Journey To Launch

Jamila Souffrant is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), host of the Journey To Launch podcast and author of "Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness". The Journey To Launch podcast explores all aspects of reaching Financial Freedom; from increasing income, paying off debt, investing, saving & learning how to retire early and wealthy. The book, "Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness," shows you how to skyrocket your savings, blast through debt and ultimately accelerate your unique and truly epic journey to financial freedom and independence. The audiobook, which is narrated by Jamila, and the eBook are available in the Apple store. As a money expert who “walks her talk” she helps brave listeners also known as Journeyers; gain clarity around their finances and create an actionable plan to reach their goals. Her mission is to teach, inspire and help others reach Financial Freedom and Financial Independence.

Episode 454: What I’ve Learned (Patterns, Mistakes & Hacks) From Helping Hundreds Start Their Financial Independence Journey 11/26/2025

Episode 454: What I’ve Learned (Patterns, Mistakes & Hacks) From Helping Hundreds Start Their Financial Independence Journey In this week’s solo episode, I reflect on the biggest patterns, mindset shifts, and lessons I’ve learned from helping hundreds of people start (and restart) their financial independence journeys. I walk through the three most common struggles people think are unique to them, the life transitions that often spark the desire for FI, and the deeper motivations that truly drive long-term change. I also share the emotional and practical mistakes I see people make again and again from trying to do it all alone to waiting for the “perfect” plan and why clarity and community matter more than tactics. I also break down what consistently works for people who actually build momentum: personalized roadmaps, accountability, small wins, and the mindset and grace needed to stay the course. In this episode, I discuss: Why so many people feel “behind” and why their struggles are actually normal How life transitions career changes, burnout, debt, and parenthood often trigger the FI awakening The deeper “why” behind pursuing FI, including freedom, safety, options, and control The common mistakes people make, like going it alone or waiting for the perfect moment What truly moves people forward: community, clarity, flexible plans, mindset shifts, and celebrating small wins Enrollment for the is now open! This experience is designed to help you build a clear, step-by-step roadmap to financial independence, without the overwhelm, confusion, or guesswork. Inside the course, you’ll learn how to: Understand your numbers and take control of your finances Build a values-driven spending plan you actually enjoy using Strengthen your money mindset and rewrite old stories Increase your income and accelerate your savings rate Start investing with clarity (not fear) Create a personalized FI timeline And confidently make financial decisions that support the life you truly want Choose the level of support that fits your goals and your schedule: Option 1: Self-Paced Course- Go at your own pace with the full Map Your Path to FI curriculum, accessible anytime. Option 2: FI Accelerator (SOLD OUT)- Get the full course plus a live 90-minute group coaching session with me, where you can submit questions in advance and join hot-seat coaching. Option 3: FI VIP- Work with me privately through two 1:1 strategy sessions, receive a fully personalized FI plan, and get weekly check-ins to help you stay accountable between sessions. Find out more before enrollment closes on December 1, 2025! Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/39178565

Episode 453: Finding Clarity, Confidence & Community on Your FI Journey w/ Latoya Rowe 11/19/2025

Episode 453: Finding Clarity, Confidence & Community on Your FI Journey w/ Latoya Rowe In this week’s episode, I sit down with longtime Journeyer and two-time Journey to FI program member Latoya Rowe. Latoya shares how she pivoted into a higher-earning career, discovered financial independence during her grad-school commute, and rebuilt her financial foundation while juggling motherhood, debt, and major life changes. She opens up about the emotional and financial impact of selling her rental properties, how community reignited her belief that FI is possible, and why mindset became the key that unlocked her momentum. We also talk about the power of visualizing your ideal life, how Latoya is shifting into coaching while reducing stress in her clinical career, and what it really looks like to choose balance and flexibility on the FI journey. Her story is a beautiful reminder that progress isn’t linear and that clarity, community, and courage can completely transform your financial path. In this episode, Latoya and I discuss: How she changed careers and discovered the FI movement Why she sold her real estate and how it freed her financially The mindset and community support that helped her regain focus How visualizing her future inspired her coaching career shift Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Join the Map Your Path to FI Course and Coaching Program, Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/39093350

Episode 452: From Financial Burnout to Financial Healing & Balancing Ambition with Alignment w/ Alejandra Rojas 11/12/2025

Episode 452: From Financial Burnout to Financial Healing & Balancing Ambition with Alignment w/ Alejandra Rojas In this week’s episode, I’m chatting with Alejandra Rojas, entrepreneur, Forbes contributor, and founder of Brown Way to Money, a financial mentoring platform that helps women overcome financial trauma and improve their relationship with money. Alejandra’s story is such a powerful reminder that financial freedom isn’t just about numbers, it’s about emotional healing, self-awareness, and redefining success on your own terms. Originally from Colombia, Alejandra left home at 19 on a scholarship and went on to live and study in Spain, the U.S., and New Zealand. She shares how her journey from financial burnout in Washington D.C. to finding balance in New Zealand completely changed how she views money, success, and happiness. We talk about what it means to truly know yourself with money, and how understanding your emotional patterns can help you build wealth that feels aligned and sustainable. Alejandra also breaks down her B.R.O.W.N. Framework, a tool she uses to help women heal from financial trauma and create lasting change. In This Episode I Discuss: How Alejandra’s global journey and scholarships shaped her view of money and opportunity The moment she realized her financial burnout was connected to deeper emotional patterns What she learned about consumer culture and self-worth while living in the U.S. How life in New Zealand helped her slow down, reconnect, and build a new definition of success Watch the video to this episode on YouTube below or click . Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Erasmus Scholarship (Europe) University of Auckland Scholarship (New Zealand) Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Alejandra: Websites: Instagram: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/39004475

Episode 451- Financial Caregiving, Family Conversations, and Planning Ahead with Beth Pinsker 11/05/2025

Episode 451- Financial Caregiving, Family Conversations, and Planning Ahead with Beth Pinsker In this episode of Journey to Launch, I’m joined by Beth Pinsker, financial planning columnist for MarketWatch, Certified Financial Planner, and author of My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. Beth shares her personal and professional insights on what it really takes to manage a loved one’s finances and why preparing now can save you (and your family) heartache, time, and money later. We talk about the realities of caregiving from setting up power of attorney and health care proxy forms, to navigating long-term care insurance and estate planning. Beth’s own journey caring for her mom opened her eyes to how unprepared most of us are for this role and inspired her to create the guidebook she wishes she’d had. In this episode, Beth also shares: How to proactively start financial caregiving conversations with your parents or adult children even when it feels uncomfortable The real cost of caregiving (and how to plan for it before it derails your financial goals) How to handle sibling dynamics and avoid conflict when managing a parent’s money he importance of updating beneficiaries, wills, and trusts and why it’s easier than most people think Check out the video to this episode on YouTube . Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Read Beth's book, My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Beth: Website: Bluesky: bethpinsker.bsky.social‬ Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/38919160

Episode 450: How A Government Shutdown Sparked Her Debt-Free Revolution & $200K Debt Payoff w/ Nika Booth 10/29/2025

Episode 450: How A Government Shutdown Sparked Her Debt-Free Revolution & $200K Debt Payoff w/ Nika Booth In this powerful and transparent episode of Journey to Launch, I sit down with Nika Booth, award-winning financial coach, content creator, and founder of Debt Free Gonna Be, to unpack how she paid off more than $200,000 in debt while refusing to sacrifice joy along the way. From student loans and credit card balances to IRS debt and government furloughs, Nika shares the raw truth behind her financial journey, the highs, the setbacks, and the emotional lessons that reshaped her mindset about money, self-worth, and freedom. She opens up about her early money mistakes, growing up in a household where finances weren’t discussed, and how the 2019 federal shutdown became the wake-up call that sparked her debt-free mission. Nika also reveals what it really felt like to finally see her student loan balance hit $0, and how she’s now helping others find hope, healing, and fun in their own money journeys. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Nika Booth paid off over $200K in debt from credit cards to student loans, without sacrificing fun or joy The pivotal 2019 federal shutdown that sparked her debt-free journey and reshaped her money mindset What it really felt like to finally see her student loan balance hit $0 through Public Service Loan Forgiveness How she turned Debt Free Gonna Be from a personal goal into a thriving community helping thousands manage money with confidence Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Nika: : Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/38818210

Episode 449: A Simple Shift in Perspective That Unlocks Growth and Wealth 10/22/2025

Episode 448: Why Perfect Conditions Made Trees Collapse (and What That Means for Your Money & Financial Journey) 10/15/2025

Episode 448: Why Perfect Conditions Made Trees Collapse (and What That Means for Your Money & Financial Journey) In this solo episode, I share a powerful reminder that the very challenges and obstacles we face on the journey to financial freedom are often what make us stronger. I start by revisiting a story I mentioned in my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom, about the Biosphere 2 experiment where trees grew quickly in perfect, windless conditions but fell before maturing because they never developed the strength to sustain themselves. That missing “wind” reminded me of how important challenges are in our own growth. Just like those trees, when we try to avoid friction or rush toward quick wins, we might grow fast but not strong. The “wind” in our lives, the job losses, tight budgets, market downturns, and unexpected setbacks builds the stress and resilience we need to stand tall and stay grounded when life pushes back. In This Episode, I Talk About: How stress and challenges build strength and how the moments that slow you down, like money, stress or tough life changes, are what prepare you for long-term success. Why sustainable growth matters more than speed. Quick wins feel good, but real freedom comes from patience, consistency, and a strong foundation. How to reframe “going slow”. Going slow isn’t failure, it’s building roots deep enough to handle life’s wind. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/38587735

Elaine Welteroth on Planning a Joyful Birth, from The Second Opinion 10/13/2025

Elaine Welteroth on Planning a Joyful Birth, from The Second Opinion I'm sharing a special episode this week, from Dr. Sharon Malone. On Dr. Sharon’s new podcast, The Second Opinion, women take back the conversation on health with straight talk, real experience, and the care we all deserve. You’ll hear prominent female advocates, experts and patients just like you sharing how they confronted gaps in our healthcare system and got second opinions that saved their lives. Alongside each guest, Dr. Sharon tackles the questions and topics we’ve been conditioned to ignore the ones we search for at 3 a.m. but never bring up at the doctor’s office. From dismissed symptoms to systemic failures, she pulls back the curtain on what’s really going on in women’s health and gives women the tools to advocate for themselves and each other. In this episode, Dr. Sharon talks to journalist Elaine Welteroth about Elaine’s birthing journey, how she's working to make birth joyful again, and how her new non-profit, birthFUND, is helping families get access to life-saving midwifery care. Find more episodes of The Second Opinion with Dr. Sharon Malone . Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Listen to the Second Opinion Podcast with Dr. Sharon Malone, . Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/38562910

Episode 447- Saving vs. Investing: How to Use Both to Build Financial Freedom 10/08/2025

Episode 447- Saving vs. Investing: How to Use Both to Build Financial Freedom In this solo episode, I’m breaking down one of the most important concepts on the path to financial freedom, the difference between saving and investing, and why you need both. I share how growing up with a single mom and grandmother who were natural savers taught me early lessons about money, and how those habits helped me buy my first condo at 22. But I also talk about how saving alone wasn’t enough, I needed to learn how to make my money work for me through investing. I walk you through what saving and investing really mean, how they serve different purposes, and how using both intentionally can help you build stability now and freedom later. In This Episode, I Share: How saving creates safety and peace of mind, while investing builds long-term wealth and freedom. Why inflation quietly eats away at your savings if you’re not investing. My simple rule of thumb, build your emergency fund, pay off debt, invest consistently, and keep saving for short-term goals. The real difference in growth; how $10K can become about $10.5K in savings but over $46K when invested long term. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/38506155

Episode 446- Money Rules I Live By (and the Ones I Broke) 10/01/2025

Episode 445: How to Fund & Live Your Dream Life Abroad with Roshida Dowe & Stephanie Perry 09/24/2025

Episode 445: How to Fund & Live Your Dream Life Abroad with Roshida Dowe & Stephanie Perry In this week’s episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m joined by two amazing women, Roshida Dowe and Stephanie Perry, co-founders of the Exodus Summit. Both of them walked away from traditional careers, Roshida as a lawyer and Stephanie as a pharmacy technician, to create lives centered around freedom, travel, and joy. We talk about how they each made the leap to move abroad, what it really takes to prepare financially and emotionally, and how you can start creating more options for yourself, no matter your current circumstances. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Roshida and Stephanie turned career breaks into permanent lifestyle shifts abroad What it really takes to prepare financially (even on modest salaries) The mindset shifts needed to let go of fear, attachments, and over-planning Why building community is key, and how the Exodus Summit helps Black women design lives of freedom abroad Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out The Exodus Summit happening on October 10-13, 2025, created by Black women, for Black women and their families to learn how to make money to move abroad. Go to . Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with ExodUS Summit: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/38335570

Episode 444: What a Slow Summer Taught Me About Money & Life 09/17/2025

Episode 444: What a Slow Summer Taught Me About Money & Life Hey Journeyers! I’m back on the mic after taking the summer off. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on what it means to truly live financial freedom, not just chase it. Over the last few months, I’ve stepped back from hustle mode to embrace rest, family time, and the flexible lifestyle I’ve worked so hard to create. I’m sharing candid updates about my summer sabbatical, how I balance business with family life, and the lessons I’ve learned about honoring the season you’re in. From budgeting less rigidly to leaning into the “commander stage” of financial independence, I talk about the power of preparation, setting boundaries, and redefining productivity. This isn’t an episode packed with hard financial tips, but it’s full of observations, encouragement, and reminders to honor where you are on your own journey. In this episode I share: ✨ Why I intentionally take summers off and how I plan for it ✨ The freedom (and challenges) of embracing slower, less productive seasons ✨ How I budget and set up my finances to allow for sabbaticals ✨ The importance of knowing your current “Journeyer Stage” ✨ Lessons on comparison, privilege, and building financial flexibility ✨ My reflections on what’s next for Journey to Launch Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/38240950

Episode 443: Work Less & Live More: How To Retire Often & Take Breaks with Jillian Johnsrud 09/10/2025

Episode 443: Work Less & Live More: How To Retire Often & Take Breaks with Jillian Johnsrud This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I’m welcoming back Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often, to share how you can intentionally step away from work every few years, giving yourself the space to recharge, explore new possibilities, and create meaningful memories. Jillian has taken more than a dozen “mini retirements,” allowing her to live abroad, travel to 27 countries, adopt and raise six kids, invest in real estate, and pursue personal passions all without waiting until traditional retirement age. In this conversation, we dive into how you can design your own cycle of work and rest, why taking extended breaks doesn’t derail your finances (and may even accelerate your career), and how to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of stepping away from work. In this episode you’ll learn: What “retiring often” means and how mini retirements differ from vacations How to financially plan and budget for sabbaticals—even with debt Strategies for negotiating time off, re-entering the workforce, and handling family or personal expectations Tools and frameworks to help both employees and entrepreneurs rest, recharge, and avoid burnout Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out by Jillian Johnsrud Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Jillian: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/38149725

Episode 442: Cultivating Influence, Mastering Networking + Leveraging People Skills To Improve Our Financial Lives With Vanessa Van Edwards REWIND 09/03/2025

Episode 442: Cultivating Influence, Mastering Networking + Leveraging People Skills To Improve Our Financial Lives With Vanessa Van Edwards REWIND Vanessa Van Edwards, a best-selling author and behavioral researcher on professional communication and leadership, joins the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss science-based communication insights and give actionable social skills tips to advance your career, relationships, and overall life. We also chat about navigating stereotyping and biases , the importance of making definitive decisions about personal connections, leveraging cues to shape perception, and more. More than 50 million people have seen Vanessa on YouTube and in her viral TED Talk. She has been featured in Entrepreneur, CNN, CBS, and more. Her book, “Captivate: The Science of Succeeding With People,” has been translated into 17+ languages and her latest book, “Cues: Master The Secret Language of Charismatic Communication," was an instant best seller. In this episode you’ll also learn more about: Actionable posture tips and desk setups to optimize how others perceive you How to recognize if you have weaker people skills and what you can do to improve them Why we should go into interactions wondering how we can like the other person more The Halo Effect, the definition of a “sticky person,” why charisma is just as important as a lucrative idea + more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Vanessa: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/38054015

Episode 441- Minimalism: A Guide To Living With Less So That You Can Have More With Christine Platt, The Afrominimalist REWIND 08/27/2025

Episode 440: Finishing What Matters Most: How To Make The Most Out Of Your Time And Attention With Productivity Expert Charlie Gilkey 08/20/2025

Episode 440: Finishing What Matters Most: How To Make The Most Out Of Your Time And Attention With Productivity Expert Charlie Gilkey Author, podcaster and entrepreneur, Charlie Gilkey, joins the podcast to shed light on what it really means to make the most out of your time and hone in on what you should focus your attention on. Charlie is founder of Productive Flourishing, a website that helps creatives, leaders, and entrepreneurs start finishing the stuff that matters. He's written several books, including an award-winning book, “Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done,” and has been featured in Time, the Washington Post, the New York Times and more. We talk about the four different blocks of time, the reality and advantages of not doing “it all,” how to manage time as a neurodivergent identifying person, getting back control over our priorities and rebelling against rigid schedules. In this episode, we discuss: Why attention is actually more valuable than time The difference between freedom from and freedom to How to implement the rule “No more than five active projects per time perspective.” Acceptable loss, honoring your priorities, headtrash + centering yourself Avoiding the slippery slope of putting too much time, energy and attention on the economic and career projects in our lives + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Charlie: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/37887340

Episode 439: Life Planning for Fulfillment Beyond Finances & 3 Questions To Help You Live a Meaningful Life w/ George Kinder REWIND 08/13/2025

Episode 439: Life Planning for Fulfillment Beyond Finances & 3 Questions To Help You Live a Meaningful Life w/ George Kinder REWIND George Kinder is an author, international thought leader, and founder of Kinder Institute of Life Planning with more than 35 years of experience as a financial planner and tax advisor. George is dedicated to guiding individuals in uncovering their deepest values and leading more fulfilling lives. His ultimate aim is to promote greater freedom in every aspect of existence. In this conversation we discuss: The importance of living in the present moment and mastering one's life. George’s three questions to help identify goals and priorities and how the answer to the "having 24 hrs left" question helps you realize what you’ve missed in life. The balance between short-term pleasure and long-term financial planning. How to find a trust-worthy financial planner who will help with your life plan George’s approach to parenting is being a good listener & showing empathy, rather than being overly restrictive or reactive + more! Watch this episode on YouTube below or by clicking . Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get George's book, Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with George: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/37792795

Episode 438: How To Create Healthy Boundaries in Your Personal, Professional, and Financial Life w/ Nedra Glover Tawwab REWIND 08/06/2025

Episode 437: Design Your To-Die-For Life and Start Living With Purpose w/ Karen Salmansohn 07/30/2025

Episode 437: Design Your To-Die-For Life and Start Living With Purpose w/ Karen Salmansohn This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m joined by Karen Salmansohn, bestselling author, behavioral change expert, and creator of “Your To-Die-For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out.” With over 2 million books sold, Karen brings a bold mix of research-based psychology and humor to help us snap out of autopilot and live with more intention. We dive into the powerful idea that mortality awareness isn't morbid, it's motivating. Karen introduces the concept of a "near-life experience" and how many of us are living life adjacent, not fully present. We also explore the connection between core values, money, happiness, and how to design your life with fewer regrets. In this episode we discuss: Core values that prevent future regret and help guide daily decisions How identity shapes habits and long-term financial wellness The difference between fleeting pleasure and deep fulfillment Why growth, curiosity, and authenticity matter more than productivity Strategies to discover your high-level purpose—even if you don’t know it yet Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out Karen's book: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Karen: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/37604175

Episode 436: How To Climb The Wealth Ladder & Build Wealth at Every Stage of Life With Nick Maggiulli 07/23/2025

Episode 436: How To Climb The Wealth Ladder & Build Wealth at Every Stage of Life With Nick Maggiulli Nick Maggiulli, bestselling author of Just Keep Buying and The Wealth Ladder, returns to the Journey to Launch podcast to share practical, data-driven insights for building wealth at any stage of life. In this conversation, Nick breaks down the six stages of financial progress using his new "Wealth Ladder" framework, explaining how to make smarter decisions with your money based on where you are on the ladder. From tackling low net worth to scaling into the millionaire range, Nick offers real talk on income, spending, and the mindset needed to grow wealth over time without sacrificing your life in the process. We also touch on work-life balance, the myth of overnight success, and why increasing your income is often more important than extreme frugality. In this episode, you’ll learn: The six levels of the Wealth Ladder and how to figure out where you are The “0.01% rule” and how to spend guilt-free based on your liquid net worth Why income is the biggest driver of wealth and how to grow it What most wealthy people do differently How Nick balances full-time work, writing, and life and what he plans to change after marriage and starting a family Why it's more impactful to "give now, not later" when supporting your loved ones Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out Nick's book: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Nick: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/37515415

Episode 435- How To Balance a Happy Life & Financial Achievement + Pros & Cons of Quiet Quitting w/ Jason Vitug REWIND 07/16/2025

Episode 435- How To Balance a Happy Life & Financial Achievement + Pros & Cons of Quiet Quitting w/ Jason Vitug REWIND Jason Vitug, award-winning, best-selling author, speaker and entrepreneur joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss why money is a path to happiness, but it doesn’t embody it. Jason, once a corporate ladder climber, found himself stressed out, burnt-out and living a life he was no longer aligned with. Through trial and error… and rest, Jason discovered the intrinsic connection between mental health and money and how people can move forward to a healthier, happier path on their financial freedom journeys. In this episode, we also discuss: Quiet Quitting: what it is, why you need an exit plan and taking advantage of ALL your work perks What happiness dimensions are, why you need to implement them in your day-to-day life + actionable steps to make that happen TODAY The reality of knowing yourself and what makes you happy outside of a financial number or achievement Why we need mental breaks, buying happiness by spending on wellness, stepping off the hamster wheel + more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out Jason's book: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Jason: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/37422850

Episode 434: How To Manage Your Money With ADHD & Unlocking Neurodivergent Financial Empowerment With Ellyce Fulmore REWIND 07/09/2025

Episode 434: How To Manage Your Money With ADHD & Unlocking Neurodivergent Financial Empowerment With Ellyce Fulmore REWIND Ellyce Fulmore, Canadian Queer and neurodivergent financial educator, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to talk about how she paid off high interest debt, ADHD and money, and her new book, “Keeping Finance Personal.” Ellyce is a full-time content creator and founder of Queerd Co., a financial literacy company. Her approach to finance goes beyond the conventional, focusing on the intersectionality of identities and lived experiences. We also discuss the importance of understanding how dopamine operates in your neurodivergent brain, ADHD hacks to get better with money, what “Momentum Surfing” is, and how to figure out (and stick to) a budget process that works best for you. In this episode you’ll learn more about: Challenges people with neurodivergence experience with finance + how they can become better at money management The strategy behind Ellyce paying off debt and investing while on an inconsistent income Why becoming debt free isn’t “the ultimate” goal for everyone Celebrating people's differences, the validity of self diagnosis, sticker boards + more Check out the video to this episode on YouTube . Other Links Mentioned in episode: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Ellyce: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/37344210

Episode 433: Paying Off $14K in Debt & Finding Financial Clarity w/ Journeyer Lori-Sara Gauthier 07/02/2025

Episode 433: Paying Off $14K in Debt & Finding Financial Clarity w/ Journeyer Lori-Sara Gauthier This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I’m joined by Lori-Sara Gauthier, a public health worker based in Toronto who is in the thick of transforming her finances and her mindset. Lori-Sara recently paid off $14,000 in consumer debt, is working on eliminating her student loans, and is intentionally charting a path toward financial freedom. Lori-Sara opens up about her spending habits, emotional triggers behind money decisions, and the moment she realized something had to change. Through self-awareness, therapy, and learning about the FIRE movement, she’s rewriting her money story and embracing the power of small, consistent actions. In this episode, we discuss: How Lori-Sara fell into and climbed out of $14K of credit card debt The emotional connection between childhood scarcity and adult overspending What she’s doing now: building an emergency fund, tackling student loans, and investing for the future Why she threw a party to celebrate being debt-free, and how running helped her stay on track Her evolving thoughts on FI, public service pensions, and leaving room for future flexibility Other Links Mentioned in episode: by Vicki Robin by Bola Sokunbi by Jesse Mecham Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/37252750

Episode 432: Creating a Future of Flexibility & Financial Security with Jackie Kasper 06/25/2025

Episode 431: Die with Zero & Get All You Can From Your Money and Your Life w/ Bill Perkins REWIND 06/18/2025

Episode 431: Die with Zero & Get All You Can From Your Money and Your Life w/ Bill Perkins REWIND Bill Perkins, author and founder, managing partner and head trader for Skylar Capital, joins the podcast to discuss how to live your best life no matter your income and his two decades of experience in the trading industry. We talk about the importance of balancing your financial goals with your time-appropriate life experiences and adding joy in your life right now while being intentional with what you want to do. Bill’s book, “Die With Zero,” has been featured in The New York Times, Mr. Money Mustache, Success, and more. In this episode we discuss: How to enjoy your money and time now, instead of restricting yourself to the point of robbing you of your life Balancing optimizing your life to fulfillment and saving for the future Why certain experiences are useless for us at a certain point if we don’t use them Confronting fear-based mindsets by identifying goals Why waiting until we die to give our children a financial foundation doesn’t make sense + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Bill: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/37054255

Episode 430: How Christina Pivoted Careers, Tripled Her Income & Is Now on Track for Financial Independence with a $1.5M Goal 06/11/2025

Episode 430: How Christina Pivoted Careers, Tripled Her Income & Is Now on Track for Financial Independence with a $1.5M Goal This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m speaking to fellow Journeyer, Christina Cates, a pediatric surgery physician assistant in Florida who pivoted from her career as a dietitian to triple her income and build a path toward financial independence (FI). Christina first discovered the FI movement through the Journey to Launch podcast and went all in—educating herself, shifting her money mindset, and making bold career moves, including negotiating her salary multiple times. At age 35, she went back to school to become a physician assistant, all while managing ADHD, tackling debt, and staying committed to her long-term financial goals. She shares her journey from paycheck-to-paycheck struggles to becoming a confident investor with a plan to reach a $1.5 million FI number—all while enjoying the ride. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to make a change or if you’re stuck in a low-paying field, Christina’s story will inspire you to rethink what’s possible. In this episode we discuss: Why Christina pivoted careers at age 35 and how she chose the PA path How she negotiated her salary increases (and why it paid off—literally) Balancing student loan debt with investing + her timeline to FI Why mindset, not age, is the biggest barrier to change Other Links Mentioned in episode: Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Christina: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/36932120

Episode 429- How to Learn Less, Do More & Avoid Burnout on the Path to Financial Freedom w/ Pat Flynn 06/04/2025

Episode 429- How to Learn Less, Do More & Avoid Burnout on the Path to Financial Freedom w/ Pat Flynn This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I’m joined by Pat Flynn—digital entrepreneur, founder of Smart Passive Income, creator of Deep Pocket Monster, and author of Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less. Pat shares how getting laid off from his dream job led to building a thriving online business, and how he’s stayed grounded while growing multiple ventures across podcasting, YouTube, community building, and even Pokémon. We explore the benefits of learning less, how to manage growth without losing yourself, what it takes to trust others in your business, and how to keep things fun while building a life aligned with your values. In this episode we discuss: How a $19.99 PDF launched Pat’s entrepreneurial career The mindset shift that helped him avoid burnout and delegate effectively Strategies to decide if an idea should be monetized or kept as a hobby What it means to build a business that truly fits the season of life you’re in Why reflection, experimentation, and service are key to sustainable growth Check out the video to this episode on YouTube Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check out Pat's book, Listen to Pat's previous episode on the Journey to Launch Podcast, Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Pat Flynn: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/36841915

Episode 428: Student Loans in 2025: What You Need to Know Now with Travis Hornsby 05/28/2025

Episode 428: Student Loans in 2025: What You Need to Know Now with Travis Hornsby In this episode of Journey to Launch, I’m joined once again by Travis Hornsby, founder of Student Loan Planner. Travis returns to break down the current state of student loans, including what’s changed under the Biden and Trump administrations, what borrowers should expect moving forward, and how to navigate the uncertainty with smart, strategic planning. Whether you're a recent grad or have six-figure student debt, this episode will help you better understand your options and next steps. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What happened to Biden’s student loan forgiveness and SAVE Plan—and why they’re essentially dead How the IDR account adjustment and PSLF waiver may still benefit you What the new GOP proposals could mean for repayment plans and forgiveness timelines The difference between public vs. private student loans—and strategies for managing each Why many borrowers should consider enrolling in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan now Check out the video to this episode on YouTube . Other Links Mentioned in episode: Book Your Custom Student Loan Plan at Student Loan Planner, . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Travis Hornsby: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/36701560

Episode 427: The Long Game of Wealth Building & Staying the Course with JL Collins 05/21/2025

Episode 427: The Long Game of Wealth Building & Staying the Course with JL Collins This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m excited to welcome back the often called “Godfather of Financial Independence”, JL Collins, author of the bestselling book The Simple Path to Wealth. In this episode, we dive into how to stay calm and confident in today’s unpredictable market and why keeping it simple is still the most effective path to building real wealth. We also discuss the timeless power of index fund investing, how to approach investing at different stages of your journey, and why avoiding debt and living below your means are the most powerful tools for building financial freedom. In this episode you’ll learn: The 3 core principles of The Simple Path to Wealth and why they haven’t changed What to do (and not do) during market downturns and volatility How to approach financial advisors, and when they might actually hurt more than help What’s new in the updated edition of The Simple Path to Wealth + much more! Check out the video to this episode on YouTube . The next FIRE LIVE class is on May 22nd! Get the FIRE Calc tool and save your spot for the class . A walkthrough of the tool is available as well. Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check out JL's book, The Simple Path to Wealth . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with JL Collins: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/36601020

Episode 426: The Ambition Trap — How to Stop Chasing & Start Living with Amina AlTai 05/14/2025

Episode 426: The Ambition Trap — How to Stop Chasing & Start Living with Amina AlTai This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I am sharing a powerful conversation I had with Amina AlTai—holistic leadership coach, chronic illness advocate and author of The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living - to unpack the truths behind ambition, burnout, and redefining success. We explore the emotional and cultural roots of ambition, especially for historically excluded groups, and why the traditional definition of success is no longer serving us. This is a must-listen if you're under the pressure to "do more" while wondering if there’s a better, more sustainable way to grow and thrive. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between painful ambition and purposeful ambition How core emotional wounds (rejection, betrayal, etc.) shape your drive and work habits Why ambition doesn’t always have to be tied to work or productivity Navigating the ambition penalty in the workplace and reclaiming space Check out the video to this episode on YouTube Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check out Amina's book, Get the FIRE Calc Tool and join us for the next live class . Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources ! Join The to get updates, deals & more! Check out my personal website – Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my . What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out ! Connect with Amina: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/journeytolaunch/id/36558915

Journey To Launch

TOPICS