Behavior Gap Radio

After a day of talks and walks in the mountains, Carl gets introspective. He dives into big questions about finding meaning and being creative, sparked by a chat with a singer-songwriter. Carl talks about the idea of "enough" versus always wanting more. With wisdom from philosophy and personal stories, Carl invites listeners to rethink the value of chasing goals by finding freedom in the journey i...

Carl reflects on something important: What if they say yes? Carl shows how believing in a positive outcome can change everything! He urges listeners to think differently about their doubts and fears and to see the amazing opportunities that come from just asking.

Today is another field note episode of Behavior Gap Radio! Carl shares insights from a recent challenging yet enriching experience in Zion National Park. As he confronts physical discomfort and mental projections during a long fast-pack trip, Carl explores the behavioral bias of recency bias. This is when the recent past is projected indefinitely into the future, often leading to unnecessary compl...

On this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dispels the misconception that passionately pursuing your craft and earning a living are incompatible pursuits. He talks through the significance of viewing profit as validation to continue making a meaningful impact in your work. With an emphasis on a service-oriented mindset, integrity, and sustainability, Carl urges listeners to embrace profit not as...

Join Carl for a field episode of Behavior Gap Radio, recorded on the move in Austin, Texas! Today, Carl reflects on the profound impact of adopting a rational approach to investing, grounded in data and evidence rather than being swayed by financial myths and rumors. By exploring the intricacies of portfolio construction and emphasizing the significance of each investment piece serving a purpose w...

Carl grapples with a paradox that many of us face in today's world: the overwhelming exposure to tragedy and suffering versus the desire to live life to the fullest. Carl discusses the feeling of existential dread brought on by constant news consumption and offers a remedy: embracing life wholeheartedly. Carl draws inspiration from Mary Oliver's poignant question: "Tell me, what is it you plan to...

Today, Carl explores the art of strategic decision-making and value alignment through two compelling stories. He shares how a smart public speaker transformed his business class travel perks into long-term investments, prioritizing financial stability over luxury. Then, Carl shares another story about how a simple parking choice paved the way for meaningful family dinners, highlighting the signifi...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a story about someone who mastered the art of politely turning down invitations that didn't match her priorities. She wasn't rude or dismissive; she simply knew what mattered most to her! Carl highlights her approach as a lesson in prioritization and focus. Saying no isn't about shutting people out. It's about saying yes to what truly matters! Wan...

Today's field episode takes you on a journey of insight and reflection high in the Wasatch Mountains. Carl shares a revelation about the asymmetry between saying yes and saying no, coining the term "the yes propagation problem." He explores the cascading effects of saying yes and the precision of saying no, drawing parallels to snow avalanches to illustrate the concept's depth. Join Carl as he tal...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl talks about the journey from idea to reality. From books to business ventures, Carl celebrates the transformative process of seeing a mere concept evolve into tangible existence. He encourages listeners to embrace their own creative endeavors, big or small, and revel in the joy of bringing ideas to life. Don’t wait around for creativity to come to you by...

Today's episode of Behavior Gap Radio takes you on a field adventure high in the Wasatch Mountains. Carl shares an insight: The ultimate shortcut lies in embracing activities resistant to hacks and shortcuts. Carl challenges listeners to invest in endeavors that demand dedication and perseverance over time, transcending the allure of quick fixes. Tune in to discover the power of committing to the...

Carl celebrates the incredible milestone of over 1.3 million downloads, highlighting the power of compounding in the podcast's success! Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Today, Carl dives into a big question: What gets you really excited? He takes inspiration from a quote by Dr. Howard Thurman and talks about how cool it is to follow what truly lights you up in life. Instead of just doing what everyone else expects or what society says is important, Carl suggests we should chase after the stuff that makes us feel alive inside! Imagine a world full of people doing...

In this episode, Carl shares a personal anecdote of a morning adventure. As he takes a journey on a familiar trail, he reflects on the abundance of micro adventures of awe and wonder awaiting just outside of our doorsteps. From sunrise vistas to simple moments of connection, Carl invites listeners to invest their time, energy, and attention in these small yet profound experiences. Savor the micro...

Carl explores the profound impact of simply showing up for those we care about, especially in times of pain or struggle. Drawing from personal experiences, Carl emphasizes the invaluable investment of being there for others. He uses the mantra to "err on the side of presence" as a beacon of genuine connection and support in our relationships and communities.

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores our desire for certainty in a world inherently filled with uncertainty. Drawing from Robert Green's book "Mastery," Carl discusses how the need for certainty is deemed the greatest disease of the mind. Carl challenges listeners to reconsider their relationship with certainty and embrace the complexities of life! Want more from Carl? Get the shor...

Today, Carl explores the relationship between money and values within the context of wisdom traditions. Carl reflects on why money holds such fascination for him despite claiming not to care about it. He argues that money serves as the interface where our values are expressed and where much of our trauma resides. He emphasizes the importance of healing this interface both individually and collecti...

Embracing uncertainty has a profound impact on our lives! In a world where certainty is often sought after, Carl argues that uncertainty is not only inevitable but also holds immense value. He talks about how uncertainty brings about surprise and plot twists and ultimately shapes the most significant moments of our lives.  Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the w...

Carl talks about the interplay between our use of capital—which he defines as time, money, energy, and attention—and what truly matters to us. He navigates the complexities of self-awareness and the pursuit of authenticity in our daily lives. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York T...

In this episode of Behavior Gap radio, Carl shares a story about the complexities of social status and self-perception. He prompts listeners to explore their honest emotions in moments of perceived judgment and comparison. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl...

On this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl talks through a road trip with his wife, Cori, where he posed the question: What does it truly mean to provide? He encourages listeners to ask themselves the same question! If you have an answer you'd like to share with Carl, email hello@behaviorgap.com. 

On this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a quote from Mary Oliver that has been resonating with him deeply. "The dream of my life is to lie down by a slow river and stare at the light in the trees. To learn something by being nothing."  Carl reflects on the simplicity and power of this idea, especially in our fast-paced lives filled with constant thoughts and distractions. Perhaps we can...

Carl reflects on the profound significance of the words we use to describe money, such as "means of exchange" and "store of value." He explores the historical context of exchanging goods and services, highlighting the personal connection and value inherent in these interactions. Carl will leave you with a question, "What does it mean to exchange?" He encourages us to contemplate the deeper implica...

Carl explores the profound disconnect we've developed in our relationship with money, contrasting it with historical exchanges of goods and services imbued with personal connection. He emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the essence of these exchanges, viewing money as a representation of life energy. Listen to this episode and then stop to think about the trade-offs inherent in your fi...

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl challenges listeners to reconsider their relationship with money. Drawing parallels between friendships and financial interactions, Carl prompts listeners to reflect on their emotional responses to money and envision a more positive relationship dynamic.  Carl shares a quick practice to try out today! He encourages listeners to articulate their relations...