Mile High FI Podcast

Doug reconnects with Steve, a previous guest, for an update on the past few years of his financial journey, including a net worth increase from $1.7 million to $2.5 million.   Despite his financial success, Steve grapples with balancing work, family, and personal identity, contemplating a future shift towards more meaningful, public service-oriented work.  He also discusses the intricacies of managing separate finances with his wife, mental challenges of a high-paying yet unfulfilling job, and the benefits of reassessing life goals & priorities in midlife. 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 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 Steve on MHFI episode 098 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 3:05 Updates on Steve’s financial situation 8:48 Navigating finances for couples 16:44 Continuing to work 21:38 Coping with identity and a midlife crisis 26:00 Laziness vs. productivity 34:29 Retirement goal & future plans

Doug catches up with Carl at FinCon 2025 in Portland to talk about health & fitness updates.  Carl shares his journey of losing weight, specifics of his workout regimen, dietary changes, and his brief use of microdosing Ozempic.  Both of them discuss exercise habits, how they handle travel and exercise while on the road, and the occasional disruptions caused by gym etiquette.  Doug wraps up from the studio with a summary of his own fitness routine, which emphasizes consistency and injury prevention. 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 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 Carl Jensen FinCon Brad Barrett/ChooseFI ChooseFI, “Update: Healthiest Year Ever | Dean Turner | Ep 480” Peter Attia HEVY app 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 1:47 Carl’s health & fitness transformation 6:25 Diet changes & microdosing experiment 13:35 Bad gym etiquette 19:40 Weight training routine 25:04 Fitness goals & finding motivation 29:49 Doug’s typical workout schedule & routine 34:07 Proper rest & recording progress 39:09 Cardio & hiking

Doug chats with Elliot Gross (9 to FI podcast) about his path to Financial Independence.  He shares how he discovered FI at age 27 and details his journey from getting out of debt to strategically positioning himself to retire early in 18 months.  Elliot also discusses his detailed approach to managing finances, the milestones he hit along the way, future aspirations involving geo-arbitrage with Italian citizenship, dealing with “one more year” syndrome, and the importance of community. 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 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 9 to FI podcast ChooseFI local groups Mr. Money Mustache, “The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement” Mad Fientist, “How to Access Retirement Funds Early” Josh Epley on MHFI episode 287 Playing with Fire movie EconoMe Conference 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 1:13 Discovering Financial Independence 7:58 Preparing for early retirement 13:39 Dealing with debt & Magic the Gathering 19:20 A bad week 23:29 Elliot’s FI journey 29:11 Navigating finances in a relationship 35:00 Current expenses 39:20 Net worth & asset allocation 46:18 Italian citizenship & future plans 50:32 Importance of community 59:21 Soundcheck – 9 to FI podcast

Doug chats with Monica Levi, a former lawyer who retired early at the age of 40.  She shares her journey to FI, including her immigration to the US at 17, a battle with cancer, the transition from law to becoming a self-discipline coach, and her passion for travel.   Monica also delves into how she manages her time, expenses, and the challenges of having a working partner while being retired. 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 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 Monica: Instagram LinkedIn Downshift Financial Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook 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 3:59 Immigrating to the US & financial upbringing 8:45 Starting to invest 15:33 Transitioning out of law 20:45 Other’s reaction to early retirement 24:56 Productivity & open space 30:58 Cancer diagnosis & recovery 35:21 Self-discipline coaching 39:22 Changing expenses & travel 48:59 Balancing a relationship & retirement 54:36 Soundcheck – Fitness goals

Doug continues his conversation with Josh Epley (9 to FI podcast) about life after early retirement.  Josh discusses how he spends his time, the challenges & surprises of early retirement, and the importance of having hobbies & goals.  He also shares his experiences with managing his workload, the benefits of being flexible, starting new activities like running, and the launch of his new podcast “9 to FI”.  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 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 9 to FI podcast Stuck In Beta podcast EconoMe Conference Cal Newport, “Slow Productivity” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Cal Newport, “Deep Work” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Cal Newport ChooseFI local groups CampFI FinCon 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 6:15 Balancing structure vs. free time 14:15 Pressure to make money in retirement 21:08 Designing a new schedule 26:17 Slow productivity & experimenting 31:59 Running 40:38 Launching a new podcast: 9 to FI 46:22 Engaging with pockets of the FI community 52:00 Scheduling & the art of saying no 59:43 Leaving open space 1:07:10 Soundcheck – FinCon

In this engaging discussion, Josh Epley, an early retiree and real estate investor, shares his inspiring journey from $240K in debt to achieving a multimillion-dollar net worth. He highlights the power of budgeting and real estate investing, detailing how he transformed his financial life. Josh also reflects on the emotional challenges of flipping properties, the significance of intentional living post-retirement, and the practical advice he's gleaned along the way. Plus, he introduces his new podcast aimed at supporting others in navigating their own financial transitions.

Doug chats with Brad Finley who is on the cusp of early retirement.  Brad discusses the decision to leave his W-2 job, steps he’s taking to prepare for the transition, the emotional journey that accompanies such a significant life change, and his plans to maintain a balanced & fulfilling lifestyle post-retirement.  Brad also shares his transformative experience at the Hoffman Process and how it helped him work through personal issues and redefine his identity beyond his career. 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 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 Brad Finley Instagram EconoMe Conference Diania Merriam on MHFI episode 199 Hoffman Process Thomas Stanley & William Danko, “Millionaire Next Door” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Jillian Johnsrud, Retire Often VICE, “The Superhuman World of Wim Hof: The Iceman” 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 1:29 Brad’s journey to early retirement 7:30 Discovering the FIRE movement 12:54 Identity crisis & keeping busy 19:03 Stand-up comedy 22:46 The Hoffman Process 27:42 Planning for life after retirement 34:39 Finding structure & hobbies 41:33 Building social connections 46:35 Identity & journaling 52:40 Soundcheck – National parks

Doug chats with Jackie and Jacob, a couple who left their W2 jobs to pursue Financial Independence and extensive travel adventures.  They discuss traveling in South America, living a minimalist lifestyle, navigating challenges of geo-arbitrage, and how they manage finances while optimizing for travel & embracing flexibility.  They also share financial mistakes they’ve made along the way while providing tips & advice for others who may want to follow a similar path in life. 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 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 Jackie & Jacob: Get Lost Blue blog Get Lost Blue YouTube Instagram Get Lost Blue favorite YouTube videos: “Extreme hiking in ARGENTINA, PATAGONIA region – Nahuel Huapi National Park outside of Bariloche” “Colorado Beer! Brewery crawl in LONGMONT on a rainy night.” David on MHFI 277, “Early Retirement Nightmare: Retiring Into a Bear Market” JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook 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 3:20 Discovering Financial Independence  9:39 Embracing FI & making changes 15:36 Flexibility & dealing with uncertainty 23:26 Mindset adjustments 28:08 Backpacking adventures 34:43 Mistakes & lessons learned 38:11 Reverse robbed 46:39 Blogging & YouTube 53:33 Brewery visits & Mexican residency 58:01 Decumulation in early retirement 1:03:59 International travel tips & advice 1:08:41 Soundcheck – Longmont brewery crawl

Jillian Johnsrud, a writer who achieved financial independence at 32, shares her transformative journey. She discusses the concept of mini retirements as a way to test retirement living and the essential preparations needed for a smooth transition. Jillian opens up about the psychological hurdles of shifting from employment to self-employment, emphasizing the importance of redefining personal value. She shares practical tips from her book, 'Retire Often,' highlighting the need for emotional readiness and the significance of rest in crafting a fulfilling lifestyle.

Doug chats with a variety of guests at CampFI Rocky Mountain Week 1.5 including Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache), Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel), and camp attendees Amanda, Tyler, & Roxanne.   Pete & Kristen delve into the distinction between being cheap and frugal, sharing personal anecdotes and philosophies.  The conversation shifts into other topics such as partner dynamics amongst FI couples, challenges & rewards of embracing frugality, and the power of community building & relationships. 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 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 CampFI Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache MUSTACHIANISM – The Music Video! Kristen Knapp/FI Friends Travel NoCo/SoCo Mustachians Roxanne/FinanceRox Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook ChooseFI Local Groups 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 3:16 Cheap vs. frugal 11:07 Getting out of the cheap mindset 16:54 Amanda – First CampFI experience 24:10 Amanda – Partner dynamics & power of community 30:29 Tyler –  SoCo Mustachians 35:26 Tyler – FI meetups 41:48 Roxanne – Journey to Lean FI 49:50 Roxanne – Stand-up comedy 53:37 Soundcheck – Roxanne’s stand-up set