Collins, author of 'The Simple Path to Wealth', and Jillian Johnsrud, author of 'Retire Often', as they dive into the transformative concept of mini-retirements. JL shares his personal experiences of taking breaks from work, emphasizing financial freedom and the joy of not being ruled by money. Jillian introduces her framework for living a fulfilled life through mini-retirements, blending personal development with career breaks. Together, they redefine wealth by prioritizing experiences over material gains.

Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 7min
Beyond the 4% Rule: Indiana Jones of FI (Update) - Chris Rusin | MHFI 273
Doug chats with Chris Rusin, “The Indiana Jones of FI”, about his journey after reaching FI, the transition from a corporate career to personal passion projects, and the challenges associated with leaving a professional identity behind. Chris shares his experiences in tackling a bucket list, the fear of failure, and his battle with cancer, which reshaped his perspective on life goals. He also dives into his latest venture — recording a music album!
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Use code MILEHIGHFI at GhostBed checkout for an additional 10% Off Already Low Prices!
June 25, 2025 Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/LX9a2Caw-Gs
Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/
Links
Connect with Chris
Chris Rusin Music
Chris Rusin YouTube
Life Outside the Maze
Chris Rusin on MHFI episode 020
Bucketlist.com
Ernest Becker, “The Denial of Death”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Duff McKagan, “It’s So Easy”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Check out Producer Chris’s new blog: Epic Financial Journey
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com
0:00 Introduction
2:28 Bucket lists & facing fears
8:02 Reflections on mortality & life’s priorities
16:13 Musical endeavors
22:15 Personal growth
28:17 The creative process & finding identity
36:56 Transitioning to new roles & challenges
45:21 Teaching & unplugging
52:43 Joy of collaboration
57:43 Soundcheck – Music
1:03:44 Chris Rusin, Cinders

Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 6min
Mentally Prepare to Retire - Rusty | MHFI 272
Doug chats with Rusty about the mental and emotional aspects of committing to leaving traditional work, focusing on mindset and building an identity outside of professional life. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from being highly productive to a more relaxed lifestyle, the importance of taking all allotted vacation time, and asking for what you want from your employer. Rusty also touches on mental health therapies such as body-based trauma therapy and somatic therapy as tools for coping with the stress and trauma associated with demanding careers.
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Use code MILEHIGHFI at GhostBed checkout for an additional 10% Off Already Low Prices!
June 2025 Livestreams: https://youtube.com/live/d2lTp4FMe4A?feature=share
Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/
Links
Rusty on MHFI episode 252
Bessel van der Kolk, “The Body Keeps the Score”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Feel Better, Live More podcast
Gabor Mate “When the Body Says No”
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Russell Kennedy “Anxiety Rx”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Check out Producer Chris’s new blog: Epic Financial Journey
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com
0:00 Introduction
1:55 Identity & career transition
6:21 Mindset shift
11:35 Building an identity separate from work
16:59 Productivity
24:00 Importance of taking vacation
30:18 Traveling & cultural perspectives on work
38:06 Recurring dreams & nightmares
43:33 Body-based trauma therapy
49:40 Negotiating with employers
56:43 Soundcheck – One car household

Jun 13, 2025 • 37min
Delivering Identity - BONUS | MHFI 271.5
Doug chats with Producer Chris about the identity crisis that often accompanies early retirement and the practicality of meal planning vs. food delivery services. They discuss how careers often shape one’s identity and the challenges some people face when stepping away from their professional life. They also explore the convenience and impact of food delivery, home cooking, and personal shopping preferences.
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
June 2025 Livestreams: https://youtube.com/live/d2lTp4FMe4A?feature=share
Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/
Links
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Check out Producer Chris’s new blog: Epic Financial Journey
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com
0:00 Introduction
2:53 Chris’s lost identity
9:15 Doug’s career reflections
18:26 Grocery & food delivery
22:57 Grocery shopping preferences
29:56 Soundcheck – Never again

Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 13min
What the Happiest Retirees Know - Joe Saul-Sehy | MHFI 271
Doug chats with Joe Saul-Sehy from The Stacking Benjamins Show about habits of the happiest retirees, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, purpose-driven retirement, and the perils of isolation. Joe shares insights from his own experiences and studies, highlighting the power of connection through group memberships, volunteering, and staying engaged in meaningful activities post-retirement.
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Use code MILEHIGHFI at GhostBed checkout for an additional 10% Off Already Low Prices!
June 2025 Livestreams: https://youtube.com/live/d2lTp4FMe4A?feature=share
Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/
Links
The Stacking Benjamins Show
Joe Saul-Sehy, “Stacked”
Kindle
Hardcover
Audiobook
Afford Anything, “The Truth About Making the Efficient Frontier Work in Real Life”
Christine Benz, “How to Retire”
Kindle
Paperback
Audiobook
Retiremeet
Anna Corwin “Embracing Age”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Check out Producer Chris’s new blog: Epic Financial Journey
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com
0:00 Introduction
5:17 Livestreaming!
14:10 Habits of the happiest retirees
22:16 Exploring opportunities in retirement
30:04 The power of connection
38:27 Community involvement
44:54 Finding common ground
49:21 A purpose bigger than yourself
56:27 Starting in the wrong place
1:03:12 Soundcheck – National parks

Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 5min
Buy Borrow Die for FI and Mailbag Questions - Rusty | MHFI 270
Doug chats with Rusty about the intricacies of the ‘Buy, Borrow, Die’ strategy. They discuss the mechanics of how the strategy works, benefits, potential risks, and answer related questions from listeners Nate and Sophia. They also answer Alex’s question from the mailbag about claiming unemployment benefits ethically and navigating asset allocation during market volatility.
Rusty’s “Homework”: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qflSynVvMlxcBw1kkKBfG3HFQNJV05b8/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100827824204716910905&rtpof=true&sd=true
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Use code MILEHIGHFI at GhostBed checkout for an additional 10% Off Already Low Prices!
June 2025 Livestreams: https://youtube.com/live/d2lTp4FMe4A?feature=share
Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/
Links
Rusty on MHFI episode 252
NBER Working Paper Series, “Buffett’s Alpha”
Mad Fientist, “How to Access Retirement Funds Early”
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Check out Producer Chris’s new blog: Epic Financial Journey
—
Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list!
Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more
**Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.**
Brought To You By:
The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles
Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com
0:00 Introduction
3:15 Basics steps of Buy, Borrow, Die
9:01 Mechanics & benefits of the strategy
13:51 Risks & downsides
23:18 Mathematical projections & comparisons
28:33 ACA & tax considerations
36:53 Question: Claiming unemployment
44:02 Entitlement to unemployment benefits
48:46 Question: Reallocating due to market volatility
55:55 Market predictions
1:00:14 Soundcheck – Vacation packing