Go Bucket Yourself

What if the life you've always dreamed of is just a few mindset shifts away? Join us on a fascinating exploration as we pick the brain of financial professional and coach, Brandon Clark. With over 15 years of experience, Brandon walks us through his inspiring journey towards financial independence and entrepreneurship. Drawing from his frugal upbringing and his own set of trials and errors, he brilliantly deciphers how to gain control over one's mindset, time, and money.Did you ever stop to think about how your unconscious scripts and rules shape your reality? Brandon leads a candid discussion about the common mental roadblocks we often encounter on our path to success. From the scarcity of time and money to the inherited values that unknowingly influence our decisions – we examine it all. We also explore the power of self-reflection in identifying and overcoming these hidden barriers.As the conversation unfurls, Brandon opens up about his experiences in creating an accounting firm and how shifting perspectives led him to the life he yearned for. The importance of action, no matter how intimidating, is a recurring theme throughout the discussion. So, gear up for an enlightening journey that underscores the significance of perseverance, self-awareness, and personal impact. Brace yourselves, as Brandon's story might just nudge you into taking the first step toward your dreams.Get in Touch with Brandon:His site: reexaminewealth.comOn InstagramHis financial advising firm, Toler Financial GroupResources mentioned in today's podcast:📘 The Way of Integrity - grab the book hereOur podcast reviewing The Way of Integrity 📘 The Lion Tracker's Guide to LifeOur podcast reviewing this book📘The Comfort CrisisStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

What if money wasn't just about dollars and cents, but also about emotions, behavioral patterns, and family history? Dr. Michael G. Thomas Jr. joins us to share his wisdom on the emotional side of money, revealing the crucial role of grace, self-compassion, and empathy on our financial journey. From discussing systems theory to exposing the impact of avoidance and shame, Dr. Thomas invites us to examine our relationship with money and challenge our preconceived notions.Can we truly connect with others without getting vulnerable about our finances? In this digital age, it's all too easy to join tribes without revealing our true selves. Dr. Thomas guides us through the complexities of community and connection, stressing the power of language and the importance of engaging in genuine discourse about money. We'll explore the challenge of negotiating different socioeconomic standards, and how insecurities can be passed down across generations.The struggle of self-care and future planning is a tightrope we all walk, and Dr. Thomas offers insight on balancing this challenge. We'll explore the role of delayed gratification and frugality in personal finance and discover how to live in the present without compromising the future. To cap it all off, we'll delve into the cultural perspectives on finance, learning from the wisdom of different cultures and understanding that our stories are universal. Join us for this enlightening conversation with Dr. Michael G. Thomas Jr., and discover a new perspective on money.Get in touch with Michael:Get his book: Black Financial Cultureon Instagramon his site, blackfinancialculture.com Resources mentioned:Die With Zero - Bill PerkinsStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

What happens when the nest starts emptying out? Do you feel a strong sense of melancholy or are you filled with anticipation for the next chapter of your life? We found ourselves grappling with these feelings as we experienced our daughter's high school graduation and the subsequent transition. This episode is a heartwarming mix of laughter, tears, and insight as we share our journey through these major family transitions.This summer was a whirlwind of emotions as we navigated our way through Claire's graduation, traveling, hosting retreats, and spending ample time at swim meets. We even had a thrilling river rafting adventure that taught us a lot about preparedness, teamwork, and resilience. And as we adjusted to the emptiness of Claire's room, we realized the importance of giving ourselves permission to rest. We also found joy in hosting the first two Go Bucket Yourself retreats and were delighted by the positive impact it had on our community.But that's not all. We're also excited to share the progress of our outdoor kitchen project and our homeschooling journey. We learned the importance of setting boundaries and saying 'hell yes' rather than 'I guess so'. As we move forward, we're eager to hear from you. Your questions, feedback, and curiosity drive us to curate content that resonates with each of you. So, feel free to reach out to us with your thoughts or questions. Trust us, this is an episode you won't want to miss!Stay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

Connect with Maria!Maria's InstagramShop | Blog & more from Maria---------Do you ever wonder how the products you use on your skin can impact your mental health? Join me as I chat with the inspiring Maria Laura, a beauty blogger, mental health enthusiast, and entrepreneur from Venezuela who's passionate about natural, holistic beauty. As a full-time mom who has overcome her own mental health struggles and self-doubt, Maria Laura's journey will empower others to pursue their passions, regardless of the challenges they face.Listen in as we discuss the important intersection between holistic beauty and mental health, and how simple lifestyle changes can make a world of difference. Maria Laura shares valuable tips for choosing the right products, her expertise in organic skincare, and her inspiring story of balancing passion with family life. Discover how she uses the Done app and timer strategies to stay organized, focused, and connected with her diverse audience in both Spanish and English.Don't miss this insightful conversation as Maria Laura shares her future plans for her business, the power of self-awareness, and her dedication to empowering others. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Maria Laura's story and her unwavering commitment to holistic beauty and mental health. You'll walk away with a newfound appreciation for the impact your skincare choices can have on your overall well-being, and the motivation to make changes in your own life.--------Resources mentioned in today's show:Done - productivity app Maria uses to keep on top of her tasks--whether it's her business or her family tasksStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

In this super-vulnerable conversation, we dig into money wounds--what are they, and how do they show up in our daily lives?The founder of FI Freedom Retreats, Amy Minkley’s, life changed when she discovered the Financial Independence movement in 2019. Money was tight in her childhood. To feel secure, Amy became an over-worker and over-saver from a young age. After working in Asia for 18 years, she was burned out. In a frantic bid to save her sanity and relationship, a late-night online search led her to the FIRE movement. Armed with the knowledge of hundreds of FIRE blogs and podcasts, Amy gained a new sense of hope, overcame ‘one more year’ syndrome, and quit her job in Bangkok. In 2021, she moved to Bali to live her dream life and share the message of Financial Independence and purposeful living. She is now happily engaged to her Australian partner and organizing transformational FI retreats.Listen to this episode to hear:What childhood money wounds areHow they changed the trajectory of Amy's life--career, relationships, personality traits, etc.The benefits of the coping mechanisms she developed as a result of her money wounds from an outside perspectiveThe symptoms that began to show her she wasn't living an aligned lifeHow she came to awareness--symptomsHow she was able to heal and create the aligned, fulfilling life she lives todayListen all the way to the end to hear about her amazing Bali retreat and for so many juicy nuggets of wisdom!--- L E T ' S  C O N N E C T ---Grab your tickets to join GBY & CampFI this July - we'll be whitewater rafting, hiking, and dropping into some deep conversation around the campfire🔥---More from Amy:FI Freedom Retreats - connect in BaliAmy's FabX talk: From Fear to FreedomStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

--- L E T ' S  C O N N E C T ---Grab your tickets to join GBY & CampFI this July - we'll be whitewater rafting, hiking, and dropping into some deep conversation around the campfire🔥---At Go Bucket Yourself we value living a life of adventure regardless of our age, so today we chat with Nate Palmer of Low Carb Hustle and Million Dollar Body Method about all things fitness and nutrition, particularly in those middle ages of life, but truly for ANY body.Nate simplifies the seemingly super complex and ever-changing worlds of diet and exercise so that everyone might feel comfortable and equipped to begin taking positive steps for their health today. Because, as Nate says, results are inevitable. Listen in to hear how to begin getting the results YOU seek, today!Listen all the way to the end to hear a new, laugh-worthy segment, created on the fly with Nate--hot or not? You don't want to miss it!Get to know Nate:Nate's book - Million Dollar Body Method (MDBM)Follow Nate on InstagramLow Carb Hustle Podcast on Apple Podcasts | SpotifyFront Row Dads - the community Nate & I are part of where we strive to be healthy, emotionally intelligent dads & husbandsResources:Basal metabolic rate - Nate suggests an easy formula: your current weight x 12 = caloric intake The Brain That Changes Itself - by Norman DoidgeDeep Work by Cal NewportStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

In this conversation full of surprises with Mike Wagner of Storage Rebellion, we get into the nitty gritty of what freedom truly means, having much less to do with finances and much more to do with awareness and inner healing.Mike tells us his story of:realizing the career he'd spent years and a lot of money securing was creating a life he wanted to escapehow this realization lead to his search for financial freedomwhat it took to reach financial independence and his change of course along the wayhis next steps toward true freedom--mental emotional health/healing--beyond financesthe balance between being and doing--task-oriented habits vs practices that allow for simply BEingwhat he means by the "push and pull between serotonin and dopamine"how this lead to some modalities of deep emotional healing from childhood trauma that may be considered outside the box:breathworkpsychedelics & plant medicinewhat he means by the difference between "getting through" or "getting over" emotional obstaclesListen all the way to the end to get all the juicy details!Resources from this episode!Mike's site 🌎 & HEREStorage Rebellion @storagerebellion on InstaFront Row DadsJohn Wineland's book, From the Core Stay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

In this fun conversation with David and Stu--long-time friends from the navel academy, turned business partners, turned community co-creators & coaches--we share laughs AND helpful conversation to guide YOU in gaining clarity on how to build a life you feel proud of.David and Stu share with us some simple, actionable steps that commonly help the men in their community become the husbands, fathers, and businessmen they truly want to be.You'll hear how getting clear about:Your whyYour core valuesas a fatheras a husbandin businessEvaluating your calendar to see if it reflects those valuesAnd clearly defining what success looks like (as a father, husband, and entrepreneur)can transform your life into one that feels truly aligned and allows you to grow into the person you truly want to be.Listen to the end for even more helpful tips, laughs, and summaries!Get to know David and Stu!🌎 Storehouse3:10.comCheck out their PODCASTand THIS episode with ChrisJoin their MASTERMINDAttend their RETREATStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

In this entertaining conversation (Part 2) with Maggie Tucker of friends on FIRE and Greg we share the good, the bad, the hidden gems, and everything in between that we may or may not have expected to find on this side of early retirement.The four of us discuss what life looks like when we've decided to live a script different from the traditional American dream, where creating time in your life that isn't centered around a job or career is something to be considered, explored, and maybe even tried.We dig into the following F.I.R.E. (financial independence retire early) concepts:Why we wanted to take this unordinary path to financesHow we're paying the billsWhat is deferred compensationWhat's been the hardest part since leaving our W2 jobs and how we've adjusted to those difficultiesSome exciting things we've done since FIREingemotional and routine adjustmentsWhat we would change (if anything) about the process of getting to FIWhat's the deal with the word: ennuiStay tuned all the way to the end to hear us answer these listener questions::"Do you still have work dreams?""What was the biggest adjustment in leaving W2 employment and FIREing?"Resources from today's show:How a family of five can retire at 41 and 43 - Friends on FireSplit or combined finances - Friends on FireCamp FI Stay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

In this entertaining conversation (Part 1) with Maggie Tucker of friends on FIRE and Greg we share the good, the bad, the hidden gems, and everything in between that we may or may not have expected to find on this side of early retirement.The four of us discuss what life looks like when we've decided to live a script different from the traditional American dream, where creating time in your life that isn't centered around a job or career is something to be considered, explored, and maybe even tried.We dig into the following F.I.R.E. (financial independence retire early) concepts:Why we wanted to take this unordinary path to financesHow we're paying the billsWhat is deferred compensationWhat's been the hardest part since leaving our W2 jobs and how we've adjusted to those difficultiesSome exciting things we've done since FIREingemotional and routine adjustmentsWhat we would change (if anything) about the process of getting to FIWhat's the deal with the word: ennuiStay tuned all the way to the end to hear us answer these listener questions::"Do you still have work dreams?""What was the biggest adjustment in leaving W2 employment and FIREing?"Be sure to check out part two of our conversation in next week's episode!Resources from today's show:How a family of five can retire at 41 and 43 - Friends on FireSplit or combined finances - Friends on FireCamp FI Stay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

Does adventure sound like a big word to you? Listen in to this episode with connection coach Carrie Doan as we discuss something super accessible--micro-adventures.Carrie is a connection coach, an entrepreneur, a life adventurer and a believer in all things possible.  She runs the Clearly Connected Podcast and developed a course on mastering emotional social intelligence training both corporate and school systems towards developing more connected relationships and healthier work environments.Carrie has been studying psychology and human behavior for nearly two decades, educating others on the link between mind and body and how reconnecting to your authenticity can play a powerful role toward healing and living a life of pleasure.She’s been leading microadventures and traveling the world for free for over 5 years and is passionate about empowering women while supporting them towards their biggest dreams.  In her spare time you’ll find her running with her kids or wandering out into the wilderness seeking out her next macro or microadventure.With Carrie's help, we'll get to the bottom of:What are micro-adventures?What do micro-adventures have to do with pleasure?What does one have to gain from micro-adventures?Some examples of micro-adventures?Some simple ways people could work them into their everyday livesHow micro-adventures can increase connection and why that's importantListen all the way to the end for a little extra inspiration in creating your own micro-adventure soon!Resources from today's show:Carrie's inspiration for the micro-adventure concept from Alistair HumphreysCarrie has a resource share (45 min mark) to create micro-adventuresAdventure Deck cardsConnect with Carrie:carriedoan.comClearly Connected podcastOn Instagram: @carriedoancoachingStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

In this third and final episode in our resistance series, we take work through The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life by Boyd Varty.We discuss all Boyd has to share about:what he means by tracking your lifehow to find your trackmoving forward with less pressure with his concept of, "Just the next track." and "the next FIRST track."We connect these thoughts to Steven Pressfield's concept of resistance to help you with strategies to step through any resistance you may be feeling in your own life and begin simply finding your next first track in your wholly aligned and authentic life. Get the books:The War of ArtA Lion Tracker's Guide to LifeStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

In this second episode of our series on resistance, we have an in-depth look at the concept itself, its origins, and its outcomes with Jalea Baker, as a follow-up to last week's conversation about Steven Pressfield's book, The War of Art.Jalea is the co-creator of A Freesoul Experience. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years of experience working with teens and adults, she uses the Freesoul framework to enable a client to identify and live from wholeness. By treating the whole self, Jalea enables a person to find they already have everything they need within.Listen in to this conversation to hear:What a licensed professional counselor REALLY thinks of Steven Pressfield's ideas on Resistance.If resistance is always the enemy.Jalea's explanation of the concepts ofwholenessparking spaces & prying toolsfillers & fragmentationHer ideas on overcoming resistance that may be much simpler than you think.Using our "icks" and "ahhs" as a guide.Learning to trust that the Universe has our back and everything is working out in our favor in its own timing.Listen all the way to the end to learn how you might be able to find freedom in a lighter stance with resistance, perhaps seeing it as a friend to guide you, rather than an enemy to be conquered.Then be sure to check out next week's episode, where we complete the discussion on resistance with Boyd Varty's book, A Lion Tracker's Guide to Life.Stay in touch!Connect with Jalea at 🌎  A Freesoul Experience Get the books:The War of ArtA Lion Tracker's Guide to LifeStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

“Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.” -Steven Pressfield, The War of ArtListen to this first episode in a three-part series on the internal battle of resistance--understanding it and overcoming it.To kick off this topic, we dig into The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, and debate the following questions:What is resistance?Who has it?What are some signs and symptoms?What are some possible causes?Why might we want to overcome it?What are some ways Steven Pressfield has overcome resistance?"The more important a call to action is to our soul's evolution, the more Resistance we will feel about answering it. But to yield to Resistance deforms our spirit. It stunts us and makes us less than we are and were born to be. Never forget: this very moment, we can change our lives." -Steven Pressfield, The War of ArtBe sure to check out the following two episodes, where we take a deeper, broader look at resistance with the help of a professional therapist. Then we'll get into how to step toward your unique purpose with a little less heaviness as we discuss The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life by Boyd Varty.Get a copy of: The War of ArtStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

In this episode, we have a vulnerable conversation with Bridget Belden. Bridget is an award-winning speaker and founder and CEO of Magenta Consulting, a coaching organization providing world-class tools to empower women to discover who they are beyond being a mom.After creating and running a successful business for 10 years, and her kids gone from the nest, she realized it was an opportune time for her next life evolution – starting a venture based on her own journey of self-discovery.  Magenta Consulting supports moms through life-changing one on one coaching and free transformational workshops, helping them to reconnect with who they were before they had kids in pursuit of a life of passion and purpose.In today's discussion, we dive into:The cues that signal you may have strayed from a life of passion and purpose.Questions that help focus attention back in that direction.Practices to reconnect with the deepest part of yourself (where purpose and passion come from) to begin to take steps in that direction.Listen all the way through to be inspired to know that it's never too late. There's always a way back to yourself!Connect with Bridget:bridgetbelden.comStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

This season of the podcast is all about our core values at Go Bucket Yourself:AdventureConnectionGrowthListen in to hear what we mean by adventure, connection, and growth, and why those values take priority for GBY this year.You'll also hear a little more about what you can expect from GBY in Season 5 of the podcast and beyond, throughout the year.Stick around to the end, when Chris and Debbie answer questions from a listener about:BudgetingLending for their rental homesStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

On today's episode, we discuss:Season 4 - Simplicity - recap and summaryHow we've embraced the idea and added simplicity into our livesWhat are the tenets of simplicity?How Deb and I look at the New YearNew year, new you--is this 💩 or 👍Setting intentions instead of (or in addition to) goals & resolutionsResources mentioned in today's episode:Women Who Run w/ The WolvesAlex Elle's InstagramNedra Tawwab InstagramRelax w/ Yogi Brian--Meditation for Feeling Joy to Set an IntentionStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

You know what they say, "Never read the comments!" Well, what's better to do when you ignore that sage advice, reading them anyway, than to take a moment to have a few laughs rather than tears!?! That's just what you'll find in this silly episode.Listen in as we share some interesting comments that showed up on the internet in the wake of our appearance on CNBC's Make It.We'll see:Who's more hated, Chris or Debbie?What some commentators believe are the most idiotic and evil parts of our "early retirement" plan.How the internet retirement police feel about us using the word "retirement" to describe our lifestyle.If Chris' fanny pack is a fashion do or don't.If anyone has anything nice to say? (Listen to the end to find out!) AND, on a serious note, we'll try to use these comments to honestly answer questions and explain in a little more detail than an 8-minute video can cover.Give it a listen and share a few laughs with us!Resources mentioned in today's episode:The CNBC video/article that sparked the commentsFire the Haters by Jillian JohnsrudPrevious episodes mentioned in this episode:Who's Life are You Living? w/Jillian JohnsrudThe BRRRR Strategy from BiggerPocketsReach out to Chris & Deb:Chris @bucketyourself on InstaDeb @imperfectprogress.me on InstaGet Deb’s book HEREStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

Listen in to hear our most helpful tips, as we approach this holiday season, to create an authentically aligned and simple celebration that will hopefully leave us feeling more of the joy of the season rather than frazzled and exhausted by the new year.Some of the discussion points in this episode:Questions to ask before the season:What matters most to you this holiday season?What memories do you want to have after the holidays?Describe your ideal holiday season.Saying noto too muchsituations/relationshipsjobs/taskstraditions that no longer serve youManage expectations through clear communicationSay, "Thank you!" Then...Ask for what you want.Ask for help.The subtle difference between taking and receivingListen in to hear more about all of the above and what we're working through personally this time of year to continue celebrating in a way that feels true to us and leaves us with the memories we wish for most.Resources mentioned in this episode:Rose Loundsbury's tips:How to Simplify Thanksgiving (and Have More Fun!)How to Simplify Gifts (and Enjoy the Holidays More!)Previous episodes mentioned in this episode:Going to Nature with a Whole Heart w/ Jonah JensenSimplicity, Minimalism, and Finding Enough w/ Rose LounsburyReach out to Chris & Deb:Chris @bucketyourself on InstaDeb @imperfectprogress.me on InstaGet Deb’s book HEREStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE

Resources:Lindsay's website - thestressnannyThe Stress Nanny podcast - Apple Podcasts | SpotifyHow we feel app - Mark Brackett | App StoreLittle Hero's Journal by Best SelfDaily Calm app (30-day guest pass)Connect with us!🌎  website - gobucketyourself.com📷 Instagram - Deb or Chris🎵 - outro song - Snowy Peaks by Chris HaugenStay in touch! 🌎 gobucketyourself.com Chris @bucketyourself on Insta Deb @imperfectprogress.me on Insta Get Deb’s book HERE