In this deeply honest and wide-ranging conversation, Jeff sits down with Joshua Kahn to explore identity, trauma, purpose, and what it really means to grow when life refuses to follow a straight line.

Joshua’s story is shaped by movement — across states, countries, careers, and inner landscapes. Born in Texas, raised on a farm outside Atlanta, and educated through an unconventional mix of experiential learning and global travel, Joshua’s life has been anything but traditional. From spending his freshman year living on a school bus with the Audubon Expedition Institute, to traveling the world on Semester at Sea, to years of nonstop international exploration, his journey is defined by curiosity, discomfort, and deep reflection.

At the heart of this episode is a powerful exploration of unprocessed trauma. Joshua shares the story of a life-altering accident at 16, how it was buried for years, and how true healing only became possible when he found himself in a safe, emotionally honest community. This conversation dives into the cost of suppressing pain, the importance of vulnerability, and why growth often shows up in places we least expect.

Jeff and Joshua also discuss:

• Radical community and consensus-based living

• Near-death experiences and the pressure of “having a purpose”

• Travel as both seeking and avoidance

• Fatherhood as a catalyst for change

• Leaving behind success that no longer aligns

• Men’s work, emotional leadership, and learning to sit with discomfort

This episode is raw, thoughtful, and deeply human. It’s about identity, resilience, emotional maturity, masculinity, healing, and redefining success — not as achievement, but as presence.

If you’ve ever felt the tension between who you are and who you think you’re supposed to be, this conversation will resonate.

Additional Topics Covered:

• Healing trauma through emotional honesty

• Experiential education and alternative learning paths

• Masculinity, vulnerability, and men’s emotional growth

• Travel, purpose, and self-discovery

• Fatherhood and identity shifts

• Letting go of misaligned success

• Community, trust, and inner work

00:00 – Introduction: Identity, Resilience, and Inner Work

01:25 – Growing Up Between Texas, Atlanta, and Two Worlds

03:30 – Rejecting the Traditional College Path

10:26 – Emotional Honesty, Vulnerability, and Deep Community

13:28 – Growing Up on a Farm and Connection to Nature

19:41 – Trauma, Suppressed Emotion, and the Cost of Not Processing Pain

25:52 – Healing Trauma Through Trust and Shared Experience

33:13 – Near-Death Experiences and the Question of Purpose

36:24 – Travel as Searching, Escaping, and Self-Discovery

41:08 – Seeking vs Avoiding: Learning to Sit With Discomfort

49:37 – Leaving the Program and Wanting a Normal College Life

56:06 – Designing an Unconventional Education and Life Path

59:26 – Semester at Sea and Traveling the World in 100 Days

1:02:48 – Years of Nonstop Travel and Life on the Road

1:05:38 – Settling in Northern California and Entering Agriculture

1:12:34 – Family, Fatherhood, and Moving to New York

1:44:10 – Men’s Work, Emotional Leadership, and Redefining Success

If you like, Diary of a CEO you'll love this episode.

Tags: trauma healing, emotional healing, men’s mental health, masculinity and vulnerability, emotional intelligence, personal growth podcast, self discovery journey, identity and purpose, healing childhood trauma, near death experience, life purpose, inner work, men’s work, emotional honesty, vulnerability and healing, alternative education, experiential learning, non traditional education, audubon expedition institute, semester at sea, travel and self discovery, spiritual growth without religion, breaking generational patterns, fatherhood and identity, conscious parenting, redefining success, life transitions, burnout and alignment, sitting with discomfort, resilience and growth, healing through community, emotional leadership, personal development podcast deep life stories, meaning and purpose podcast

In this conversation, CEO and Founder (Snow Magazine, Snow Tequila, and The Snow Society) Barb Sanders shares her journey from aspiring ski instructor to successful entrepreneur, highlighting her passion for skiing and the community it fosters. She discusses her experiences teaching skiing, the creation of Snow Magazine, and her ventures into tequila and writing a book. Throughout the conversation, Barb emphasizes the importance of perseverance, relationships, and believing in oneself, while also sharing insights into the challenges faced by women in business. Takeaways:

• Barb's childhood dream was to become a ski instructor.
• She found happiness and freedom in the mountains.
• Building relationships is key in the ski community.
• Transitioning from teaching to a career in skiing was a natural progression for Barb.
• Snow Magazine was born out of a desire to capture the lifestyle of skiing.
• Overcoming challenges in publishing taught Barb resilience.
• Expanding the Snow brand includes launching Snow Tequila and the Snow Society.
• Writing a book was a way to honor a friend's inspiring story.
• Believing in oneself is crucial for success.
• Perseverance is essential in overcoming obstacles.

Chapters:

00:00 The Dream of Skiing

02:58 Building a Snow-Focused Empire

06:10 The Journey of Teaching Skiing

08:53 The Connection to Skiing and Community

11:58 Transitioning to the Magazine World

14:52 Overcoming Challenges in Publishing

17:58 The Evolution of Snow Magazine

21:11 Building Relationships in the Industry

24:03 Navigating the Business of Publishing

27:04 The Future of Snow Magazine38:02Curating Experiences in Skiing

39:46 The Birth of the Snow Society

40:43 Connecting Members with Extraordinary Experiences

42:10 Launching a Tequila Brand: Snow Tequila

44:34 Navigating Challenges in the Alcohol Industry

46:08 Perseverance and Personal Growth

48:15 The Excitement of New Ventures

50:50 The Journey of Writing a Book

57:12 Building a Community: The Snow Society

01:00:33 Honoring a Legacy Through Storytelling

Keywords: skiing, snow, magazine, tequila, community, relationships, perseverance, career, inspiration, women in business, personal growth, reinvention, resilience, perseverance, confidence building, life lessons, inspirational stories, entrepreneurship, female entrepreneurs, women in business, leadership mindset, mindset and motivation, overcoming self doubt, starting over, career pivots, purpose driven life, building confidence, long term success, creative journey, storytelling podcast, business podcast, real conversations, world class experts, ski culture, mountain lifestyle, winter inspiration, lifestyle podcast, self improvement, motivation podcast, personal development, life transitions, authentic conversations, success stories, podcast interviews

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Desai Link to explore an unconventional career journey— how he walked away from a career in law to work in a warehouse driving a forklift.

From studying law and history to working fly-in fly-out roles on some of the largest mining and energy projects in the world. Des shares how leaving the legal profession led him to a career in health and safety, the realities of FIFO life in Western Australia, and what it’s really like working on remote sites with thousands of people.

They discuss identity, stability, career regret, and why sometimes walking away from a “successful” path is the most rational decision you can make. This conversation dives into workplace culture, leadership earned through credibility, and how safety roles intersect with industries like mining, transport, and large-scale construction.

If you’re questioning your career path, navigating major transitions, or curious about FIFO work, mining safety, or life on remote projects, this episode offers an honest, grounded perspective from someone who’s lived it.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Intro and Meeting Desai06:00 – Growing up in Western Australia
12:30 – Studying law, history, and the search for stability
20:30 – Why law wasn’t the right fit
26:00 – Leaving law and returning to forklift work
31:00 – Discovering a career in health and safety
38:00 – Credibility, leadership, and workplace culture
44:00 – FIFO work explained
48:00 – Life on massive mining and energy projects
52:00 – Isolation, mental health, and remote work
57:00 – Career risk, long-term thinking, and avoiding regret

If you like these podcasts, you’ll enjoy this episode: The Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman Podcast, The Shawn Ryan Show, Modern Wisdom with Chris Williamson, WorkLife with Adam Grant

Tags: career change, career pivot, fly in fly out work, FIFO life, mining industry, health and safety, workplace safety, career transition, leadership at work, professional growth, construction industry, mining safety, remote work, blue collar careers, industrial safety, risk management, compliance and regulation, safety leadership, workplace culture, operations management, finding purpose, career fulfillment, work identity, long term thinking, life decisions, taking risks, stability vs fulfillment, non linear career, career advice, personal development, Australia careers, New Zealand work, FIFO Australia, mining jobs Australia, international careers, expat work life, long form podcast, interview podcast, real conversations, career stories, leadership podcast, personal growth podcast

From a $1.25 subway arrest in New York City to graduating from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, Himani Naresh’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and navigating life across cultures.

Himani Naresh: Tech & Nonprofit Executive | M&A | Strategy

Born in India, raised in the UK and New Jersey, and now rooted in Seattle, Himani brings humor, vulnerability, and hard‑earned wisdom to this conversation. She shares what it was like being the only woman on her engineering team, how she pivoted from developer to PM to finance to M&A, and why resilience is built through the left‑and‑right turns of life—not straight lines.

Along the way, she tells unforgettable stories: getting handcuffed by the NYPD at 17, being shaken down for bribes in Italy and Mumbai, and nearly getting kicked off a train in Prague. Through it all, she never stops moving forward.

If you love personal growth, women‑in‑tech stories, global travel mishaps, or honest conversations about confidence and identity, this episode is for you

Chapters:

01:28 – Himani’s Father’s Remarkable Journey

02:20 – Life in New Jersey

03:10 – Discovering New York City

03:43 – The $1.25 Arrest Story

05:14 – Calling Home From the Precinct

06:48 – Lessons From a Teenage Mistake

08:25 – Travel Mishaps Around the World

11:41 – Choosing Adventure Anyway

12:41 – Planning vs. Winging It

14:26 – Studying Computer Science at Columbia

15:25 – Building SharePoint v1

16:41 – Switching to Program Management

19:40 – Reinvention Across Careers

21:12 – Being the Only Woman in the Room

23:00 – How Resilience Is Built

24:47 – Priorities in Your 20s vs. 30s

25:30 – Life Isn’t a Straight Line: Why careers are made of strategic left and right turns.

If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love this episode: The Diary of a CEO (Steven Bartlett), Freakonomics, How I Built This with Guy Raz, The Mel Robbins Podcast,The Tim Ferriss Show,The Lex Fridman Podcast, Modern Wisdom

Tags: women in tech, tech careers, immigrant stories, resilience, career reinvention, Microsoft stories, SharePoint, software engineering, women in engineering, leadership journey, personal growth podcast, identity and culture, global travel stories, NYC stories, subway arrest story, funny travel mishaps, confidence at work, early career challenges, navigating male dominated industries, career pivots, Columbia University, Indian American stories, multicultural identity, East Coast attitude West Coast values, Seattle tech, New Jersey stories, tech leadership, career development, overcoming self doubt, mentorship, women in leadership, STEM stories, tech podcast, life lessons, personal storytelling, inspiring interviews, professional resilience, career confidence, global upbringing, immigrant family stories, childhood stories, travel bribes, train travel mishaps, young adulthood stories, Microsoft career path, program management, software developer stories, M&A career path, business school journey, finding your priorities, building confidence, overcoming fear, navigating career transitions, personal narrative podcast, human experience podcast, storytelling podcast, authenticity in leadership, women in business, tech industry insights, career advice, life reinvention, growth mindset, overcoming obstacles, inspiring women, empowering stories, podcast interview, real life stories, vulnerability in leadership

In this powerful episode of the Four Fs Podcast, filmmaker and storyteller Elijah Donnelly shares an extraordinary journey shaped by resilience, reinvention, and the courage to start over when life doesn’t go as planned.

Raised between Nashville, Tennessee and rural Alabama, Elijah opens up about childhood neglect, finding belonging through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving a two‑year mission in Argentina, and discovering filmmaking through an unexpected spark — a broken MP3 player and a Christian rock song.

Elijah walks us through his early film hustle in Nashville, the grind of working as a PA, grip, and coordinator, and the leap of faith that took him to Los Angeles right as the 2023 Writers Strike shut down the industry. From totaled cars to long commutes to a year without transportation, Elijah’s story is a masterclass in perseverance.

Now 30, he’s back in college, documenting his journey through his “Learning at 30” project — and redefining what a comeback story really looks like.

If you’re navigating career pivots, creative burnout, faith transitions, or the fear of starting over, this episode will hit home.

00:00 – Welcome to The Podcast

Jeff sets the stage and introduces today’s guest, filmmaker and storyteller Elijah Donnelly.

00:21 – Who Is Elijah?

A snapshot of Elijah’s creative background and the winding path that brought him here.

01:09 – Where Are You From?

Elijah shares his roots in Nashville and the complicated family dynamics that shaped his childhood.

07:01 – Not Fitting In

Tie‑dye shirts, long hair, and camouflage everywhere — Elijah’s first day in a small Alabama school.

09:01 – Finding the “Misfits”

How he fell in with the wrong crowd before discovering a new community.

10:41 – Discovering the LDS Church

A broken MP3 player, a Christian rock song, and the unexpected path that led him to faith.

19:59 – Family, Faith, and Complicated Feelings

The tension between church teachings on family and his own painful home life.

22:01 – Serving a Mission in Argentina

Why he always wanted to serve — and how it shaped him.

26:07 – Heartbreak & Starting Over

A breakup, depression, and the warehouse job that unexpectedly changed everything.

27:18 – Discovering Screenwriting

A YouTube video about The Dark Knight sparks a lifelong creative calling.

29:38 – Hustling Into the Industry

Networking, $20 left in his pocket, and the wild story of meeting Luke in a kiddie pool.

33:00 – Working in Film: The Grind

From art department to grip to PA — the nonlinear climb through Nashville’s film scene.

36:41 – Why LA?

Realizing Nashville couldn’t give him the screenwriting opportunities he needed.

39:28 – The Hailstorm That Totaled His Car

A brutal setback that changed everything.

41:43 – Working Non‑Union & Surviving LA

How he kept working despite the strike — and the financial strain that followed.

47:03 – Running Out of Savings

The emotional toll of grinding, doubting, and taking a data‑entry job to survive.

49:47 – The Promise to Himself at 20

Why he always knew he’d return to college at 30 if film didn’t work out.

52:01 – Returning to College at 30

The surprisingly smooth transition back into school life.

53:19 – His Screenplay: “Pigface”

A horror story about addiction, symbolism, and emotional traps.

55:05 – Wanting Stability

Why he’s done running — and what he’s building now.

58:03 – Learning at 30

His LinkedIn project, the lessons he’s sharing, and why storytelling matters.

01:02:41 – Final Thoughts

Jeff reflects on Elijah’s comeback arc and the hope in what comes next.

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Get in touch with Elijah: https://learningat30.beehiiv.com/

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Keywords/Tags: Nashville filmmaker, LDS mission story, returning to college at 30, creative career setbacks, LA film industry, writer’s strike 2023, comeback story podcast, emotional resilience, storytelling journey, filmmaking career path, overcoming adversity, personal growth at 30.

Join Linda Grizely, CFP® and financial educator, as she shares practical strategies to transform your relationship with money. From her journey into personal finance to her signature “Me Money” method and permission‑based budgeting, Linda explains how to reduce guilt, level the playing field in relationships, and make confident financial choices.

We cover everything from charitable giving and donor‑advised funds to understanding financial advisor types, the value of the CFP® certification, and why cashflow clarity beats restrictive budgeting. Linda also dives into retirement planning, Roth accounts, compound growth, self‑directed IRAs, insurance contracts, and even the impact of recent tax legislation.

Perfect for anyone seeking money mindset shifts, financial confidence, and practical tools to manage money with less stress and more clarity.

🎧 Key takeaways:

- How the Me Money method can change your financial mindset

- Strategic charitable giving & tax‑smart donor‑advised funds

- CFP® certification and advisor compensation explained

- Retirement planning, Roth accounts, and growth vehicles

- Permission‑based budgeting & money personality quizzes

Chapters:

- 00:00 – Intro & Welcome

- 00:19 – From Colorado Roots to Chicago Life

- 01:25 – Family Moves & Career Shifts

- 02:52 – Pivot Into Personal Finance & Philanthropy

- 05:31 – Career Change Signs & Nonprofit Burnout

- 07:22 – Strategic Charitable Giving Explained

- 10:06 – Donor‑Advised Funds & Tax Benefits

- 12:47 – CFP® Certification: Why It Matters

- 15:15 – Entering Financial Services

- 16:30 – Educator vs. Advisor: Linda’s Role

- 17:58 – How Financial Advisors Get Paid

- 18:33 – Advisor Types: Commission, Fee‑Based, Fee‑Only, Advice‑Only

- 22:34 – Education‑Only Approach

- 23:22 – Why Money Is Stressful

- 24:22 – Money Personalities & Childhood Stories

- 25:19 – Shifting Mindsets for Financial Success

- 26:13 – Family Money Beliefs & Risk Realities

- 28:58 – The “Me Money” Method

- 32:03 – Origin Story: Golf Trips & Me Money

- 34:12 – Better Choices & Guilt‑Free Spending

- 38:39 – Leveling the Playing Field in Marriage

- 40:07 – Branding Story: Naming “Me Money”

- 41:24 – Permission‑Based Budgeting

- 43:45 – Building the Me Money Course & Quizzes

- 45:46 – Cashflow vs. Restrictive Budgeting

- 47:51 – Resources & Where to Start

- 49:08 – Community Access & Coaching Options

- 51:13 – Retirement Planning & Compound Growth

- 52:37 – Growth Vehicles: 401k, Roth, Brokerage

- 54:54 – Insurance Contracts: Proceed with Caution

- 55:48 – Self‑Directed IRAs: Risks & Diversification

- 57:38 – Extended Reduced Tax Rates

If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love this episode: The Diary of a CEO (Steven Bartlett), Money For Couples with Ramit Sethi, Freakonomics, How I Built This with Guy Raz, The Mel Robbins Podcast, Planet Money, The Money With Katie Show

What happens when a near-death experience reshapes your perspective on leadership and life? Join us in this riveting episode of the Four Fs Podcast as host Jeff engages in an authentic conversation with Rich Kaplan, a former Microsoft executive whose remarkable journey includes pivotal moments like the launch of Windows 95 and the monumental Y2K compliance initiatives. Rich’s insights on leadership challenge the notion that charisma is the key to success; instead, he emphasizes the critical importance of clarity in guiding teams through high-stakes environments.

Rich shares personal stories that reveal the discipline and freedom required to navigate the complexities of leading diverse teams without direct authority. His experiences with Steve Ballmer and the chaos surrounding Y2K preparations provide invaluable business insights that resonate deeply in today’s fast-paced world. Listeners will gain valuable leadership insights as Rich reflects on the necessity of creating a common mission among team members, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration, and the power of effective communication.

The Four Fs Podcast dives into the intersection of technology discussions and personal development, showcasing how Rich’s journey is not only about corporate success but also about purpose-driven career choices. His near-death experience prompted a profound shift toward faith, health, family, and service, illustrating the life lessons that can emerge from overcoming failure. Rich’s story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving milestones, but about the impact we have on others and the legacy we leave behind.

Listeners will find themselves inspired by Rich’s mindset and success strategies, as he shares his thoughts on entrepreneurship lessons and the significance of accountability in a high-pressure environment. This episode is a treasure trove of startup advice and remarkable people stories, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in career development and social impact. Tune in to the Four Fs Podcast for an engaging exploration of leadership, technology, and the human experience, and discover how to navigate your own path with clarity and purpose.

(00:00:07) - Introduction to Rich Kaplan and His Legacy

(00:00:17) - The Art of Leadership: Clarity Over Charisma

(00:00:36) - Navigating High-Stakes Meetings with Steve Ballmer

(00:00:42) - Personal Priorities After a Near-Death Experience

(00:00:56) - Lessons from Y2K: Leadership and Accountability

(00:01:14) - Influencing Without Authority: Building a Common Mission

(00:01:21) - The Importance of Clarity in Communication

(00:01:30) - Crafting Messages for Diverse Audiences

(00:01:46) - Running Effective Meetings: Setting Objectives

(00:02:00) - Understanding Different Team Dynamics

(00:02:30) - The Impact of Feedback and Guidance

(00:02:57) - Navigating Personal and Professional Advice

(00:03:06) - Creating a Supportive Team Environment

(00:03:33) - The Role of Faith and Health in Leadership

(00:40:06) - Y2K: A Collective Responsibility

(00:48:40) - Influence and Respect in Leadership

(00:58:32) - Choosing the Right People for Your Team

(01:09:35) - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love this episode: The Diary of a CEO (Steven Bartlett), The Shawn Ryan Show, The Lex Fridman Podcast, Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman, How I Built This with Guy Raz, The Mel Robbins Podcast, Modern Wisdom With Chris Williamson, The Tim Ferriss Show.

Tags: leadership, leadership insights, authentic conversations, four fs podcast, purpose-driven career, personal stories, overcoming failure, career development, technology discussions, discipline and freedom, personal development, executive interviews, business insights, entrepreneurship lessons, remarkable people, mindset, and success.