Discover
Mile High FI Podcast
Mile High FI Podcast
Author: Doug Cunnington & Carl Jensen
Subscribed: 224Played: 17,257Subscribe
Share
© 2021-2025 Mile High FI Podcast
Description
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.
304 Episodes
Reverse
Doug chats with Chris Luger (Heavy Metal Money) about his path to retiring early at age 50. Chris shares his journey to financial literacy, changes he made since discovering FI, the impact of his career in tech, and experience investing in real estate. He also discusses the importance of finding purpose, how he’s balanced passions & activities after retirement, his struggles with identity, and philanthropic efforts through his nonprofit organization.
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
Heavy Metal Money
Extreme Personal Finance Show podcast
Amy Wilson on Extreme Personal Finance Show podcast
The Luger Foundation
David Allen, “Getting Things Done”
Kindle
Paperback
Audiobook
Audio CD
Jordan Grumet, “The Purpose Code”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Solar Guitars, “Chug School”
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 a...
Doug chats with Pete Adeney, Mr. Money Mustache, about exciting changes at the MMM Headquarters in Longmont, Colorado. Originally envisioned as a coworking space, the HQ is being rebranded to better reflect its true nature as a vibrant social club. Pete covers the origin story of the HQ, the decision to shift direction, opportunities for increased member involvement in organizing events, and plans for future growth.
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
MMM HQ info
MMM HQ on Instagram
Tim Ferriss, Mr. Money Mustache episode
Carl Jensen: FI-Landia Is A Lie. What I Learned on My Journey to FIRE
CampFI
EconoMe Conference
Rebel Finance School
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
1:01 The FI Collective
8:08 The value of community
12:32 Influence of CampFI
16:59 The HQ origin story
21:24 Organizing community events
24:51 Transitioning to a social club
31:31 Soundcheck – Playing music
JT interviews Doug at FinCon 2025 in Portland about his entrepreneurial journey after leaving the corporate world, detailing his move into self-employment, affiliate marketing, and content creation. Doug discusses how he transitioned from management consulting to becoming a content creator, exploring his initial ventures, the creation of his keyword research method, and strategies for navigating changes in the online landscape.
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
Doug’s other projects
Smart Passive Income
Keyword Golden Ratio
FinCon
MHFI Facebook group
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
2:07 Curiosity about Doug’s mysterious background
7:58 Affiliate marketing journey
14:43 Challenges & changes in the industry
20:48 Done chasing trends
26:37 Future podcast ideas & direction
Doug reconnects with Steve, a previous guest, for an update on the past few years of his financial journey, including a net worth increase from $1.7 million to $2.5 million. Despite his financial success, Steve grapples with balancing work, family, and personal identity, contemplating a future shift towards more meaningful, public service-oriented work. He also discusses the intricacies of managing separate finances with his wife, mental challenges of a high-paying yet unfulfilling job, and the benefits of reassessing life goals & priorities in midlife.
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
Steve on MHFI episode 098
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
3:05 Updates on Steve’s financial situation
8:48 Navigating finances for couples
16:44 Continuing to work
21:38 Coping with identity and a midlife crisis
26:00 Laziness vs. productivity
34:29 Retirement goal & future plans
Doug catches up with Carl at FinCon 2025 in Portland to talk about health & fitness updates. Carl shares his journey of losing weight, specifics of his workout regimen, dietary changes, and his brief use of microdosing Ozempic. Both of them discuss exercise habits, how they handle travel and exercise while on the road, and the occasional disruptions caused by gym etiquette. Doug wraps up from the studio with a summary of his own fitness routine, which emphasizes consistency and injury prevention.
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
FinCon
Brad Barrett/ChooseFI
ChooseFI, “Update: Healthiest Year Ever | Dean Turner | Ep 480”
Peter Attia
HEVY app
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
1:47 Carl’s health & fitness transformation
6:25 Diet changes & microdosing experiment
13:35 Bad gym etiquette
19:40 Weight training routine
25:04 Fitness goals & finding motivation
29:49 Doug’s typical workout schedule & routine
34:07 Proper rest & recording progress
39:09 Cardio & hiking
Doug chats with Elliot Gross (9 to FI podcast) about his path to Financial Independence. He shares how he discovered FI at age 27 and details his journey from getting out of debt to strategically positioning himself to retire early in 18 months. Elliot also discusses his detailed approach to managing finances, the milestones he hit along the way, future aspirations involving geo-arbitrage with Italian citizenship, dealing with “one more year” syndrome, and the importance of community.
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
9 to FI podcast
ChooseFI local groups
Mr. Money Mustache, “The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement”
Mad Fientist, “How to Access Retirement Funds Early”
Josh Epley on MHFI episode 287
Playing with Fire movie
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
1:13 Discovering Financial Independence
7:58 Preparing for early retirement
13:39 Dealing with debt & Magic the Gathering
19:20 A bad week
23:29 Elliot’s FI journey
29:11 Navigating finances in a relationship
35:00 Current expenses
39:20 Net worth & asset allocation
46:18 Italian citizenship & future plans
50:32 Importance of community
59:21 Soundcheck – 9 to FI podcast
Doug chats with Monica Levi, a former lawyer who retired early at the age of 40. She shares her journey to FI, including her immigration to the US at 17, a battle with cancer, the transition from law to becoming a self-discipline coach, and her passion for travel. Monica also delves into how she manages her time, expenses, and the challenges of having a working partner while being retired.
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 Monica:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Downshift Financial
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
3:59 Immigrating to the US & financial upbringing
8:45 Starting to invest
15:33 Transitioning out of law
20:45 Other’s reaction to early retirement
24:56 Productivity & open space
30:58 Cancer diagnosis & recovery
35:21 Self-discipline coaching
39:22 Changing expenses & travel
48:59 Balancing a relationship & retirement
54:36 Soundcheck – Fitness goals
Doug continues his conversation with Josh Epley (9 to FI podcast) about life after early retirement. Josh discusses how he spends his time, the challenges & surprises of early retirement, and the importance of having hobbies & goals. He also shares his experiences with managing his workload, the benefits of being flexible, starting new activities like running, and the launch of his new podcast “9 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
9 to FI podcast
Stuck In Beta podcast
EconoMe Conference
Cal Newport, “Slow Productivity”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Cal Newport, “Deep Work”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Cal Newport
ChooseFI local groups
CampFI
FinCon
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
6:15 Balancing structure vs. free time
14:15 Pressure to make money in retirement
21:08 Desi...
Doug chats with Josh Epley (9 to FI podcast) about his journey from $240K in debt to early retirement. Josh discusses how he and his wife managed to turn their financial lives around including challenges they faced along the way and successful strategies they implemented such as real estate investing & rigorous budgeting. Josh also shares insights into his recent post-retirement life from navigating personal challenges to the role of intentional living.
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
9 to FI podcast
Budgets Are Sexy
ChooseFI local groups
Derek Sivers
Tim Ferriss, “The 4-Hour Workweek”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
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
4:35 Overcoming financial struggles
11:41 Climbing out of debt & making changes
17:17 Dealing with professional identity
22:04 Catching the real estate bug
31:10 Real estate disaster stories
37:20 Future real estate plans
44:17 Thoughts on college
52:05 A rich mindset & financial stages
59:24 Current expenses
1:04:32 9 to FI podcast
1:09:55 Soundcheck – HOAs
Doug chats with Brad Finley who is on the cusp of early retirement. Brad discusses the decision to leave his W-2 job, steps he’s taking to prepare for the transition, the emotional journey that accompanies such a significant life change, and his plans to maintain a balanced & fulfilling lifestyle post-retirement. Brad also shares his transformative experience at the Hoffman Process and how it helped him work through personal issues and redefine his identity beyond his career.
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
Brad Finley Instagram
EconoMe Conference
Diania Merriam on MHFI episode 199
Hoffman Process
Thomas Stanley & William Danko, “Millionaire Next Door”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Jillian Johnsrud, Retire Often
VICE, “The Superhuman World of Wim Hof: The Iceman”
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
1:29 Brad’s journey to early retirement
7:30 Discovering the FIRE movement
12:54 Identity crisis & keeping busy
19:03 Stand-up comedy
22:46 The Hoffman Process
27:42 Planning for life after retirement
34:39 Finding structure & hobbies
41:33 Building social connections
46:35 Identity &...
Doug chats with Jackie and Jacob, a couple who left their W2 jobs to pursue Financial Independence and extensive travel adventures. They discuss traveling in South America, living a minimalist lifestyle, navigating challenges of geo-arbitrage, and how they manage finances while optimizing for travel & embracing flexibility. They also share financial mistakes they’ve made along the way while providing tips & advice for others who may want to follow a similar path in life.
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 Jackie & Jacob:
Get Lost Blue blog
Get Lost Blue YouTube
Instagram
Get Lost Blue favorite YouTube videos:
“Extreme hiking in ARGENTINA, PATAGONIA region – Nahuel Huapi National Park outside of Bariloche”
“Colorado Beer! Brewery crawl in LONGMONT on a rainy night.”
David on MHFI 277, “Early Retirement Nightmare: Retiring Into a Bear Market”
JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth”
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
3:20 Discovering Financial Independence
9:39 Embracing FI &...
Doug chats with Jillian Johnsrud about all-things mini retirement including preparation, challenges, and key insights. They explore how to test what retiring might look like through sabbaticals and mini retirements, touch on the importance of adapting to a new lifestyle, and address common issues that arise, such as maintaining productivity and managing professional identity post-retirement. Jillian also offers practical tips from her new book ‘Retire Often’ and discusses the importance of being prepared for the emotional and practical adjustments that come with early 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 Jillian:
Retire Often Website
Book Purchasing Link
Free Opt-In Worksheets:
Planning
Negotiating
Afford Anything, “Mini-Retirements Are the New Early Retirement – with Mom of Six, Jillian Johnsrud”
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
1:11 Journey to early retirement & work-life balance
9:52 Testing retirement
14:15 Challenges of early retirement
20:24 Professional identity & personal value
29:29 Not as important as you think
33:57 The Messy Kitchen
38:51 Importance of rest & avoiding burnout
43:15 Retire Often
48:28 Soundcheck – Walking challenge
Doug chats with a variety of guests at CampFI Rocky Mountain Week 1.5 including Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache), Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel), and camp attendees Amanda, Tyler, & Roxanne. Pete & Kristen delve into the distinction between being cheap and frugal, sharing personal anecdotes and philosophies. The conversation shifts into other topics such as partner dynamics amongst FI couples, challenges & rewards of embracing frugality, and the power of community building & relationships.
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
CampFI
Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache
MUSTACHIANISM – The Music Video!
Kristen Knapp/FI Friends Travel
NoCo/SoCo Mustachians
Roxanne/FinanceRox
Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
ChooseFI Local Groups
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
3:16 Cheap vs. frugal
11:07 Getting out of the cheap mindset
16:54 Amanda – First CampFI experience
24:10 Amanda – Partner dynamics & power of community
30:29 Tyler – SoCo Mustachians
35:26 Tyler – FI meetups
41:48 Roxanne – Journey to Lean FI
49:50 Roxanne – Stand-up comedy
53:37 Soundcheck – R...
Mr. Money Mustache joins me to answer YOUR questions. It’s part 2 so if you missed part 1, check it out from July 18, 2025. If you dig the show, see ways to support mile high FI since we’re ad-free.
Questions… [time stamps below]
What have you changed your mind on?
Is Pete still Snowbirding to Arizona in the winters down to cul-de-sac? And was that an experiment or a permanent thing? What’d you learn from the experience?
At age 50 plus, what are you focusing on for your health and fitness besides biking and eating healthy?
What things are you working on these days that light you up?
What’s your current stance and practice on charitable giving?
MMM charitable links:
Notes on Giving Away my First $100,000
How to Give Money (and Get Happiness) More Easily
Do you wish you lived a less frugally when you were younger?
What’s the biggest project that you’ve taken yourself and how did that go? And any advice for people that wanna do more repairs and improvement projects on their own?
Asked During the Conversation
Can you imagine working for someone else again? Or why not? (Doug to Pete)
Are there any other electric cars that are worth considering? (This was part of Neil’s longer question about buying a Tesla.)
—-
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
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
00:00 Welcome to the Mile High Five Podcast
00:30 Introversion vs. Extroversion: A Personal Journey
02:59 The Power of Mental Framing
05:36 Snowbirding to Arizona: Pete’s Experience
09:04 Health and Fitness at 50: Weight Training and More
11:15 The Benefits of Cold Plunges and Saunas
17:27 Sleeping Tips: Earplugs and Vulnerability
21:42 Current Projects and Passions
26:08 The Tesla Controversy: To Buy or Not to Buy?
27:36 Tesla: The Ultimate Hybrid
27:5...
Doug and Carl chat with listener Steve to review his plans for early retirement. Steve discloses his financial background, asset allocation, and current expenses, including a net worth of about 1.7 million dollars. The group addresses retirement projections along with potential risks of retiring in a down market and the importance of having a contingency plan. Beyond money, they talk about the psychological and lifestyle adjustments that come with early retirement, including how to fill one’s time meaningfully, potential lifestyle changes, and the importance of staying engaged and balanced.
Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 098
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
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
3:54 Background & discovering FIRE
6:55 Steve’s financial situation
12:38 Separate finances
21:36 Considerations for withdrawing money
28:35 Exploring hobbies & passion projects
35:52 Community & networking
44:32 Soundcheck – Shaving
Doug chats with his wife Elizabeth about her first year (and few months) of retirement while answering questions from the Facebook group. They also discuss a post from Instagram called “The 6 Luxuries of Life”.
Questions answered:
James C – How has the amount of time you spend managing your finances changed since retirement?
Michael H – How did you get so lucky to end up with Doug? What would you tell another wife that is similarly worried about lack of regular paychecks? Did April’s quick downturn scare you?
Sheila A – Does Elizabeth think she should have quit even earlier?
Todd N – Anything she would have done differently in the past 6 months?
James T – What did Doug say or what life changes convinced you to take the plunge?
Seth E – What are some of the unexpected benefits that’s she’s experienced since retiring?
Cait Y – Are you enjoying your time or do you miss the structured work week?
Diania – How do you manage so much time together? Or do you have enough independent interests that you have enough space from each other?
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, including his beloved shade umbrella? 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
Shade Umbrella
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
Elizabeth on MFHI episode 212
Dr. Amy Shah, “The 6 Luxuries of Life”
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
5:20 Question – Managing finances
9:20 Question – April’s downturn
14:44 Question – Lack of regular paychecks
18:44 Question – Quit sooner or done anything different?
23:00 Question – Unexpected benefits of retiri...
Doug chats with Karsten Jeske (aka Big ERN) about his journey to early retirement, living frugally yet enjoying luxuries like travel, and the balance between saving & spending effectively. Karsten provides his thoughts on the book “Die With Zero”, analyzing its advice on spending & saving in retirement, and highlighting potential issues within its financial recommendations. He also addresses the controversial topic of investing in small-cap value stocks and analyzes historical performance. And of course, Doug & Karsten chat about a delicacy called asparagus.
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 Karsten:
Early Retirement Now blog
Twitter/X
Facebook
Early Retirement Now, “How useful is the “Die With Zero” retirement approach? – SWR Series Part 60”
Early Retirement Now, “Can we increase the Safe Withdrawal Rate with Small-Cap Value Stocks? – SWR Series Part 62”
Early Retirement Now, “Small-Cap Value Stocks: Diversification or Di-WORSE-fication?
Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Paul Merriman
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 Af...
Doug chats with Frank Vasquez from the Risk Parity Radio Podcast about his extensive investing experience while offering insights into balancing life after achieving Financial Independence. Frank discusses the importance of intentional spending, significance of meaningful relationships, psychology behind saving and spending, how to diversify investments to secure a sustainable future, and giving back. Doug & Frank also dive into a listener’s question about managing financial decisions during market volatility.
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
Risk Parity Radio Podcast
Fundamentals of risk-parity style investing:
Episode 1 (Introduction)
Episode 3 (History and Development of Risk Parity)
Episode 5 (History and Development of Risk Parity)
Episode 7 (Three Principles)
Episode 9 (Choosing Investments)
The Father McKenna Center
Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll)
Frank’s 10-Year Mortality Probability Chart
David on MHFI episode 277
Early Retirement Now, “Using Gold as a Hedge against Sequence Risk – SWR Series Part 34″
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 info...
Doug and Carl answer mailbag questions in this Taylor Swift-infused episode from Leadville, CO.
Questions answered:
Does it ever get any easier to ride the market swings mentally?
How would you reallocate your investments if there were no tax implications?
What did Doug’s (and Carl’s) parents do right?
Do you wish you had taken a gap year or had a little more fun when you were young?
Experiences at CampFI?
Thoughts on imposter syndrome?
Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI episode 177
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
Brian Feroldi
David Baughier
NoCo Mustachians
FinTalks
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
7:21 The Taylor Swift situation
13:39 Question – Riding the market swings
21:21 Question – Investment reallocation
27:26 Question – Parental influence
31:46 Question – Taking a gap year
38:14 Thoughts on CampFI
43:39 Moving beyond FI
47:11 Question – Imposter syndrome
52:13 A perfect writing retreat
59:10 Soundcheck – Leadville
Doug chats with David about his recent transition into retirement amidst a fluctuating stock market environment. David shares his decision to sell a significant portion of his portfolio near the market’s recent bottom, discussing the impact of market volatility on his investment decisions and the balance between seeking peace of mind and maximizing returns. He also shares reflections on market timing, portfolio allocation, the importance of planning and adapting to financial uncertainties, and adjusting to life post-retirement.
Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/
Need a fee only advisor? Nectarine is a network of financial advisors where you just pay for investing & planning advice. Advisors don’t manage your money, sell products, or earn commissions.
https://milehighfi.com/nectarine
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 David
Email: davidrmoser@gmail.com
LinkedIn
The New Yorker, “The Scold” (Mr. Money Mustache profile)
JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth”
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback
Audiobook
Morgan Housel
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
2:39 David’s financial journey
6:50 Future plans & investment decisions
13:06 This time is different
19:28 Keeping cash on-hand & withdrawing
27:53 Portfolio d...



