Behavior Gap Radio

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a powerful takeaway from his conversation with Dr. Gina Gorlin, a psychologist and coach for founders. Exploring the concept of "success porn," they discuss the hollowness of chasing success without substance. Dr. Gorlin's poignant question—"What good is success without substance?"—leads Carl to reflect on the quiet desperation many feel despite o...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a provocative quote from Nassim Taleb about the three great addictions: heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary. He dives into how our reliance on safety and security can sometimes hold us back from pursuing what truly matters. How do the choices we make today shape the person we want to be in three years? Are we prioritizing immediate co...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl challenges high-performing entrepreneurs, creatives, and consultants to rethink how they document their learning. Instead of overcomplicating the process, he asks: how can you make it smaller, simpler, and more consistent? From voice memos to minimalist approaches, Carl explores how simplifying the act of sharing ideas can unlock progress without perfect...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the reasons behind his habit of turning personal learning into public artifacts. He delves into the value of creating tangible outputs—not for the format, but for the impact on his thinking and growth. Carl shares three key insights: how creating sharpens his ideas, how feedback enriches his understanding, and how these artifacts build intellect...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl delves into the deeply personal risk of creating something and sharing it with the world. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or business owner, putting a piece of yourself out there invites emotional and identity risk—leaving you exposed to critique, rejection, or indifference. Carl reflects on how cultural expectations, resilience, and mental well-...

In this Behavior Gap Radio field episode, Carl dives into the messy, courageous work of embracing who you really are—and the creative risks it takes to get there. Sharing his journey of rejecting traditional consulting norms in favor of transformative "Dancing With Dragons" days in the Utah desert, Carl explores what happens when you lean fully into your unique path. It’s a call to step away from...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a deeply personal and universal question: What good is it to protect and provide if your kids don’t feel safe around you? Sharing a heartfelt story from a yoga teacher and his own experiences as a dad, Carl explores the tension between the hustle to provide and the need to show up as the calm, safe presence our families need. It’s not about b...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the age-old archetype of masculinity and money—the roles of protector and provider. Through a candid conversation with his wife, Cori, Carl examines the tension between the honor of caring for others and the constraints of societal expectations. What does it truly mean to provide? Is it material security or something deeper, like creating saf...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl unpacks the metaphor of "khaki pants" as a symbol of stability, security, and predictability—and the tension between craving stability and longing for a creative, adventurous life. Inspired by a conversation with filmmaker and musician Scott Blue, Carl explores the paradox many of us face: envying the stability of others while they envy our spontaneity....

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a powerful question posed by writer and ultra-runner Katie Arnold during a recent conversation: “I don’t know how to be with money.” Exploring the idea of money as a relationship rather than a mere resource, Carl delves into themes of presence, acceptance, and the discomfort many feel when confronting their connection to money. How do we trea...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the haunting concept of the "hungry ghost" from Buddhist tradition—a being with an insatiable desire, unable to find satisfaction. Inspired by conversations with Jerry Colonna, Carl reflects on the modern glorification of "never enough" and its invitation to perpetual dissatisfaction. Instead, he challenges us to live with the question: What doe...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the profound wisdom of Lao Tzu’s quote, “Be who you really are and go the whole way.” Inspired by Katie Arnold’s books and her upcoming appearance on 50 Fires, Carl explores the challenges of authenticity, especially in moments of change. He delves into the role of teachers and guides, sharing the Zen teaching that true learning happens when...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the idea that most problems are simply projections—fears about a future that may never happen. Drawing on Wendell Berry's poetic wisdom and Mark Twain's humor, Carl reflects on how humans often tax themselves with "forethought of grief," carrying unnecessary worries as if they were real. Through this lens, he invites listeners to take inspiratio...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl delves into the transformative exercise he calls the "$100 Bill Meditation," inspired by his guest Johnny Miller and a retreat in Bali. Carl challenges listeners to reframe their relationship with money by imagining it as a person—someone who has heard every hope, frustration, and expectation we’ve projected onto it. Through guided journaling, he encoura...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives deeper into the "collective delusion" around money, expanding on his previous discussion about money as a shared story. He explores the powerful beliefs society attaches to money—like money as power, freedom, or influence—and how these narratives can mislead us. While some of these ideas are positive and others negative, Carl argues they are all ul...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on his conversation with Krista Tippett, host of On Being, which led him to explore the idea of money as a collective story we've all agreed upon. He delves into how money, though just paper or digital numbers, gains power through our collective belief—a useful story that can drive progress but also a dangerous delusion when given too much meani...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the powerful link between money and fear, reflecting on his own journey to move away from making financial decisions from a place of anxiety. He shares personal stories about rewiring the deep-rooted fear response often triggered by money, a shift that came not from changing his financial situation but from growing awareness and practices like m...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares an essay on finding clarity in decision-making and risk. Inspired by a personal shift in his backcountry skiing approach after a tragic accident, he explores the powerful concept of focusing on terrain that's always safe rather than testing boundaries. This episode delves into three key themes: rethinking risk, clarifying motivations, and the crea...

In this special field episode from New York City, Carl shares reflections from his "idea tour," which has taken him across the U.S., exploring the profound alignment between money and personal values. He discusses the concept of "compounding kindness"—the idea that small acts of kindness can multiply and impact lives across the globe. Reflecting on personal encounters, he highlights the power of o...

In this thought-provoking episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl challenges us to rethink our relationship with money, suggesting that money itself is simply a word—a neutral tool that we've imbued with complex stories, emotions, and generational beliefs. He explores how recognizing money as a concept, rather than the source of our financial stress or aspirations, can open the door to clearer, more a...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the balance between discovery and clarity, suggesting that true insight often emerges when we step away from constant consumption and allow space for reflection and creation. He explores the idea of alternating between periods of deep learning and intentional time to process and create, finding clarity through stillness rather than endless di...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the idea of achieving "calm money" by shifting our mindset around finances. While society often bombards us with fear and anxiety about money, Carl suggests that cultivating a calm, intentional relationship with it can transform our experience. By recognizing and managing our fears, we can approach money with clarity and peace, sidestepping the...

In this brief yet impactful episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl delves into a powerful concept: kindness as an investment with compounding returns, while negativity acts as an expense that only drains. Building on yesterday’s thoughts on kindness, Carl highlights the ripple effect of our interactions and challenges us to choose kindness as a long-term investment in positive outcomes. Tune in for a...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a profound realization sparked by a conference interaction—a reminder of the lasting impact that small acts of kindness can have on others. Reflecting on encounters from years past, he marvels at the compounding effect of positive moments: a thoughtful word, a high-five, or just a few seconds of genuine attention. This episode dives into Carl’s pe...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl revisits one of his favorite topics: investing. He challenges the common misconception that success comes from finding the "best" investment and explains how true investment success is about becoming a better investor. Instead of constantly searching for the perfect opportunity, Carl emphasizes the power of consistency, long-term commitment, and resistin...