Summary

In this conversation, Benjamin Lee explores the complexities of our relationship with money, discussing budgeting, financial fears, and the importance of understanding our financial habits. He emphasizes the wisdom found in the Book of Proverbs regarding money management and encourages listeners to trust in God's guidance as they navigate their financial journeys.

Takeaways

Many people worry about their finances and budgeting.

Living paycheck to paycheck is a common experience.

Different budgeting methods exist, from apps to paper.

The Bible offers valuable insights on money management.

Proverbs teaches about the dangers of debt and financial ignorance.

Trusting in God is essential for financial wisdom.

Learning from God's Word can guide our financial decisions.

It's important to acknowledge our financial habits from childhood.

Proverbs 3:5-6 emphasizes trust in God for guidance.

Financial stewardship is a key component of faith.

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www.benjaminlee.blog

About Monica Kaufman

Monica Kaufman, CFP®— founder of Harmony Wealth Academy.As a financial planner and behavioral strategist with deep roots in both Wall Street and real-world resilience, Monica believes that true wealth is built at the intersection of mindset, meaning, and money.Monica's work is shaped not just by decades in the industry—but by her personal story as a wife, caregiver, and mother navigating the challenges of severe mental illness in her family. She has learned that clarity isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.Most people weren’t taught how to lead financially. They’re overwhelmed, ashamed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. That’s why Monica created The Aligned Horizon—a framework for helping people rise above fear, reclaim agency, and build a financial life that reflects who they truly are.Whether she's working with high-income professionals and entrepreneurs, purpose-driven parents, or first-generation wealth builders, her message is this:You are not behind.You are not broken.You’re just ready for a new horizon.So the real question is:Are you ready to rise?

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Monica Kaufman, a certified financial planner, shares her journey into financial planning and the importance of understanding money scripts. She emphasizes the need for a mindset shift around money, the creation of systems for financial success, and the role of relationships in managing finances. Monica also discusses overcoming the fear of financial numbers, the importance of intentionality in financial giving, and the taboo surrounding discussions about money. Ultimately, she empowers individuals to take control of their financial futures and encourages them to be optimistic about their financial journeys.

Takeaways

Monica's journey into financial planning began with a desire to help people solve their financial problems.

Understanding money scripts is crucial for changing one's relationship with money.

Mindset shifts are necessary for overcoming financial fears and achieving success.

Creating systems is more effective than relying on willpower alone.

Relationships play a significant role in financial management and communication.

It's important to have open discussions about money within families to break the taboo.

Intentionality in financial giving can create a positive impact on one's financial mindset.

Financial organization is key to managing money effectively and avoiding chaos.

Setting realistic financial goals requires understanding one's financial situation and capabilities.

Empowering individuals to take control of their finances is essential for long-term success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Planning Journey

03:18 Understanding Money Scripts and Their Impact

06:08 Shifting Mindsets Around Money

09:21 Practical Steps to Overcome Financial Fear

12:25 Building Systems for Financial Success

15:10 Navigating Couples' Finances

18:22 Creating Trust in Financial Relationships

20:59 Building Trust and Financial Goals in Relationships

22:32 The Importance of Financial Organization

24:31 Intentionality in Financial Giving

25:57 Understanding Financial Health and Performance

28:51 Setting Realistic Financial Goals

31:38 Overcoming the Taboo of Money Conversations

37:17 Empowerment Through Financial Education

Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and to leave me a review! It's how you can invest in the show.

Connecting with Monica:

https://harmonywealthacademy.com/

www.icandopodcast.com

Summary

In this episode, Benjamin Lee interviews Eddie Wayne Runde, a physician and author, who shares his journey from a Navy veteran to a published author. Eddie discusses his inspiration from Isaac Asimov's works, the challenges he faced in writing his books, and the themes of faith and science that permeate his writing. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the moral lessons embedded in his works, while also addressing the balance between faith and scientific education. Eddie's insights on navigating challenges in faith during education and his future writing projects provide a comprehensive look into his creative process and beliefs.

Takeaways

Eddie's journey began with a love for reading, particularly science fiction.

He faced challenges in writing, initially considering hiring a ghostwriter.

Eddie's first book, The Genesis Trust, explores themes of faith and science.

He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in conveying moral lessons.

Eddie navigated challenges in maintaining his faith during medical education.

He believes in the significance of finding meaning beyond the occult.

Eddie's writing process involves letting the story unfold naturally.

He acknowledges the influence of Stephen King on his storytelling approach.

Eddie's books are suitable for a younger audience without profanity or gratuitous violence.

He encourages readers to believe in the Lord and follow His will.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eddie Wayne Runde

01:43 Eddie's Journey: From Physician to Author

06:45 The Writing Process: Overcoming Challenges

09:40 Exploring The Genesis Trust: Eddie's First Book

13:37 Navigating Faith in Science and Medicine

17:26 The Impact of Education on Faith

19:58 Influences of Stephen King on Writing

21:35 The Art of Storytelling

22:28 Writer's Block and Overcoming Obstacles

24:24 Future Projects: Exploring New Dimensions

28:38 Messages and Themes in Eddie's Books

30:57 Where to Find Eddie's Work and Final Thoughts

www.icandopodcast.com Be sure to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on Apple and Spotify.

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https://waynerunde.com/meet-the-author/ Be sure to follow Wayne on social media and to purchase his books!

Summary

In this conversation, Benjamin Lee discusses the contrast between trusting in the universe and trusting in God. He emphasizes that the universe is a created entity and cannot provide guidance, salvation, or answers to life's questions. Instead, he argues that God is the true source of life, truth, and blessings. Benjamin warns against modern idolatry, where people worship the creation rather than the Creator, and encourages listeners to seek a personal relationship with God.

Takeaways

The universe is a created entity, not the Creator.

Trusting in the universe leads to disappointment.

God is the source of life and truth.

The universe cannot provide guidance or answers.

Worshiping the universe is a form of idolatry.

God desires a personal relationship with us.

Redemption is found only in Jesus Christ.

Every good gift comes from God, not the universe.

The universe is silent; God communicates with us.

The truth of God will always prevail over lies.

Chapters

00:00 The Universe vs. The Creator

04:04 The Nature of Creation

09:01 The Silence of the Universe

11:51 God's Communication with Humanity

16:07 The Power of God vs. The Universe

19:48 The Fallacy of Trusting the Universe

23:36 The Call to Trust in God

www.icandopodcast.com

Summary

In this conversation, Benjamin Lee shares a personal story of a life-altering car accident that led him to reflect on the fragility of life and the certainty of death. He emphasizes the importance of living with purpose and urgency, encouraging listeners to consider their choices and the impact of their lives. Through biblical references, he discusses the inevitability of death and the need to live as if each day could be our last, ultimately urging a focus on eternal values rather than worldly success.

Takeaways

Life can change in an instant, reminding us of its fragility.

We should live with the awareness of our mortality.

Death is a certainty that we all must face.

Our lives are like a vapor, here one moment and gone the next.

Living like we're dying encourages us to make meaningful choices.

Eternity is real, and we should consider our eternal destination.

Success should not be measured by worldly standards.

We need to invest in our souls and spiritual well-being.

Trusting God is essential in navigating life's uncertainties.

Living fully means prioritizing what truly matters.

Chapters

00:00 A Life-Changing Moment

02:26 Living Like You're Dying

05:05 The Fragility of Life

09:17 The Certainty of Death

18:11 Measuring Our Lives

21:37 Thinking About Eternity

www.icandopodcast.com

Summary

In this sermon, Benjamin Lee explores the themes of holiness, human rebellion, and the implications of the phrase 'spiritual but not religious.' He discusses the dangers of individual spirituality detached from doctrine and the importance of the church as a community of faith. The conversation emphasizes the authority of scripture, the significance of God's commandments, and the call to genuine spirituality and repentance.

Takeaways

God's holiness contrasts sharply with human rebellion.

The phrase 'spiritual but not religious' reflects a rejection of authority.

Individual spirituality can lead to moral chaos.

Scripture is the ultimate authority in matters of faith.

God's commandments are for our good and protection.

Trends do not define truth; God's word does.

Genuine spirituality requires a commitment to God's will.

Repentance and faith are necessary for salvation.

Chapters

00:00 The Holiness of God and Human Rebellion

03:19 Understanding 'Spiritual but Not Religious'

06:10 The Dangers of Individual Spirituality

08:45 The Authority of Scripture and Doctrine

11:43 The Role of the Church in Spiritual Life

14:22 Responding to 'Spiritual but Not Religious'

17:14 The Importance of God's Commandments

19:50 The Nature of True Religion

22:22 The Call to Spiritual Maturity

25:13 The Consequences of Ignoring God's Standards

28:02 The Hope of Salvation and the Return of Christ

www.benjaminlee.blog

www.icandopodcast.com

Relentlessly Intentional | Deeply Curious | Obsessed with Unlocking Human Potential |CEO | Ultra-Endurance Athlete | Coach | Author

Joe Gagnon is driven by a simple mission: helping people realize they are capable of far more than they believe is possible. Over the years, he has led six companies as CEO, coached top performers, and pushed himself to physical and mental extremes—completing six Ironman races, running 100-mile ultramarathons, finishing Six marathons on Six continents in Six days, and completing the legendary Badwater 135 ultramarathon through Death Valley.
As CEO of Raynmaker, he leads the development of an AI-powered sales platform designed to help small businesses grow smarter and faster. As a high-performance coach, he partners with bold, ambitious leaders to break through their self-imposed limits and lead lives filled with purpose and greater impact.
Joe’s life and his second book, *Living Intentionally*, are rooted in the belief that growth happens at the edge. It’s in the uncomfortable, uncertain, and transformational moments that we find out who we truly are. The principles of grit, grace, and groundedness guide every step he takes. Whether he’s building a company, mentoring a founder, or speaking on stage, his goal remains the same: to inspire others to live intentionally by design, not by chance.

Summary

In this episode of the I Can Do Podcast, host Benjamin Lee speaks with Joe Gagnon about the importance of living intentionally. Joe shares his personal journey from a corporate career to embracing a life of curiosity, resilience, and commitment. They discuss the significance of understanding one's 'why', the courage to make consistent commitments, and the role of curiosity in personal growth. Joe emphasizes the importance of daily habits, navigating relationships, and teaching the next generation about intentional living. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media and the importance of authenticity in sharing one's journey.

Takeaways

Eliminate the word 'can't' from your vocabulary.

Intentional living starts with understanding your 'why'.

Curiosity opens doors to new opportunities.

Commitment to consistency is crucial for personal growth.

Daily habits build resilience and integrity.

Saying no can be as important as saying yes.

Living intentionally can set you apart from peers.

Reflecting on your journey helps evolve your purpose.

Social media can be a tool for sharing authentic experiences.

Teaching children about intentionality requires understanding and role modeling.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Intentional Living

02:22 Joe's Journey to Intentionality

06:20 The Shift: Leaving Comfort for Growth

11:23 Curiosity vs. Intentionality

16:19 Defining Intentionality

18:45 The Courage to Commit

22:40 Balancing Yes and No in Intentional Living

26:48 Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery

28:25 Living Intentionally and Facing Backlash

30:53 The Power of Personal Choices

33:03 Building Integrity Through Daily Habits

37:14 Evolving Purpose and Intentional Living

40:21 Commitments vs. Resolutions

43:24 Navigating Social Media with Purpose

46:31 Teaching the Next Generation

50:30 The Fuel of Curiosity

52:52 Sharing Abundance and Radical Possibility

substack.com/@joecurious

www.thehighperformancelife.net/

www.instagram.com/thehighperformancelife

www.linkedin.com/in/joegagnon/

Jeffrey Weiss is the author of Racing Against Time, chronicling my transformation from running a first 10K at age 48 to completing Ironman Arizona (twice) and the 72-mile Midnight Express ultramarathon between ages 57 and 61. My mission is to prove that radical change and athletic achievement are possible at any stage of life, and to inspire others to use endurance sports as a tool to extend their health span and reinvent themselves—even in midlife or beyond. Racing Against Time had received endorsements from ultra running legend and New York Times bestselling author Dean Karnazes (“If you’re looking for inspiration and motivation, Racing Against Time will get you going!”) and Modern Elder Academy founder Chip Conley (“Weiss’s story illustrates the power and joy of mid-life transformation.”).

His book will be available on Amazon beginning October 1st.

Summary

In this conversation, Benjamin Lee and Jeff Weiss explore the transformative journey of fitness and personal growth. Jeff shares his experiences of starting to run at 48, completing marathons, and ultimately tackling ultra marathons and Ironman competitions. They discuss the connection between fitness and professional achievement, emphasizing the importance of audacity in setting and pursuing ambitious goals. Jeff reflects on the lessons learned from both running and his career in a startup, highlighting the significance of resilience and the mindset of continuous improvement. The conversation concludes with encouragement for listeners to embrace their own fitness journeys and set meaningful goals.

Takeaways

It's never too late to get started with fitness.

The journey of transformation can lead to personal growth.

Setting audacious goals can empower us to achieve more.

Fitness can create experiences that build resilience.

The connection between fitness and professional achievement is significant.

Having multiple goals can prevent feelings of failure.

We should all find activities that make us happy and fulfilled.

Goal setting is important for motivation and focus.

We have a significant ability to impact how we age.

Embracing challenges can lead to unexpected rewards.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:57 The Journey to Fitness and Transformation

06:12 Setting Goals and Achieving Milestones

08:48 The Connection Between Fitness and Professional Achievement

11:22 Understanding Audacity and Big Goals

14:29 Overcoming Fear of Failure

17:01 Goal Setting and Life Adventures

19:39 The Importance of Reading and Learning

22:36 Racing Against Time: The New Book

25:20 The Impact of Aging and Fitness

27:50 Training Regimen and Health Monitoring

30:26 Nutrition and Supplementation

33:03 Experiences in Ultra Marathons

35:56 Reflections on Business and Endurance Sports

38:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Summary

In this episode of the I Can Do Podcast, host Benjamin Lee interviews comic book artist Brent Peeples, who shares his journey into the comic book industry, his experiences working with major publishers like Marvel and DC, and his transition into creating faith-based clothing. Brent discusses the challenges of breaking into the industry, the importance of persistence, and the creative processes involved in comic book artistry. He also emphasizes the significance of quality in faith-based apparel and how he aims to engage conversations about faith through his designs.

Takeaways

Brent started pursuing a career in comics at 27.

He faced numerous rejections before breaking into the industry.

Persistence and networking were key to his success.

Brent enjoys the creative process of bringing characters to life.

He balances perfectionism with the need to meet deadlines.

Traditional inking is his preferred method of artistry.

Commission work allows him to connect with fans.

Brent is now focusing on a faith-based clothing line.

His clothing brand aims to engage conversations about faith.

Quality and style are essential in his clothing designs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Comic Artistry

03:26 Breaking into the Comic Industry

06:22 First Experiences and Challenges

09:20 Persistence in the Face of Rejection

12:20 Advice for Aspiring Artists

15:07 Creative Processes at Marvel and DC

18:21 Project Management and Deadlines

21:33 Balancing Creativity and Family Life

28:33 The Art of Perfectionism and Deadlines

30:58 Behind the Scenes: Working with Marvel and DC

32:51 Favorite Characters and Artistic Challenges

34:59 Tools of the Trade: Traditional vs. Digital

39:33 From Comics to Clothing: A New Venture

40:56 Faith-Based Fashion: Bridging Style and Belief

49:17 Sharing Faith Through Art and Apparel

Check out Brent's Found One Apparel.

Https://foundoneapparel.com

Summary

In this conversation, Benjamin Lee delves into the themes of despair, suffering, and faith as illustrated in Psalm 88. He explores the raw emotions of the psalmist who feels abandoned and questions God's presence amidst his suffering. The discussion emphasizes the importance of prayer, trust in God during dark times, and the reality that suffering is a part of life for the righteous. Ultimately, Benjamin encourages listeners to maintain their faith and seek hope even when faced with despair.

Takeaways

What if after all the prayers, nothing changes?

The righteous can and will face great suffering.

Sometimes our situations in life will not make any sense at all.

Even in the darkness, he is going to God in prayer.

God does not have to give me or you all the answers.

This psalm also reminds us that following God does not mean He is going to fix all of my earthly problems.

Don't stop crying out day and night to God.

Jesus gives us hope.

The psalmist knew that God was the one of salvation.

We can bring our burdens to God.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Depths of Despair

03:17 The Struggle with Abandonment

06:31 Incomprehension in Suffering

09:17 The Challenge of Faith in Darkness

12:21 The Reality of Ongoing Struggles

15:15 Trusting God Amidst Despair

18:31 Endurance Through Trials

21:20 Hope Beyond Darkness