Mile High FI Podcast

Doug Cunnington & Carl Jensen
  • 4.3 (202)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Real talk about Financial Independence and life after corporate jobs. Doug Cunnington and Carl Jensen talk about FI, lifestyle, side hustles, health, and anything on their minds. Plus, they interview experts and non-experts interested in the FI lifestyle. It's raw, candid, pretty much like you get to sit in on a private conversation.

  1. 6H AGO

    Is Retirement Overrated? [rebroadcast] | MHFI 307

    Doug chats with Carl about finding purpose in life.  They discuss the benefits of preparing for retirement by building a rich life outside of work, taking sabbaticals, and conducting small experiments to explore new hobbies and interests.  They also talk about the importance of community, the idea of redefining success, achieving flow state, and finding meaningful ways to spend one’s time while maintaining good mental and physical health. Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 268 Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Carl Jensen/1500 Days to Freedom 1500 Days to Freedom, “Introducing The FI Collective” “How to Money” episode 1091, “The Art of Spending w/ Morgan Housel” CampFI EconoMe Conference MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 5:34 What FIRE life looks like 13:35 Is retirement overrated? 22:09 Relationship with work 28:24 Seeking validation 34:58 Challenging the corporate ladder 40:31 Setting up for a successful retirement 46:57 Redefining success & finding flow 54:41 Leveraging community & taking action

    1h 2m

  2. FEB 10

    Is The FIRE Community Completely Wrong About Financial Advisors? | MHFI 306

    Doug and Producer Chris chat about a very controversial topic in the FIRE community – working with a financial advisor.  They explore the reasons someone might or might not want to work with an advisor, discussing common pitfalls like high fees & hidden motivations, while emphasizing the benefits of getting an outside perspective & professional guidance, especially in areas like decumulation and complex financial situations. Did this episode motivate you to seek professional financial help?  If so, check out our friends at Nectarine, where you ONLY pay for investing & planning advice.  Advisors don’t manage your money, sell products, or earn commissions.  *Affiliate link below, so if you do work with Nectarine, we might earn a commission. https://milehighfi.com/nectarine Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Jeremy Schneider on MHFI episode 122 Jeremy Schneider on MHFI episode 243 MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 4:35 Insurance agents 9:24 The problem with fees 15:21 The downsides of DIY 19:57 Identifying blindspots 27:58 Dealing with complex situations 33:20 Actually working with an advisor 38:23 The importance of professional help 43:20 Mindset & spending in retirement 50:03 Soundcheck – Kitchen gadgets

    56 min

  3. FEB 3

    Mr. Money Mustache Explores Pop Culture Through the Lens of FIRE | MHFI 305

    Doug chats with Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache) and Rusty about prominent themes related to Financial Independence found in popular movies & TV shows.  They delve into iconic films such as “The Matrix”, “Office Space”, and “Fight Club”, extracting key FIRE principles such as anti-consumerism, the quest for personal freedom, and breaking away from traditional corporate paths. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Email Rusty: rustyfromco@gmail.com The New York Times, “How to Retire in Your 30s With $1 Million in the Bank” BiggerPockets Money, “Is the FIRE Movement Dead?” Dave Ramsey, “Why the F.I.R.E. Movement Isn’t Sustainable” Ramit Sethi, “The Problem with the “FIRE” Movement” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 3:24 The Matrix 10:44 Office Space 17:50 Parenting & keeping busy in retirement 26:58 Corporate 31:32 Fight Club 36:52 Reacher 42:21 Local Hero 48:33 FIRE backlash (teaser) 54:39 Soundcheck – Early retirement

    57 min

  4. JAN 27

    Food & Cooking!! | MHFI 304

    Doug chats with Rusty about one of their mutual passions: food and cooking.  They each explore their food “origin stories”, discussing childhood memories and the evolution of their culinary interests.  They touch on how food plays a significant role in their lives and walk through various food-related topics including favorite recipes, cooking styles, and essential kitchen equipment.  They also discuss how cooking can be a meditative process, how food can help build community, and how it all relates to FI. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Email Rusty: rustyfromco@gmail.com Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 1:31 Gourmet sandwiches & chili 9:13 Food origin stories 18:59 Cost of food vs. FI 25:07 Leftovers & meal-planning 31:03 Community & mindfulness in cooking 41:24 Recipes & exploring YouTube for inspiration 50:28 Essential kitchen equipment 57:36 Experimenting with eating out 1:06:12 Soundcheck – DIY guitar projects

    1h 15m

  5. JAN 20

    Renovation vs. Rebuild - Carl is Building a New House | MHFI 303

    Doug chats with Carl & Rusty about each of their adventures with housing projects and renovations.  Carl details his current project of tearing down a “Frank Lloyd Wrong house” and building one from scratch while sharing insights into his motivations, costs, and specific financing strategies.  Rusty shares his experience renovating two homes and the strategic use of a line of credit.  Additionally, they delve into considerations of downsizing and the potential of owning second homes. Does “MHFI After Dark” sound intriguing?  Yeah, we thought so.  Come check out exclusive new content here: https://milehighfi.com/onlyfans Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Email Rusty: rustyfromco@gmail.com Carl Jensen/1500 Days to Freedom Leif Dahleen (Physician on FIRE) on MHFI episode 112 Buy, Borrow, Die discussion on MHFI episode 252 Mindy & Carl on Ramit Sethi’s “I Will Teach You To Be Rich” Philosophy & ethics discussion on MHFI episode 298 MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 1:31 Carl’s home building journey 8:10 Unique systems & building challenges 15:41 Financing with the Buy, Borrow, Die Strategy 24:09 Rusty’s renovation stories 30:25 Balancing joy & investment 38:58 Downsizing dilemmas 44:03 Different places in different stages of life 51:46 Second homes 59:24 Soundcheck – Taco Bell

    1h 6m

  6. JAN 13

    A Slacker’s Guide to 12 Years of Early Retirement - Kevin Sebesta | MHFI 302

    Doug chats with Kevin Sebesta, a self-proclaimed “high-achieving slacker”, about lessons learned from 12 years of early retirement.  Kevin discusses the importance of building a supportive community, how living child-free influences lifestyle choices, the concept of a “Fun Bucket” for guilt-free spending, the balance between optimizing finances & enjoying life, and how curiosity drives his fulfilling retirement. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Connect with Kevin: Email:  kevin@rockretirementclub.com Blog: http://www.lifeinfire.com/ FI Friends Travel Rock Retirement Club Mark Trautman/Mark’s Money Mind Amy Minkley/FI Freedom Retreats CampFI Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Retirement and IRA Show Jordan Grumet, “The Purpose Code” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Jordan Grumet on MHFI episode 249 Cody Garrett & Sean Mullaney, “Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement” Kindle Paperback MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

    1h 22m

  7. JAN 6

    The Search for Community & Identity in Early Retirement - Rebecca Herbst | MHFI 301

    Doug chats with Rebecca Herbst about her post-FI life including challenges of finding community & the right place to live, experimenting with increased spending, the mental shift from a scarcity to an abundance mindset, and the complexities of personal identity after leaving a career.  Rebecca also discusses her work with Yield and Spread, a nonprofit promoting generosity in the personal finance community including a call to action and The FI-lanthropy Pledge. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Yield & Spread ChooseFI Episode 483, “Effective Giving Strategies for FI” The Fioneers, “Financial Independence Milestones that Actually Motivate” Scott Rieckens, “Playing With FIRE” Kindle Paperback Audiobook The Center For Midlife Success (formerly Joy Collective), “Annual Clarity Retreat” Cal Newport, “Digital Minimalism” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles 0:00 Introduction 3:10 Search for a post-FI home 11:23 Experimenting with increased spending 21:04 The role of financial advisors 29:21 Rebecca’s path...

    1h 17m

  8. 12/30/2025

    Unwinding Frugality and a Shift to Spending More - Kristen Knapp | MHFI 300

    Doug chats with Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel) about the challenges of unwinding deep-seated frugal habits and learning to spend at the “right level” after achieving FI.  Inspired by a recent blog post from the Mad Fientist, Doug & Kristen explore the nuances of maintaining a balance between saving & spending and discuss why many people struggle to actually spend money once they hit their financial goals.  They also emphasize the importance of spending on what brings joy and the necessary shift in mindset that’s required to enjoy financial freedom without guilt. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links FI Friends Travel Mad Fientist, “Learning How to Spend Money” Mad Fientist on MHFI episode 048 CampFI Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:19 Frugality 9:02 Spending after FI 16:43 Reframing expenses 24:41 FI Friends Travel 31:44 Award travel using points 37:05 The Fun Fund 44:18 Balancing present & future spending 51:25 Shared experiences 55:39 Soundcheck – Winter weather

    1h 2m
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Hosts & Guests

4.3
out of 5
202 Ratings

About

Real talk about Financial Independence and life after corporate jobs. Doug Cunnington and Carl Jensen talk about FI, lifestyle, side hustles, health, and anything on their minds. Plus, they interview experts and non-experts interested in the FI lifestyle. It's raw, candid, pretty much like you get to sit in on a private conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Doug Cunnington & Carl Jensen
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    317
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021-2025 Mile High FI Podcast
  • Show Website
    Mile High FI Podcast

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