Behavior Gap Radio

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into the process of decision-making, particularly when faced with big, life-altering choices. He emphasizes the importance of balancing analysis with intuition. While gathering information, testing assumptions, and creating pros and cons lists are essential steps, there comes a point when the analysis must stop, and it's time to trust your gut. Car...

In this episode, Carl explores the inevitable arrival of risk when making important life decisions, particularly through the lens of parenting young adults facing monumental choices. From career paths to personal relationships, he reflects on how we react when things don't go as planned—whether it's failing a test, missing an opportunity, or changing life directions. Drawing inspiration from Kobe...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into the emotional rollercoaster of managing anxiety around money, particularly during times of high cognitive demand. After a whirlwind of travel, conferences, and personal challenges, he reflects on what helps alleviate stress and what exacerbates it. From the short-term comfort of ice cream to the long-term clarity that comes from organizing his...

In this episode, we dive into the deep, meaningful connections that define true friendship. Through a personal story of returning to the red rock canyons of Utah with friends he’s known since childhood, Carl reflects on the power of investing time and attention in friendships. He shares how these relationships have provided a safe space for vulnerability, forgiveness, and grace, despite mistakes....

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a deeply personal story about overcoming fear and self-doubt by finally completing a wilderness first responder course after over 20 years of hesitation. He reflects on the emotional challenges, including trauma around certain injuries and the mental hurdles that kept him from pursuing something he had always wanted to achieve. Carl’s message is s...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a conversation with a friend who realized he had spent much of his life feeling appalled, offended, or upset over trivial things. Carl shares personal moments where he caught himself feeling unnecessarily frustrated, like in traffic, and questions the value of those feelings. He wonders how much time and energy could be reclaimed if we let go...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a personal revelation sparked by his wife's observation that he was "in his body, instead of in his head." After completing an intense wilderness first responder course, Carl reflects on how the immersive, hands-on experience pulled him out of his usual mental routines and into the present moment. He discusses the concept of "replacing, not resist...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the value of investing time with friends, sharing a personal story of spending 60 minutes in conversation with his long-time friend Matt. Despite busy schedules and tiredness, Carl and Matt chose to connect, and the return on that investment was profound—bringing a sense of refreshment, energy, and deeper connection. Carl contrasts this with...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the idea of energy as a vital form of capital, inspired by a question from Tom Rath’s "Are You Fully Charged?". With only 11% of people reporting having plenty of energy, Carl reflects on the importance of managing and replenishing our energy resources. He shares personal insights on how simple changes, like a good night's sleep, can make a huge...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl delves into the impact that relationships have on our energy, one of the four essential sources of capital. He explores the idea of how certain people can energize us while others can drain our energy and highlights the importance of being mindful about who we invest our time with. By aligning our social interactions with those who leave us feeling recha...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the often-overlooked concept of energy as a valuable source of capital alongside money, time, and attention. He reflects on how we invest, spend, or waste energy on things that either align with or detract from what matters most. Using personal examples, like the energy drain of checking news or podcast stats, Carl encourages listeners to reflec...

In this episode, Carl invites you to join him for a thought experiment at your favorite coffee shop, where he draws a simple yet powerful symbol—a dollar sign. He explores the wide range of emotions and thoughts this symbol can provoke, from feelings of control to reflections on family legacies and financial struggles. Through stories shared by others, Carl highlights the deep personal meaning we...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the powerful and generous act of simply witnessing someone’s struggle, particularly when it comes to money. He explores the complexities of our relationship with money, from feelings of guilt over privilege to the shame of not having enough. Carl shares thoughtful conversation starters, such as asking about someone's first memory of money, to...

In this episode, Carl dives into the sneaky nature of confirmation bias, using a personal story about road biking and weight tracking to highlight how we often seek out evidence that supports decisions we've already made. Carl reflects on how this bias shaped his behavior and shares the "Confirmation Bias Prevention Program," a strategy focused on seeking out disconfirming evidence and engaging wi...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the powerful idea that "attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity," a thought-provoking quote from Simone Weil. As he works on his new book about aligning the use of personal capital with what matters most, Carl explores attention as one of the four key forms of capital. He invites listeners to consider how they invest their atten...

In this episode, Carl delves into the profound question, "How much time do you have?"—exploring it both on a micro level, like during daily interactions, and on a macro level, as we contemplate our lives and mortality. He reflects on time as a form of capital, similar to money, energy, and attention, yet more elusive and harder to bank or store. Carl shares thought-provoking insights on how we inv...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a conversation with a friend about creative work, growth, and the tension between contentment and ambition. Drawing inspiration from a David Whyte poem, he explores the "why not me" mindset, the desire for personal and professional growth, and the struggle of comparison. Carl shares a powerful insight: Rather than trying to resolve the tensio...

In this episode, Carl dives into the often-overlooked challenge of confusing net worth with self-worth. He explores how society tends to equate material possessions and financial success with personal value, reflecting on how this mindset can erode self-esteem, especially in contexts like salary negotiations or unemployment. Carl shares a personal conversation with a friend who felt crushed by the...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into the fascinating asymmetry of risk, exploring how it impacts both financial decisions and life in the mountains. Drawing inspiration from hedge fund manager Mark Spitznagel’s quote, "Profit is finite, risk is infinite," Carl unpacks the profound differences in how we experience gains and losses, whether in our portfolios or on a precarious moun...

In this episode, Carl wraps up his series on "Unknowing, Being Uncertain, and Slowing Down" with a thought-provoking conversation inspired by a friend deeply involved in design, architecture, and entrepreneurship. Over tacos, they discuss the pressure to act quickly when faced with uncertainty and how rushing often leads to mistakes. Carl reflects on his friend's statement that "all the major mist...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on his long-held bias toward action, especially in moments of discomfort and uncertainty. While action often leads to new information, Carl realizes that this approach may not always serve him well, particularly in high-stakes situations. He shares his journey of learning to slow down, sit with uncertainty, and resist the urge to act impulsively...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl revisits the concept of high consequence, low probability events, sharing lessons from a recent adventure on the Northridge of the Pfeifferhorn in Utah. Reflecting on a risky move during the climb, Carl explores how our judgment can be clouded in the moment, leading us to underestimate the potential consequences. He emphasizes the importance of simple ru...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the concept of "Not knowing is most intimate," a Zen koan that challenges our perception of knowledge and vulnerability. Reflecting on personal experiences in the mountains and the markets, Carl discusses how facing the unknown reveals deep truths about ourselves and others. He shares stories of how people, including himself, react when confront...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the dangers of thinking we "know" more than we actually do. He shares personal insights on how quickly we make judgments in various aspects of life, from investments to outdoor adventures, often without any solid grounds. Using examples like private investments and risky outdoor conditions, Carl emphasizes the importance of recognizing when w...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares his love for simple tools and how they can be surprisingly effective in daily life. Building on the previous day's discussion about gratitude, he talks about using the iPhone's built-in Reminders app to help reinforce positive habits instead of spending hours searching for more complex solutions. By focusing on simple, accessible tools like the No...