The End Goal

What if reaching your goals isn't nearly as important as enjoying the journey toward them? In this episode of The End Goal Podcast, I'm joined by Joshua Fajardo-Mains, the creator behind JFM Reads, to talk about books, content creation, finding your passion, and building a life that feels fulfilling even when success isn't guaranteed.   Joshua shares how he went from creating fitness content to fi...

What happens when the science fiction you wrote years ago starts looking a lot like reality? In this episode of The End Goal Podcast, I'm joined by Travis Bagwell, author of the LitRPG series Awaken Online , for a conversation that goes in just about every direction imaginable. We start with something Travis and I have in common: our backgrounds in accounting. But before long, we're talkin...

What makes a fantasy story more than just a fun read? In this episode, I'm joined by John Bierce, author of the Mage Errant series, to talk about his journey from working at a grocery store to becoming a full-time fantasy author, the return of Mage Errant in hardcover, and what goes into creating a world readers can't put down. We dive into the magic systems, characters, relationships, and...

If you could go back and talk to your 20-year-old self, what would you say? As I approach my 29th birthday, I've been reflecting on everything my twenties have taught me and all the things I wish I'd understood a little sooner. In this episode of The End Goal Podcast, I'm sharing the advice I'd give my younger self, from continuing to make friends and saying yes to new experiences...

October is Mental Health Month, a reminder that sometimes one of the most important things we can do is simply talk about what we’re going through. In this special compilation, we look back at conversations with guests who have opened up about their experiences and perspectives on mental health, from processing difficult emotions and learning to ask for help to anxiety, vulnerability, coping, ther...

With Banned Books Week approaching, I'm taking a closer look at book bans, censorship, and the thousands of titles being challenged across the country. In this episode of The End Goal Podcast, I break down some of the most challenged books, the reasons behind their removal, the rise of organized efforts to challenge books, and the difficult question of what young readers should have access to....

Are male authors actually disappearing or is publishing finally becoming more diverse? In this episode, Tim is back on The End Goal Podcast to talk about the changing publishing world, why fewer men are reading fiction, our shrinking attention spans, and whether we're actually engaging with books or simply consuming as much content as possible. We also get into male loneliness, book clubs, vul...

Two years ago, Kevin never imagined his life would look the way it does today. After reaching one of the lowest points of his life, Kevin made the decision to change. In this episode of The End Goal Podcast, we talk about his journey through sobriety, faith, starting over, finding a new community through martial arts, falling in love, and preparing to become a father. We also get into complacency,...

Welcome to Town Hall Episode 0 — basically, what happens when four friends turn a Discord call into a podcast. For the first Town Hall, I’m joined by Canvas, Kevin, and Frankie as we sit down, catch up, ask each other random questions, and see where the conversation takes us. We talk about everything from figuring out what capture cards actually do and building realistic morning routines to where...

In this episode, Dr. Huma Qureshi, Dr. Mona Masood, and I dive into The Unnamed and the deeper ideas behind its fantasy world. We talk about identity, colonization, generational trauma, found family, relationships, and how Mona's experience as a psychiatrist shaped the characters and themes of the book. We also explore why reading outside your comfort zone can change the way you understand you...

In this episode, Kam and I talk about why making money from dance can be so difficult, and what it really takes to turn a passion into a sustainable business. We explore Kam’s approach to dance events, including word-of-mouth marketing, community building, delegation, creating memorable experiences, and why he chooses not to get caught up in the social media rat race. We also dive into creativity,...

In this episode, Anahita and I talk about perfectionism, chronic stress, and why high-achieving people can have such a hard time slowing down. We explore how the brain and nervous system respond to stress, why old coping patterns can follow us into adulthood, and how constantly holding yourself to impossible standards can affect your well-being. Anahita also shares her journey from working as a ps...

In this episode, I break down four nonfiction and self-improvement books I’ve read and share which ones are actually worth your time. From Hidden Genius and Feel-Good Productivity to The 5 Types of Wealth and Main Street Millionaire, I talk about the ideas that stuck with me, the book I couldn’t finish, and the one that genuinely scared me because of how much work it made me realize building a bus...

In this episode, I share the 10 mindset shifts and life lessons that have genuinely changed the way I think, work, and live over the past decade. From learning to stop comparing timelines and accepting that you're already enough, to finding purpose, strengthening relationships, embracing curiosity, and letting go of the pressure to constantly be productive, these are the ideas I come back to e...

In this episode, Dr. Huma Qureshi and I explore the five pillars of mental and physical well-being: sleep, movement, connection, nutrition, and purpose. We talk about why sleep is the foundation of good mental health, how movement can improve your mood, why meaningful relationships matter more than we realize, and how nutrition affects both your mind and body. We also dive into finding purpose at...

In this episode, Arish and Cesar dive into the mindset behind martial arts, discipline, competition, and personal growth. From chasing world championship dreams to overcoming depression, building daily habits, and learning why motivation always fades, this conversation explores what it really takes to improve yourself over the long term. They discuss why discipline matters more than motivation, ho...

In this episode, I celebrate a huge milestone: 100 episodes of the End Goal Podcast. I reflect on the goals I set at the beginning of the year, what I've actually accomplished, where I've fallen short, and the lessons I've learned along the way. We also dive into listener Q&A covering burnout, favorite book recommendations, and even my death row meal. Finally, I share a big announc...

In this episode, Blayne and I talk about what it really takes to find a career and a life that feels meaningful. From serving in the military to trying different jobs before finally finding his place, Blayne shares the lessons he learned through trial and error. We also dive into purpose, taking risks, learning from failure, self-defense, happiness, and why it's okay if your path doesn't l...

In this episode, Canvas and I break down 40 life lessons from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and explore why this simple story has impacted millions of readers around the world. From purpose and dreams to fear, love, money, and happiness, this conversation unpacks the ideas that make the book feel less like a novel and more like a guide to living a meaningful life. Is your treasure really at the en...

In this episode, we break down 11 “outdated” behaviors older generations consider good manners—and why Gen Z is rejecting them. From eye contact and handshakes to phone use and small talk, this conversation explores the growing generational divide and how modern behavior is reshaping social skills. Are we evolving… or losing something important? ------------- Welcome to The End Goal Podcast. This...

In this solo episode, we break down the promises older generations made—go to college, get a job, and live a stable life—and why they no longer hold true for Gen Z. From rising student debt to career dissatisfaction, this conversation explores the growing generational divide and the harsh financial realities young people face today. If you’ve ever questioned the traditional path, this episode will...

In this episode, Dr. Maius shares insights on communication skills, social anxiety, and how to build authentic conversations. The discussion dives into curiosity, overcoming fear of being “too much,” and how immigrant experience can shape the way we interact with others. This is a deep conversation about confidence, self-expression, and learning how to truly connect with people. ----- Welcome to T...

In this episode, we sit down with Jamesreadsalot to talk about his unexpected journey into BookTok, reading habits, and what it really means to "read a lot." James shares how he went from business books and occasional fiction to reading dozens of books a year after discovering the online reading community. We also dive into how reading connects to life, purpose, and personal growth. ----...

In this episode, therapist Zohra Lasi shares how her first panic attack completely changed her understanding of mental health and led her into therapy work focused on South Asian communities. The conversation explores anxiety, perfectionism, shame, parentification, immigrant family pressure, and why many Desi families struggle to openly talk about emotions. Through personal stories and honest refl...

Fantasy author Michael R. Miller breaks down how he built the Songs of Chaos series, from mastering the hero’s journey to creating dragon rider bonds that feel real. He shares insights on writing, worldbuilding, and balancing creativity with commercial success.  Welcome to The End Goal Podcast. This podcast chronicles my life experiences and those of those in my circle.  If you enjoyed the video,...