Behavior Gap Radio

In this episode, Carl explores a simple idea that keeps proving true: What you think is a flaw might actually be the thing that makes your work resonate. From his hand-drawn sketches to the raw, unedited format of Behavior Gap Radio, he reflects on how the very imperfections he once tried to fix became the most meaningful parts. In a world increasingly optimized to remove friction and polish everything smooth, Carl makes the case for leaning into what’s human, messy, and real—and why that may matter now more than ever.

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In this episode, Carl explores a surprising idea from Seneca: The real shortcut to riches isn’t earning more—it’s learning to want less. Drawing from Seneca’s writings and his own experience, Carl unpacks why more money rarely leads to a lasting feeling of “enough,” and how our desires quietly expand along with our income. This isn’t about rejecting money, but about asking a deeper question: How will you know when you have enough—and what happens if you never decide?

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In this episode, Carl shares a timeless story often told in Buddhist traditions about a piece of gold mistaken for a “poisonous snake”—and what it reveals about our relationship with money. The story isn’t about wealth being good or bad, but about perception: the gap between what something looks like and what it actually does to us. Carl reflects on how easily we chase what glitters without seeing the full consequences, and invites you to slow down long enough to ask a simple but powerful question: Am I seeing what’s really there, or just what I want to see?

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In this episode, Carl tackles the quiet but powerful force of comparison and how it distorts the way we see our own lives. From a conversation about vacations to global data that reframes what “wealth” actually means, he explores how easily we feel behind simply because of who we’re standing next to. The real issue isn’t what we have—it’s who we’re comparing ourselves to. Carl invites you to question that comparison set, because changing it might be one of the fastest ways to change how you experience your money and your 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, Carl shares a powerful lesson from Olympic silver medalist Haley Batten about what happens when things don’t go your way—and how you respond. Reflecting on her race, where setbacks like a bad start and a flat tire could have ended everything, Carl explores the idea that resilience isn’t accidental—it’s practiced. From everyday frustrations to high-stakes moments, he invites you to consider how you might train your response, creating space between stimulus and reaction so, when things fall apart, you’re ready for 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/ 

In this episode, Carl shares a powerful idea from Olympic silver medalist Haley Batten: the practice of building “durable confidence.” Instead of relying on vague encouragement like “be confident,” Haley describes intentionally creating evidence you can trust—through journaling, tracking wins, and capturing moments that prove you can do hard things. Carl explores how this kind of grounded confidence becomes especially valuable when things get tough, offering a way to steady yourself when doubt creeps in.

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 reflects on a simple but powerful question: When does money bring us together and when does it pull us apart? Through a memorable exchange at a local farmers market, he explores the difference between transactions that feel human and connected versus those that are optimized, abstract, and distant. Same product, completely different experience. Carl invites you to notice where money becomes a bridge—deepening relationships and community—and where it quietly becomes a barrier, creating distance in the name of convenience.

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 a dream that left him with a simple but haunting question: Do you understand the power you’re dealing with? Reflecting on themes found across philosophy, literature, and spiritual traditions, he explores the idea that money isn’t inherently good or bad—but it is powerful, and often more powerful than we admit. Through insights inspired by voices like Austin Kleon, Carl invites you to consider how money can quietly shift from servant to master, and why awareness—not avoidance—may be the most important first step in building a healthier relationship 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/ 

In this episode, Carl reflects on a provocative idea from Nassim Nicholas Taleb: If you want to break your addiction to the news, try reading it a week late. Using this lens, he explores how little of what we consume is actually useful—and how much of it is just noise dressed up as urgency. From the illusion of staying informed to the subtle pull of constant updates, Carl invites you to question whether the news is helping you make better decisions or simply keeping you distracted.

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 a powerful metaphor from a friend that reframes how we think about helping in a world that feels overwhelming: Are you manning the lighthouse or in the rescue boat? As our awareness of global problems expands far beyond our ability to act, Carl explores the tension between what we see, what we care about, and what we can actually impact. Both roles matter—guiding others or jumping in to help directly—and the real insight may be recognizing where you are and where you can be most useful right now.

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/