The David Bach Show

Brent Freeman had the marriage, the money, and the Instagram feed to prove he was crushing it — and one morning in 2018, standing at his window in San Francisco, he contemplated ending his life. In this episode, David Bach sits down with Brent, entrepreneur and author of The Alchemy of Joy, to talk about the sunset that changed everything and the framework he's used to help thousands of people go from burned out to genuinely joyful.

They dig into why joy works like compound interest — small daily investments that build into a life well lived — and why so many of us defer our happiness for some elusive "one day." Brent breaks down the Reset Breath, a 60-second technique to calm your nervous system in any moment, the One Minute Window practice of Stop, See, Soften, and his ITT Framework: Invest in joy, Train your brain, Take bold action. It's a conversation about presence, hardship, and why change is possible at any age.

Brent's new book, The Alchemy of Joy, is out September 15, 2026 – pre-order it now.

Learn more about Brent Freeman and The Alchemy of Joy. Follow Brent on Instagram. Listen to more episodes of The David Bach Show. Follow David on Facebook, Instagram & X. Learn more about David Bach. Get The Automatic Millionaire here.

Jean Chatzky's mother died with $1.7 million untouched in her retirement account – money she was too afraid to spend. In this episode, David Bach sits down with Jean, bestselling author and founder of HerMoney.com, to talk about her new book, The Forever Paycheck, and why so many retirees can't bring themselves to enjoy the money they spent a lifetime saving.

They dig into why $45 trillion is sitting in American retirement accounts with almost none of it coming out, the psychology behind why we treat savings like "precious cargo" we're afraid to use, and what it actually means to build a "forever paycheck" – a reliable stream of income that lets you spend with confidence instead of fear. Jean also breaks down the different types of annuities, challenges the popular 4% withdrawal rule, and explains why your first decade of retirement — the "go-go years" – is the one you can't afford to spend too cautiously.

Jean Chatzky has written over a dozen personal finance books, spent 25 years with the Today Show, and hosts the PBS series Opportunity Knocks. Her new book, The Forever Paycheck, is out on September 8th.

Connect with Jean & David! Pre-Order The Forever Paycheck. Follow Jean on Facebook, Instagram & X. Listen to the last episode Jean recorded on David's podcast here. Follow David on Facebook, Instagram & X. Learn more about David Bach. Get The Automatic Millionaire here.

What do two financial pros with over 60 years of combined experience really wish they knew about money 30 years ago?

In this very special crossover episode of HerMoney and The David Bach Show, David sits down with longtime friend and bestselling author Jean Chatzky to share candid stories, big career lessons, and one bold new idea that could change retirement in America.

Together, Jean and David trade their top financial insights, biggest regrets, and heartfelt advice for anyone navigating money, health, aging, and family in 2026.

Resources:

• David's Flat Tax Proposal
• The Automatic Millionaire (20th Anniversary Edition)
• HerMoney's InvestingFixx Club

In this special bonus episode, David Bach sits down with his longtime friend and fellow #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Forleo to reflect on the 20-year journey of The Automatic Millionaire – what has changed, what hasn't, and why the book's core principles matter now more than ever.

David shares the "trillion-dollar clues" behind America's explosion of new millionaires, why paying yourself first still works, and how automation remains the most powerful wealth-building habit ever created. But this episode goes far deeper than money – touching on purpose, burnout, sabbaticals, health expectancy, and the urgency of living rich now, not later.

Inside this candid, inspiring conversation, you'll learn:

• Why America now has nearly 24 million millionaires – and what they're all doing in common

• The surprising retirement crisis happening even among six-figure earners

• Whether a million dollars is still enough (and the math behind becoming a multimillionaire)

• How small daily habits – even $27.40 a day – can lead to $1-4 million in long-term wealth

• Why the Latte Factor® still sparks aha moments around the world

• The crisis in financial literacy — and why young people aren't being taught the basics

• The rise of millennials and Gen Z as powerful savers, investors, and early retirees

• How sabbaticals and mini-retirements can completely reset your life and creativity

• The real story behind David's decision to update the book – and how his late father shaped this chapter

• A final message of encouragement for readers who are ready to take action

This is more than a financial conversation – it's a blueprint for a richer, more intentional life. Whether you're just beginning your journey or recommitting to your financial future, this episode reminds you that building wealth isn't complicated...it just needs to be automatic.

Explore more: Visit www.DavidBach.com for resources, classes, the podcast archive, and the updated 20th Anniversary Edition of The Automatic Millionaire.

In this heartfelt episode, David Bach shares one of the most beloved parts of The Automatic Millionaire: the success stories. Recorded after three weeks in the studio – and kept in the audiobook thanks to one timely email from a reader – this chapter celebrates the everyday people who transformed their financial lives using simple, automatic steps.

These are not Wall Street insiders or high-income earners. They're teachers, soldiers, young couples, single parents, musicians, caregivers, and college students – all proving the same truth:

If they can do it, you can do it.

Inside this episode, you'll hear:

• How a 24-year-old preschool teacher became a millionaire – and went on to inspire millions more

• A trumpet player who went from broke to building a real estate empire

• A family who automated their way to a $2.4M net worth

• A deployed soldier who shared The Automatic Millionaire across his entire unit

• Couples who paid off debt, maxed out retirement savings, and bought homes – all by making their finances automatic

• A high school student whose required summer reading completely reframed her future

These intimate letters and emails span more than two decades and thousands of readers – all proof that the principles of The Automatic Millionaire work in any economy, any career, and any stage of life.

If you've ever wondered whether you can truly change your financial future, let these voices remind you: Start small. Make it automatic. And watch your life transform.

Share your story: [email protected]

Join the VIP Insider Team: https://davidbach.com/insider-launch-team

Visit: www.davidbach.com

In this special episode, bestselling author David Bach shares the brand-new, fully updated introduction to The Automatic Millionaire: 20th Anniversary Edition. With more than 2 million copies sold and translations in over 20 languages, this timeless classic has helped millions transform their financial lives – and now David updates the message for a new generation.

You'll hear David reflect on:

• Why The Automatic Millionaire is more relevant today than ever

• The explosive rise of millionaires in America and what it means for you

• How everyday people can build wealth automatically – regardless of income

• The inspiring real-life stories behind the new edition

• The updated "Automatic Millionaire Blueprint" and bonus resources

• Why the Latte Factor® still works (and always will)

• What's changed in taxes, technology, and investing since the book first launched

• How anyone – including you – can set up a plan that builds wealth effortlessly

David also revisits the unforgettable story of Jim and Sue McIntyre – the original "automatic millionaires" – and explains how their simple, automated approach to money can still change lives today.

If you've ever wished money was taught in school, or if you're ready to finally feel confident about your financial future, this episode is the perfect place to start.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more & join the launch team: davidbach.com/insider-launch-team

• Download the Automatic Millionaire Blueprint: DavidBach.com/blueprint

• Visit www.davidbach.com

Welcome back to the podcast. Today, I'm interviewing my dear friend, Michele Capecchi!

Known as the Italian Legal Whisperer, Michele is an international lawyer who helps ex-pats (like myself) navigate the challenges of moving to Italy from other parts of the world. He's also recognized for his work securing dual citizenship for Americans with Italian heritage and has been doing this for 20+ years.

Today, you'll learn the process for making an Italian move possible while avoiding the mistakes that hold so many people back from making their dreams of relocating to this beautiful country a reality.

In this session, here's what we cover:

• What options are available for people who want to live in Italy for longer than 90 days?
• The downside to buying Italian property as a tourist
• Why it's essential to hire an attorney when moving abroad.
• How long does a visa application take?
• What you must do in the first 8 days of moving to Italy to make your stay legal.
• How my one-year sabbatical turned into 4 years in Italy!
• The process for investing in Italian real estate.
• Why Italian banks aren't willing to give a mortgage to a foreigner—and the process for financing a property.
• The process for operating your online business from Italy.
• How Americans with Italian heritage can recover their citizenship.
• The many advantages of having dual citizenship and a second passport.

Interview Resources

• Capecchi Legal
• Michele Capecchi on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram,
• Legal Advice for Expats in Italy: Everything you ever needed to know about moving to Italy—and staying here
• The Italian Legal Whisperer Podcast
• CBS NEWS Special on "Italian Citizenship

Get Access to More Great Content!

To get access to the best financial tools, resources, and advice to help you LIVE RICH NOW, visit DavidBach.com

Connect with David Bach

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

Lewis Howes is in the house and he's going to be sharing some of the biggest lessons he's learned from the most successful people on the planet!

Lewis Howes is a New York Times best-selling author, keynote speaker, and host of The School of Greatness—one of the top podcasts in the world with over 500 million downloads and over 1,300 episodes since it launched in 2013.

Today, we're talking all about his brand new book, The Greatness Mindset, which will teach you how to unlock the power of your mind, eliminate self-sabotaging thoughts, and pursue a meaningful life.

You'll also learn why self-doubt is the biggest killer of dreams, the 3 P's to discovering your life's meaningful mission, and how to reshape your identity, overcome your deepest fears, and live your best life.

In this session, here's what we cover:

• The power of consistency
• The secret to creating one of the top podcasts in the world
• The art of falling in love with yourself
• What is the true meaning of greatness?
• Unpacking the 3 causes of self-doubt
• What you appreciate, appreciates
• Why Lewis was still unhappy after achieving his goals
• How to reshape your identity and discover your meaningful mission
• Why most narcissists fail to get the help they need
• Healing pain and finding peace, freedom, and clarity
• Lewis shares his 3 biggest life lessons

Interview Resources

• Lewis Howes Website
• Lewis Howes on TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
• School of Greatness Podcast and The Daily Motivation
• The Greatness Mindset Book Bundle
• The Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today by Lewis Howes
• The Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships, and Live Their Fullest Lives by Lewis Howes
• The Weight of Gold (movie)
• Man's Search For Meaning: The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust by Viktor Frankl

Get Access to More Great Content!

To get access to the best financial tools, resources, and advice to help you LIVE RICH NOW, visit DavidBach.com

Connect with David Bach

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

It's been a while, but I'm back on the podcast to share an amazing interview with my longtime friend, Joe Polish. Joe is recognized as the most connected person on the planet, and today you're going to find out why!

In case you're unfamiliar, Joe Polish is an author, speaker, podcaster, entrepreneur, and Founder of Genius Network®, which is considered one of the most exclusive entrepreneurial masterminds in the world.

While Joe has seen wild success throughout his career and is known for his ability to connect deeply with others, that wasn't always his story. In fact, before he ever crushed it in business, he was a dead broke carpet cleaner, and his struggles with trauma and addiction led to a very disconnected life.

Only after getting sober did he take the time to learn how to form genuine relationships with others. For 30+ years, Joe has been putting his approach to building rapport into practice, allowing him to surround himself with the most successful people imaginable—and now he's ready to teach YOU how to do the same.

In our conversation, we dive into his new book, What's in It for Them?: 9 Genius Networking Principles to Get What You Want by Helping Others Get What They Want.

You'll learn about the power of reciprocity, the importance of treating yourself like a million-dollar racehorse, how to cut out toxic relationships, why being a giver (instead of a taker) is more important than ever, and much more!

In this session, here's what we cover:

• Why Joe wrote his new book, What's in It for Them?
• How to win the right friends and influence the right people (an update to Dale Carnegie's legendary teaching).
• How to set your life up to be a lot more E.L.F (easy, lucrative, fun) and a lot less H.A.L.F (hard, annoying, lame, frustrating).
• The secret to why Joe Polish is the most connected human being on the planet.
• How to act like a "pain detective" and make more money by transforming other people's bad news into good news.
• How do you know if you're investing your time and energy in the wrong relationships?
• Learn to deepen rapport and connect with others by identifying and reducing their suffering.
• The story of when Joe used the What's In It For Them framework to win over Sir Richard Branson.
• The power of the 6-week sabbatical and how to use it to destroy anything in your life that isn't excellent.
• How can you connect with yourself, so you can better connect with others?
• Why life gives to the giver and takes from the taker.

Interview Resources

• Joe Polish Website
• Joe Polish on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook
• What's in It for Them?: 9 Genius Networking Principles to Get What You Want by Helping Others Get What They Want by Joe Polish
• Genius Network
• Genius Recovery
• Joe Polish Interviews, Articles, and Podcasts
• The 6 Week Sabbatical with David Bach and Joe Polish
• Joe Polish Sabbatical
• Life Gives to the Giver by Joe Polish
• Zig Ziglar
• How to Win Friends and Influence People: Updated For the Next Generation of Leaders
• Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
• The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich
• Dean Jackson
• Dan Sullivan
• Chris Voss
• Gabor Maté
• Strategic Coach
• Jay Abraham
• Bob Roth
• Richard Branson
• Andre Norman
• Ambassador of Hope: Turning Poverty and Prison into Purpose-Driven Life
• Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
• Wim Hof
• The Oxygen Advantage with Patrick McKeown

Get Access to More Great Content!

To get access to the best financial tools, resources, and advice to help you LIVE RICH NOW, visit www.FinishRich.com

Connect with David Bach

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

In this episode, I'm super excited to be speaking with my new friend and powerhouse entrepreneur, Jamie Kern Lima.

Jamie is the co-founder of IT Cosmetics and the first female chief executive in L'Oréal's history. She has also been featured on the Forbes list of "America's Richest Self-Made Women" since 2017, and is one of the most recognizable faces on QVC TV.

In her new book, Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable, she shares her unbelievable true story of building a billion dollar business from her living room.

Unfortunately, society doesn't teach us how to believe in ourselves, and that's why Jamie's book is vital for today's times. If you want to find out why rejection is actually just grace in disguise and how to overcome self-doubt on your path to success, then this conversation is exactly what you need today.

Also, don't miss Jamie's FREE 1-DAY LIVE CONFIDENCE-BUILDING VIRTUAL EVENT! - Monday February 22, 2021 @ 7AM PST | 10AM EST.

In this session, here's what we cover:

• Why rejection is a good thing in business, and how to turn setbacks into lucrative partnerships.
• The story of how Jamie went from a struggling waitress to launching a dream company from her living room.
• How to believe in yourself, even when you feel like you're crazy.
• Why listening to your intuition can help you improve judgement.
• How the power of storytelling can help you build your business.
• How to create something that works for you, and turn it into a valuable product for others.
• The story of how Jamie Kern Lima built the largest beauty brand in QVC history.
• Why not giving up is the most genius thing you can sometimes do.
• Using rejection to understand what's missing in your business.
• Tips on finding your authenticity and why you can't fake it.

Interview Resources

• Believe It: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable
• Join Jamie Kern Lima's insider team
• Preorder the book from Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Book Depository, BAM!, or Indie Bound
• FREE 1-DAY LIVE CONFIDENCE-BUILDING VIRTUAL EVENT!
• Media request contact form for TV, print, and podcast interviews
• About Jamie Kern Lima
• Connect with Jamie Kern Lima on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn
• Jamie Kern Lima on QVC
• IT Cosmetics
• Jamie Kern Lima on Wikipedia
• David Bach on Oprah
• Smart Women Finish Rich
• Smart Couples Finish Rich
• The 3 Minute Sunday Newsletter
• Finish Rich by David Bach Company
• Growthday Coaching with David Bach
• The Latte Factor: Why You Don't Have to Be Rich to Live Rich

Get Access to More Great Content!

To get access to the best financial tools, resources, and advice to help you LIVE RICH NOW, visit www.FinishRich.com

Connect with David Bach

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube