The Nomad on FIRE Podcast

The Nomad on FIRE Podcast | Lauren and Steven | of Trip of a Lifestyle | Episode #19 Shownotes

Guest Bio:

Lauren and Steven, are a couple of middle-class millennials from Florida. By making a few lifestyle tweaks soon after graduation, they managed to bank enough money to leave their full-time jobs at age 29. That buffer of cash has enabled them to do some really fun stuff, like traveling to every US National Park in 2019. Lauren and Steven have a fantastic and inspiring story. I think you'll really enjoy this episode as it has an awesome mix of travel and finance content. Semi-retired lifestyle for the win!

Links Mentioned:

• Lauren and Steven's blog Trip Of A Lifestyle
  • Their Hawaii honeymoon: https://www.tripofalifestyle.com/money/zero-dollar-hawaii-honeymoon/
  • Why/how they bought their house for cash (lots of peace of mind, but they lost out significantly by not having that money in index funds): https://www.tripofalifestyle.com/money/paying-cash-for-a-house-at-age-25/
  • National Parks trip: https://www.tripofalifestyle.com/destinations/how-we-visited-every-national-park/
  • Cost of their National Parks trip: https://www.tripofalifestyle.com/money/our-cost-to-see-every-national-park/
  • Their van and how they converted it: https://www.tripofalifestyle.com/gear-and-tips/cheap-travel-with-nissan-nv200-camper-van/

Show Notes: 

• Lauren and Steven’s background and their six-month honeymoon! 00:40
• The importance of avoiding lifestyle inflation 07:35
• Lauren and Steven discuss the next stage in their journey 09:00
• Traveling to all of the US National Parks 16:00
• Working part-time during the National Parks road trip 20:30
• Their investment strategy 24:30
• Lauren and Steven discuss their philosophy behind travel hacking 27:10
• The semi-retired lifestyle 31:00
• Tips for finding remote, part-time work and working with employers to structure that setup 34:30
• Trip of a Lifestyle 45:00
• Future Travel Plans 49:30
• Connect with Lauren and Steven 52:15
• https://www.facebook.com/TripOfALifestyle/
• https://www.instagram.com/tripofalifestyle/
• https://twitter.com/toalifestyle

Significant quotes: 

•  “Why are we really going this fast and this hard anymore, we're almost there, we're definitely more than halfway there”13:35
• “We're not tapping our portfolio, we're actually adding to the portfolio and it feels like were basically retired” 30:30
• “I think if you’re that close you should just start enjoying your life more” 31:45

Connect with Eric and Nomad on FIRE!

• Website: https://nomadonfire.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericthenomadonFIRE/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadonfire/

The Nomad on FIRE Podcast | Becky Blake | of Twentyfree.co | Episode #18 Shownotes

Becky Blake is the owner of TwentyFree.co and the host of The Find Your Freedom Podcast.

Becky quit her job in January 2020 to work for herself. She started with $100k in student loan debt in 2015, paid off most of it, and then saved $100k of f-you money before quitting her job. 

Being self-employed, Becky has the flexibility to work location independently. She frequently travels with her partner. Her 5-year plan involves building a tiny house to live in as a home base, doing a van conversion for full-time travel through the US, and a 1-year travel-the-world honeymoon.

During this information-packed episode, Becky and I discuss her FIRE story, her student loan payoff journey, self-employment, travel, the nomadic lifestyle, and so much more!

Links Mentioned:

• Mr. Money Mustache article: cutting your spending rate is much more powerful than increasing your income
• TwentyFree.co
• Find Your Freedom Podcast
• Becky's Social Channels:
  • https://www.instagram.com/twentyfreeco/
  • https://www.instagram.com/findyourfreedom_podcast/
  • https://twitter.com/twentyfreeco
  • https://twitter.com/fyf_podcast

Show Notes: 

• Becky welcome to the show 00:30
• Becky’s Background 01:00
• Becky’s Student Loan payoff journey, paying off $70K of a $100K student loan balance 06:28
• Becky’s tips for paying off $70K of student loan debt in two years! 11:08
• The importance of frugal living, avoiding lifestyle inflation,  automating your savings and investments and having a spending plan 12:30
• Becky discusses leaving her full-time job to work for herself 20:15
• Becky shares her thoughts on the RE “retire early” aspect of the FIRE Movement 31:00
• Becky talks about her podcast, The Find Your Freedom Podcast 35:28
• Becky shares her thoughts on traveling and the nomadic lifestyle 39:40
• Becky’s new positive habit 48:00
• Where to reach Becky online TwentyFree.co and Find Your Freedom Podcast 49:30

Significant quotes: 

• “I was trading in my twenties for a life that I didn’t like at all” 04:10
• “College is flexible, dynamic and challenging. And when you leave that environment and go to a corporate job, rarely do you have any of those three things, much less all three of them”  21:58
• “Part of the freedom that we get from financial freedom is the freedom to choose to do work that might not pay well, but makes an impact and that does good” 32:50

The Nomad on FIRE Podcast | Tyler Donahue | of Biographies Blog | Episode #17 Shownotes

Guest Bio:

Tyler Donahue is an entrepreneur and digital nomad. 

Tyler has had multiple entrepreneurial ventures including a digital marketing agency and Aessential Store which sells lavender-infused weighted blankets. His latest entrepreneurial venture is Biographies Blog which tells stories of humans from all different walks of life. Activists, entrepreneurs, artists, politicians, scientists, authors… People who have shaped or are currently shaping our world. On both a micro & macro scale.

I met Tyler on the Remote Year program that I was traveling with throughout Latin America. We talk about all things related to traveling, working remotely, and the digital nomad lifestyle, I hope you enjoy our conversation!

Links Mentioned:

• Tyler's Instagram
• Biographies Blog
• Aessential Store
• Remote Year, work, and travel program for digital nomads that I met Tyler on. If you want more information on Remote Year, I wrote a Remote Year Review where I share my experience and showcase what they provide for digital nomads
• Tyler's Medium
• Tyler's article on "Leaning In"

Show Notes: 

• Tyler Welcome to the show 00:30
• Tyler’s background and how he joined Remote Year 01:30
• Tyler’s History of Remote Work 3:30
• Tyler’s going to Thailand 4:45
• Tyler’s personal experience on RY 08:45
• Tyler’s top pros and cons of the location independent remote lifestyle 12:15
• Level three fun and its importance while traveling 14:30
• What Tyler has learned about himself while traveling 17:00
• Downsides of the digital nomad lifestyle for Tyler 20:15
• How the digital nomad lifestyle is accessible to so many people and very similar in many ways to your current lifestyle 23:30
• The impact of being a digital nomad on work-life balance 27:30
• Tyler’s plan to spend time in Mexico City 30:45
• Tyler’s advice for aspiring digital nomads 32:45
• Tyler’s Company LiveTranql and the mission behind it 38:00
• Tyler discusses the importance of “leaning in” 44:00
• And much more...
• Significant quotes:
• “ I don’t care how long it takes me, I’m going to work remotely and travel” 03:36
• “This lifestyle, working remote it's accessible to a lot more people than you could possibly imagine” 23:40

Connect with Eric and Nomad on FIRE!

• Website: https://nomadonfire.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericthenomadonFIRE/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadonfire/

The Nomad on FIRE Podcast| Riley Bennett | of Livin That Life | Episode #16 Shownotes

Guest Bio:

Riley has been a digital nomad and location independent entrepreneur since 2015. He has been based in SE Asia for 11 months of the year for the past five years. Riley runs an Amazon FBA business and also runs the popular Blog, Youtube Channel and Podcast Livin That Life.

Links Mentioned:

• Riley and I have both listened extensively to Johnny FD’s Podcast and Youtube
• Remote Year, work and travel program for digital nomads that I traveled with and mention in the podcast. If you want more information on Remote Year, I wrote a Remote Year Review where I share my experience and showcase what they provide for digital nomads
• Riley’s Canggu Recs
• 4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
• Ryan Moran Amazon FBA Mastermind 
• Youtube subscription on Livin That Life Monthly Mastermind
• VIP Blogging for Profit
• When Daniel H. Pink
• Riley’s Digital Nomad Beginners Course
• Six Phase Meditation
• Riley on Instagram

Show Notes: 

• Riley Bennett Welcome to The Nomad on FIRE Podcast 01:20
• Riley’s Background 01:43
• Riley’s Travel’s Around SE Asia and using it as a Homebase 09:45
• The power of like-minded individuals and the nomad community 13:00
• Riley’s favorite thing about the digital nomad lifestyle and working for himself 22:45
• Riley’s future plans for his businesses 28:44
• Riley’s Digital Nomad Beginners Course and Advice for those just starting out 33:40
• What Riley has learned about himself living the digital nomad lifestyle 43:58
• Riley’s thoughts on FIRE Financial Independence Retire Early 50:30
• Riley’s typical budget and spending in Chiang Mai, Thailand 58:30
• New Habit or Routine 1:02:35

Significant quotes: 

• “Before we get like a real job lets get some travel experience” 03:50
• “That’s the mindset that you gotta have for success. If he can do it, I can do it too” 06:00
• “Doing all of the things that you love to do, that’s retirement” 55:15

Connect with Eric and Nomad on FIRE!

• Website: https://nomadonfire.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericthenomadonFIRE/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadonfire/

The Nomad on FIRE Podcast| Emma & Lauren | The Blonde Vagabonds | Episode #15 Shownotes 

Guest Bios:

Lauren

Lauren is American and describes herself as a "medium maintenance traveler" - she likes a bit of comfort and a good meal but also spent two weeks sleeping a tent on top of a truck in Namibia and isn't squeamish about peeing in the woods if the occasion calls for it.

She has been working in international schools as an English literature teacher for the past ten years - 3 years in South Korea 🇰🇷 and 7 years in Hungary 🇭🇺 - and will be moving to the United Arab Emirates later this year for her next thing post.

While traveling, Lauren likes to get to know places through their cuisine, history, art, and landscapes and never says no to a wine tour. 🍷

Emma

Emma is Dutch and as adventurous as they come. She's an adrenaline junkie, climber, hiker, and boxer but also knows her way around a glass of wine and you will rarely see her without her camera. 📷

Emma has been working for an international NGO for veterinarians for over two years. Since then, she has not lived anywhere but has continuously traveled around the world, exploring new places while maintaining her career 💻🐶

She's the kind of traveler who will wake up at 4 am for a sunrise hike 🌄 - and try to persuade you to come with her. She's a bit more low maintenance than Lauren and has mastered the art of working out of hostels, cafés, and AirBnBs.

Links Mentioned:

• Tripadvisor
• Culture Trip
• Timeout
• My Maps App
• Where to find Emma and Lauren Online
  • https://www.instagram.com/blonde_vagabonds/
  • https://www.instagram.com/laurenbroeseker/
  • https://www.instagram.com/nofrills_travel/

Show Notes: 

• Lauren and Emma Welcome to The Nomad on FIRE Podcast 01:20
• Lauren and Emma’s backgrounds in-depth 02:00 
  • International Teacher, ex-pat lifestyle, benefits, and downsides 
  • Digital Nomad, frequent travel lifestyle, benefits, and downsides 
• Emma’s Travel’s the past two years and future travel plans 10:30
• Lauren’s future travel plans 11:54
• The importance of finding a pace of travel that works for you and your situation 12:28
• Lauren and Emma share some recommendations and their personal favorite travel destinations 15:18
• What Lauren and Emma have learned about themselves living their respective travel lifestyles 20:04
• Practical tips for trip planning and finding great restaurants 28:50
• Lauren and Emma’s advice for aspiring digital nomads or travelers 33:34
• Lauren and Emma’s idea for a joint travel blog- The Blonde Vagabonds 39:23
• A perfect day for Lauren and Emma 44:20
• Pick #1 takeaway from the conversation today 46:42
• Where to find Emma and Lauren Online
  • https://www.instagram.com/blonde_vagabonds/
• And much more...

Significant quotes: 

• “If you choose to live abroad in so many places around the world you can have a pretty incredible lifestyle working in international schools ” 04:08 
• “I don’t really fit any box anymore, and that has been so liberating to not have to fit anyone’s expectation of you” 23:22

The Nomad on FIRE Show Notes | Christa Romano | Of Christa Bella Travels | Episode #14

Hey everyone, I apologize for the audio in this episode.
The internet connection was not the best as sometimes happens when traveling around living the digital nomad lifestyle and being in places with spotty internet. Hopefully, this does not deter you from listening, as this is a fantastic episode. Christa has some amazing insights from living the digital nomad lifestyle for the past four years!

Guest Bio:

Christa Romano has been living abroad for the past six years and as a digital nomad for the last four. She works as a Marketing Strategist and you may recognize her from her popular Instagram Christa Bella Travels! In this episode, we cover her digital nomad journey, tips for finding community,  budgeting while utilizing geographic arbitrage and so much more!

Links Mentioned:

Christa Bella Travels on Instagram

Christa's posts about the term "digital nomad" Part1 and Part2

Digital Nomad Community Links

• Work and travel programs and co-work/ co-live programs
• Christa has traveled with and recommends:
  • WIFI Tribe
  • Work Wanderers
  • Bright Tribe
  • Nomad Cruise
• Eric has traveled with and recommends Remote Year

Show Notes: 

• Christa Welcome to The Nomad on FIRE Podcast 01:20
• Christa’s Background and Digital Nomad Story 03:50
• Where Christa’s travels began 10:45
• Ability to prioritize spending time with family and friends living the digital nomad lifestyle 14:00
• A typical day for Christa living the digital nomad lifestyle 18:09
• Christa’s recommendations for finding community as a digital nomad - WIFI Tribe Work Wanderers Bright Tribe Nomad Cruise 21:15 
• What Christa has learned about herself living this lifestyle 27:30
• Christa’s advice for aspiring digital nomads and the power of geographic arbitrage 32:00
• Christa’s thoughts on using the term “digital nomads” 38:25
• Christa’s digital nomad budget 40:55
• Christa Bella Travels 47:25
• Christa’s top tips on personal branding, thumb-stopping content! 54:00
• Christa’s new positive habit- Gratitude! 58:30
• Where to connect with Christa online 1:01:20
• And much more...

Significant quotes: 

• “My favorite thing about this lifestyle is that I get to prioritize people in my life no matter where they are” 14:15
• “At this point I’m kind of just addicted to traveling” 15:25
• “It might be less frequent that you see anybody at all, like  friends family whoever but the time that you do spend with them is usually uninterrupted and so much higher quality 17:40
• “It is a little bit more expensive to join a coliving group but its worth every penny times ten” 25:00

Connect with Eric and Nomad on FIRE!

Website: https://nomadonfire.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadonfire/

The Nomad on FIRE Show Notes | Stephanie and Gillian | Of Our Freedom Years | Episode #13

Guest Bio:

Stephanie and Gillian are a Canadian ex-pat couple who achieved financial independence and gave up their corporate careers for a life of slow travel.

The story of their big adventure begins in 2013 when they moved their lives and careers from Canada to Singapore, a tiny but quickly growing country on the other side of the world.

After many years of saving and investing, they finally achieved their financial independence goals and escaped the corporate grind. With their two dogs in tow, they were ready to say goodbye to their adopted home of Singapore and hello to a nomadic life in Europe and beyond.

Links Mentioned:

• HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO RETIRE EARLY AND TRAVEL? | Our Tips for Coming up with the Right Amount 
• HOW TO SAVE MONEY IN ORDER TO RETIRE EARLY AND TRAVEL LONG TERM | Tips for Cutting Monthly Expenses 
• FINDING THE PERFECT AIRBNB | Our Tips & Tricks for How To Find the Perfect Airbnb 
• Subscribe to Our Freedom Years on YouTube! 
• Follow Our Freedom Years on Twitter! 
• Follow Our Freedom Years on Instagram!

Show Notes: 

• The beginning of their story [00:54] -7:52
• The move to Singapore for travel and for their career [11:54]
• Dealing with burnout [12:23]
• Financial Independence [13:30]
• Tips for cutting expenses [21:19]
• Hitting their target FI (Financial Independence) number [27:29]
• Selling things, packing up, and the slow travel lifestyle [28:18]
• Stephanie and Gillian’s travel plans [34:08]
• Airbnb: tips on getting discounts and finding the right place [39:11]
• Traveling with dogs: how fun and how difficult [44:36]
• What their day looks like now that they in the slow travel lifestyle [50:00]
• Keeping in touch with friends and family while traveling [52:54]
• Recently-built habits [57:18]
• Advice for anyone wanting the slow travel lifestyle or financial independence [58:38]

Significant quotes: 

“It's important to think just beyond the number that you're trying to achieve… What would your life be like?” 59:20

Connect with Eric and Nomad on FIRE!

Website: https://nomadonfire.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericthenomadonFIRE/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadonfire/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nomad_onFIRE

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nomadon_FIRE/

Bianca Lynch | Accountability Coach & Speaker | Episode #12

Get ready for a super fun episode of The Nomad on FIRE Podcast! Bianca has a full-time remote job, multiple side hustles and travels the world!

We became friends on the 4-month Remote Year program that we were traveling together on and recorded this episode back in November 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico! If you're interested in travel and the digital nomad lifestyle, you have to check out this episode of The Nomad on FIRE Podcast!!!

Guest Bio:

Bianca Lynch is a Social Media Coach, Accountability Coach, and Speaker! During this action-packed episode, Bianca talks about being a remote professional as well as an entrepreneur all while traveling the world! We also discuss the importance of mindset while traveling, understanding your "why" and the importance of packing a bit less than you thought you needed.

Links Mentioned:

Social Media for Coaches
Accountability Coach | Speaker

Remote Year, work and travel program for digital nomads that Bianca and I met on

SPIbelt Running Belt

Show Notes:

• Bianca Lynch welcome to The Nomad on FIRE Podcast 01:20
• Bianca’s background and how she started living the digital nomad lifestyle 02:00
• Bianca’s experience working as a remote professional and entrepreneur 04:50
• Bianca’s experience being on Remote Year and living the digital nomad lifestyle 11:20
• What Bianca has learned while living the digital nomad lifestyle 16:45
• The importance of bringing less than you need while packing and traveling 20:00
• The one thing Bianca is happy she brought from home to take on Remote Year 21:40
• Importance of routine and your mindset while traveling 26:00
• Bianca and I discuss the destinations we visited on our 4-month Remote Year program throughout LATAM
• Bianca’s perfect day living the digital nomad lifestyle 41:00
• Finding out what works best for you and what time of the day is the best to work out 42:30
• Bianca discusses the benefits of meditation and journaling 46:30
  • Notion- app Eric recommends for journaling and all things personal productivity 
  • Bianca recommends Calm or Headspace for meditation
• #1 takeaway from the conversation with Bianca 51:00

Significant quotes: 

• “I can get more comfortable being completely outside of my comfort zone” 03:40
• “I do not need like 75% of the things that I have at home” 16:50
• “This is absolutely the beginning of my travel journeys, and I can’t wait to do more of this” 30:00
• “Be really clear and really intentional about what you want to get out of this lifestyle” 36:00

Chris Dodd | Of Chris the Freelancer | The Nomad on FIRE Podcast Show Notes

Chris Dodd of Chris the Freelancer has been creating amazing content about the digital nomad lifestyle since 2016!

Chris is also a top teacher on Skillshare. Last year he took a year off of traveling to focus on his career and getting into a productive and healthy routine.

We discuss last year, how his views on the lifestyle have changed over time, his advice for aspiring nomads, his thoughts on FIRE Financial Independence Retire Early and so much more in this information-packed episode that you don’t want to miss!

See more show notes at nomadonfire.com

Links Mentioned:

• Pieter Levels founder of Nomadlist.com
• Mitko Karshovski-THE 12 LESSONS OF DIGITAL NOMAD CHRISTMAS
• Michael Constable of Michael Wings It
• "I’ve always felt that the FIRE movement has identified the correct problem, but provided a lousy solution" By Zach of Four Pillar Freedom
• Dreamlining Tim Ferriss
• The 4-Hour Workweek
• Sharon Tseung Youtube

Show Notes:

• Chris Dodd of Chris the Freelancer welcome to The Nomad on FIRE Podcast 01:20
• Chris’s background and how he started living the digital nomad lifestyle 03:35
• Chris’s background making videos and starting Chris the Freelancer 06:50
• Chris discusses taking time off from traveling in 2019 12:15
• Future for Chris the Freelancer 27:30
• Chris and I discuss some of the issues that come with working on “your passion” full-time 29:00
• Chris’s various businesses, passive income streams and how he’s streamlined over the years 31:35
• Chris’s budget as a digital nomad and how he takes advantage of geoarbitrage 36:00
• Chris and I discuss the cost of living in Chiang Mai, Thailand 37:50
• Financial Independence Retire Early or the FIRE Community 39:00

Significant quotes: 

• “I just can’t work from home” 10:40
• “I don’t live this lifestyle to avoid an office, I do it for other reasons like being in different cities and geoarbitrage” 11:20
• “Self-awareness is the biggest lesson” 15:50
• “It's a certain type of person who gravitates towards this digital nomad lifestyle” 16:25
• “It doesn’t have to be one or the other” 18:00
• “As a creative, I don’t want to put too much financial pressure on making videos, cause it is my creative outlet” 27:50
• “I never want to feel pressured to make a video that I don’t want to make” 28:50
• “I got my work and I got my passion and I’m cool with it” 31:00
• “Right now the main thing that’s working for me is being a teacher on Skillshare.com” 33:05

#10 | Harrison Hunter Reid | Founder & CEO, Keynote Speaker, and Digital Nomad | The Nomad on FIRE Podcast Show Notes

Harrison Hunter Reid is a digital nomad and entrepreneur. He is the founder of Koohlah and also a professional speaker. He recently spoke on the Nomad Cruise 2019. Harrison is extremely passionate about his mission and the digital nomad lifestyle. I think you will really enjoy this episode with him!

Guest Bio:

Harrison Hunter Reid is a serial entrepreneur, international speaker, and world traveler. He is an expert in making things easy, actionable, and fun. He helps his students transform their health, take control of their minds, and create enterprises destined for success; all with ease. Harrison went from being fired from every job he ever had to currently running 2 businesses. One that is relieving the global obesity epidemic by selling snack foods that satisfy our cravings in a radically healthy manner. The other helps American financial institutions structure their benefit programs to instantly generate substantially more income for both their employees and owners. Harrison previously co-founded an events company when he was 18 years old that generated thousands of dollars for charity. He is also currently on the advisory board for two charities, Help For Children, and National Alliance.

Links Mentioned:

• Remote Year, work and travel program for digital nomads that Harrison and I met on
• Koohlah- Harrison's company creating healthy foods
• Harrison Hunter Reid- Harrison's professional speaking website
• Harrison's talk about productivity on The Nomad Cruise
• Instagram- @harrisonhunterreid
• Harrison's Channel on Youtube

Show Notes: 

• Harrison Hunter Reid the Founder & CEO of Koohlah welcome to the show! 00:00
• Harrison’s background on becoming an entrepreneur and a digital nomad 00:35
• Harrison’s latest venture Koohlah and the company's mission to end the global obesity epidemic 02:30
• Why Harrison decided to become a digital nomad 05:13
• Harrison’s favorite travel destination so far has been Medellin, Colombia 08:15
• Harrison’s future travel plans 09:25
• Pros and cons of the digital nomad lifestyle 11:30
• What it's like being in a relationship on Remote Year and as a digital nomad 13:25
• Advice for aspiring digital nomads 15:00
• Having a good routine as a digital nomad 16:15
• Perfect Day for Harrison 19:00
• The importance of staying longer in the places you travel to 22:15
• #1 piece of advice 24:00
• Where to connect with Harrison online 25:00
• And much more...

Significant quotes: 

• “Now that I’m here I realize how easy it is, awesome it is and how much I don’t wanna go back” 08:00
• “Every day I wake up I feel like I’m living my dream life” 12:10
• “Do it! What are you waiting for” 15:05
• “People need to realize how important a gym is for their mental health” 18:00
• And much much more...