Mile High FI Podcast

Hosted by Doug Cunnington, Mr. Money Mustache, & Carl Jensen

Business Investing EducationInterviews guests

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Episodes

342

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Real talk about Financial Independence and life after corporate jobs. Doug Cunnington and Carl Jensen talk about FI, lifestyle, side hustles, health, and anything on their minds. Plus, they interview experts and non-experts interested in the FI lifestyle. It's raw, candid, pretty much like you get to sit in on a private conversation.

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60 recent

July 21, 20261 hr 19 min

Exercising Optionality With FIRE: Quitting Work... Then Going Back - JT | MHFI 329

Doug chats with JT about quitting his tech job due to burnout, taking time off to spend with family & decompress, but ultimately deciding to return to work. JT discusses his sudden decision to give an eight-day notice, the psychological transition of being “unemployed” vs. “retired”, why the FI community can sometimes be too prescriptive about never working again, and how he evaluated a new opportunity at a startup while emphasizing optionality, boundaries, and success criteria to avoid repeating burnout. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links JT on MHFI episode 110 JT on MHFI episode 264.5 MHFI episode 316, “Optimizing the Last Year of Work Before Retirement – Rusty (Part 1)” MHFI episode 317, “Optimizing the Last Year of Work Before Retirement – Rusty (Part 2)” The FI Collective Jordan Grumet, “The Purpose Code” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Ramit Sethi, “I Will Teach You to Be Rich: The Journal” Kindle Paperback MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:02 Quitting 9:44 Reflections on burnout 15:45 Act...

July 14, 202648 min

Pursuing Passion Projects In Early Retirement - David Gillis | MHFI 328

Doug chats with David Gillis about finding meaningful projects after retiring and how identity can be tied to corporate roles. David shares his financial journey from paying off consumer debt to finding FI and eventually testing “semi-retirement”. He also discusses his beginnings as “the quiet kid on the bus”, improving his communication skills over time (via Toastmasters, improv classes, coaching, & involvement with TEDx Omaha) to launching his own conference called “The 1% Better Conference”. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Spark Financial Wellness The 1% Better Conference TEDxOmaha Toastmasters MilMoneyCon MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 1:19 Finding FI 6:35 Debt payoff & identifying blind spots 11:52 Building communication skills 18:28 Improv 22:52 Launching a conference 28:03 Keeping it intimate & coordinating speakers 32:35 Future conference plans 37:45 Retirement planning & community 44:18 Soundcheck – Summer plans

July 7, 20261 hr 5 min

Reaching Coast FI, then FULL Financial Independence | MHFI 327

Doug and Dusti chat with Rox (from FinanceRox) about celebrating a massive milestone – officially hitting her full-FI number! Rox shares her story as a former financial analyst who first achieved Coast FI in 2020, navigated life changes such as a divorce and a period of digital nomading, then recently moved to Longmont & ultimately crossed the finish line to FI. Rox also shares her passion for creative outlets outside the numbers in areas like stand-up comedy and daily art journaling. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Connect with Rox FinanceRox website Instagram YouTube Connect with Dusti Instagram Email: ficollectivelongmont@gmail.com The FI Collective CampFI CampFI, “RETIRE EARLY A.F.! (and funny)” F.I.ne Art Collective Sign up (w/ JD Roth) JD Roth MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 1:39 Full-FI & moving to Longmont 9:01 Entrepreneurship insights 13:43 Changing expenses & working after FI 18:15 Retirement reality check 24:50 Spending & money min...

June 30, 202654 min

Community & Connections - Happy #4 - Kristen Knapp | MHFI 326

Doug continues the happiness series with part 4 featuring special guest Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel). Doug & Kristen dive into the groundbreaking science of longevity, memory, and community – from an 80-year Harvard study to Chicago commuter trains, the data proves that relationships act as emotional shock absorbers. They also discuss how good relationships are the strongest predictor of a healthy, long, happy life. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Connect with Kristen: Email: kristen@fifriendstravel.com FI Friends Travel MHFI, “Happiness Beyond Wealth. FIRE ≠ Happiness – Happy #1” MHFI, “Is Retirement Overrated? – Happy #2” MHFI, “Can Retiring Early Make You Less Happy? – Happy #3” Plain English Podcast Plain English Podcast, “Happiness in America” Plain English Podcast, “The Healthiest ‘Super-Agers’ Have One Thing in Common” Harvard Study of Adult Development Alzheimer’s Association, “The first 25 years of the Northwestern University SuperAging Program” Nicholas Epley, “Mistakenly Seeking Solitude” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t...

June 23, 20261 hr 30 min

Living the RV Life While Financially Independent - Kristen & Pete | MHFI 325

Doug chats with Kristen & Pete about their FI journey, full-time RV living, and both of their work situations. They dive into the realities of balancing a mixed-retirement relationship, overcoming decision fatigue while minimizing, navigating cross-country travel costs, balancing different risk tolerances & spending styles, and building true confidence through community. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links EconoMe Conference Carla & Robert on MHFI episode 319 Jillian Johnsrud Harvest Hosts James & Rachel fitness challenge MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 0:51 Downsizing, decluttering, minimalism 7:37 Careers & discovering FIRE 15:48 Money backgrounds & frugality 23:13 Risk tolerance & investing roles 28:19 FI goals & continuing to work 34:15 FI community quirks 43:51 14er quest & altitude sickness 50:57 Testing the RV lifestyle & reality check 1:00:15 RV expenses 1:08:54 Wildfire escape 1:15:52 Upcoming adventures 1:20:22 Soundcheck – Fitness

June 18, 202610 min

Ask Questions & Asparagus Origin Story... [bonus]

We need your questions. So ask questions, plus you get the first mention of asparagus on MHFI. It was episode 9. It’s ridiculous. Record a voice memo. Send to doug@milehighfi.com. You can send your text based question as well. Please let me know if you’re a Buy Me a Coffee Supporter.

June 16, 20261 hr 18 min

Finance & Food: Iceland Adventures & Pizza Passion - Sam | MHFI 324

Doug chats with his brother-in-law Sam about a variety of topics focusing on travel, food, and money. Sam discusses travel hacking using credit card rewards, budgeting for trips using a family “fun/frivolous” fund, and an upcoming trip to Iceland. The pair also deep-dive into food & cooking to explore the meticulous art of dialing-in the perfect backyard pizza and morning espresso. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Peter Reinhart, “American Pie: My Search for the Perfect Pizza” Kindle Hardcover Peter Reinhart, “Perfect Pan Pizza” Kindle Hardcover Spiral-Bound Peter Reinhart, “Pizza Quest: My Never-Ending Search for the Perfect Pizza” Kindle Paperback Boyer’s coffee “Omnibus” podcast MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 0:51 Professional Scientist 6:58 Travel rewards 15:47 Iceland eclipse planning 24:46 Budgeting & household finances 31:33 Longmont pizza crawl 36:08 Pizza stone vs. pizza steel 43:43 Kamado grilling 53:19 Avid coffee enthusiast 1:00:49 Roasting beans & dialing-in espresso shots 1:11:27 Soundcheck – Reading

June 9, 202646 min

Mr. Money Mustache: FIRE Planning & Investing | MHFI 323

Doug and Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache) answer questions from the listener mailbag. They discuss costs of raising a large family on the path to FIRE, contrast the real-world math & culture of living in Canada vs the United States, map out high net worth investing strategies for seven-figure portfolios, and dive deep into the psychology of holding cash. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache The FI Collective Brad Barrett/ChooseFI Mark Trautman/Mark’s Money Mind Mr. Money Mustache, “My Unexpected Journey to Hormone Replacement (TRT)” MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:37 Question – FIRE planning with kids 9:17 Front-loading savings & investing 13:05 Question – Thoughts on Canada 18:45 Question – Pre-tax vs. post-tax investing 25:54 Question – Cash bucket 29:58 Fear vs. logic 34:27 Question – Testosterone Replacement Therapy 37:33 Question – Heating a hot tub 44:05 Soundcheck – Summer trips

June 2, 202649 min

Fast-Track to Freedom: Discovering FIRE Late, But Retired in 2 Years - Jennifer (Part 2) | MHFI 322

Doug continues his conversation with Jennifer about reaching Financial Independence and subsequently retiring in about two years while living in a high cost-of-living area. Jennifer shares the details of a car accident that served as a life-changing catalyst, her transition into early retirement, and specific technical strategies like utilizing a 72(t) that allowed her to accelerate her timeline. Jennifer also shares specific FI-related resources that helped with her journey. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Jennifer’s substack, FI Slow Mornings Aubrey Williams JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Shannah Game, “Unraveling Your Relationship with Money” Kindle Hardcover Audiobook Audio CD Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, “The 30-Day Money Cleanse” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Jill Sirianni & Jen Smith, “Buy What You Love Without Going Broke” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t eve...

May 26, 202642 min

Fast-Track to Freedom: Discovering FIRE Late, But Retired in 2 Years - Jennifer (Part 1) | MHFI 321

Doug chats with Jennifer about reaching Financial Independence and subsequently retiring in about two years while living in a high cost-of-living area. She shares how she discovered FI while dealing with burnout from a big-tech/creative career. Jennifer also discusses accelerating her FI journey by overcoming lifestyle creep, tackling the “Big 3 expenses” (housing, transportation, food), paying off a car aggressively, cooking at home, cutting discretionary spending, and addressing credit card debt. Do you like the podcast and want to support the show? Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses? Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers? Of course you do! We ALL do! Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Jennifer’s substack, FI Slow Mornings ChooseFI local groups Bill Perkins, “Die With Zero” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Crew checking JL Collins, “The Simple Path to Wealth” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: doug@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 2:23 Discovering FI & recognizing burnout 9:15 Evolving views on travel 16:31 Tackling the Big 3 (expenses) 21:31 Tracking expenses 25:53 Spending 30:44 Navigating finances as a couple 35:41 Soundcheck – Food