Fit Rich Life

In this episode of the Fit Rich Life Podcast, I'm joined for a third time by my friend, mentor, and bestselling author JL Collins, author of The Simple Path to Wealth.
When I first discovered JL's work in 2017, it fundamentally changed my financial life. In our previous conversations, we covered FU money, index investing, financial independence, bonds, market downturns, and staying the course. But this conversation explores new territory — including JL's recent shift toward adding international stocks to his portfolio.
We talk about why JL, after decades of primarily investing in U.S. index funds, has added VT, Vanguard's Total World Stock ETF, and what that means for investors who currently hold VTI, VTSAX, or the S&P 500. JL explains why this is not a dramatic change, why he still believes the most important decision is to invest in low-cost, broad-based index funds, and why investors should avoid creating unnecessary tax consequences just to make minor portfolio adjustments.
We also discuss market crashes, all-time highs, trading traps, stock picking, the danger of trying to predict the market, and why the stock market will always do whatever it needs to do to embarrass the maximum number of people. JL shares one of his own painful investing mistakes from the 1987 crash and why staying the course requires courage, humility, and a long-term perspective.
From there, we dive into financial independence, "one more year syndrome," and the difference between retiring from work you dislike and creating a life filled with autonomy, creativity, and meaningful contribution. JL shares why he prefers the term financial independence over FIRE, why retirement is often misunderstood, and why a flexible, low-cost lifestyle can create far more freedom than chasing a bigger portfolio number.
Finally, JL offers personal reflections on health, fitness, aging, and why it's never too late — or too early — to begin building a stronger, freer, and more intentional life.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that wealth is not about prediction, perfection, or complexity. It's about owning your freedom, staying the course, and building a life you actually want to live.
 
Topics covered include:
JL Collins adding international stocks to his portfolio

VT vs. VTI vs. VTSAX vs. the S&P 500

How to think about portfolio changes without triggering taxes

Why market crashes are a normal part of long-term investing

The danger of trading, stock picking, and chasing hot sectors

What to do if you sold during a downturn

One more year syndrome and financial independence

Why retirement is really about autonomy

How FU money gives you options before full FI

Lessons on health, fitness, aging, and living boldly

 
Resources Mentioned:
The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins: https://amzn.to/4xuIdoN 

The Simple Path to Wealth Workbook: https://amzn.to/4ov8qiI 

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund / ETF: VTSAX / VTI

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF: VT

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF: VXUS

Quit Like a Millionaire by Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung: https://a.co/d/0j1g0k8a 

Parent Like a Millionaire Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung: https://a.co/d/0d8BqdnC 

Same as Ever by Morgan Housel: https://a.co/d/06pMELu2 

 
Connect with JL Collins:
Web: https://jlcollinsnh.com/ 

X: https://x.com/JLCollinsNH 

 
Get a FREE copy of my Money Guide: https://mwob.fitrichlife.com/ 
 
Full Show Notes w/ Links to resources: www.fitrichlife.com/podcast/



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SHOW SPONSORS:
I am incredibly passionate about Fitness and Money & have reached a substantial degree of mastery in these domains, and now I'm looking to help others do the same! Interested in taking your Fitness, Money & Life to the next level? Book your Free Consultation today or drop me a DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/justindavidcarl to coordinate a time to connect with me.
 
From Pre-Workout to Protein, if you desire to lead a happy, healthy, fit life, go to https://vedgenutrition.com/dragon  and grab your plant-based healthy essentials. Use the code DRAGON to save $$! 



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What happens when financial independence gives you the freedom you always wanted—but also forces you to ask deeper questions about identity, purpose, time, health, and happiness?
In this episode of the Fit Rich Life Podcast, I sit down with Diania Merriam, founder of the EconoMe Conference, for a powerful conversation about building financial freedom without postponing your life in the process.
Diania shares how her dream of walking the Camino de Santiago—a 500-mile pilgrimage across Spain—became the catalyst for completely transforming her finances. After discovering the FIRE movement, she paid off $30,000 of debt in 11 months, began saving and investing roughly 60% of her income, and eventually left her corporate career in 2021.
We also explore the origin story behind EconoMe, the financial independence gathering Diania created after experiencing the power of community on the Camino. She explains why pursuing a countercultural path like FI can feel lonely—and why finding people who share your values may be one of the most important accelerators of financial freedom.
Diania and I also have a candid conversation about what happens after reaching financial independence: the pull to keep making more money, the identity crisis that can emerge when work becomes optional, and the importance of redirecting ambition toward health, relationships, creativity, play, and a life that feels deeply fulfilling.
We discuss:
• How Diania negotiated a two-month sabbatical to walk across Spain
• Paying off $30,000 of debt in 11 months without feeling deprived
• Why she does not believe in delayed gratification
• How to train yourself to want what you already have
• The story behind founding the EconoMe Conference
• Why community is fuel on the path to financial independence
• The difference between building wealth and building a rich life
• How to navigate identity, purpose, and time freedom after leaving work
• Diania's evolving relationship with fitness, strength training, running, and recovery
• Her honest experience with mental health and the solutions she is currently exploring
This conversation is about far more than retirement. It is about using money to buy back your time—and then having the courage to use that time to build a life you genuinely love.
Connect with Diania Merriam and learn more about the EconoMe Conference: https://economeconference.com/ 
 
Get a FREE copy of my Money Guide: https://fitrichlifecoaching.com/blueprint 
 
Full Show Notes w/ Links to resources: www.fitrichlife.com/podcast/



FIT RICH LIFE NEWSLETTER
Get fit, get rich, and live your best life in 10 minutes a week. Join 4,700+ smart readers who are leveling up their Fitness, Money & Life.
Join here: https://fitrichlife.com/newsletter  
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE? 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justindavidcarl 
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Follow me on Twitter/X: https://x.com/justindavidcarl 
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justindavidcarl 
 
SHOW SPONSORS:
I am incredibly passionate about Fitness and Money & have reached a substantial degree of mastery in these domains, and now I'm looking to help others do the same! Interested in taking your Fitness, Money & Life to the next level? Book your Free Consultation today or drop me a DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/justindavidcarl to coordinate a time to connect with me.
 
From Pre-Workout to Protein, if you desire to lead a happy, healthy, fit life, go to https://vedgenutrition.com/dragon  and grab your plant-based healthy essentials. Use the code DRAGON to save $$! 

 
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Cody Berman hit financial independence at 25 and went from zero to FI in just three years.
In this episode, Cody returns to the Fit Rich Life Podcast to talk about his new book, Retire by 30, and the exact mindset, money strategies, side hustles, real estate moves, and lifestyle decisions that helped him build wealth and gain freedom at an unusually young age.
We talk about the "American Nightmare," why Cody quit his $80,000 corporate banking job after only seven months, how he kept his expenses incredibly low, and why the gap between your income and expenses may be the most important metric on the path to financial independence.
Cody and I also explore cashflow FI versus traditional index fund investing, the power of real estate leverage, why most side hustles fail before one finally works, how mentors and networking can completely change your trajectory, and why financial independence is not about never working again. It is about having the freedom to choose work, projects, relationships, and experiences on your own terms.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that financial independence is possible at any age if you are willing to get intentional with your money, increase your income, control your expenses, invest consistently, and build a life around freedom instead of status.
In this episode, we cover:
How Cody reached financial independence at 25

Why he wrote Retire by 30

The difference between looking rich and getting rich

The "gap" as the engine of financial independence

Cashflow FI versus the 25x rule

Real estate, digital products, and side hustles

Why frugality is a superpower early in your journey

How to think about debt without shame

The role of mentors, networking, and getting in the right rooms

Fitness, money, and life strategies for living a Fit Rich Life

 
Connect with Cody on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codydberman/ 
Order the "Retire By 30" book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dnI7at 



Get a FREE copy of my Money Guide: https://fitrichlifecoaching.com/blueprint 
 
Full Show Notes w/ Links to resources: www.fitrichlife.com/podcast/



FIT RICH LIFE NEWSLETTER
Get fit, get rich, and live your best life in 10 minutes a week. Join 4,600+ smart readers who are leveling up their Fitness, Money & Life.
Join here: https://fitrichlife.com/newsletter  
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE? 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justindavidcarl 
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@justindavidcarl 
Follow me on Twitter/X: https://x.com/justindavidcarl 
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justindavidcarl 
 
SHOW SPONSORS:
I am incredibly passionate about Fitness and Money & have reached a substantial degree of mastery in these domains, and now I'm looking to help others do the same! Interested in taking your Fitness, Money & Life to the next level? Book your Free Consultation today or drop me a DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/justindavidcarl to coordinate a time to connect with me.
 
From Pre-Workout to Protein, if you desire to lead a happy, healthy, fit life, go to https://vedgenutrition.com/dragon  and grab your plant-based healthy essentials. Use the code DRAGON to save $$! 

 
Thanks for tuning in! 
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Naseema McElroy paid off $1M of debt in just over three years.
While going through an abusive marriage.
While her husband was in jail.
While she was a single mom.
And she did it without a lucky break — just with focus, a debt snowball, and zero-based budgeting.
In this Fit Rich Life Podcast episode, Naseema goes ALL the way in on the stuff most personal finance creators won't touch.
She grew up in Oakland, raised by a single dad who was a converted Muslim and a martial artist. She accidentally applied to USC and got in (true story), and walked into the "University of Spoiled Children" as a broke girl from the hood watching freshmen pull up in BMWs and Lotuses.
She became a top labor and delivery nurse, racked up two master's degrees, bought the house, the Lexus, the look — and still felt broke.
Then she blew it all up.
We get into:
How she paid off $1M in debt (and why she chose the snowball over the avalanche)

"People didn't math their way into debt. They're not gonna math their way out."

Money trauma from childhood — and the double trauma of becoming a woman with no mom around

Being stigmatized at USC as the "affirmative action" girl and crying at her 20-year reunion

Why she got married for the wrong reasons — and what it cost her

The abusive marriage, the jail, the divorce, and paying for her freedom

Looking rich vs. getting rich — and why LA almost ate her alive

How she upgraded her circle virtually through Instagram and the FI community

Why your network is your net worth

And the one thing she wants you to do TODAY if you're at the start of your journey

Naseema is the founder of Financially Intentional and author of Smart Money. She's one of the most honest, vulnerable, and powerful voices in personal finance.
If you've ever felt shame about money, struggled with debt, or got caught up looking rich instead of getting rich — this one's for you.
Follow Naseema on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financiallyintentional/ 



Get a FREE copy of my Money Guide: https://fitrichlifecoaching.com/blueprint 
 
Full Show Notes w/ Links to resources: www.fitrichlife.com/podcast/



FIT RICH LIFE NEWSLETTER
Get fit, get rich, and live your best life in 10 minutes a week. Join 4,500+ smart readers who are leveling up their Fitness, Money & Life.
Join here: https://fitrichlife.com/newsletter  
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE? 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justindavidcarl 
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Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justindavidcarl 
 
SHOW SPONSORS:
I am incredibly passionate about Fitness and Money & have reached a substantial degree of mastery in these domains, and now I'm looking to help others do the same! Interested in taking your Fitness, Money & Life to the next level? Book your Free Consultation today or drop me a DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/justindavidcarl to coordinate a time to connect with me.
From Pre-Workout to Protein, if you desire to lead a happy, healthy, fit life, go to https://vedgenutrition.com/dragon  and grab your plant-based healthy essentials. Use the code DRAGON to save $$! 



Thanks for tuning in! 
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In this episode of the Fit Rich Life Podcast, I sit down with Matthias Kling and Scarlett Chen, the cofounders of Aireo Sports, to talk about how a Stanford materials scientist and a global trade entrepreneur came together to build one of the most innovative paddle companies in pickleball.
We dive into the story behind Aireo Sports, how Matthias' background in physics and materials science pairs with Scarlett's deep experience in manufacturing and global supply chains, and why they believed they could build better paddles than what was already on the market.
We also unpack the technology behind the Cyclone and Titan Hawk paddles, how top players think about power, spin, control, grit, and durability, and what it really takes to create meaningful innovation in a fast-growing sport.
This conversation is about much more than pickleball. It is about entrepreneurship, following your curiosity, building something around a real obsession, and the power of community.
We also talk about the explosive growth of pickleball around the world, Aireo's sponsored players and ambassadors, and their exciting new partnership as the exclusive sponsor of the Ultimate Pickleball League.
Here's what we get into:
How a German kid obsessed with ping pong paddles ended up running X-ray laser experiments at Stanford

Why Scarlett's trade data showed pickleball growing 300% — and why she flew to Palo Alto to learn the sport before building for it

The actual science behind the Cyclone: pulse foam cores, floating foam suspension, and the nanograph carbon fiber that keeps paddles gritty 4x longer

Why most "titanium" paddles on the market aren't actually titanium — and what Aireo did differently with the Titan Hawk

How they bootstrapped and self-funded the company in an increasingly expensive sport

Their brand new deal as the sole exclusive sponsor of the Ultimate Pickleball League

The pros and ambassadors building with them — Levi Daniels, MJ Greiner, Kelly Chen, Lisa Tang, and more

Why the community around pickleball might be even more valuable than the sport itself

If you play pickleball, you're going to love this one.
If you don't — stick around anyway. Because this is really a story about two people from completely different worlds, betting on their passion, and building something around a community they love.
That's the magic.
Grab an Aireo paddle at https://www.aireo-sports.com/ and use code DRAGON for a discount on the paddle I use every day.
Check out Aireo Sports on Instagram here.
 
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Aereo Sports and Its Founders
01:16 Matthias Kling's Journey to Stanford and Science
06:15 Scarlett Chen's Background in Global Trade
09:10 The Transition to Pickleball: A Shared Passion
13:25 The Community and Joy of Pickleball
22:02 Innovating Pickleball Paddles: The Aereo Approach
29:02 The Cyclone Paddle: Features and Technology
35:36 Understanding Paddle Technology: Foam Core and Suspension
39:14 Material Science in Paddle Development
41:47 Bootstrapping a Pickleball Company
42:51 Growth Strategies and Brand Awareness
46:58 Innovative Paddle Technologies
51:29 Design and Aesthetics of Paddles
56:55 Understanding Paddle Performance
01:01:35 Player Preferences and Paddle Selection
01:07:17 Sponsorships and Community Engagement
01:13:26 Partnerships and Future Growth
01:17:56 Passion and Entrepreneurship




Get a FREE copy of my Money Guide: https://fitrichlifecoaching.com/blueprint 
 
Full Show Notes w/ Links to resources: www.fitrichlife.com/podcast/



FIT RICH LIFE NEWSLETTER
Get fit, get rich, and live your best life in 10 minutes a week. Join 4,300+ smart readers who are leveling up their Fitness, Money & Life.
Join here: https://fitrichlife.com/newsletter  
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE? 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justindavidcarl 
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@justindavidcarl 
Follow me on Twitter/X: https://x.com/justindavidcarl 
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justindavidcarl 
 
SHOW SPONSORS:
I am incredibly passionate about Fitness and Money & have reached a substantial degree of mastery in these domains and now I'm looking to help others do the same! Interested in taking your Fitness, Money & Life to the next level? Book your Free Consultation today or drop me a DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/justindavidcarl to coordinate a time to connect with me.
 
From Pre-Workout to Protein, if you desire to lead a happy, healthy, fit life, go to https://vedgenutrition.com/dragon  and grab your plant-based healthy essentials. Use the code DRAGON to save $$! 

 
Thanks for tuning in! 
If you liked my show, LEAVE A THUMBS UP, share, and subscribe!