Building Your Life Podcast with John Browning

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: John Browning

Learn How to Build Your Life (not just your portfolio) with Financial Expert John Browning

✂️ Turn this podcast into clips
Ep 284 The Wealth Ratio: The Simple Number That Shows If You’re Financially Free
Today at 11:00 AM

What if financial freedom could be tracked with one simple ratio—and used to create room for a more purposeful next chapter? Mike Qu shares the four life arcs that shaped his approach to work, wealth, and fulfillment.


On today’s episode, financial expert and #1 Amazon bestselling author John Browning and Mike Qu discuss career transitions and the pursuit of fulfillment, achieving financial independence through the wealth ratio, diversifying income and investments, embracing slow travel to learn from other cultures, and finding purpose in the work we choose to pursue. To get a copy of J...


Ep 283 Your S&P 500 Fund May Be Riskier Than You Think
10/26/2026

The S&P 500 has been a strong performer—but heavy concentration in a handful of stocks can make a portfolio riskier than it appears. This conversation explores diversification, retirement income strategies, and the planning decisions that can help protect wealth.


On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Chad Taylor talk about AI-driven market growth and valuations, Retirement income and bond strategies, and the S&P 500 concentration risk. To get a copy of John's book called Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to...


Ep 282 Master Financial Literacy: What Young Adults Were Never Taught About Money
10/12/2026

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning, Steve Short, and Mark Schlipman explain why a simple automated system beats get-rich-quick schemes, and why the most common money regret is not starting sooner.


To get a copy of John's book called Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit John's website at www.GuardianRockWealth.com.


Connect with Steve Short and Mark Schlipman:

Website: https://www.simpleroadbook.com/ 


Connect w...


Ep 281 The $345,000 Retirement Mistake Almost Nobody Plans For
09/28/2026

Most retirees budget about $150,000 for medical costs — the real number is closer to $345,000, and the gap gets paid in something worse than money: your independence. A CPA turned nutritional therapy practitioner explains why nine out of ten "that's just aging" declines are preventable, and how absurdly small habits compound into the freedom you're saving for.


On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and guest Kaitlin Borncamp talk about the interconnectedness of physical health, financial planning, and sustainable habits for preserving quality of life and autonomy in retirement. To get a co...


Ep 280 Why High Achievers Still Feel Stuck: Alan Lazaros on the Hidden Cost of Avoiding Personal Growth
09/14/2026

What if your impressive achievements are actually hiding the real work you’ve been avoiding? In this episode, you’ll hear how a near-fatal car accident forced a high-performing engineer and investor to rethink success, confront buried pain, and build a life around fitness, finance, and family instead of empty achievement.

 

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Alan Lazaros talked about personal growth and financial success. Alan emphasized the importance of fitness, finance, and family. He shared his journey from overcoming a traumatic childhood to becoming a peak performance coach...


Ep 279 Dubai Real Estate, 0% Taxes & the Wealth-Building Opportunity Americans Are Missing
08/31/2026

Discover why Dubai might be the most overlooked wealth-building opportunity for Americans—offering 0% personal income and capital gains taxes, surprisingly affordable real estate, and one of the safest lifestyles in the world. This episode breaks down the myths, the numbers, and exactly what it takes to live, invest, or do business in Dubai.


On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Cintia Arnhoffer talk about misconceptions surrounding safety, culture, and women in Dubai, the appeal of a 0% personal income and capital gains tax structure, and key real estate insights including pr...


Ep 278 Building Better Integrated Teams = Better Outcomes: Caring Is The New Currency
08/17/2026

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Cathy Dolan-Schweitzer, founder of Health Well Done, discuss her journey from special education to healthcare project management. She emphasizes the importance of integrating patient needs into project design, citing her personal experience with ovarian cancer. Cathy’s Health Well Done framework focuses on three elements: Healthy People, Healthy Team, and Healthy Project. To get a copy of John's book called Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit John's website at www.GuardianRockWealth.com.


Ep 277 The 3D Formula For Sustainable Success
08/03/2026

When “doing more” starts to become dangerous instead of productive, what do you cut—and how? In this episode, you’ll learn a simple 3D framework and a three-step “stop, drop, and roll” system to subtract what no longer serves you so you can build a life that actually works.


On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Nell 3D, a subtraction activist, discuss the importance of systematic subtraction to achieve a balanced life. She shares her personal journey, highlighting the dangers of overcommitment and the need to focus on what truly m...


Ep 276 This One Mindset Shift Will Change How You See Money, Success & Life
07/20/2026

What if the pursuit of happiness is exactly what’s making you unhappy? In this episode, you’ll hear how one engineer-turned-marketer reframed goals, careers, money, and “work–life balance” into a life built on contentment, flexibility, and real freedom. On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Atul Minocha talk about the importance of perspective in managing money and life. Atul, author of "Lies, Damn Lies, and Marketing," shares his journey from engineering to marketing, emphasizing the value of adaptability and contentment over rigid goals. To get a copy of John's book called Build a Life, No...


Ep 275 Stop Wasting Money: The Hidden Habits Keeping You Broke (Even If You Earn More)
07/06/2026

In this episode of the Building Your Life podcast, John Browning sits down with global entrepreneur Edward Pemberton-Whiteley to uncover the financial habits silently draining your wealth and what to do instead. From overpriced daily coffee to luxury cars that lose value overnight, they break down how small, emotional spending decisions can derail long-term financial freedom.


They dive into global perspectives on money, taxes, and lifestyle from the U.S. to the UK, Mexico, and Thailand, revealing surprising insights into how culture shapes financial behavior. 


If you're serious about w...


Ep 274 From $1,000 to a Trading Firm at 20: The Truth About Trading No One Tells You
06/22/2026

Can you really build wealth through trading, or is it just hype?


In this unique and powerful episode of the Building Your Life Podcast, John Browning sits down with 20-year-old entrepreneur Matthius Douglas, founder of Titan Markets LLC, to uncover the real truth behind trading, risk, and financial discipline.


From nearly blowing up his account in high school to launching his own proprietary trading firm, Matthius shares the hard-earned lessons most “trading gurus” won’t tell you.


Whether you're a young investor, small business owner...


Ep 273 Why Even Wealthy Families Struggle With Financial Peace: The Psychology of Money
06/08/2026

Even wealthy families can be trapped in fear, secrecy, and conflict around money. In this episode, you’ll learn how to heal money wounds, rewire your nervous system around wealth, and use money as a tool to build trust, generosity, and true financial peace.


In this episode of the Building Your Life Podcast, host John Browning of Guardian Rock Wealth speaks with Jennifer Edwards, Certified Financial Therapist and founder of Breakthrough Financial Wellness. Together, they explore the emotional relationship people have with money and how it influences financial decisions, relationships, and long-term planning. To ge...


Ep 272 Most Families Lose Their Wealth in 3 Generations: How to Stop It
05/25/2026

What if the traditional inheritance model is actually destroying family wealth and unity?


In this episode of the Building Your Life Podcast, host John Browning of Guardian Rock Wealth sits down with financial industry veteran John Knowlton, a former RIA founder who helped build a firm managing over $1.25 billion in assets before exiting. Now, Knowlton is focused on helping families build


Ep 271 The Wealth Strategy Not Taught In Schools
05/11/2026

In this insightful episode of the Building Your Life Podcast, host John Browning of Guardian Rock Wealth speaks with investor, educator, and mentor Fadi Habib, founder of Legacy Wealth Builder Academy, about the mindset shifts and strategies required to move beyond the traditional 9 to 5 and start building real wealth.


Fadi shares his 30-year journey from corporate employee to real estate investor, stock market and options strategist, and mentor helping professionals take control of their financial future. Inspired early by Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow Quadrant, Fadi explains why simply earning a higher salary rarely leads to...


Ep 270 Systems First: The Secret To AI That Nobody Talks About
04/27/2026

In this episode of the Building Your Life Podcast, John Browning sits down with Alison, an AI-powered business strategist and systems builder who helps solopreneurs and small agency owners scale without adding headcount. Alison describes her approach as aggressively helpful, and she brings a practical, grounded framework for using AI in business and in everyday life without fear and without hype.


John and Alison unpack the two most common reactions to AI fear and FOMO and explain why AI should be treated like any other productivity tool. The winners are not the people who...


Ep 269 One Insurance Mistake Could Cost You Everything
04/13/2026

What if one lawsuit, one audit, or one coverage gap wiped out everything you have worked to build?


In this episode of the Building Your Life Podcast, John Browning sits down with Rudy Romero of Bedford Group Insurance to uncover the costly insurance mistakes business owners and families make and how to avoid them. From underinsured businesses in Florida to misleading online quotes, this conversation reveals why protecting your wealth is just as important as building it.


If you are a small business owner in West Palm Beach, Wellington...


Ep 268 Your Career & Business Will End You Can Controll How . . . or Not
03/30/2026

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Dilcia Morales discuss the importance of planning for career and business transitions. John, a financial expert and author, emphasizes the need for early preparation, sharing his experience of being laid off from Morgan Stanley. Dilsia, founder of Runway Strategy Group, advises business owners to have a five-year plan and to consider exit strategies. They highlight the significance of financial organization, such as paying oneself a W-2 salary, to increase business value. Dilsia shares an example of a firm with strong revenue but poorly presented financials, underscoring the...


Ep 267 The Mindset That Builds Millionaires and Freedom
03/16/2026

In this episode of the Building Your Life Podcast, John Browning sits down with entrepreneur, author, and speaker Coach Caroll to talk about what it really takes to build wealth and freedom in today’s fast-changing world.


Coach Caroll shares the story of turning down eight football scholarships, starting a business with just 300 dollars, and building and selling multiple companies. He explains why the old playbook of obedience and corporate security is breaking down, and why the new economy rewards resilience, initiative, and ownership.


John and Coach Caroll also di...


Ep 266 How to Turn Your Home Into a Dynamic Wealth-Building Asset
03/02/2026

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Frank Trimboli discuss turning a home into a dynamic wealth-building asset through CMG's All-In-One mortgage. This proprietary product, which has been around for 23 years, allows homeowners to pay principal before interest, reducing overall interest costs. The product can be suitable for high earners with credit scores around 700-720, and it also caters to first-time homebuyers and those with assets. It offers significant interest savings, faster loan payoff, and access to cash equity without refinancing. To get a copy of John's book called, Build a Life, Not (just...


Ep 265 Pay Off Your Home Or Not, What Most Overlook
02/16/2026

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and his co-host Doug Sandler talk about the emotional and financial aspects of deciding whether to pay off a home before retirement. He emphasizes the importance of treating a home as a dynamic asset rather than a static one, suggesting tools like reverse mortgages and all-in-one mortgages to leverage home equity for cash flow. To get a copy of John's book called, Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit John's website at www.GuardianRockWealth.com.

<...


Ep 264 Are you withdrawing too much in retirement?
02/02/2026

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and his co-host Doug Sandler talk about the importance of managing retirement withdrawals. He emphasizes that the 4% rule for retirement withdrawals is overly simplistic and doesn't account for individual spending needs and life expectancy. To get a copy of John's book called, Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit John's website at www.GuardianRockWealth.com.


Connect with John Browning:

Substack: https://substack.com/@buildalifeyoulove 

LinkedIn: https://www.l...


Ep 263 Are You Planning to Work at 80?
01/19/2026

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and his co-host Doug Sandler talk about the challenges of retirement planning, emphasizing the impact of automation and AI on job security. They highlight the increasing number of people over 80 in the workforce, now at half a million, and the importance of financial planning. To get a copy of John's book called, Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit John's website at www.GuardianRockWealth.com.


Connect with John Browning:

...


Ep 262 Reclaim Your Time: Small Business Strategy, AI Tools & Faith-Driven Purpose
01/05/2026

In this inspiring episode of the Building Your Life Podcast, host John Browning of Guardian Rock Wealth talks with Ben Baldwin, founder of BSquared Solutions, for a powerful conversation about small business ownership, purpose, faith, and the smart use of AI.


Contact Ben at


Ep 261 The Intimacy Shift That Unlocks Business Growth
12/22/2025

In this episode of The Building Your Life Podcast, wealth management expert John Browning of Guardian Rock Wealth (serving clients in West Palm Beach, Florida, Wellington, Florida, and across the U.S.) interviews leadership coach Annie Yatch, CEO of


Ep 260 Unlock Your True Wealth: The Psychiatrist Who Redefines Healing
12/08/2025

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Dr. Fred Moss, a psychiatrist with 46 years of experience, emphasize the importance of human connection in healing. Dr. Fred argues that many mental health issues are misdiagnosed and exacerbated by medications. Dr. Moss advocates for alternative methods like gratitude, meditation, and nutrition. John Browning draws parallels to the financial industry, highlighting the need for personalized approaches rather than generic solutions. Both discuss the importance of individual experiences and the potential for self-improvement without relying on external labels or treatments. To get a copy of John's book called...


Ep 259 Why No Financial Product Is Bad
11/24/2025

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and his co-host Doug Sandler talk about the importance of understanding financial products and their suitability for individual needs. He emphasizes that no product is inherently bad but may not be the right choice for everyone. John highlights the role of risk tolerance, using annuities as an example that provides downside protection and can include long-term care benefits. To get a copy of John's book called, Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit John's website at...


Ep 258 What Most Entrepreneurs Don’t Know About SBA Loans—Until It’s Too Late with Sue Schuster
11/10/2025

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Sue Schuster discuss the importance of corporate credit in building a financially secure future. Sue, a business coach specializing in corporate credit, explains the risks of SBA loans, which personally guarantee business debts, potentially jeopardizing personal assets. She advocates for building corporate credit through LLCs and EIN numbers, which can provide businesses with larger, better-term loans. Sue introduces an app called Turbo Turing, which helps establish corporate credit and offers funding within 90 days, though it requires initial investment. John emphasizes the importance of separating corporate from personal...


Bonus Episode: Successful and Exposed
10/30/2025

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and his Co-host Doug Sandler talk about the financial challenges faced by successful individuals who often neglect their wealth management. He highlights that even high-income professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, often lack financial planning. John emphasizes the importance of emotional well-being in wealth management and plans to host a free webinar on November 5 to share advanced financial strategies accessible to professionals. He also mentions an upcoming interview with a sports figure expert to discuss post-career planning and the evolving concept of retirement. To get a copy of J...


Ep 257 We Sold the Business We Loved And Everything Changed
10/27/2025

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Suzanne Schuster discuss the challenges and lessons learned from selling a business. They emphasize the importance of understanding the impact of selling on personal and business life, the necessity of having systems in place, and the potential pitfalls of contracts. To get a copy of John's book called, Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit John's website at www.GuardianRockWealth.com.


Connect with Suzanne Schuster:

Website: https://sschuster...


Ep 256 The Hidden Tax You Haven’t Planned For
10/13/2025

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and his co-host Doug Sandler talk about the importance of planning for long-term tax liability rather than just annual taxes. He emphasizes the benefits of starting Roth IRAs early, even for children, to take advantage of lower tax brackets and secure tax-free growth. To get a copy of John's book called, Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit John's website at www.GuardianRockWealth.com.


Connect with John Browning:

Substack...


Ep 255 Why I Left the Corner Office: The Truth About Success No One Talks About
09/29/2025

What if everything you worked for… wasn’t what you actually wanted?


In this eye-opening episode of the Building Your Life Podcast, John Browning talks with the leader of Corporate Escapees, Brett Trainor, a high-performing corporate executive who walked away from the six-figure salary, the prestige, and the "you’ve made it" lifestyle… to actually start building a life.


Together they unpack:

What success really means once the corporate chase endsHow your 401(k) might be a golden trap, not a golden parachuteThe difference between being rich… and living richlyWhy...


Ep 254 From Wall Street Corner Office to Life on Her Own Terms: How Sarena Diamond Transforms Leaders—and Lives
09/15/2025

In this powerhouse episode of Building Your Life, host John Browning talks with Sarena Diamond, the dynamic transformation executor whose journey from high-level corporate strategy with PepsiCo, IBM, and Wall Street power players to bold entrepreneurial leadership is anything but ordinary.


What you'll discover in this episode:

Why Sarena walked away from the corner office (with her name on the parking spot!) to build something more meaningful.How organizational strategy and executive facilitation


Ep 253 From Studs to Stocks: Jason Avery & John Browning Blueprint Your Remodel—and Your Wealth-Plan—for Lasting Freedom
09/01/2025

Renovation rock-star Jason Avery (Avery Construction | Tampa, FL) teams up with wealth-strategist John Browning (Guardian Rock Wealth | West Palm Beach, FL) to prove that the principles that keep a remodel on-time and on-budget are the very same principles that keep your financial plan sturdy through market storms. Whether you’re gutting a kitchen or rebalancing a portfolio, today’s conversation is your contractor’s checklist for financial freedom.


To get a copy of John's book called, Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit...


Ep 252 Cruising Past Market Volatility: Toni Kaufman & John Browning Unpack the Real Risks to Financial Freedom
08/18/2025

What if the biggest threats to your wealth aren’t lurking in the S&P 500—but in your calendar, your health, and even the way you network? 🎯 In this episode, Wall Street veteran John Browning teams up with Broadway-to-Hollywood-to-High-Net-Worth powerhouse Toni Kaufman to reveal the hidden pitfalls that sabotage wealthy families—and the unconventional strategies that neutralize them.


Why You’ll Want to Hit “Play”

Beyond Market Risk: Why headlines fixate on stock swings—and what they ignore.Networking on the High Seas: Toni’s seven-cruise-a-year strategy for elite deal-making (and how you can board).


Ep 251 The IRS Is Not Your Business Partner – But You Might Be Paying Them Like One” with Albert Corey & John Browning
08/04/2025

Is your tax plan accidentally funding Uncle Sam’s vacation?


This episode pulls back the curtain on the most common—and costly—mistakes small business owners make when it comes to taxes, accounting, and wealth planning.


Join John Browning, founder of Guardian Rock Wealth, and special guest Albert Corey, known nationwide for helping entrepreneurs and professionals avoid IRS overpayments and boost profitability.


With over


Ep 250 From Adversity to Authority: Amplifying Your Personal Brand with Lori Osborne
07/21/2025

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning discusses the importance of personal branding with guest Lori Osborne, known as the "Authority Amplifier." Lori emphasizes that a personal brand is how you're perceived when not present, and it's crucial for both personal and professional growth. She highlights the necessity of a professional website for building trust and showcasing expertise. Lori shares her journey from corporate IT to becoming a branding expert, inspired by overcoming a brain tumor. To get a copy of John's book called Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio, or to connect with...


Ep 249 Crack Your Internal Code: A Catalyst Conversation with Diane Armitage
07/07/2025

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Diane Armitage talk about overcoming internal barriers to success. Diane is a coach and mentor from Laguna Beach, California, who specializes in helping clients, often entrepreneurs and executives, break through mental limitations using her "Built-In Tower of Power" concept, which involves six mental faculties. She emphasizes the importance of shifting internal mindsets to achieve external goals. John and Diane discuss the significance of money as a tool and the challenges of retirement planning. They highlight the importance of seeking expert advice and overcoming ego-driven resistance to change...


Ep 248 The Grit Behind the Canvas: James Corwin on Crafting a Life, Not Just a Business
06/23/2025

Episode Highlights:

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Building Your Life Podcast featuring renowned wildlife artist James Corwin. Discover how James turned his passion for art into a thriving career and how you can use your unique talents to build your best life. This episode is packed with actionable tips for art enthusiasts, aspiring creatives, and anyone interested in combining their business passion into building their best life using prudent financial planning and wealth management.

About James Corwin:

James Corwin is celebrated for his captivating wildlife paintings that blend realism with...


Ep 247 The Missing Mindset Behind Financial Freedom: Escape The Shame Embrace Self Compassion
06/09/2025

In this eye-opening episode of Building Your Life, John Browning of Guardian Rock Wealth sits down with Anastasiia Schillinger, a certified self-compassion coach, to unpack the often unspoken emotional side of money. 


From financial shame to mindset blocks, they explore why smart strategies alone aren't enough to reach true financial freedom.


Whether you're a high-net-worth individual, an entrepreneur, or just trying to get out from under debt, this conversation offers practical tools and compassionate insights on how to build your best life using the tool we call money, without g...


Ep 246 Mindset Matters for Financial Freedom đź’°đź§ 
05/26/2025

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and David Neagle discuss the importance of mindset in achieving financial freedom. David shares his transformative journey from financial struggles to success, emphasizing the pivotal moment when he changed his attitude, making his income triple from $20,000 to $62,000 in 30 days. He highlights the significance of aligning one's mindset with their goals and the concept of turning annual income into a monthly one. 


To get a copy of John's book called Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio, or to connect with John, text "LIFE" t...