
Mile High FI Podcast
Real talk about Financial Independence and life after corporate jobs. Carl Jensen and Doug Cunnington 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.
Latest episodes

6 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 41min
Reading is Radical & We are Nerds | MHFI 264.5
Dive into the world of reading as JT and Doug explore the impact of books on personal growth. They discuss the challenges of tackling dense nonfiction and the balancing act between fiction and nonfiction reading. Expect insights on why podcasts can boost book popularity, plus creative uses of AI for personalized recommendations. The duo also shares their favorite reads, like 'Die With Zero' and 'Master of the Senate.' And if you're a fan of running, don’t miss their inspiring tales of races and overcoming injuries!

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 2min
Savings, Laughter, and Life on the Journey to FI - David & Jill | MHFI 264
Doug chats with David & Jill at the EconoMe Conference about their pursuit of Financial Independence. David shares his background growing up with a scarcity mindset, the accidental path to FI, his recent mini-retirement, experience quitting alcohol, and a newfound passion for stand-up comedy. Jill discusses her middle-class upbringing, balancing her full-time job and schooling, and frugality. Together they discuss lifestyle changes, managing finances as a couple, and the importance of clear communication in a relationship.
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!
Links
David’s Instagram
The Fioneers
Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
“An Introvert’s Guide to EconoMe and Other Conferences” on MHFI episode 257
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
4:21 Discovering FIRE & frugal habits
9:41 David & Jill’s FI journey
17:17 Overcoming the fear of boredom
26:44 Reflecting on sobriety
32:05 Stand up comedy
39:47 Balancing finances as a couple
45:10 Mini retirement plans
50:53 Importance of communication
58:08 Soundcheck – EconoMe Experience

Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 7min
Irrational Money Fears, Discussing Work, & Early Retirement Routines | MHFI 263
Doug chats with Producer Chris about a variety of topics including irrational money fears, why people commonly talk about their work in social settings, and what their day-to-day lives look like in early retirement. They explore common financial anxieties such as the fear of running out of money and how past experiences shape these fears. They share strategies for steering conversations away from work and towards more engaging subjects like travel and hobbies. Finally, they provide a glimpse into their daily routines, highlighting the freedom and fulfillment that early retirement and semi-retirement offers.
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Links
Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Mark Trautman on MHFI episode 260
New ChooseFI Local site
ChooseFI Puget Sound Meetup, May 31, 2025
MHFI Etsy Store
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
1:26 Fear of running out of money
8:56 Reacting to stock market volatility
15:01 Sequence of Returns Risk & flexibility
24:43 Why people talk about work
28:49 What else to talk about & complaining
33:27 Chris’s typical day
41:21 Doug’s typical day
49:12 Open time & Parkinson’s Law
56:27 Soundcheck – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 18min
Withdrawal Strategies in Early Retirement [rebroadcast] | MHFI 262
Doug and Carl chat about some questions that listener Austin submitted regarding early retirement and withdrawal strategies. They explore the nuances of early retirement, discussing happiness, daily life, and responsible financial drawdowns. They also address withdrawal strategies, including rental properties, index funds, automated transfers, tax optimization, health insurance, and how to handle Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).
Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 190
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Links
“An Introvert’s Guide to EconoMe and Other Conferences” on MHFI episode 257
Carla & Robert on MHFI episode 012
Arik Peterson on MHFI episode 090
Chris & Deb (Go Bucket Yourself) on MHFI episode 052
FI Calc
Mad Fientist, Tax-Gain Harvesting
Mad Fientist, How to Access Retirement Funds Early
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Producer Chris’s 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
9:23 Post-FI life
18:58 What does FI look like?
27:05 Shifting interests
32:33 Passive income & rental properties
38:20 Index fund withdrawal strategy
45:30 Withdrawal amount
53:09 RMDs and tax strategies
1:03:51 Professional financial advice
1:13:01 Soundcheck – Paper notebooks

9 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 50min
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early - Mark Trautman | MHFI 261
Mark Trautman, financial expert and host of Mark’s Money Mind, tackles the intriguing question of whether to pay off a low-interest mortgage or invest the funds instead. He highlights the psychological benefits of mortgage freedom alongside the potential financial rewards from investing. Their conversation dives into historical stock performance, the impact of market volatility, and how personal goals play a crucial role in financial decisions. This thoughtful dialogue balances financial strategy with emotional peace, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating mortgage dilemmas.

14 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 4min
Die With Zero (Non-Frugal) Spending - Mark Trautman | MHFI 260
Mark Trautman brings his financial expertise to the discussion, focusing on the joys of non-frugal spending. He introduces the 'fun bucket' concept, a way to allocate guilt-free money for indulgences. The conversation dives into enjoying life without compromising financial freedom, exploring strategies like travel comfort and dining experiences. Mark shares personal anecdotes about upgrading lifestyle choices, from higher-end music gear to thoughtful consumer decisions, emphasizing a balanced approach to enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 5min
Fly For Free 2 - Travel Hacking 201 - Kristen Knapp | MHFI 259
Doug and Kristen continue their conversation about travel hacking (picking up from MHFI 258), this time moving on to more advanced techniques & tips. They discuss credit card referral bonuses, maximizing redemptions, airline alliances, the intricacies of business credit cards, and the Chase 5/24 rule. Kristen also emphasizes the value of using tools & apps for tracking and optimizing points.
You can check out all of Kristen’s notes here: https://milehighfi.com/travelhacking/
Kristen’s credit card referral links – she gets points if you use any of the links and it’s a great way to say thanks!
#1 Beginner Travel Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred (or Reserve)
Business Credit Cards
Chase Ink Business Cards
More From Chase
IHG One Rewards
Southwest Rapid Rewards
American Express
American Express Gold Card
American Express Green
Amex Marriott Bonvoy Bevy
Capital One
Capital One Venture X
Capital One Venture
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Links
Connect with Kristen
FI Friends Travel website
Email: kristen@fifriendstravel.com
Travel Freely App
10xTravel website
10xTravel Best Cards list
10xTravel Insiders Facebook Group
Point.me
Roame.travel
Pointsyeah.com
Credit Karma
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Producer Chris’s 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
7:54 Understanding referrals
15:01 Points redemption
23:41 Airline alliances
29:20 Business cards & Chase 5/24 rule
36:35 Creative spending & signup bonuses
43:48 P2 strategies & Companion Pass
50:37 Travel hacking community
53:55 FI Friends Travel
58:02 Soundcheck – The long journey home

Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 14min
Fly For Free - Travel Hacking 101 - Kristen Knapp | MHFI 258
Doug chats with Kristen Knapp about the world of travel hacking, beginning with the basic principles and strategies for earning and maximizing points & miles. Kristen shares her personal experience with travel hacking, highlights key rules and tips for getting started, offers practical advice on how to choose the right credit cards, the importance of being organized, and tips for utilizing various travel apps.
You can check out all of Kristen’s notes here: https://milehighfi.com/travelhacking/
Kristen’s credit card referral links – she gets points if you use any of the links and it’s a great way to say thanks!
#1 Beginner Travel Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred (or Reserve)
Business Credit Cards
Chase Ink Business Cards
More From Chase
IHG One Rewards
Southwest Rapid Rewards
American Express
American Express Gold Card
American Express Green
Amex Marriott Bonvoy Bevy
Capital One
Capital One Venture X
Capital One Venture
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Links
(*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something)
Connect with Kristen
FI Friends Travel website
Email: kristen@fifriendstravel.com
10xTravel website
10xTravel Best Cards list
10xTravel Insiders Facebook Group
Travel Freely App
Michael Jackson, “Michael Jackson’s Great Beers of Belgium”
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Producer Chris’s 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
12:17 Travel hacking basics
19:02 Maximizing points & miles
26:57 Credit card perks & annual fees
34:37 Understanding transferable points
43:07 Evaluating cards & opening strategies
50:04 Managing cards
56:52 Tracking credit card information
1:02:54 FI Friends Travel
1:10:45 Soundcheck – Home ownership struggles

9 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 47min
Money & Happiness, Inflection Points, Frugal Habits BONUS | MHFI 257.5
Explore the intriguing link between happiness and income, supported by fascinating studies. Discover pivotal inflection points that transformed lives and perspectives on spending, especially the contrast between toys and memorable experiences. Dive into the joy of guitar trading while navigating financial insights and early retirement reflections. Enjoy a light-hearted look at quirky frugal habits and unique money-saving strategies that blend financial wisdom with personal fulfillment.

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 17min
An Introvert's Guide to EconoMe and Other Conferences | MHFI 257
Doug chats with JT about practical, actionable strategies for introverts attending conferences like EconoMe, Camp FI, and others. They cover topics such as social anxiety, taking breaks, participating in structured activities, and effectively interacting with content creators. They also share tips on the types of questions to ask to keep conversations flowing, how to gracefully exit interactions, maintaining self-care during events, and the importance of not overextending oneself.
This episode is brought to you by GhostBed. Doug has the GhostBed Luxe Mattress and loves it! Take the 3 minute sleep quiz to see which mattress is right for you. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, bed frame, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI)
Save With Mint Mobile! (https://milehighfi.com/mint) New customers can get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for $15/mo. Doug’s phone bill went from $1440/yr to $360/yr for him and his wife. It’s super easy to switch and you can use your existing phone. If you use the MHFI link, it won’t cost you extra and it helps support the show.
Looking for help with your estate plan? Trust & Will provides online tools for creating, you guessed it… trusts and wills. For those who don’t have any estate planning documents in place, this could be a good option to get started. We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up. Thanks for the support.
https://milehighfi.com/trustandwill
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. We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up. Thanks for the support.
https://milehighfi.com/nectarine
Help Doug pay for all the stickers that he’ll be handing out at EconoMe by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee.
Links
(*Some affiliate links so we might earn a commission if you buy something)
EconoMe Conference
CampFI
ChooseFI Local Groups
Brad Barrett/ChooseFI
FinCon
Camp Mustache
Charles Duhigg, “Supercommunicators”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Carl Jensen
Brian Feroldi
Joe Saul-Sehy/Stacking Benjamins
Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache
ChooseFI Facebook group
BiggerPockets Money Facebook group
Jordan Grumet/Doc G
MHFI Facebook group
Doug’s site
Check out Producer Chris’s 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
3:25 An introverted extrovert
9:01 Importance of self-care
12:44 Don’t be afraid to meet people
18:22 Take breaks & select which activities to attend
24:25 Navigating awkward conversations
28:58 Asking open-ended & deeper questions
35:52 Christmas PJs
41:29 Jumping into group conversations
45:47 Getting out of conversations
50:12 Approaching content creators
57:07 How to find others to talk to
1:04:11 Post-conference reflections
1:10:21 Soundcheck – Prepare, practice, & care less
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