Mile High FI Podcast

Doug Cunnington & Carl Jensen
Mile High FI Podcast

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. 5H AGO

    Credit Card Points, Doug’s Cognitive Meltdown, Saying NO! [rebroadcast] | MHFI 275

    Doug and Dusti Young chat about a potpourri of topics on this random episode: Credit card points – which cards Doug & Dusti each have, hoarding points Cognitive biases – loss aversion, sunk cost, maximization (optimizing) vs. satisficing Having a hard time saying NO Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 178 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 Need 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 Dusti: Instagram Facebook ChooseFI Travel Rewards Steven Keys (Trip of a Lifestyle) on The Doug Show Barry Schwartz, “The Paradox of Choice” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Logan Ury, “How to Not Die Alone” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Derek Sivers, “Hell Yeah or No” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook SideDish podcast MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s new 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....

    1h 2m
  2. JUL 1

    JL Collins & Jillian Johnsrud on FU Money & Mini-Retirements | MHFI 274

    Doug chats with JL Collins and Jillian Johnsrud about the concept of mini-retirements and how they fit into the journey of Financial Independence.  JL shares experiences of taking multiple mini-retirements throughout his career, the benefits of these breaks, and the importance of not letting money become your master.  He also touches on the updated edition of “The Simple Path to Wealth” and offers advice on investing, maintaining motivation, and the evolving nature of career paths.  Jillian introduces her upcoming book “Retire Often”, which provides a framework for integrating mini-retirements into one’s life and how these breaks can contribute to long-term wealth building and life satisfaction. 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 Need 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 Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/ Links JL’s blog JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook JL’s guest post on Mr. Money Mustache, “It has Never Been About Retirement” Jillian’s website, Retire Often Jillian’s book, “Retire Often” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s new 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 1:55 Retire Often 11:16 FU Money & Seasons of Life 19:23 JL’s 1st mini-retirement 28:21 Negotiating career breaks & their benefits 38:04 The importance of attitude 43...

    1h 7m
  3. JUN 24

    Beyond the 4% Rule: Indiana Jones of FI (Update) - Chris Rusin | MHFI 273

    Doug chats with Chris Rusin, “The Indiana Jones of FI”, about his journey after reaching FI, the transition from a corporate career to personal passion projects, and the challenges associated with leaving a professional identity behind.  Chris shares his experiences in tackling a bucket list, the fear of failure, and his battle with cancer, which reshaped his perspective on life goals.  He also dives into his latest venture — recording a music album! Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Use code MILEHIGHFI at GhostBed checkout for an additional 10% Off Already Low Prices! June 25, 2025 Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/LX9a2Caw-Gs Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/ Links Connect with Chris Chris Rusin Music Chris Rusin YouTube Life Outside the Maze Chris Rusin on MHFI episode 020 Bucketlist.com Ernest Becker, “The Denial of Death” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Duff McKagan, “It’s So Easy” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s new 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 2:28 Bucket lists & facing fears 8:02 Reflections on mortality & life’s priorities 16:13 Musical endeavors 22:15 Personal growth 28:17 The creative process & finding identity 36:56 Transitioning to new roles & challenges 45:21 Teaching & unplugging 52:43 Joy of collaboration 57:43 Soundcheck – Music 1:03:44 Chris Rusin, Cinders

    1h 7m
  4. JUN 17

    Mentally Prepare to Retire - Rusty | MHFI 272

    Doug chats with Rusty about the mental and emotional aspects of committing to leaving traditional work, focusing on mindset and building an identity outside of professional life.  They discuss the challenges of transitioning from being highly productive to a more relaxed lifestyle, the importance of taking all allotted vacation time, and asking for what you want from your employer.  Rusty also touches on mental health therapies such as body-based trauma therapy and somatic therapy as tools for coping with the stress and trauma associated with demanding careers. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Use code MILEHIGHFI at GhostBed checkout for an additional 10% Off Already Low Prices! June 2025 Livestreams: https://youtube.com/live/d2lTp4FMe4A?feature=share Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/ Links Rusty on MHFI episode 252 Bessel van der Kolk, “The Body Keeps the Score” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Feel Better, Live More podcast Gabor Mate “When the Body Says No” Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Russell Kennedy “Anxiety Rx” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s new 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 1:55 Identity & career transition 6:21 Mindset shift 11:35 Building an identity separate from work 16:59 Productivity 24:00 Importance of taking vacation 30:18 Traveling & cultural perspectives on work 38:06 Recurring dreams & nightmares 43:33...

    1h 6m
  5. JUN 13

    Delivering Identity - BONUS | MHFI 271.5

    Doug chats with Producer Chris about the identity crisis that often accompanies early retirement and the practicality of meal planning vs. food delivery services. They discuss how careers often shape one’s identity and the challenges some people face when stepping away from their professional life. They also explore the convenience and impact of food delivery, home cooking, and personal shopping preferences. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ June 2025 Livestreams: https://youtube.com/live/d2lTp4FMe4A?feature=share Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/ Links MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s new 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 2:53 Chris’s lost identity 9:15 Doug’s career reflections 18:26 Grocery & food delivery 22:57 Grocery shopping preferences 29:56 Soundcheck – Never again

    37 min
  6. JUN 10

    What the Happiest Retirees Know - Joe Saul-Sehy | MHFI 271

    Doug chats with Joe Saul-Sehy from The Stacking Benjamins Show about habits of the happiest retirees, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, purpose-driven retirement, and the perils of isolation.  Joe shares insights from his own experiences and studies, highlighting the power of connection through group memberships, volunteering, and staying engaged in meaningful activities post-retirement. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Use code MILEHIGHFI at GhostBed checkout for an additional 10% Off Already Low Prices! June 2025 Livestreams: https://youtube.com/live/d2lTp4FMe4A?feature=share Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/ Links The Stacking Benjamins Show Joe Saul-Sehy, “Stacked” Kindle Hardcover Audiobook Afford Anything, “The Truth About Making the Efficient Frontier Work in Real Life” Christine Benz, “How to Retire” Kindle Paperback Audiobook Retiremeet Anna Corwin “Embracing Age” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s new 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 5:17 Livestreaming! 14:10 Habits of the happiest retirees 22:16 Exploring opportunities in retirement 30:04 The power of connection 38:27 Community involvement 44:54 Finding common ground 49:21 A purpose bigger than yourself 56:27 Starting in the wrong place 1:03:12 Soundcheck – National parks

    1h 13m
  7. JUN 3

    Buy Borrow Die for FI and Mailbag Questions - Rusty | MHFI 270

    Doug chats with Rusty about the intricacies of the ‘Buy, Borrow, Die’ strategy.  They discuss the mechanics of how the strategy works, benefits, potential risks, and answer related questions from listeners Nate and Sophia.  They also answer Alex’s question from the mailbag about claiming unemployment benefits ethically and navigating asset allocation during market volatility. Rusty’s “Homework”: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qflSynVvMlxcBw1kkKBfG3HFQNJV05b8/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100827824204716910905&rtpof=true&sd=true Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Use code MILEHIGHFI at GhostBed checkout for an additional 10% Off Already Low Prices! June 2025 Livestreams: https://youtube.com/live/d2lTp4FMe4A?feature=share Come hang out with Doug at CampFI Week 1.5, Mon July 7, 2025 – Thurs July 10, 2025: https://campfi.org/event/campfi-rm-250707/ Links Rusty on MHFI episode 252 NBER Working Paper Series, “Buffett’s Alpha” Mad Fientist, “How to Access Retirement Funds Early” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s new 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 3:15 Basics steps of Buy, Borrow, Die 9:01 Mechanics & benefits of the strategy 13:51 Risks & downsides 23:18 Mathematical projections & comparisons 28:33 ACA & tax considerations 36:53 Question: Claiming unemployment 44:02 Entitlement to unemployment benefits 48:46 Question: Reallocating due to market volatility 55:55 Market predictions 1:00:14 Soundcheck – Vacation packing

    1h 5m
  8. MAY 27

    Can Retiring Early Make You Less Happy? - Happy #3 | MHFI 269

    Doug and Carl continue the happiness series with part 3 which is focused on cultivating a happiness mindset.  They discuss various strategies to train the brain for maximum happiness, including the role of neural responses, the negative impact of constant busyness, the crucial importance of gratitude, and how voluntary struggles contribute to a fulfilled life.  They also touch upon the pitfalls of social media and news consumption, the value of community connections, and the liberating perspective of acknowledging one’s inconsequential role in the grand scheme of things. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Use code MILEHIGHFI at GhostBed checkout for an additional 10% Off Already Low Prices! Links Mo Gawdat, “Solve for Happy” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Hoffman Process Doug Cunnington, “7 to 8.5 Hours Every Night: How I Transformed My Life By Sleeping Better” Tim Ferriss, “The 4-Hour Workweek” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Oliver Burkeman, “Four Thousand Weeks” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s new 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 2:41 Happiness mindset 7:55 How FIRE can make your life worse 11:39 Importance of struggle 17:53 Activity is the key to longevity 25:26 Impact of news & social media 31:49 Gratitude & community connections 39:33 Looking at yourself 44:38 Soundcheck – Fidget Spinner

    47 min
4.3
out of 5
178 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.

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