The Time Freedom Podcast

Top 5 Takeaways: You can design your work around your ideal life. AJ built a studio that funds her dream lake home. Thinking in "seasons" beats rigid daily time blocks. Intense work periods are sustainable when you know they'll end. Writing is a learnable craft, not just a natural talent. Commitment to learning matters more than innate ability. The mindset "my art will sustain me" becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Limiting beliefs about creative work hold people back. If you want to become an author, start by reading, and get honest about what level of success you actually want. Chapters:  0:00 – Introduction + Why Sustainable Authorship Matters 3:05 – AJ Harper’s Time Freedom Journey 8:11 – Inside the Publishing World: From Insider to Strategist 12:58 – Taking Risks & Choosing the Entrepreneurial Path 15:06 – Seasonal Living: New York & Madeleine Island 20:27 – Designing a Flexible, Intentional Life 24:59 – Transitioning Fully Into Authorship 29:52 – Craft, Mindset & the Making of a Sustainable Writer 43:14 – Building a Body of Work (Not Just One Book) 47:34 – Creative Freedom + Where to Find AJ AJ HARPER AJ Harper is an author, book coach, and collaborative writer behind multiple bestselling books, including her work with Mike Michalowicz on Profit First and the upcoming The Money Habit. She's the author of Write a Must-Read and creator of the Top Three Book Workshop, where she helps authors write books that actually deliver on their promise. AJ is also co-host of the Don't Write That Book podcast. You can connect with AJ at ajharper.com  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways: Time is the ultimate flex. Kelly took eight and a half weeks off in her first year of entrepreneurship. That was never possible in corporate. Increasing your income beats budgeting. Kelly tripled her income by investing in herself with an MBA, and it paid off faster than 8% in the stock market ever would. You don't have to marry rich or live in a tiny home to have time freedom. Kelly's realtor showed her that strategic choices make it possible for anyone. Sometimes it takes multiple pushes. Cancer didn't change her mindset, but her daughter's words did. Stability comes from self-belief, not your employer. When you believe in yourself more than you doubt yourself, everything changes. Chapters: 00:00Introduction and Initial Connections 01:58The Journey of Entrepreneurship 06:26Personal Stories and Vulnerability 07:55Shared Experiences of Generosity 09:04The Journey to Health and Time Freedom 10:09Defining Time Freedom and Personal Background 11:02Designing Your Ideal Life 14:35Facing Life's Challenges: A Personal Story 19:51The Transformation of Priorities 20:34Financial Strategies for Time Freedom 27:54Crafting a New Career and Life Purpose KELLY POQUIZ BURKE  Kelly Poquiz Burke is a career and leadership coach and keynote speaker based in Dallas, Texas. She spent 14 years climbing the corporate ladder in advertising and marketing, including roles at Frito-Lay where she led the Doritos brand. After being diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy and navigating motherhood through the pandemic, Kelly left corporate America to help others overcome burnout and lead more authentic lives. She works primarily with marketing and advertising professionals in middle management.  You can connect with Kelly at careerslay.com.  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:Freedom is optionality. Hanna defines it as being able to say yes to things without financial constraint, not as never working again.Rest is productive. Your best breakthroughs often come from deliberate rest, not relentless doing.The "savings mountain" can paralyze people. Focusing on building skills and income streams may be more empowering than fixating on a number.You don't have to buy a house just because everyone else is. Flexibility and experiences might align better with your actual values.Comparison culture keeps people feeling behind. Much of what you see on social media is aspirational marketing or outright fake.Chapters:0:00 – Meet Hannah Horvath + The Slash Career Life3:49 – Rest, Productivity & Rethinking Hustle6:32 – Influential Mentors & Early Money Experiences11:59 – Money Psychology: How Your Past Shapes Your Financial Decisions17:41 – Money Personalities & Defining “Enough”20:25 – What Does Freedom Actually Mean?21:11 – Home Ownership: Wealth Builder or Wealth Trap?25:57 – Optionality: Savings Mountain vs Cash River31:35 – Debt, Financial Anxiety & Psychological Burden36:49 – Retirement, Autonomy & Building a Healthy Relationship with MoneyHanna Horvath is a Certified Financial Planner and money psychology expert based in Brooklyn, New York. She writes the newsletter Your Brain on Money, exploring the hidden psychological forces behind our financial decisions. A Syracuse journalism grad with a master's from NYU, Hanna previously served as Managing Editor at Policygenius and held editor roles at J.P. Morgan Chase and Bankrate. Her work has appeared in NBC News, Business Insider, CNBC, and USA Today. You can connect with Hanna at yourbrainonmoney.com.  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:Time freedom might accelerate financial freedom. Saying no to low-value obligations frees you to focus on what actually moves the needle.Test your retirement before committing. Bernadette's sabbatical was a trial run that made retirement feel possible.Confidence in your ability to make money is a backup plan. That skill matters as much as a nest egg.You do not owe everyone unlimited access to you. Protecting your calendar is not selfish, it's necessary.Book marketing is about building advocates, not just readers. Bernadette booked 50 collaborations at one conference by being intentional.Chapters:0:00 – You Don’t Owe Everyone Unlimited Access to You (Cold Open)0:49 – Welcome + Meet Bernadette Joy2:46 – The Opening Question + Showing Up Without the “Mask”7:53 – Bernadette’s Story: Corporate → Financial Freedom → “Retiring” at 4010:26 – The Catalyst Moment: Loss, Perspective, and Choosing a Sabbatical14:31 – What Retirement Looks Like Now: Intentional Living + Slowing Down16:39 – Money vs Skill: What Actually Creates Freedom?19:19 – Time Freedom vs Financial Freedom: What She’d Do Differently24:12 – Trolls, Certifications, and Representation in Finance32:50 – Book Launch Strategy + Where to Find BernadetteBERNADETTE JOY Bernadette Joy is a first-generation Filipino American money expert who paid off $300,000 of debt in three years and hit a net worth of over $2 million by 40. She's the author of Crush Your Money Goals and founder of the coaching program by the same name. Bernadette has been featured on CNBC, Forbes, MarketWatch, and Yahoo Finance, and has spoken at FinCon, South by Southwest, NASDAQ, and TEDxHouston. You can connect with Bernadette at crushyourmoneygoals.com.  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:Mini retirements don't just help your personal life. They often accelerate your career and finances in unexpected ways."Stuck at 6” is the hardest place to change from. When life is just OK, the upside feels small and the downside feels huge.You can fund mini retirements for life by saving just 6.5% more, or by landing one job switch with a modest raise.Experiments that go horribly wrong teach you more than ones that go fine. Failure is a goldmine of insight.The real cost of staying put might be a million dollars. Jillian's friend proved that not switching jobs and not taking breaks can leave serious money on the table.Chapters:0:00 – Welcome + Introduction to Jillian Johnsrud1:44 – Jillian’s Journey to Financial Independence11:38 – What Are Mini Retirements?14:45 – The “Stuck at Six” Problem17:03 – The Courage to Step Away from the Grind18:31 – Experimentation, Growth & Mini Retirements20:05 – Learning from Failure and Career Missteps21:50 – Mini Retirements as a Long-Term Lifestyle25:55 – The 6.5% Rule Explained31:52 – Career Shifts, Income Growth & Timing36:08 – How the 6.5% Rule Funds Time Freedom38:06 – Job Switching, Earning Potential & Flexibility38:57 – Time Freedom Book Promotion + Closing ThoughtsJILLIAN JOHNSRUDJillian Johnsrud is an author, speaker, and financial independence advocate who achieved financial freedom at 32 while working low-earning jobs and raising five kids. She's the author of Retire Often and hosts the “Retire Often” podcast where she shares real stories of people who've taken mini retirements. Jillian's work has been featured on All the Hacks, ChooseFI, and at FinCon.You can connect with Jillian at retireoften.com.  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 TakeawaysTime freedom is about working to live—not living to work.The 50–25–25 rule creates sustainable income and personal freedom.True freedom comes from the ability to create income on demand.Overcoming debt can build confidence and clarity in business decisions.Authority content works best after a solid business foundation is built.Chapters:0:00 – Welcome + Introduction to Pia Silva3:00 – Working to Live, Not Living to Work7:45 – The 50–25–25 Rule Explained13:30 – From Revenue to Real Profit17:15 – Pia’s $40K Debt Wake-Up Call21:30 – Skills Over Savings: The Real Definition of Freedom25:45 – Designing a Business That Fits Your Life29:30 – Writing Scale Solo: Process & Insights34:45 – Authority, Referrals & Building a Profitable Business39:45 – Long-Term Vision, Investing & Time Freedom42:15 – Where to Find Pia + Final ThoughtsCheck out Pia's book at NoBSMastery.com/book  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 TakeawaysTime freedom means owning your schedule—not being owned by it.Intentional living shapes both your work and your relationships.Health span matters as much as lifespan when designing your future.You don’t need big money to achieve meaningful, impactful goals.Vulnerability and authenticity build authority, connection, and growth.Chapters:0:00 – Welcome + Real-Life Podcasting Moments1:36 – Introduction to Mike Michalowicz4:03 – Podcasting Journeys & Trying New Things6:48 – Marketing Yourself (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)9:33 – Embarrassment, Visibility & “Risk It for the Biscuit”12:26 – What Time Freedom Really Means14:56 – Intentional Living & Goal Setting17:47 – Health Span vs. Life Span20:23 – Quickfire Questions & Personal Insights22:49 – Upcoming Projects & Book Launch26:28 – Time Freedom in Practice29:03 – Authorship as a Catalyst for Opportunity30:26 – Passion, Purpose & Helping Others32:38 – Time Freedom Book Promotion  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top Takeaways:Time freedom creates space for connection, purpose, and love.Time freedom isn’t the end goal—it’s the starting point for something more.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction to Time Freedom2:44 – The Journey of Writing & Reflection5:18 – Understanding Reader Expectations7:53 – The Call to Greatness10:22 – Why Connection Matters Most14:44 – Practical Applications of Time Freedom17:30 – Looking Ahead to Season Two  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:Action is what turns plans into real change.Waiting until you’re ready can create stronger outcomes than rushing.Simplifying your focus increases impact and follow-through.Community and support are essential—you don’t have to do this alone.Time freedom creates space for new opportunities, not just rest.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction to the Time Freedom Podcast1:23 – Why Taking Action Matters6:10 – The Three-Part Action Framework8:39 – The Power of Waiting Until You’re Ready14:52 – Taking Action in Business16:46 – Feedback Over Failure: The Maker’s Mindset19:11 – Focus, Simplicity & the 80/20 Rule22:21 – Personal Examples of Time Freedom in Action24:45 – Why Support Changes Everything29:57 – Creating Your Personal Action Plan  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:The Time Freedom Calculator is a free, flexible tool for designing your financial future.Understanding future expenses builds true financial confidence.The calculator allows for multiple work, income, and lifestyle scenarios.Visual data makes decision-making easier and more empowering.Small adjustments today can radically accelerate your path to time freedom.You can find the Time Freedom Calculator at https://timefreedomcalculator.com.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction to the Time Freedom Podcast6:01 – The Time Freedom Calculator Explained11:24 – Rethinking Money & Work for Freedom16:31 – Case Study: Annika & Nick’s Journey24:23 – How to Use the Time Freedom Calculator32:31 – Next Steps & Taking Action  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Get my free bonus chapter here to learn even more about Fast Follow Investing.Top 5 Takeaways:Momentum investing looks forward.Human behavior impacts market trends.Serial autocorrelation isn't as complicated as it sounds.Fast Follow Investing caps losses during downturns while still letting your capture gains.Technology has made momentum strategies more accessible.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction to Fast Follow Investing4:45 – Personal Backgrounds & Early Financial Lessons9:08 – How Investment Strategies Have Evolved13:20 – Understanding Momentum Investing17:42 – Practical Application: How Fast Follow Works22:14 – Why Momentum Supports Time Freedom26:28 – Conclusion + Next Steps   🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:The Time Freedom Portfolio blends safety and growth through simple, passive tools.There’s no single “right way” to invest—your goals determine your strategy.Passive indexing is favored for its low fees, ease, and long-term results.Cash allocation (10–30%) provides both stability and confidence.A strong financial runway—6 months to 2 years—supports true time freedom.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction to the Time Freedom Portfolio5:59 – What the Time Freedom Portfolio Includes10:13 – Five Principles of Time Freedom Investing18:38 – How to Determine Your Cash Allocation23:10 – Bonds vs. Stocks in a Freedom-Focused Strategy24:31 – Cash Allocation Quiz + Final Thoughts  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:Cash is foundational to financial security and time freedom.Investing isn’t just about returns—it’s about risk management.“You win by not losing”: avoiding losses matters more than chasing gains.Cash gives you power—freedom to leave unfulfilling jobs and seize opportunities.A balanced portfolio includes both higher-risk investments and meaningful cash reserves.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction to the Time Freedom Podcast6:07 – Why Cash Accounts Matter13:20 – Types of Cash Savings Accounts17:16 – Understanding Loss Asymmetry26:47 – Cash, Opportunity & Closing Thoughts  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:Investing isn’t about complexity—it’s about clarity and confidence.Sharing financial mistakes helps others (and yourself) grow.The barbell approach balances low-risk and high-reward opportunities.Time freedom should guide your financial strategy—not the other way around.The Time Freedom Portfolio blends safety and growth for lasting results.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction to Investing6:35 – Personal Investing Stories & Lessons Learned13:41 – The Importance of Financial Awareness16:43 – How Investing Connects to Time Freedom19:30 – The Barbell Investment Strategy23:48 – Understanding Stock Market Returns30:04 – The Time Freedom Portfolio Overview  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:Most people dislike budgeting—and that’s okay.The No-Budget Budget replaces limits with intentional spending.Understanding where your money goes creates real freedom.Financial order comes from reflection, not restriction.Managing debt strategically supports your path to time freedom.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction: What Is the No Budget Budget?7:53 – How Budgeting Philosophies Have Evolved10:08 – Understanding Value-Based Spending13:13 – Practical Steps to Implement the No Budget Budget17:27 – Prioritizing Expenses for Freedom20:03 – Cutting Costs the Smart Way22:27 – Aligning Spending with Values26:09 – Maintaining Financial Order30:29 – Debt Management & Time Freedom  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:Money impacts happiness—but only when aligned with your values.Experiences create more lasting joy than material possessions.Protect your freedom with smart tax planning and insurance.Understand the difference between investments and expenses.Recognize hidden fees and start saving early to invest wisely.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction to Spending Strategies7:19 – Understanding Money and Happiness10:27 – Experiences vs. Material Goods15:30 – Spending According to Life Stage17:40 – Tax Strategies for Financial Freedom18:36 – Protecting Against Major Loss19:17 – Safeguarding Income & Investments22:54 – Inflation and Personal Finance24:47 – Investments vs. Expenses28:36 – Hidden Fees That Erode Wealth31:48 – Saving Early & Investing Wisely  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:A VA is not just help—they’re a growth partner in your business.The right time to hire is when overwhelm becomes the norm.Trust and communication are the foundation of every great partnership.Mistakes will happen—focus on progress, not perfection.Delegation is the key to reclaiming your time and energy.Chapters (Cleaned Up):0:00 – The Importance of Virtual Assistants2:56 – Kirby’s Journey to Becoming a VA5:22 – Overcoming Fears & Finding the Right Fit7:42 – Building a True Partnership9:14 – Mastering Inbox & Calendar Management11:41 – The Value of Delegation13:36 – Building Trust & Communication16:00 – When to Hire a VA20:57 – Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs23:05 – Embracing Mistakes & Learning25:49 – Final Thoughts on VA Partnerships  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:Seasonal schedules aren’t just for teachers—they benefit everyone.The traditional 40-hour workweek is outdated and unsustainable.Automation and delegation are key to creating flexibility.Raising your prices can help you work less while earning more.The Time Freedom Calculator helps you confidently plan your ideal lifestyle.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction to Seasonal Schedules0:45 – The Concept of Seasonal Work1:59 – Implementing Seasonal Schedules21:54 – Final Reflections + Takeaways  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:Debt and freedom don’t mix—self-funding keeps you in control.The first year is for learning, saving, and building momentum.Investing in yourself can yield the highest returns.Knowing your lifestyle expenses is the foundation of smart planning.A three-year plan can help you transition into entrepreneurship sustainably.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction: The Case for Self-Funding5:05 – Why Self-Funding Creates True Freedom10:24 – The Three-Year Transition Plan17:20 – Calculating Your Financial Needs18:07 – Investing in Yourself for Growth19:29 – Closing Reflections + Key Takeaways  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!

Top 5 Takeaways:You can transition to entrepreneurship without hustle culture.Burnout is a real risk when balancing a 9–5 and a side hustle.Proven service offerings and a strong network create stability.Sales skills and consistent follow-up are essential for success.Assessing your readiness ensures a smoother, faster transition.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction + Personal Experiences2:46 – The Hustle Mentality in Entrepreneurship4:44 – The No Hustle Transition Framework7:38 – Leveraging Proven Service Offerings9:30 – The Importance of a Strong Network15:06 – Essential Entrepreneurial Skills19:55 – Sales Skills & Customer Service27:11 – Assessing Readiness for Transition  🎧 Pre-order Time Freedom and get the audiobook FREE today. Normally it takes three copies to unlock the audiobook, but for podcast listeners, just one.👉timefreedombook.com | code: PODCASTEnter code PODCAST and you'll get instant access (your paper copy arrives in September). Pre-orders help the book land on more shelves on launch day, so thank you!