Ep 426 Can You Be Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger
Richer Soul, Living A Life on Purpose!
Release Date: 01/22/2025
Ep 469 The Money Habit: Mike Michalowicz on How to Finally Take Control of Your Finances
Richer Soul, Living A Life on Purpose!
The Money Habit on How to Finally Take Control of Your Finances What if your biggest money problem isn’t how much you earn—but how you manage what you already have? In this week’s episode of Richer Soul, bestselling author Mike Michalowicz (Profit First, Clockwork, All In) returns to share insights from his new book, The Money Habit. It’s a simple, behavior-based approach to mastering personal finances—no spreadsheets, guilt, or complicated budgets required. Key Insights from the Conversation: Making Money Is One Skill—Keeping It Is Another. Most people...
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Ep 468 Ethical Persuasion with Patrick Van Der Burght
Richer Soul, Living A Life on Purpose!
Ethical Persuasion Ethical Persuasion: The Fastest Path from “Maybe” to “Yes” (Without Being Pushy) Most decisions aren’t made by logic—they’re made by fast, intuitive shortcuts. That’s why great offers often stall: we speak to System 2 logic while the listener’s System 1 is steering the wheel. In this episode, Patrick Van Der Burght—ethical persuasion expert and business partner of Dr. Robert Cialdini—shows how to align with how people actually decide using Cialdini’s seven principles of influence. The result? Communication that feels natural,...
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Ep 467 From Trauma to Triumph: Dr. John A. King on Living from the Inside Out
Richer Soul, Living A Life on Purpose!
From Trauma to Triumph: Dr. John A. King on Living from the Inside Out Most of us carry invisible stories — old pain, expectations, and patterns that shape how we live, lead, and love. Dr. John A. King knows that journey firsthand. After surviving years of childhood abuse and losing everything when his repressed memories resurfaced at 45, he had to rebuild his identity from the ground up. Today, he helps men recover from trauma, rediscover authenticity, and live from the inside out through The Phoenix Collective and Mindfire Challenge. This conversation isn’t just about...
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Ep 466 From Startups to a $941 Million Exits: The Execution Formula for Entrepreneurs with Marc Daniels
Richer Soul, Living A Life on Purpose!
From Startups to a $941 Million Exits: The Execution Formula for Entrepreneurs Most entrepreneurs don’t fail because they lack ideas—they fail because they stop executing. Planning feels safe. Execution exposes reality. Billion-Dollar Coach Marc L. Daniels learned that truth the hard way—from paper routes to startups to a $941 million exit. In this episode of Richer Soul, Marc reveals why 85 percent of business plans fail, how to build the discipline to follow through, and the system that keeps momentum alive even when markets shift. Key takeaways and reflection: ...
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Ep 465 Unlock Your True Potential with Human Design: Create Success That Feels Aligned with Stefanie Carlstedt
Richer Soul, Living A Life on Purpose!
Unlock Your True Potential with Human Design: Create Success That Feels Aligned Most entrepreneurs follow every strategy they’re told — post daily, hustle harder, chase the next goal — only to end up exhausted and disconnected from why they started. What if the missing piece isn’t effort, but alignment? That’s the shift Stefanie Carlstedt discovered after building a six-figure business that looked successful on paper but felt completely wrong inside. Through Human Design, she learned how to build a business — and a life — that actually fits who she is. In this...
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Ep 464 How to Dream, Drive, and Deliver with Mike Maddock
Richer Soul, Living A Life on Purpose!
How to Dream, Drive, and Deliver Plan D: How Disruptors Turn Problems into Possibilities Disruptors aren’t pyromaniacs—they’re builders. Mike Maddock has launched seven companies, advised Fortune 100 innovators, and co-chaired the Gathering of Titans at MIT. In this episode, we unpack his Plan D: the mindsets, rooms, and questions that turn pressure into breakthroughs—and why your “ghost” might be your greatest edge. Key Points + Reflection Questions: See possibilities where others see problems. Disruptors reframe first, act second. Reflect: Where am I...
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Ep 463 The Spiritual Practice That Literally Saved My Life with Regan Caruthers
Richer Soul, Living A Life on Purpose!
The Spiritual Practice That Literally Saved My Life with Regan Caruthers The Spiritual Practice That Saved My Life with Regan Caruthers What if the path to real success wasn’t money, titles, or material possessions—but the ability to connect with your heart, shift your energy, and live in coherence? In this episode of Richer Soul, Regan Caruthers shares her remarkable journey from Silicon Valley executive to yoga teacher and spiritual guide—and how a daily practice of devotion and gratitude literally saved her life. Key Lessons: Money Doesn’t Equal...
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Ep 462 Radical Engagement: How to Work With, Not Against, Broken Systems with Adam Kahane
Richer Soul, Living A Life on Purpose!
Radical Engagement: How to Work With, Not Against, Broken Systems Radical Engagement: 7 Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems We blame “the system,” but systems are just elements + relationships + results. If that’s true, then changing a system means changing how we relate and respond—daily. Adam Kahane, author of Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems, shares seven habits that let ordinary people move complex issues forward—at work, in community, and at home. Key Points: Radical Engagement (the umbrella). Engage with the system—alert, curious,...
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Ep 461 From Bomb Blast to Abundance: Aaron Hale’s Story of Grit and Growth
Richer Soul, Living A Life on Purpose!
From Bomb Blast to Abundance: A Story of Grit and Growth “Complacency Kills”: Aaron Hale on Grit, Humor, and the Discipline of Doing Hard Things Most of us wait for confidence before we act. Aaron Hale lost his sight in service—and later his hearing—then chose to act anyway. He rebuilt a meaningful life with courage, craft, and a lot of humor. In this episode, we unpack the mindset that turns struggle into service and purpose into action. Key Insights: Ban the word “can’t”. When you say “can’t,” you shut off innovation and potential. Leadership is...
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Ep 460 Invisible Distortions: Why We Misunderstand Each Other (and How to Stop) with Erin Pheil and Evan Walton
Richer Soul, Living A Life on Purpose!
Invisible Distortions: Why We Misunderstand Each Other (and How to Stop) Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “How did that go so wrong?” You were clear. They were clear. And yet somehow, you both walked away feeling misunderstood, hurt, or even resentful. Erin and Evan call these hidden forces “distortions.” They’re like funhouse mirrors in our relationships—subtle patterns, beliefs, or unspoken feelings that bend what we say and hear. Left unchecked, distortions quietly erode connection, fuel resentment, and create conflict that seems impossible to...
info_outlineCan You Be Reasonably Happy
In this episode of Richer Soul, I had the privilege of speaking with Paul Ollinger, a stand-up comedian, podcast host, and author who left a lucrative career at Facebook to chase his dream of comedy. Through his podcast, Reasonably Happy, Paul explores the interplay between money, happiness, work, and purpose. His life journey, marked by bold choices and valuable lessons, offers incredible insights into navigating life’s financial and emotional complexities.
Key Takeaways:
- Childhood Money Scripts Matter: Paul grew up in a large Catholic family where money was stable but never abundant. This upbringing shaped his initial belief that wealth equates to freedom from stress—a script he reevaluated later in life.
- Chasing Dreams Is Risky but Rewarding: Paul’s decision to leave Facebook to pursue stand-up comedy was financially unprofitable, but it brought him immense personal growth and fulfillment.
- Money and Happiness Are Interlinked but Complex: Paul’s podcast and essays examine how financial success can coexist with personal happiness, emphasizing balance over blind ambition.
- The Power of Giving Back: From supporting his family as a child to providing thoughtful insights through his podcast, Paul embodies the spirit of contribution, proving that fulfillment often lies in lifting others.
Money Learning:
Paul’s journey reveals that our financial habits often stem from childhood experiences. His early lessons about saving and frugality played a pivotal role in his career choices. However, he emphasizes the importance of not letting outdated beliefs limit your growth. For Paul, real financial wisdom lies in balancing practical discipline with pursuing meaningful experiences.
About Paul Ollinger:
Paul Ollinger is a stand-up comedian and the host of Reasonably Happy, a podcast where he discusses money, happiness, and work with renowned guests like Judd Apatow and LL COOL J. His latest book, Reasonably Happy, compiles over 200 interviews into humorous and insightful essays. Based in New York City, Paul lives with his wife, two teenagers, and their French bulldogs, Theo and Colonel Tom Parker.
Key Discussion Points:
- Early Money Lessons: Paul shared how his upbringing in a frugal, Catholic family shaped his financial mindset. His parents’ values emphasized stability over luxury, which initially instilled in him the belief that wealth equated to stress-free living.
- The Psychological Impact of Wealth: Paul discussed the emotional challenges of growing up with financial stress. He later learned to untangle these experiences to adopt a healthier relationship with money.
- Balancing Career Risks and Fulfillment: Leaving a well-paying job at Facebook for comedy was a gamble. Paul explained how this decision was fueled by the desire for purpose and authenticity over monetary gain.
- Cultural Narratives Around Money: Paul touched on societal attitudes towards wealth, noting how Catholicism often associates financial success with moral compromise—a narrative he actively worked to rewrite.
- Teaching Financial Lessons to the Next Generation: As a parent, Paul is mindful of the lessons his children absorb from him, ensuring they learn the value of money without developing unhealthy attachments or anxieties.
Conclusion:
Paul Ollinger’s story is a testament to the fact that money, while essential, is just one piece of the happiness puzzle. His journey from corporate success to personal fulfillment through comedy and podcasting showcases the courage it takes to align your financial habits with your values and passions. Tune in to this episode to gain deeper insights into how money, happiness, and meaning intersect.
Links:
Book on Amazon: Reasonably Happy: Essays on Money, Work and Other Things that Piss Me Off- https://www.amazon.com/Reasonably-Happy-Essays-Money-Things/dp/0997270659/ref=sr_1_1?crid=326TDOT9XWWGI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dLZOV_Igvsr40nXuxzsMbULjnDLojjeLCAnUkSK67wDL2ByRXdMpN6QwaDis5Ewq.RqJ-nLbHhL2CsP6768q3Ko-D9W2Wo1HMtxKDr_cs7Es&dib_tag=se&keywords=paul+ollinger&qid=1733763670&sprefix=paul+ollinger,aps,208&sr=8-1
Substack: https://words.paulollinger.com/
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul
Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let’s talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let’s figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It’s about personal freedom!