Keeping a low number of simple clothes, mending them and getting/them the smart way will get you to financial independence faster. Original article at http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-6-clothes.html A more detailed discussion of the ERE philosophy at http://valiantgrowth.com/e30 Get Early Retirement Extreme The Book at http://valiantgrowth.com/ere Donate to the podcast at http://valiantgrowth.com/support...
Dec 16, 2016•18 min
Jacob puts hobbies into three categories: Expense creating Free or self-funding Income creating I add the idea of considering a hobby that also involves personal development: building broadly applicable life skills, one of the most satisfying activities that I know of out there. Original article at http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-5-find-a-free-hobb.html A list of income earning hobbies from the same website: http://earlyretirementextreme.com/incomplete-list-of-hobbies-that-could-earn-money...
Dec 15, 2016•11 min
Could you survive without a cell phone plan (and/or a cellphone?) In today’s episode, Jacob argues for a yes and I (mostly) back him up. Original article at http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-4-drop-the-cell-phone-pla.html A more detailed discussion of the ERE philosophy at http://valiantgrowth.com/e30 Get Early Retirement Extreme The Book at http://valiantgrowth.com/ere Donate to the podcast at http://valiantgrowth.com/support...
Dec 14, 2016•8 min
Reign in your food budget. Target: 50-75$/person/month My detailed discussion of a frugal food budget, including the calorie/currency system: http://valiantgrowth.com/e14 Some staples of my own cooking at my vlog: https://youtu.be/POsExlihhds Original article at http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-3-grocery-shopping.html A more detailed discussion of the ERE philosophy at valiantgrowth.com/e30 Get Early Retirement Extreme The Book at valiantgrowth.com/ere...
Dec 13, 2016•16 min
Includes Jacob's recommended housing budget, ways of finding a cheaper place to live and the framework for thinking about your shelter spending. Original article at earlyretirementextreme.com/day-1-finding-a-place-to-live.html A more detailed discussion of the ERE philosophy at valiantgrowth.com/e30 Get Early Retirement Extreme The Book at valiantgrowth.com/ere...
Dec 12, 2016•18 min
Includes Jacob's recommended housing budget, ways of finding a cheaper place to live and the framework for thinking about your shelter spending. Original article at earlyretirementextreme.com/day-1-finding-a-place-to-live.html A more detailed discussion of the ERE philosophy at valiantgrowth.com/e30 Get Early Retirement Extreme The Book at valiantgrowth.com/ere...
Dec 11, 2016•17 min
Darrell Becker is a frequent guest of many podcasts that I like, often talking about the Trivium method, the Non-Agression Principles and Non-Violent Communication. In this episode we talk about the basic ideas of Non-Violent Communication, work through real world examples of using it, and other related questions such as that of enemy imagery. My episode on the key ideas of NVC is at valiantgrowth.com/e44 Read the book at valiantgrowth.com/nvc Another interview with Darrel that you might want to...
Dec 09, 2016•1 hr 25 min
“I feel I am a very rich man. I see a different world than you see on the news. I see a world of people committed to compassionate giving, who want to create structures that support this compassionate giving.” - Marshall Rosenberg I spent a significant amount of time considering the why of Non-Violent Communication. Learning and practice takes effort, so every time I introduce a new technique, tool or philosophy of life, I aim to give you a bond, that if you take this journey, you will achieve t...
Dec 06, 2016•39 min
This is an audio recording of the article Go From Zero to a Fully Functional Productivity System, Today (with Jake Desyllas) . In it, you will find encouragement and practical steps towards quickly and easily starting your first productivity/task management and goal management systems. Books mentioned: Goals! by Brian Tracy Eat that Frog! by Brian Tracy Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Job Free by Jake Desyllas Getting Things Done by David Allen The Power of Less by Leo Babuta...
Nov 21, 2016•43 min
Starting and maintaining a productivity system is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding investments you can ever make. It can, however seem like a very daunting task. Jake Desyllas strips the complexity away and teaches you how to start a basic but powerful productivity system that you can build upon and evolve. Perhaps more importantly, we talk of the incredible power that this will give you to live your values and to lead a conscious live, encouraging you to get started today. Books mention...
Nov 13, 2016•1 hr 11 min
Are you up to date on your personal finance knowledge? Whether yes or no, you will enjoy this conversation with Joshua Sheats of the Radical Personal Finance Podcast, where we talk about why this field is worth pursuing, what the low-hanging fruits are for beginners, what the stages of financial independence are, and whether you should or shouldn’t give unsolicited advice. I highly recommend checking out Radical Personal Finance at radicalpersonalfinance.com . Maybe begin with looking up your st...
Aug 01, 2016•1 hr 18 min
Don’t tell me you haven’t had this question at least once in your mind: wow, I like this guy/gal, but we disagree on some key issues, what do I do? The Art of Stress-Free Relationships to the rescue! In this episode I talk about the practical applications of the friends vs. allies (episode 37) and foundations of trust systems (episode 39) to solve this thorny issue. Part 1: Friends vs. Allies: http://valiantgrowth.com/e37 Part 2: The Best Way to Find Love Is To Know What Love Is: http://valiantg...
Jul 22, 2016•39 min
We’re all familiar with stalemated conflicts, closed down avenues of discussion, concealed-carry resentment. How does one get through them, and how does one avoid them? The obvious answer is trust, but then the next question arises: OK, how do you get to trust? My experience is that trust is built through agreement, through negotiation, through clarification. Laying the philosophical and psychological ground rules and approaches in your relationships will make them so much more enjoyable. In thi...
Jul 19, 2016•1 hr
Join the discussion! | iTunes | iOS App | Android App | YouTube What is your definition of love? Any concept that isn’t clearly defined is a prime target for corruption. Love is no different. The reason why people have such a difficult time achieving clarity and satisfaction in romantic relationships is because of an unclear definition of love. Listening to this episode can be a major turning point in your romantic relationships. Or it can help you reinforce concepts that you already know, and s...
Jul 15, 2016•23 min
Let me give you a familiar situation: You’ve just met someone, and you really like their knowledge on X, or the Y things that they’ve done, or the Z books that they’ve read. There is, however, a problem. They are don’t share your values. Or they oppose you philosophically. Or they’re just a difficult person to be around. You’d love to be friends for some reasons, but you also dread to be for others. What do you do? The concept of allies to the rescue! In this podcast I talk about the difference ...
Jul 13, 2016•21 min
Is there anybody out there? Where is the secret tribe of growth-oriented people? How can I join them? Will I ever have to keep my piercing curiosity, my desire to flourish, my longing for a better world a secret little hobby - outside of the Internet? I don’t think so. Join the discussion! : http://www.valiantgrowth.com/community Website : http://valiantgrowth.com Also see: In the Core Principles of Relationships Series, I lay out the most empowering concepts that I’ve discovered in my own quest...
Jul 08, 2016•44 min
You’ve heard about long-term thinking, and not sacrificing your future for your present. But how about not sacrificing your present for your future? It’s okay to relax. It’s okay not to have a calendar that’s full 24/7. It might in fact lead you to not only a better experience of life, but also to more creativity, more big picture thinking and a higher self-esteem. But - how about that pressing feeling of dissatisfaction? That knowledge that you aren’t doing enough? That others are getting ahead...
Jul 06, 2016•35 min
If you could sit down with an experienced and thoughtful entrepreneur, and have an hour to talk about how to become an entrepreneur, what the challenges are, where one can draw ideas from, how it affects one’s psychology and how it can aid personal development - and KNOW that you’d get deep, informative and inspiring answers, would you go for it? Well, you are in great luck today as I have this exact talk with Jake Desyllas, former business owner and now financially independent investor and auth...
Jun 27, 2016•59 min
In this first return interview, I talk to Nick Hazelton about the philosophy, practices and value of stoicism in personal development. Towards the end, Nick also addresses my criticisms of stoicism, and we discuss the idea of psychostoicism. Find Nick’s podcast at an-yak.com , and the book he recommends at valiantgrowth.com/nickstoicismbook...
Jun 20, 2016•1 hr 19 min
Probably the coolest thing I did in my early twenties was hitchhiking through Europe from Hungary to Paris! I also did this on what was my Romanian student’s budget - under 40$ a week. I describe, in detail, the financial strategies employed (accommodation and transport) as well as the personal experience of being on the road: the good, bad and the ugly. Also see my $2/day food budget ! Join the discussion! : http://facebook.com/valiantgrowth Website : http://valiantgrowth.com...
Jun 16, 2016•42 min
Dial up the extreme to 11! If you thought retiring to financial independence in 5 years and 75% savings rates were extreme, how about retiring immediately, with whatever savings you’ve got? David Downie’s book says you can do it, because you are smarter than you think! If you liked today’s podcast, lifestyle design, and short but well-written books, also check out Episode 11 , which contains a framework of ALL approaches to a free life. Find the book at valiantgrowth.com/rir Join the discussion!...
Jun 15, 2016•12 min
This is my presentation of Early Retirement Extreme - I talk about the philosophy of frugality, I talk about how it’s an embodiment of a great strategy book and I present some really useful frameworks for thinking about your goals, your independence and your purchases. It’s a great book, I suggest that you get it now, even you have a full reading list. Every person I’ve ever shown this book to has regretted not reading it sooner. Find it at http://valiantgrowth.com/ere Also find Jacob’s website ...
Jun 13, 2016•34 min
The title’s no lie - you can retire in 5-10 years from now! No, really! And in this podcast, I present the way (well, give you an entry point for your own exploration)! If you are not familiar with extreme saving/early retirement/early retirement extreme, this is one episode you have to listen to! I say this with no exaggeration: this is life-changing stuff. If you are an early retirement expert, you might choose to listen simply to hear how much fun I had with the subject! I love talking about ...
Jun 12, 2016•45 min
In what can be considered a second introductory to the podcast, I discuss the new motto, and the three levels of personal development. Join the discussion! : http://facebook.com/valiantgrowth Website : http://valiantgrowth.com...
Jun 10, 2016•23 min
Why pursue radical personal development, and until when? Is there an end goal? These questions have been on my mind for a long time, and I finally feel that I have a good answer to them. The end goal is independence, or even better, becoming self-contained: “Having all that is needed, in itself.” We gain great benefits from relationships: the ability to powerfully fulfill our needs and have a support network that is far superior to what we can create on our own. But entering relationships with g...
Jun 09, 2016•10 min
In today’s podcast I talk to author and intuition expert Jane Bernard. Some of the topics discussed: What is intuition? How to reactivate your intuition? How to handle your social circle opposing your growth? Am I Really Hungry? by Jane Bernard : http://amzn.to/1X76Jr9 Intuitive Scribe Blog : https://intuitivescribe.blogspot.com/ Am I Really Hungry Blog : http://amireallyhungry.blogspot.com/ Join the discussion! : http://facebook.com/valiantgrowth Website : http://valiantgrowth.com...
Jun 06, 2016•1 hr 1 min
Should we putting our best foot forward when it comes to appearance? Where is the line between elegance and overkill? In this episode I suggest the countercultural idea of consiously de-sexualizing non-romantic interactions, looking clean and simple in public and more attractive at home, protecting the higher reasoning of those around us and my own experiences on the subject. A very complementary episode to this is 019 - Relationships are a Trade, part of the Core Principles of Relationships ser...
Jun 03, 2016•18 min
A guest I’ve been really looking forward to interviewing, Steven Franssen and I talk about his first steps into self-knowledge, art as a tool for self reflection, dream analysis as a central tool for growth, structure vs. freedom in learning, why therapy is for everyone and how you can know it is for you, and an overview of Steve’s past and upcoming work. Find Steven’s work at http://nurturingtruth.com Steven’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/RedRightHunter Join the discussion! : h...
Jun 02, 2016•30 min
A review and commentary of the amazing Band of Visionaries book by Steven Franssen. As the “relationship sci-fi” book this is one the most rich and valuable works of fiction out there, and is a must read for valiant growers! It’s also a detailed exploration around the question of saving the world, which has crossed many a libertarian mind, which really sets it apart even in the already very special (and short) list of libertarian fiction. Check the book out (link at http://valiantgrowth.com/e23 ...
Jun 01, 2016•15 min
In this episode I pick my expert guest’s brain into taking our approach to the next (self-knowledgeable) level! She talks about how she moved from several months long (!) juice cleanses and all sorts of fasts to a no-diet diet of mindfulness and self-acceptance, how body image problems can be unrelated to weight in the essence, how to get to self-acceptance and teaching yourself to be mindful of your body, what obstacles can come up the way, teaching children healthy eating habits and attitudes,...
May 31, 2016•41 min
