After a two-year break from podcasting due to studies, I’m finally back behind the mic. In this episode, I talk about what the break felt like, why I stepped away, and what it feels like to return. I also look back at the evolution of the podcast from constant rebrands and changing formats to experimenting with stories, self-help ideas, and thought experiments. I walk through the behind-the-scenes process of how an episode actually gets made, the struggle between scripting and speaking freely, the episodes that were easiest and hardest to create, and why I’ve stopped worrying about stats and started focusing on the joy of making things again.

Check out my other work: https://linktr.ee/rylanbanis

In this episode, I break down the semester where I intentionally became “that student” front bench, 100% attendance, handwritten notes, real questions, no shortcuts, no ChatGPT copy-paste, constant professor engagement, and what happened as a result. I talk about how internal and external grading systems actually work, how front-loaded effort reduces exam stress, and how genuine curiosity makes learning easier instead of harder. This is not a motivational rant. It’s a post-mortem of a strategic overcorrection that turned an almost impossible outcome, a 9.00 CGPA into something methodically engineered.

Check out my other work: https://linktr.ee/rylanbanis

This episode is about a small hostel memory that stuck with me for oddly long. In my second year, there was this guy who would sing loudly in the shared bathroom, not just songs, but even the random dialogue bits from music videos, completely unbothered by the fact that other humans existed. What started as something I found hilarious slowly turned into something more interesting: why do most of us feel so awkward being perceived, while some people just… don’t care at all? It’s a light, slightly funny, slightly reflective exploration of embarrassment, social rules, and those rare “main character energy” people we all encounter at some point.

Check out my other work: https://linktr.ee/rylanbanis

In Part 3 of the “How to Not Use Money” series, I dive into something that has increasingly shaped the way I think about my life: Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE). This episode is less about tactics and more about conviction, why the idea of buying back my time resonates so deeply with me, how my approach to saving and investing has evolved to support that goal, and why FIRE feels less like a financial strategy and more like a philosophy of autonomy. If you’ve ever questioned the default script of working endlessly or wondered what financial independence actually means beyond money, this episode is my attempt to unpack that journey and share why I’m genuinely excited about pursuing it.

Check out my other work: https://linktr.ee/rylanbanis

In this episode, I talk about something oddly simple yet strangely memorable. Shaving for the first time. What started as just using a razor my dad gifted me turned into this weird mix of hesitation, curiosity, and unexpected satisfaction. I reflect on masculinity, independence, identity, and why removing a bit of facial hair somehow felt like a tiny rite of passage. It’s less about grooming and more about those small, quiet moments that make you feel like you’ve crossed some invisible line.

Check out my other work: https://linktr.ee/rylanbanis

After a two-year break spent pursuing a postgraduate degree, I’m back behind the mic to pick up where I left off. This episode dives into New Year’s resolutions, specifically the one I set for 2025 that I improbably followed for 365 straight days. Tracking every movie and TV show I consumed. We’ll unpack what that experiment revealed, how the tracker evolved, and why my growing collection of spreadsheets may start sounding… concerning. I’ll also share my public resolutions for 2026, along with one deliberately secret goal that future-me will have to answer for.

Check out my other work: https://linktr.ee/rylanbanis

In this episode, I share bittersweet news with my listeners as I embark on a journey to pursue my master's degree, leading to a temporary hiatus from podcasting. Join me as I discuss the challenges of living in a residential program with strict regulations and the potential impact on the podcast's future. Though I'll be away for a while, I'm hopeful about returning to the mic during breaks in the academic calendar. Tune in as I bid farewell and reflect on the exciting journey ahead.

Join me as I reflect on why I ditched social media for over two years. I'll share how quitting boosted my podcast unexpectedly and changed my perspective on digital life. Plus, find out why I recently dipped my toes back into Reddit. If you're curious about life beyond the scroll, this episode is for you!

Join me as I revisit my wild spending habits and quirky money stories from a few years ago to see how my relationship with money has evolved. I'll share how I transformed from a reckless spender to a more mindful saver and whether I've kicked my materialistic habits. Let's explore how my saving strategies have changed and the valuable life lessons I've learned about money. Whether you're a fellow money misfit or seeking tips for a healthier money mindset, let's dive into the money maze without losing our way.

Join me as I recount the crazy experience of my laptop's Wi-Fi disappearing out of nowhere in Windows 11. I tried everything—reinstalling, troubleshooting with customer support, even driving to a service center—but nothing worked. Then, like magic, the Wi-Fi started working again when I got to the service center! Come along for the ride as I share the ups and downs of this tech mystery and how it resolved itself most unexpectedly.