Behavior Gap Radio

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl unpacks the power of visual shortcuts and meaningful souvenirs—how his sketches distill complex ideas into simple, conversation-starting icons. He shares an essay from his upcoming book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth Through Simple Sketches, exploring the foundational idea that a plan must come before anything else. Too often, we obsess over products—stocks, credit cards, investments—without first deciding where we’re headed. Through his well-known sketch, The Plan Comes First, Carl explains why products only make sense in the context of a plan and how visuals serve as both a shortcut to understanding and a lasting souvenir of a learning experience.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into the never-ending search for purpose. Once believing he'd eventually find his purpose and be done searching, he now sees the search itself as the point—the driving force of his life. He explores how we can be both content and striving, fulfilled and still growing, holding both truths at the same time. What if purpose isn’t something to capture but something to keep discovering?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the paradox of being content in his discontent—the idea that growth, searching, and pushing boundaries don’t have to come from a place of dissatisfaction. He wrestles with the tension between striving for more and embracing the present moment, questioning where the line is between creative curiosity and restless grasping. Can we hold both? Is the desire to explore something to be resolved or something to be cherished?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares an essay titled Range of Outcomes from his upcoming book—a simple sketch that captures the messy, uncertain, and unpredictable nature of the future. He explores the tension between fear and excitement and how we chase certainty but could instead embrace mystery, adventure, and surprise. Some days, uncertainty feels overwhelming, while on other days, it feels exhilarating. Both are true. Both are human.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl poses a simple yet powerful question: What’s your earliest memory of money? He explores how this question can unlock deep conversations, from childhood experiences to the emotions tied to financial moments. Whether it's recalling a childhood paper route or the tension of overheard arguments, these memories shape our relationship with money. Carl encourages listeners to try asking the question—especially with kids—and to embrace the conversations that follow.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into why he’s writing another book—Your Money: Reimagining Wealth Through Simple Sketches—and what drives the project. He sees books as tools for meaningful conversations, whether around the dinner table, on a walk with a partner, or in an advisor’s office. He shares his ambitious goal of sparking a million conversations a month and gives a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming book launch plans, from virtual chats to live events.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl unpacks the surprising power of goals—even when they’re just guesses. He shares a personal financial goal and how setting a clear target creates both direction and an almost magical gravitational pull that brings new opportunities into focus. From cutting unnecessary subscriptions to resisting impulse purchases, he explores how small choices compound into real progress. If you've ever questioned whether goals matter, this episode might just change your mind.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

On this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl wrestles with the tension between escape and engagement, reflecting on a moment when watching football brought him to tears—not because of the game, but because he knew he was avoiding something deeper. Drawing from Camus, Rumi, and Lao Tzu, he explores the idea that meaning is found through active exploration, even when part of us just wants to check out. What happens when we go too far into our escapes? Maybe that’s where the truth finally reveals itself.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Risk asks what could happen. Exposure asks what it would mean if it did. But maybe the real question is—can we be okay with being vulnerable? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl unpacks the relationship between risk, exposure, and vulnerability, exploring how they shape our decisions, relationships, and work. If caring about anything means opening ourselves up to uncertainty, then maybe vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s the price of truly being alive.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares an essay from his upcoming book exploring the crucial difference between risk and exposure. While risk is ever-present, what really matters is how exposed we are to it. He dives into the challenge of simplifying complex ideas without losing their essence—something he’s wrestled with for over 20 years. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

What are you willing to do for money? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the growing tension between long-held values and the relentless pursuit of wealth, power, and attention. As hustle culture celebrates sacrifice in the name of success, he questions whether money is becoming the central organizing principle of our lives—and at what cost. If you don’t know who you are in relation to money, the future might be an expensive place to figure it out.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Why do we reach for our phones, ice cream, or the next distraction—even when we know they don’t add to our lives? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl unpacks the habit of novelty-seeking and its connection to boredom, stress, and dopamine. He explores how we’ve trained ourselves to chase input and what happens when we practice sitting with boredom instead. If you’ve ever wondered why you instinctively reach for distraction, this one’s for you.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this short but powerful episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a crisp insight: If you're unclear about who you are or what you value, entrepreneurship, finance, and business are extremely expensive places to figure it out. In a world where long-held values are often sacrificed for money or attention, the cost of uncertainty has never been higher.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a short but deeply considered essay from his new book. He explores why humans and money don’t fit neatly into formulas—why the complexity, emotion, and adaptability of real life can’t be crammed into an algorithm. With AI on the rise, this conversation feels more relevant than ever. Carl even ran this piece by an AI editor—its response might surprise you.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

What if there were a Strava for money? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores how the natural human instinct to compare—often seen as a negative—could actually be harnessed to help us make better financial decisions. Inspired by how Strava tracks and motivates progress in outdoor sports, Carl wonders: Could a similar tool provide useful context for spending and financial alignment? He dives into the idea of measuring not just income and expenses but whether our money choices align with what truly matters.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

We look at what people buy and assume we know what they make—but what if that story we tell ourselves is completely wrong? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares an essay from his upcoming book that explores the psychological trap of comparing our spending to others. From fancy cars to neighborhood norms, we often let assumptions shape our financial decisions in ways we don’t even realize.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

What if every project, every system, every piece of work was in service of one thing—kindness? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the idea of scaling kindness and how everything he’s building—his writing, speaking, art, and business—is ultimately about creating more space for meaningful, generous interactions. Whether it’s financial kindness or just kindness at scale, this simple but powerful idea is shaping the next chapter of his work.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Striking up conversations with strangers can feel daunting—but what if it was easier than you thought? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a simple yet powerful approach to meeting new people, inspired by an event hosted by his friend Darren. By asking just one key question—"Tell me something I should know about you"—he discovered how effortless and rewarding it can be to connect with others. Tune in to hear how you can use this strategy to turn any room into a space for meaningful conversations.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

What happens when you step outside your usual circles? Carl shares a powerful realization from an event in his own backyard—an energizing room full of creative, ambitious people he’d never met. It was a reminder that “your people” are out there, but finding them takes intentional effort. In this episode, he explores the importance of curating your community, surrounding yourself with those who are up to something, and making space for creativity and possibility. Who are you investing your time and energy in? And how intentional are you about it?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

We’ve all heard that money is power—but what if the real power is attention? In this episode, Carl explores how attention has become the most valuable commodity in the world, shaping wealth, influence, and the way we interact with the world. But here’s the good news: if we’re aware of it, we can practice. We can audit where we invest our attention, reclaim control, and make sure we’re spending it on what truly matters. This is both a warning and an invitation—because the fight for your attention is real, but so is your ability to choose.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Is there something magical about saying no? A listener shares a hunch—every time they say no to something that’s not a good fit, something great follows. Coincidence? Carl doesn’t think so. In this episode, he explores the power of making space, the confidence that comes with clear decisions, and the idea that opportunities may already be there—we just need to be able to see them. What happens when we clear the clutter and signal that we’re ready? Tune in for a reflection on saying no, making room, and what might show up next.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

After four days deep in the New Zealand bush—no cell service, no news, just the sound of waterfalls and the weight of stillness—Carl is confronted with a jarring return to the outside world. A chance encounter with hikers reveals devastating news, and it sparks a bigger question: What is the role of news in our lives? How much do we really need to know, and at what cost? With reflections on information, control, and clarity, this episode invites you to reconsider your relationship with the constant flow of updates.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Fresh from his time in New Zealand, Carl reflects on clarity—the kind that comes when the noise fades away. Inspired by Carl Jung’s insight that "only if we know that the thing that truly matters is infinite can we avoid fixing our interests upon futilities," Carl explores how distractions and false possessions dull our sensitivity to what really matters. What happens when we remove the noise? And how do we create space for a clearer signal in our own lives? Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on focus, meaning, and what’s truly essential.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode, Carl shares an exciting update about his upcoming book—a collection of 97 essays paired with sketches—and invites listeners to join a "reading party" by providing feedback on one of the essays. He reads "Stuff You Own, Stuff That Owns You," a reflection on the fine line between owning things and being owned by them, and offers a simple question to help regain control of your stuff.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode, Carl shares two guiding principles that have shaped his life: Lao Tzu's call to "be who you really are and go the whole way" and Howard Thurman’s wisdom to "ask what makes you come alive and go do it." Through personal reflections and practical insights, Carl explores what it means to notice the moments that light you up and bring you fully alive. From deep presence with others to the flow of skiing through the mountains, Carl unpacks how these moments reveal who we truly are and why the world needs more people who have come alive.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this first episode of 2025, Carl reflects on the importance of consistent practice, whether it’s journaling, recording, or simply noticing the world around us. After a break spent adventuring in New Zealand, he shares how quickly the muscle of capturing and processing experiences can atrophy—and why the act of documenting thoughts, even privately, is so valuable. Carl revisits lessons from Seth Godin and a heartfelt reminder from a listener, Ashby, to focus on what lights you up. This episode is a reminder that anything worth mastering requires practice, and sharing ideas publicly can refine and elevate them.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares reflections from a backcountry skiing trip in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. Inspired by a striking ridgeline etched against the horizon, he explores the metaphorical ridgelines in our lives—birthdays, transitions, and new beginnings—that challenge us to go a little further and reach a little higher. With a new year on the horizon, Carl invites listeners to embrace the possibilities that lie just beyond their comfort zones.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a backcountry skiing trip that offered profound moments of connection—with nature, loved ones, and the present moment. He explores the tension between saving for the future and fully embracing the wealth of sacred experiences available right now. Through stories of unexpected reunions, quiet mountain ridges, and laughter with friends, Carl challenges listeners to reconsider where the true value lies and invites them to lean into the joy and meaning already present in their lives.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this heartfelt episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a powerful realization while preparing for a family trip: the delicate balance between knowing we are enough as we are and striving to be a little better. Through the story of creating a simple yet profound piece of art, Carl explores the tension of holding two seemingly opposing truths at once. He invites listeners to embrace this balance in their own lives and consider how they might share the message of "you are enough" with others during the holiday season.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into a powerful question inspired by a conversation with writer Joel Stein: If someone 100 years from now reviewed a perfect record of how you spent your money and time, what would they learn about your true values—and what might embarrass you? Carl explores the discomfort and growth that come from confronting gaps between our stated priorities and actual behavior. He challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider: Do you have a safe space to face these uncomfortable truths? If so, hold onto it—it’s a rare and invaluable gift.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a pivotal moment from his high school years—the first time he realized others thought and lived differently when it came to money. Sharing a story about visiting a friend's house, Carl explores the emotional impact of recognizing financial and familial differences and how they shape our perspectives. He invites listeners to reflect on their own first moments of awareness: When did you realize that your "normal" wasn’t the same as someone else’s?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl unpacks a fascinating lesson about goals, metrics, and intention. Sparked by a conversation about someone else's impressive achievement, he reflects on how quickly arbitrary goals can take root—and how easily we can lose sight of what truly matters. Carl challenges us to examine whether the numbers we chase align with our deeper purpose or if they’re just distractions shaped by others’ expectations. It’s a thought-provoking reminder to focus on what really matters to us, not the metrics that might impress others.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a powerful Dostoevsky quote about self-betrayal and the courage required to step off established paths to pursue our own. Through a personal coaching story, he explores the fear and exhilaration of navigating uncharted territory and the pitfalls of grasping for others' trails when our unique path is calling. This episode challenges us to confront the discomfort of authenticity and the transformative potential of choosing our own way, even when it feels terrifying.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the finite nature of our most precious resources—time, energy, and attention—and the importance of investing them intentionally in relationships. He shares a personal story about choosing where to focus his efforts, emphasizing the need to prioritize the connections that generate the greatest returns in love, kindness, and richness of life. With practical insights, Carl challenges us to make thoughtful decisions about how we allocate our relational capital to create meaningful and impactful outcomes.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on how easily we can get derailed even when starting the day with the best intentions. He shares a transformative lesson learned from cold water swimming at Hampstead Heath, using the cold to calm the nervous system instead of up-regulating it. With practical insights on staying centered amidst life's unexpected challenges, Carl reminds us that simply noticing when we’re off course is a powerful first step toward regaining balance.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl imagines an eye-opening conversation with money, personified as a tired but honest friend. Through this thought experiment, he explores how we often ask money to provide things it simply can't—like peace of mind, security, or self-worth—and the disappointment that follows. Carl shares personal insights from his own financial struggles and invites listeners to reflect on the unrealistic jobs they may have assigned to money, encouraging a healthier perspective on its true role as a tool for value exchange.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a quiet but profound shift in his relationship with money and responsibility. Through a family conversation about ski passes, he recognized how old stories of being the "family beast of burden" no longer controlled his reactions. Instead, by simply noticing and labeling his feelings, he allowed them to pass. Carl invites listeners to reflect on their own money stories and celebrate the subtle, unnoticed changes that signal real growth.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores a profound Zen quote: "I have learned only one thing in life. How much is enough?" He delves into the concept of enough—not as a one-time discovery but as a lifelong practice of learning and reminding. Through relatable examples, Carl invites listeners to reflect on where they feel a sense of lack and to consider how understanding "enough" might be the most valuable lesson of all.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the wisdom of Thích Nhất Hạnh's words about aligning money with values. Through personal stories, he explores the inevitable gap between our spending and our priorities, emphasizing that the real work isn’t in achieving perfect alignment but in noticing and learning from the gap. This episode offers a practical and compassionate perspective on closing the space between what we value and how we live.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into a thought-provoking paradox: the all-too-common societal norm of sacrificing health for financial success, only to spend later years using that wealth to recover lost health. With his trademark clarity, Carl unpacks this "weird" cycle and invites listeners to rethink the trade-offs we consider normal. It's a short, impactful reflection that might just shift your perspective on success and well-being.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a powerful takeaway from his conversation with Dr. Gina Gorlin, a psychologist and coach for founders. Exploring the concept of "success porn," they discuss the hollowness of chasing success without substance. Dr. Gorlin's poignant question—"What good is success without substance?"—leads Carl to reflect on the quiet desperation many feel despite outward achievements.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a provocative quote from Nassim Taleb about the three great addictions: heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary. He dives into how our reliance on safety and security can sometimes hold us back from pursuing what truly matters. How do the choices we make today shape the person we want to be in three years? Are we prioritizing immediate comfort at the expense of long-term fulfillment? Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl challenges high-performing entrepreneurs, creatives, and consultants to rethink how they document their learning. Instead of overcomplicating the process, he asks: how can you make it smaller, simpler, and more consistent? From voice memos to minimalist approaches, Carl explores how simplifying the act of sharing ideas can unlock progress without perfection.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the reasons behind his habit of turning personal learning into public artifacts. He delves into the value of creating tangible outputs—not for the format, but for the impact on his thinking and growth. Carl shares three key insights: how creating sharpens his ideas, how feedback enriches his understanding, and how these artifacts build intellectual property over time. It’s not about outcomes but about leaving a meaningful trail.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl delves into the deeply personal risk of creating something and sharing it with the world. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or business owner, putting a piece of yourself out there invites emotional and identity risk—leaving you exposed to critique, rejection, or indifference. Carl reflects on how cultural expectations, resilience, and mental well-being intersect with this unique form of vulnerability and asks: Is this risk an essential part of the creative process?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this Behavior Gap Radio field episode, Carl dives into the messy, courageous work of embracing who you really are—and the creative risks it takes to get there. Sharing his journey of rejecting traditional consulting norms in favor of transformative "Dancing With Dragons" days in the Utah desert, Carl explores what happens when you lean fully into your unique path. It’s a call to step away from distractions, take a deep breath, and trust that being authentically you is where the real magic happens.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a deeply personal and universal question: What good is it to protect and provide if your kids don’t feel safe around you? Sharing a heartfelt story from a yoga teacher and his own experiences as a dad, Carl explores the tension between the hustle to provide and the need to show up as the calm, safe presence our families need. It’s not about blame—it’s about reflection and small, intentional choices that make a lasting impact.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the age-old archetype of masculinity and money—the roles of protector and provider. Through a candid conversation with his wife, Cori, Carl examines the tension between the honor of caring for others and the constraints of societal expectations. What does it truly mean to provide? Is it material security or something deeper, like creating safety, belonging, and connection? Join Carl as he explores how to honor this archetype while rewriting it for a more balanced and meaningful life.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl unpacks the metaphor of "khaki pants" as a symbol of stability, security, and predictability—and the tension between craving stability and longing for a creative, adventurous life. Inspired by a conversation with filmmaker and musician Scott Blue, Carl explores the paradox many of us face: envying the stability of others while they envy our spontaneity. With insights from Mary Oliver and Steven Pressfield, Carl asks: Are you living the life you’re meant to live? Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a powerful question posed by writer and ultra-runner Katie Arnold during a recent conversation: “I don’t know how to be with money.” Exploring the idea of money as a relationship rather than a mere resource, Carl delves into themes of presence, acceptance, and the discomfort many feel when confronting their connection to money. How do we treat money—something to control, chase, or avoid? And what would it mean to simply be with it?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/