Behavior Gap Radio

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.

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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?

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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?

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In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the haunting concept of the "hungry ghost" from Buddhist tradition—a being with an insatiable desire, unable to find satisfaction. Inspired by conversations with Jerry Colonna, Carl reflects on the modern glorification of "never enough" and its invitation to perpetual dissatisfaction. Instead, he challenges us to live with the question: What does enough look like for me? By shifting our focus from accumulation to meaningful experiences and authentic connection, we might uncover the antidote to the endless chase.

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In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the profound wisdom of Lao Tzu’s quote, “Be who you really are and go the whole way.” Inspired by Katie Arnold’s books and her upcoming appearance on 50 Fires, Carl explores the challenges of authenticity, especially in moments of change. He delves into the role of teachers and guides, sharing the Zen teaching that true learning happens when we let go of the teacher and find our own path. Through stories and reflections, Carl invites listeners to embrace the uncharted journey of discovering and living their truest selves.

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In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the idea that most problems are simply projections—fears about a future that may never happen. Drawing on Wendell Berry's poetic wisdom and Mark Twain's humor, Carl reflects on how humans often tax themselves with "forethought of grief," carrying unnecessary worries as if they were real. Through this lens, he invites listeners to take inspiration from nature, letting go of imagined problems to live more fully in the present.

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In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl delves into the transformative exercise he calls the "$100 Bill Meditation," inspired by his guest Johnny Miller and a retreat in Bali. Carl challenges listeners to reframe their relationship with money by imagining it as a person—someone who has heard every hope, frustration, and expectation we’ve projected onto it. Through guided journaling, he encourages us to describe what money truly represents and, in a thought-provoking twist, to ask: If money could speak, what would it say to us? This meditation invites a deeper understanding of money as both a tool and a mirror of our own stories.

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In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives deeper into the "collective delusion" around money, expanding on his previous discussion about money as a shared story. He explores the powerful beliefs society attaches to money—like money as power, freedom, or influence—and how these narratives can mislead us. While some of these ideas are positive and others negative, Carl argues they are all ultimately illusions that distract us from deeper truths. He challenges listeners to question these collective assumptions and hints at an upcoming episode where he’ll discuss the "$100 bill meditation" as a tool for reframing our relationship with money.

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In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on his conversation with Krista Tippett, host of On Being, which led him to explore the idea of money as a collective story we've all agreed upon. He delves into how money, though just paper or digital numbers, gains power through our collective belief—a useful story that can drive progress but also a dangerous delusion when given too much meaning. Carl introduces the "$100 bill meditation," a thought experiment that encourages listeners to reframe their relationship with money by considering its true nature and the narratives we attach to it.

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In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the powerful link between money and fear, reflecting on his own journey to move away from making financial decisions from a place of anxiety. He shares personal stories about rewiring the deep-rooted fear response often triggered by money, a shift that came not from changing his financial situation but from growing awareness and practices like meditation and therapy. Carl invites listeners to consider how fear influences their own financial choices and shares how embracing awareness can lead to profound, lasting change. He welcomes listeners to share their own experiences on this journey away from fear-based decisions.

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