The Mindful FIRE Podcast
The Mindful FIRE Podcast helps you craft a life you love and make work optional using the tools of mindfulness, envisioning and financial independence. Each episode of the mindful fire podcast explores these three tools through teachings, guided meditations and inspiring interviews with people actually living them to craft a life they love. Listen & subscribe on your favorite podcast player:
Meditation - Visualizing Your Ideal Day (ep 237)
In this episode: guided meditation, visualizing an ideal day, setting an intention with Adam Coelho
Episode Summary
A short guided meditation recorded with the Mindful FIRE Legends community. You’ll start by settling into the body and breath, noticing how you’re arriving, and practicing returning kindly when the mind wanders. Then you’ll shift into a visualization: imagine an ideal day where you’re financially independent and free to choose how you spend your time. You’ll explore what you’re doing, who you’re with, and how you want to feel—then c...
Google Layoff to Globally Work Optional with Erika Ho (ep 236)
In this episode: Google layoffs, globally work optional FIRE, Taiwan and Portugal FIRE numbers, Coast FI, finding a meaningful calling with Erika Ho
Episode Summary
Erika Ho shares how being laid off from Google created both stress and relief—and gave her space to build a life beyond corporate achievement. She explains “globally work optional,” the realization that her family could retire now in places like Taiwan or Portugal, and how that clarity helped her go all in on financial coaching. Erika and Adam also explore Coast FI, slowing down...
235 : Meditation : Nowhere to Go, Nothing to Do: Resting With the Breath
In this episode: mindfulness meditation, checking in with body and mind, anchoring on the breath, working with distraction, setting intentions
Episode Summary
A short guided mindfulness practice recorded live in the Mindful FIRE Legends community. Adam welcomes you to settle into an alert-yet-relaxed posture, then gently guides attention from body and mind into the simple sensations of breathing. This meditation will leave you refreshed and present.
Guest Bio
Adam Coelho is the host of the Mindful FIRE Podcast and leads guided meditations in the Mindful...
234 : The House Fire That Changed Everything with Karen Worthy
In this episode: lifestyle creep awareness, emergency funds, rebuilding after a house fire, designing a values-aligned life, career transition coaching with Karen Worthy
Episode Summary
Karen Worthy shares how a wake-up call about spending led their family into FI habits—then a devastating house fire became a “blank slate” that clarified what matters. Karen and Adam explore how savings create optionality in crises and careers, and how Karen used that runway to take a sabbatical and launch a career transition coaching business.
Guest Bio
Karen Worthy...
233 : Meditation : Self-Compassion & Loving Kindness
In this episode: self-compassion, loving kindness (metta), mindfulness, guided meditation, emotional well-being, resilience, inner kindness
Episode Summary
Adam leads a guided self-compassion and loving kindness (metta) meditation, recorded live with the Mindful Fire Legends community. The practice begins by arriving with the breath and gently checking in with your present-moment experience—body sensations, emotions, and the tone of the mind—without needing to fix or change anything. The meditation closes with a brief reflection and an intention for carrying self-compassion into the rest of your day—especially in how you relate to you...
232 : Mr. Money Mustache on One-More-Year Syndrome (and How to Stop Worrying)
In this episode: one-more-year syndrome, worry & fear, mindfulness for financial independence, “enough” mindset, living freedom now with Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache)
Episode Summary
Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache) argues that the biggest trap on the path to financial independence isn’t math, it’s worry. He and Adam unpack how fear fuels “one-more-year syndrome,” why the same worry often follows people into retirement, and how perspective and mindfulness can help interrupt the brain’s constant problem-finding loop. The conversation reframes freedom as something to practice now, not later, and challenges...
231 : Meditation : Meet Yourself Where You Are
Episode summary
A short guided meditation recorded with the Mindful FIRE Legends community to help you meet yourself where you are, settle into the present moment, and use the breath as a gentle anchor. You’ll practice observing your experience without needing to change anything, then repeatedly “start again” each time the mind wanders—remembering that each in-breath is a new beginning and each out-breath a chance to let go and relax into this moment.
In this meditation, you’ll practice
- Arriving with three deep breaths
- Meeting yourself where you...
230 : Finding Enough & Overcoming Fear & One More Year Syndrome with Alan & Katie Donegan
In this episode: “one more year” syndrome, defining enough, optimizing for pain vs pleasure, journaling + self-compassion, Rebel Finance School with Alan & Katie Donegan
Episode Summary
Alan and Katie Donegan unpack why people keep working “one more year” even when the math says they have enough—often because fear and identity (not logic) are driving the decision. They share simple mindfulness tools (journaling, compassionate awareness, and focusing on what you want) and explain Rebel Finance School, their free 10‑week course that helps beginners take control of spending, debt, investing, and retirement planning.
Gues...
229 : Meditation : Embodying Appreciation
In this episode: appreciation, mindfulness, gratitude practice, self-compassion, intentional living
Episode Summary
Adam leads the Mindful Fire Legends community through a guided appreciation meditation. Beginning with breath awareness and meeting yourself exactly where you are, the practice invites you to embody appreciation — first for the breath itself, then for someone you deeply love, and finally for aspects of your own life and who you are. The session closes with a reflection on how to carry appreciation into your day and express it to those around you.
Resources Mentioned...
228 : From Google Burnout to Intentional Big Tech Exit with Jason Amarante
In this episode: Portuguese-American roots, corporate burnout, Wim Hof winter expedition, achievement-to-process shift, and leaving Big Tech intentionally with Jason Amarante
Episode Summary
After 4,900+ days at Google/YouTube, Jason Amarante hit burnout and used it as the catalyst for an intentional Big Tech exit. Through meditation, eastern philosophy, and a Wim Hof winter expedition, he shifted from achievement chasing to presence. He later built a wellbeing program reaching 700 YouTube Ops employees, then left in April 2025 to pursue DJing, health coaching, and youth development.
Guest Bio
...
227 : Meditation : Meeting Yourself Where You Are In This Moment
In this episode: meeting yourself where you are, mindful check-in, breath awareness, letting go, non-judgmental observation
Episode Summary
In this guided meditation from the Mindful Fire Legends community meeting, Adam Coelho leads a practice of radical self-acceptance - checking in with body and mind exactly as they are, without trying to change anything. Listeners are guided through breath awareness and gentle redirection of a wandering mind.
About the Host
Adam Coelho is the host of the Mindful FIRE Podcast and founder of the Mindful Fire...
226 : How Angela Arwady Left Google for a Sustainable Fashion Business
In this episode: entrepreneurship, sustainable fashion, following omens, adaptability as a life skill, mindful parenting with Angela Arwady
Episode Summary
Angela Arwady went from flipping secondhand clothes on eBay in 2008 to launching Unpacka (unpacka.com), a subscription-based sustainable fashion business supporting local artists. She and Adam discuss the mindset shifts required to leave corporate life after nearly 15 years at Google and YouTube, the Zelda-inspired "side quest" approach to opportunity, mindful dressing as a daily ritual, and building a business aligned with your values.
Guest Bio
...
225: Meditation : The Feeling of Enough with Adam Coelho
In this episode: breath awareness, present-moment trust, mindfulness on the FIRE path, releasing urgency, intention setting with Adam Coelho
Episode Summary
A guided meditation from the Mindful Fire Legends community. Adam leads listeners through a breath-anchored practice centered on trusting that you are exactly where you need to be — on the path to financial independence and the life you dream of living.
Guest Bio
Adam Coelho is the host of the Mindful FIRE Podcast and founder of the Mindful Fire Legends community, a space for pe...
224 : Defining What "Enough" Means for Your Life with Susie Ade
In this episode: Defining “enough,” FIRE mindset shifts, intentional career design, sabbaticals as low-risk experiments, and taking action to find clarity.
Episode Summary
Susie Ade—mental health and wellbeing program manager at Google and a certified career coach—shares how discovering financial independence changed not just how they spend, but how they make decisions about work, time, and meaning. Susie and Adam explore what it looks like to define “enough” from the inside out: using daily joy, energy, and alignment (not comparison or consumerism) as the measuring stick.
They also dig into Susie’s...
223 : Meditation : Breath Awareness & Intention Setting
Episode Summary
In this short guided meditation, Adam Coelho leads a calm, breath-centered practice recorded live in the Mindful FIRE Legends Community. You’ll start by settling in with three deep breaths, then do a gentle check-in with your body and mind. From there, the practice moves into simple breath awareness—notice the in-breath, notice the out-breath—and each time the mind wanders, you practice returning with kindness.
As the meditation closes, Adam invites you to name an intention you’d like to carry into the rest of your day, finishing with three deep bre...
222 : Stop Chasing Success: The Inner Work That Actually Fulfills with Sam Kabert
In this episode: outsourcing worth to work, soul life balance, the be/do/have model, nervous system regulation, and daily Sona practice with Sam Kabert
Episode Summary
Sam Kabert built a seven-figure business working under four hours a day, earned a spot on Silicon Valley's 40 Under 40—and still fell into a numbing depression. In this episode, Sam unpacks why external success left him empty and shares the frameworks he discovered on his journey inward: the soul life mindset, the be/do/have model, and why conventional work-life balance misses the mark.
...221 : Meditation : Embodying Trust On The Path to Financial Independence
In this episode: Embodying trust, trusting the path to FI, connecting with your ideal vision, breath awareness, and community sharing with Adam Coelho.
Episode Summary
In this guided meditation from the Mindful FIRE Legends community, Adam Coelho leads listeners through a practice centered on embodying trust — trusting the path to financial independence, trusting yourself, and trusting the present moment. The session opens with a heartfelt community preamble where members share their struggles with uncertainty and envisioning their future, then moves into a guided meditation weaving breath awareness and vision work, and cl...
220 : Leaving Google to Become a Life Architect with Guillermo Albizuri
In this episode: Redefining Success, Leaving Corporate Life, Life Architect Framework, Financial Independence, Self-Knowledge Tools with Guillermo Albizuri
Episode Summary
Adam Coelho sits down with Guillermo Albizuri, a coach, psychologist, and former Google executive who spent 20 years in corporate life—including 15 years at Google—before leaving to become a "life architect." Guillermo shares how he dismantled the myth that climbing higher would bring happiness, how financial planning gave him the freedom to leave, and how he now helps others design lives aligned with their values, strengths, and purpose.
Gues...
219 : Meditation : What Story Are You Telling Yourself?
In this guided meditation from the Mindful FIRE Legends community, we explore the question: “Is this story useful?”Â
When doubt or unhelpful narratives start bubbling up, this practice helps you slow down, notice what is here, and gently loosen your grip on the thoughts that shape how you experience your life.
We begin by finding a posture that is both alert and relaxed, then settle in with three deep breaths. From there, you are guided to observe the stories your mind is offering, and to relate to them with curiosity instead of automatically belie...
Coast FI Unlocked Freedom: Jake Wysocki's State of the Union Practice
In this episode: Coast FI and financial freedom, State of the Union practice for couples, intentional life design, family travel planning, entrepreneurship journey with Jake Wysocki
Episode Summary
Jake Wysocki shares his journey from mechanical engineering and corporate sales to entrepreneurship, powered by reaching Coast FI. He reveals the quarterly "State of the Union" practice he developed with his wife to design their life intentionally—using structured exercises to assess satisfaction across key life pillars, prioritize changes, and take action. Jake discusses how financial independence enabled them to travel the world fo...
217 : Meditation : Visualizing Your Ideal Future
This guided meditation was recorded live inside the Mindful FIRE Legends community. Adam Coelho first helps you settle into the present moment with the breath, then guides you through a powerful visualization of your ideal future, five years from now, where work is optional and you have the freedom to choose how you spend your days.
In this meditation, you’ll:
Settle your mind and body with a calm, steady breath practiceNotice what’s present with kind, curious awarenessVisualize your “work-optional” future and the life you’re building towardGet clear on what you want your days...216 : From Corporate Job to Financial Freedom with Courtney Rosiak Quinto
In this episode: Financial Independence, Overcoming Debt, Mindful Travel, Sustainable Living, Career Transitions with Courtney Rosiak QuintoÂ
Episode SummaryÂ
Join Adam Coelho as he interviews Courtney Rosiak Quinto on The Mindful Fire Podcast. Courtney shares her journey from corporate life to financial independence, how she overcame significant debt, and the lessons she learned along the way. She discusses her passion for sustainable living and travel coaching, along with the importance of mindfulness in navigating life transitions.Â
Guest BioÂ
Courtney Rosiak Quinto is a...
215 : Meditation : Dropping Below The Noise
Join Mindful FIRE Legends to practice with us live every Wednesday.Â
Episode Summary
In this short guided meditation from the Mindful FIRE Legends community, Adam leads listeners through a calming breathwork practice designed to help you drop below the noise and chaos of everyday life. Find a peaceful, present state of mind as you focus on the simple sensations of breathing in and breathing out.
What You'll Practice
Finding stillness beneath the chaos of life Breath awareness meditationLetting go of distractions with each exhaleCultivating gra...214 : Redefining Success 1 Year After Retiring Early with Adam Coelho (interviewed by Nicholas Whitaker)
In this episode: Adam gets live coaching from Nicholas Whitaker on navigating early retirement and shifting from money to connection as his primary success metric
Episode Summary
Adam opens up about his first 14 months of early retirement—still seeking Google's validation, wrestling with outdated success metrics, and struggling to let go of money as his primary motivator. Through compassionate coaching, Nick helps Adam explore the tension between entrepreneurial revenue goals and simply enjoying life. This raw conversation tackles corporate identity hangover, the "not good enough" narrative, and what it means to fu...
213 : Meditation : Bring Loving Kindness to the Body
In this episode: A loving-kindness meditation focused on the body
Learn to tune into your body's wisdom
This guided practice helps you cultivate kind, curious, and loving awareness toward your physical being.
Begin by checking in with how you're feeling in this moment.
Move through a gentle body scan, offering loving attention to each area.
Close by expressing gratitude and compassion for your body, which enables every experience in your life.
Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.
...
212 : Reflecting on My First Year of Early Retirement with Adam Coelho (interviewed by Katrina McGhee)
In this episode: Decompressing from corporate life, forcing vs. allowing in early retirement, discovering true purpose through financial independence, the LinkedIn comparison trap, building real human connection in the AI age with Katrina McGhee
Episode Summary
After 14 years at Google, Adam reflects on his first 14+ months of early retirement with career break coach Katrina McGhee. From the six-month decompression timeline to navigating the "not far enough along" narrative, Adam shares the raw truth about corporate burnout, learning to trust himself after betrayal, and figuring out what his entrepreneurial vision actually looks...
211 : Meditation : Visualizing Your Ideal Life
In this episode: Visualize your ideal future with clarity and intention.
Welcome! In today's guided meditation, we'll practice visualization—a powerful tool for imagining and connecting with the life you truly desire.
We'll begin with the fundamentals: cultivating presence and mindfulness. By observing our thoughts without judgment, we anchor ourselves in the present moment, releasing attachment to past regrets or future anxieties.
As you settle into a state of calm relaxation, we'll begin to visualize your ideal life in rich detail. You'll engage all your senses—seeing the scenes unfold, hearing the...
210 : Year End Reflection & Planning with Morgan Bricca (repost)
In this episode: year-end reflection, self-awareness, coaching yourself, creating goals, daily check-ins, with Morgan BriccaÂ
Episode SummaryÂ
Join host Adam Coelho as he welcomes back Morgan Bricca to discuss the importance of year-end reflection and planning. Morgan shares her approach to self-awareness, self-coaching, and how to set meaningful goals for the upcoming year. Learn how to develop habits that align with your desired feelings and intentions, and discover practical tips for maintaining focus and motivation throughout the year.Â
Guest BioÂ
Morgan Bric...
209 : Meditation : The Power of Starting Again
Episode Summary
Join Adam Coelho for a gentle guided meditation focused on the transformative practice of starting again. This 10-minute meditation guides you through mindful breathing, present moment awareness, and the powerful reminder that no matter how many times your mind wanders, you always have the ability to begin fresh with just one breath.
This practice emphasizes self-compassion and the understanding that distraction isn't a failure—it's simply an opportunity to return to the present moment. The meditation concludes with a gratitude practice, inviting you to connect with something you're grateful for and fe...
208 : Build a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From with Maurice Philogene
In this episode: "Trying Life On", 5 Freedom Principles, Purposeful Work, & more with Maurice Philogene.Â
Adam Coelho talks to Maurice Philogene, a former senior executive at an IT consulting firm and a retired federal agent, who is now a full-time real estate investor. They discuss Maurice's philosophy of "trying life on" and how he has been able to mesh together his different interests and careers. They also talk about the importance of envisioning, reducing big dreams into achievable goals, and building a personal and work blueprint.
Episode Takeaways
Maurice's philosophy of "t...207 : Meditation : Visualizing Your Ideal Day
I'm thrilled to share this meditation designed to help you explore your BIG vision through visualizing your perfect day.
The narratives we tell ourselves shape our reality.
Visualization is a powerful practice that allows you to plant the seeds of new narratives you wish to grow in your life.
Do the narratives you're creating serve your goals and aspirations?
Mindfulness enables you to recognize your narratives - whether they're supporting or limiting you.
This guided meditation invites you to connect with the narratives that are shaping your experience.
<...206 : Lifestyle Design, Slow FI and Coast FI with Jess Fick
In this episode: Lifestyle Design, Mindfulness, Financial Independence, Entrepreneurship, Location Independence with Jess Fick from The Fioneers.
Jess Fick from The Fioneers discusses her path to financial independence and her transition toward mindful living. She emphasizes the value of identifying your true needs and building a life aligned with your values instead of racing to the finish line. Jess also offers actionable advice on lifestyle design and developing three unique life paths to explore various possibilities.
Guest Bio
Jess from The Fioneers is a blogger focused on financial independence...
205 : Meditation : Learning to Start Again
This short meditation invites you to practice starting again. In each moment of our lives, we have the opportunity to start again.Â
I hope you enjoy this practice!Â
Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.
PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program
You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next...
204 : The W.I.L.D Approach to Financial Independence with Amber Howarth
In this episode: financial independence, veterinary conservation, money mindset, intentional spending, personal purpose with Amber Howarth
Episode Summary
Join Amber Howarth on the Mindful Fire Podcast as she shares her inspiring journey from being a veterinarian to a financial coach, intertwining her passions for wildlife conservation and financial independence. Amber discusses her experiences navigating student debt, the impact of the pandemic, and her evolving career path, while emphasizing the importance of mindset and intentional living.
Guest Bio
Amber Howarth is a traditionally trained veterinarian turned...
203 : Meditation : Creating Space In Your Busy Life
This guided meditation invites you to carve out time for yourself—a moment to pause and invest in your own well-being.
As we take a breath, settle into stillness, and direct our awareness inward, a transformation begins. Imagine a snow globe after the flurry subsides—everything that was swirling finds its place, and suddenly we can see through to what truly matters within us.
I hope this practice serves you well.
PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program
You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and...
202 : Why do 84% of Reorgs Fail? - Reorg Resilience Series with Chealsea Wierbonski
In this episode: Why do 84% of reorgs fail?, Building psychological safety, Managing fear responses, Creating clarity during change, Financial resilience with Chelsea WierbonskiÂ
Episode SummaryÂ
In this episode of the Mindful Fire Podcast, host Adam Coelho sits down with career transformation coach and Group Product Manager at Google, Chelsea Wierbonski. Together, they explore the challenging landscape of organizational change, specifically focusing on why a staggering 84% of reorganizations fail. Chelsea shares invaluable insights on building psychological safety, managing fear responses, and creating clarity during turbulent times. They also discuss the im...
201 : Minimalism and The Journey to Enough with Rose Lounsbury
In this episode: Mindfulness, minimalism, simplicity, the concept of enough, financial independence, entrepreneurship
Episode Summary
In this episode, Adam interviews Rose Lounsbury, a minimalist and author, about the concept of enough and the journey towards simplicity. They discuss the challenges of decluttering, the importance of self-compassion, and the ongoing practice of mindfulness. Rose shares her personal journey and insights on finding peace of mind and creating space for what truly matters.
Guest Bio
Rose Lounsbury is a minimalist, author, and speaker who helps people simplify their homes...
200 : The Mindful Money Method with Liz Carroll
In this episode: The mindful money method, overcoming a scarcity mindset, using bridge thoughts, envisioning our future selves, living debt-free, and the power generosity on the journey to FI with Liz Carroll, the mindful money coach.
On today’s episode,I am joined by my friend, Liz Carroll, who shared her journey towards financial independence. Liz was inspired to become financially independent after reading Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey, when she was 30 and working for AT&T. Her plan to become financially independent within 20 years included college educating their children and creating enough passive income.
...199 : Meditation : Cultivating Self-Compassion
Take 10 minutes to settle in for a gentle, guided meditation on self‑compassion.Â
We’re often our own toughest critics, moving from task to task without a moment of care for ourselves. I
n this short practice, you’ll pause, breathe, and offer yourself the same kindness you’d give a close friend.Â
Join me to soften self‑judgment, reconnect with your inner calm, and leave feeling a little lighter and more supported.
PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program
You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and...
198 : Is Money a Drug? with Nirav Shah
In this episode: Nirav Shah's journey, the impact of money on happiness, daily practices for mindfulness, understanding contentment, the concept of enough, with Guest Nirav Shah.
Episode Summary
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Nirav Shah as he discusses his new book "The Serenity Blueprint," shares insights on finding inner peace regardless of external circumstances, and explores the interplay between mindfulness and financial independence.
Guest Bio
Nirav Shah is a civil engineer turned software executive who has traveled to 84 countries and worked on six continents. After...
