Mile High FI Podcast

Carl Jensen & Doug Cunnington

Real talk about Financial Independence and life after corporate jobs. Carl Jensen and Doug Cunnington 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.

  • 37 minutes 5 seconds
    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

    —

    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: [email protected]

    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

    13 June 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    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

    —

    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: [email protected]

    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

    10 June 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    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

    —

    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: [email protected]

    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

    3 June 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 46 minutes 53 seconds
    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

    —

    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: [email protected]

    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

    27 May 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 12 minutes
    Is Retirement Overrated? - Happy #2 | MHFI 268

    Doug and Carl continue the happiness series with part 2 which is focused on the concept of 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.

    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

    —

    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: [email protected]

    0:00 Introduction

    4:48 What FIRE life looks like

    12:23 Is retirement overrated?

    21:32 Relationship with work

    26:22 Seeking validation

    33:41 Preparation for retirement

    38:12 Challenging the corporate ladder

    43:49 Setting up for a successful retirement

    51:13 Redefining success & finding flow

    59:29 Leveraging Community

    1:08:56 Soundcheck – 25K steps

    20 May 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 11 minutes
    Happiness Beyond Wealth. FIRE ≠ Happiness - Happy #1 | MHFI 267

    Doug and Carl kick-off a multi-part series focused on happiness.  They discuss various elements of happiness including definitions, why it’s important, genetic & activity-based components of happiness, routines, the impact of jobs, mindset, and happiness by subtraction.  They also provide practical tips for fostering happiness, emphasizing that happiness requires continuous work and experimentation.

    Win a ticket to CampFI Rocky Mountain – Week 1 Ticket (2025)

    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

    —

    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: [email protected]

    0:00 Introduction

    2:13 Definition of happiness

    9:24 The role of FIRE in happiness

    16:16 Where does happiness come from?

    23:04 Creating happiness in your life

    30:55 Novel experiences & snoring

    37:08 Happiness by subtraction

    47:04 Happiness is ever-changing

    51:34 Experimentation & testing things out

    58:09 Inner vs. outer scorecard

    1:08:23 Soundcheck – Hallmark movies

    13 May 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 39 minutes 28 seconds
    Warren Buffett's Investing Checklist with Brian Feroldi | MHFI 266

    Doug chats with Brian Feroldi about Warren Buffett’s famous investing principles.  Brian discusses key Buffett investment criteria including understanding businesses, long-term prospects of a business, management integrity, financial metrics/health, and the importance of checklists.  He also shares his personal investment experiences and lessons learned as a seasoned individual stock investor.

    Win a ticket to CampFI Rocky Mountain – Week 1 Ticket (2025)

    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

    —

    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: [email protected]

    0:00 Introduction

    3:28 Understanding a business

    7:36 Favorable long-term prospects

    12:48 The management team

    15:49 Buffett’s flexibility

    19:07 Investing mistakes

    25:39 Value of checklists

    31:02 Misusing advice

    35:11 Soundcheck- Group vacation

    6 May 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    Coast FI vs Fat FI With The Fioneers | MHFI 265

    Doug chats with Jess and Corey from The Fioneers about their unique paths to Financial Independence, the Slow FI and Coast FI concepts, how their views on spending have evolved over the years, content creation, and balancing work with building a fulfilling life.  The group provides thoughts and advice in response to a listener email about reaching Financial Independence, potentially achieving Fat FI, helping family, and exploring content creation as a new career path.   Jess and Corey also discuss their Coast FI calculator tool and upcoming Slow FI retreats.

    Follow the link for more details including the original email from listener “Carl”: https://milehighfi.com/coast-fi-question-265/

    Win a ticket to CampFI Rocky Mountain – Week 1 Ticket (2025)

    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

    —

    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: [email protected]

    0:00 Introduction

    1:09 Inspirations for slowing down

    5:13 Listener email & initial thoughts

    12:36 Champagne lifestyle and spending

    19:56 Balancing family support with FI

    27:09 Job satisfaction

    34:08 Sleeping in a camper van

    39:10 Content creation

    46:22 Strategies & recommendations for “Carl”

    52:27 Future plans for the Fioneers

    58:22 Soundcheck – Van Life

    29 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 41 minutes 7 seconds
    Reading is Radical & We are Nerds | MHFI 264.5

    JT and Doug talk about reading and books…

    Win a ticket to CampFI Rocky Mountain – Week 1 Ticket (2025) https://milehighfi.com/wincampfi

    Support the Show (and get exclusive content!) https://milehighfi.com/donate

    Check out the Mile High FI Store… https://milehighfi.com/store

    Outro music is a bastardization of Cry, Moan, & Wail by Marc Ford. Super cool blues chord progression…

    Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list! https://milehighfi.club

    [email protected]

    00:00 Intro

    13:07 Discussing Tim Ferriss’s Massive Books

    14:34 Approaching Nonfiction Reading

    18:25 Fiction vs. Nonfiction Preferences

    19:51 The Role of Podcasts in Book Promotion

    27:34 Using AI for Book Recommendations

    29:20 Balancing Multiple Books at Once

    31:57 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

    36:19 Running and Fitness Goals

    24 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    Savings, Laughter, and Life on the Journey to FI - David & Jill | MHFI 264

    Doug chats with David & Jill at the EconoMe Conference about their pursuit of Financial Independence.   David shares his background growing up with a scarcity mindset, the accidental path to FI, his recent mini-retirement, experience quitting alcohol, and a newfound passion for stand-up comedy.  Jill discusses her middle-class upbringing, balancing her full-time job and schooling, and frugality.  Together they discuss lifestyle changes, managing finances as a couple, and the importance of clear communication in a relationship.

    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

    —

    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: [email protected]

    0:00 Introduction

    4:21 Discovering FIRE & frugal habits

    9:41 David & Jill’s FI journey

    17:17 Overcoming the fear of boredom

    26:44 Reflecting on sobriety

    32:05 Stand up comedy

    39:47 Balancing finances as a couple

    45:10 Mini retirement plans

    50:53 Importance of communication

    58:08 Soundcheck – EconoMe Experience

    22 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    Irrational Money Fears, Discussing Work, & Early Retirement Routines | MHFI 263

    Doug chats with Producer Chris about a variety of topics including irrational money fears, why people commonly talk about their work in social settings, and what their day-to-day lives look like in early retirement. They explore common financial anxieties such as the fear of running out of money and how past experiences shape these fears. They share strategies for steering conversations away from work and towards more engaging subjects like travel and hobbies. Finally, they provide a glimpse into their daily routines, highlighting the freedom and fulfillment that early retirement and semi-retirement offers.

    Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/

    Links

    —

    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: [email protected]

    0:00 Introduction

    1:26 Fear of running out of money

    8:56 Reacting to stock market volatility

    15:01 Sequence of Returns Risk & flexibility

    24:43 Why people talk about work

    28:49 What else to talk about & complaining

    33:27 Chris’s typical day

    41:21 Doug’s typical day

    49:12 Open time & Parkinson’s Law

    56:27 Soundcheck – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

    15 April 2025, 1:00 pm
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