Behavior Gap Radio

We look at what people buy and assume we know what they make—but what if that story we tell ourselves is completely wrong? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares an essay from his upcoming book that explores the psychological trap of comparing our spending to others. From fancy cars to neighborhood norms, we often let assumptions shape our financial decisions in ways we don’t even real...

What if every project, every system, every piece of work was in service of one thing—kindness? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the idea of scaling kindness and how everything he’s building—his writing, speaking, art, and business—is ultimately about creating more space for meaningful, generous interactions. Whether it’s financial kindness or just kindness at scale, this sim...

Striking up conversations with strangers can feel daunting—but what if it was easier than you thought? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a simple yet powerful approach to meeting new people, inspired by an event hosted by his friend Darren. By asking just one key question—"Tell me something I should know about you"—he discovered how effortless and rewarding it can be to connect wi...

What happens when you step outside your usual circles? Carl shares a powerful realization from an event in his own backyard—an energizing room full of creative, ambitious people he’d never met. It was a reminder that “your people” are out there, but finding them takes intentional effort. In this episode, he explores the importance of curating your community, surrounding yourself with those who are...

We’ve all heard that money is power—but what if the real power is attention? In this episode, Carl explores how attention has become the most valuable commodity in the world, shaping wealth, influence, and the way we interact with the world. But here’s the good news: if we’re aware of it, we can practice. We can audit where we invest our attention, reclaim control, and make sure we’re spending it...

Is there something magical about saying no? A listener shares a hunch—every time they say no to something that’s not a good fit, something great follows. Coincidence? Carl doesn’t think so. In this episode, he explores the power of making space, the confidence that comes with clear decisions, and the idea that opportunities may already be there—we just need to be able to see them. What happens whe...

After four days deep in the New Zealand bush—no cell service, no news, just the sound of waterfalls and the weight of stillness—Carl is confronted with a jarring return to the outside world. A chance encounter with hikers reveals devastating news, and it sparks a bigger question: What is the role of news in our lives? How much do we really need to know, and at what cost? With reflections on inform...

Fresh from his time in New Zealand, Carl reflects on clarity—the kind that comes when the noise fades away. Inspired by Carl Jung’s insight that "only if we know that the thing that truly matters is infinite can we avoid fixing our interests upon futilities," Carl explores how distractions and false possessions dull our sensitivity to what really matters. What happens when we remove the noise? And...

In this episode, Carl shares an exciting update about his upcoming book—a collection of 97 essays paired with sketches—and invites listeners to join a "reading party" by providing feedback on one of the essays. He reads "Stuff You Own, Stuff That Owns You," a reflection on the fine line between owning things and being owned by them, and offers a simple question to help regain control of your stuff...

In this episode, Carl shares two guiding principles that have shaped his life: Lao Tzu's call to "be who you really are and go the whole way" and Howard Thurman’s wisdom to "ask what makes you come alive and go do it." Through personal reflections and practical insights, Carl explores what it means to notice the moments that light you up and bring you fully alive. From deep presence with others to...

In this first episode of 2025, Carl reflects on the importance of consistent practice, whether it’s journaling, recording, or simply noticing the world around us. After a break spent adventuring in New Zealand, he shares how quickly the muscle of capturing and processing experiences can atrophy—and why the act of documenting thoughts, even privately, is so valuable. Carl revisits lessons from Seth...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares reflections from a backcountry skiing trip in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. Inspired by a striking ridgeline etched against the horizon, he explores the metaphorical ridgelines in our lives—birthdays, transitions, and new beginnings—that challenge us to go a little further and reach a little higher. With a new year on the horizon, Carl invites listene...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a backcountry skiing trip that offered profound moments of connection—with nature, loved ones, and the present moment. He explores the tension between saving for the future and fully embracing the wealth of sacred experiences available right now. Through stories of unexpected reunions, quiet mountain ridges, and laughter with friends, Carl ch...

In this heartfelt episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a powerful realization while preparing for a family trip: the delicate balance between knowing we are enough as we are and striving to be a little better. Through the story of creating a simple yet profound piece of art, Carl explores the tension of holding two seemingly opposing truths at once. He invites listeners to embrace this...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into a powerful question inspired by a conversation with writer Joel Stein: If someone 100 years from now reviewed a perfect record of how you spent your money and time, what would they learn about your true values—and what might embarrass you? Carl explores the discomfort and growth that come from confronting gaps between our stated priorities and...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a pivotal moment from his high school years—the first time he realized others thought and lived differently when it came to money. Sharing a story about visiting a friend's house, Carl explores the emotional impact of recognizing financial and familial differences and how they shape our perspectives. He invites listeners to reflect on their o...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl unpacks a fascinating lesson about goals, metrics, and intention. Sparked by a conversation about someone else's impressive achievement, he reflects on how quickly arbitrary goals can take root—and how easily we can lose sight of what truly matters. Carl challenges us to examine whether the numbers we chase align with our deeper purpose or if they’re jus...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a powerful Dostoevsky quote about self-betrayal and the courage required to step off established paths to pursue our own. Through a personal coaching story, he explores the fear and exhilaration of navigating uncharted territory and the pitfalls of grasping for others' trails when our unique path is calling. This episode challenges us to conf...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the finite nature of our most precious resources—time, energy, and attention—and the importance of investing them intentionally in relationships. He shares a personal story about choosing where to focus his efforts, emphasizing the need to prioritize the connections that generate the greatest returns in love, kindness, and richness of life. With...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on how easily we can get derailed even when starting the day with the best intentions. He shares a transformative lesson learned from cold water swimming at Hampstead Heath, using the cold to calm the nervous system instead of up-regulating it. With practical insights on staying centered amidst life's unexpected challenges, Carl reminds us that...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl imagines an eye-opening conversation with money, personified as a tired but honest friend. Through this thought experiment, he explores how we often ask money to provide things it simply can't—like peace of mind, security, or self-worth—and the disappointment that follows. Carl shares personal insights from his own financial struggles and invites listene...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a quiet but profound shift in his relationship with money and responsibility. Through a family conversation about ski passes, he recognized how old stories of being the "family beast of burden" no longer controlled his reactions. Instead, by simply noticing and labeling his feelings, he allowed them to pass. Carl invites listeners to reflect...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores a profound Zen quote: "I have learned only one thing in life. How much is enough?" He delves into the concept of enough—not as a one-time discovery but as a lifelong practice of learning and reminding. Through relatable examples, Carl invites listeners to reflect on where they feel a sense of lack and to consider how understanding "enough" might...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the wisdom of Thích Nhất Hạnh's words about aligning money with values. Through personal stories, he explores the inevitable gap between our spending and our priorities, emphasizing that the real work isn’t in achieving perfect alignment but in noticing and learning from the gap. This episode offers a practical and compassionate perspective o...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into a thought-provoking paradox: the all-too-common societal norm of sacrificing health for financial success, only to spend later years using that wealth to recover lost health. With his trademark clarity, Carl unpacks this "weird" cycle and invites listeners to rethink the trade-offs we consider normal. It's a short, impactful reflection that mi...