Advertise on podcast: The Pathless Path with Paul Millerd

I chat with Michael on parenting, getting lost, the pathless path, hustle culture, travel, and more. This is his 4th appearance on the show. Find more about Michael here: https://michaelashcroft.com/Or explore his writings on expanded awareness: https://expandingawareness.org/ (00:00) - Introduction / Teaser (02:37) - Introduction and Missing Guest (03:26) - Podcast Plans and Initial Banter (03:47) - Reflecting on Past Conversations (04:36) - The Journey of Self-Employment (13:10) - Life Updates and Health Challenges (17:03) - Parenting Reflections and Future Plans (20:36) - Balancing Work and Family Life (24:56) - Navigating Challenges and Personal Growth (31:00) - The Role of Fathers and Emotional Resilience (34:33) - The Impact of Miscarriages and Moving Forward (37:45) - Reflecting on a Challenging Project (39:15) - Book Sales and Audience Insights (40:55) - Future Plans and Creative Inspiration (41:49) - The State of Online Creation (51:19) - AI and Its Impact on Creativity (01:01:02) - Balancing Work, Family, and Creativity (01:06:24) - Fun and Games: Dictator or Hustle Bro? (01:09:24) - Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

Allie and I discuss our shared experiences of leaving traditional career paths to explore more authentic lives. Allie, a former lawyer, talks about navigating parenthood, part-time work, and her numerous interests while stepping off the default path. We chat about how Allie was inspired by 'The Pathless Path,' the ship, quit, and learn framework, and our upcoming experiments with nomadic living. Allie also talks about burnout, and alternative ways to live meaningfully. Follow Allie's writing and podcast on Substack: Practically On Purpose (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Overview (01:41) - Ali's Journey and Paul's Influence (02:48) - Defining the Pathless Path (04:41) - Living the Pathless Path (07:19) - Daily Life and Nomadic Living (20:38) - Traveling Village and Family Life (24:05) - Education and Raising Kids (28:03) - Ship, Quit, and Learn Framework (32:19) - Balancing Priorities and Curiosity (33:03) - Living a Minimalist Lifestyle (33:50) - Creative Paths and Family Support (36:24) - Cultural Differences in Marriage (39:52) - Economic Growth and Middle-Class Ideals (43:04) - Questioning the Traditional Career Path (45:32) - The Inspiration Deficit and Meaningful Work (49:36) - Challenges of the Creator Journey (56:54) - The Pathless Path Community Click here to watch a video of this episode. YQ3PyMQVF4KeM21wWwwC NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

In this episode, I have a deep conversation with Steven Foster, who opens up about his career journey from Silicon Valley to embracing a pathless life. We dive into his essay 'Commit a Career Ending Move,' reflecting on how modernity has turned careers into a form of religion. Steven shares his personal challenges, including severe health issues and family crises, and how embracing a more communal and nature-focused lifestyle has helped him navigate these obstacles. This episode is an exploration of redefining work, faith, and finding a deeper purpose beyond traditional career paths. (00:00) - Introduction to Steven Foster and His Career Journey (01:41) - The Religion of Work (03:42) - Steven's Early Career and Family Background (07:18) - Navigating the Tech Industry (20:11) - Leaving Silicon Valley (24:33) - Life After the Career-Ending Move (33:25) - Financial Shifts and Creative Solutions (34:37) - Navigating Personal Crises (43:58) - The Role of Community and Religion (56:00) - The Power of Permissionless Income NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

Click here to watch a video of this episode. Mentioned in the episode Andrew Taggart’s websitePathways to the Dao (Andrew’s Substack)Leisure: The Basis of Culture by Josef PieperSecular Monks (article by Andrew Taggart)Why Buddhism is True by Robert WrightPierre Hadot (Philosophy as a Way of Life)The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd (00:00) - Introduction (04:02) - The Evolution of Work Philosophy (08:05) - The Role of Telos in Modern Life (14:59) - Personal Journeys and Realizations (37:34) - Writing as a practice and medium for understanding (48:54) - Rethinking Karma Yoga in Modernity (51:32) - The Mundane Nature of Daily Tasks (57:56) - The Spiritual Journey of Work (59:38) - Introspection and the Reality of Work (01:11:26) - Balancing Objective Conditions and Inner Peace (01:28:27) - The Concept of Inner Purification (01:35:49) - Final Thoughts and Future Projects NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

I took questions from people for episode 200.  Enjoy! Click here to watch a video of this episode. (00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Background (03:28) - Future of Education and Teaching (05:49) - Thoughts on Being a Prophet (06:29) - Current Pulling Forces and Changes (08:50) - Special Hardcover Edition Plans (10:25) - Managing Financial Anxiety (12:11) - Business Lessons from Corporate Life (15:04) - Evolving Perspectives on Parenting (17:35) - Self-Love versus Self-Improvement (21:10) - Building Community and Future Plans (23:13) - Courage and Sustainability on the Pathless Path (27:20) - Practical Advice for Going Off the Beaten Path NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

In this episode, I talk with Dennis Owen about his journey from a long career in the airline industry to building a purposeful and active retirement in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Dennis shares how he intentionally “retired to” a new life filled with volunteering, consulting, and community involvement, rather than just leaving work behind. We discuss the challenges of adapting to a new culture, the importance of routine, staying curious, and the mental shift from saving to spending in retirement. Dennis emphasizes the value of purpose, continuous learning, and building a diverse community, while also sharing practical tips and book recommendations for anyone to continue to reinvent their path after work. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Topics Covered: Transitioning from a long career to retirementMoving abroad and adapting to a new cultureThe importance of “retiring to” something, not just leaving workBuilding routine and community in retirementVolunteering and giving backConsulting, ghostwriting, and staying mentally activeThe mental shift from saving to spendingStaying current with technology and learning new thingsHealth, wellness, and daily habitsNavigating practical challenges of living abroadBook and resource recommendations for retirement and reinventionAdvice for finding purpose and meaning after workLINKS: Dennis Owen on LinkedInThe Pathless Path by Paul MillerdThe New Retirementality by Mitch AnthonyOutlive by Peter AttiaDie With Zero by Bill PerkinsJust Keep Buying by Nick MaggiulliChapters (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Background (01:56) - Early Career in the Airline Industry (05:31) - Transition to Asia and Cultural Experiences (08:07) - Volunteer Work and Personal Life (15:51) - Retirement Philosophy and Activities (22:15) - Creating Opportunities and Continuous Learning (32:52) - The Reality of Retirement (33:09) - Finding Meaning Beyond Money (35:25) - Adapting to Technological Changes (38:19) - Retiring in Chiang Mai (42:34) - Balancing Health and Wellness (44:17) - Embracing Lifelong Learning (50:44) - Navigating Financial Decisions in Retirement (59:02) - The Importance of Purpose and Learning NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

In this video, I talk with Rekha about Boundless Life and the idea of location-independent education. We cover her background, what led her to start Boundless Life, and how the program works for families who want a different approach to learning and community. For more: Boundless LifeBoundless EducationRekha on LinkedInRekha on Instagram (00:00) - Introduction to the topic of location-independent education (02:34) - Rekha's background and early influences (04:53) - Career beginnings and feeling unfulfilled (09:21) - Transformative experience during pregnancy (18:27) - Origins of Boundless Life (25:55) - Breaking traditional education assumptions (41:58) - Building community and relationships in Boundless (49:28) - Funding model and future growth (01:01:13) - Future plans and expansion NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

In this episode, I interview my friend Pranab Saachi, and we get specific about the ideas and influences that have shaped his thinking. We talk about codependent origination from Buddhist philosophy, the concept of “quake books” that have shifted his worldview, and his own approach to “attentional co-piloting” as a practical alternative to traditional coaching (which he then has me try out live on the call). Pranab references teachers like Michael Taft and Robert Burbea, and explains how Internal Family Systems and Joe Hudson’s Art of Accomplishment have factored into his work. We also discuss his abandoned “Non-Success Podcast” idea and why he’s more interested in experiments than achievements. Connect with Pranab here: https://www.pranabsachi.com/Click here to watch a video of this episode. Some topics we talked about include: Codependent Origination (Buddhist philosophy)Quake Books (life-changing reads)Attentional Co-Piloting (Pranab’s coaching approach)Michael Taft (meditation teacher)Rob Burbea (Buddhist teacher)Joe Hudson & Art of AccomplishmentInternal Family Systems (IFS)The Non-Success Podcast (Pranab’s project idea)Tim Ferriss, Wait But Why, Siddhartha, and more (00:00) - Introduction and background (10:33) - Career journey and exploration (16:43) - Building authentic connections (22:58) - Spiritual influences and meditation practice (50:23) - Attentional co-piloting coaching session (01:18:07) - Closing thoughts and contact information NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

In this episode, I'm pumped to welcome back Nick Maggiulli to the podcast (https://youtu.be/deMXbaI-Ir4). We dive into various topics about money and financial independence, with a focus on Nick's endorsement of the 'COAST Fire' strategy, something I accidentally embraced after quitting my job.  Nick shares his personal stories of financial challenges growing up and how these experiences shaped his approach to saving and spending. We debate the right time to take financial leaps and discuss how data-driven trends are making more Americans wealthier today. Nick introduces his wealth ladder concept and explains how it can help you live life on your terms.  His new book is here: https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Ladder-Proven-Strategies-Financial/dp/0593854039I loved his first book too: https://youtu.be/WWXPNK06r-k Click here to watch a video of this episode. (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Reintroduction (02:31) - Diving into Personal Financial Stories (05:49) - Spending Rules and Financial Philosophies (12:14) - The Wealth Ladder Explained (20:08) - Navigating Career and Financial Growth (30:43) - The Impact of Wealth on Lifestyle (41:34) - Inflation Adjusted Wealth Levels (42:46) - Fears of Going Broke (43:24) - The 4% Rule and Retirement (46:34) - Coast Fire Explained (50:59) - The Emotions of Money (54:53) - Creative Paths and Financial Decisions (01:00:49) - The Future of Writing and Publishing (01:05:55) - The Impact of LLMs on Content Creation (01:09:09) - Reflections on Financial Advice (01:17:16) - Concluding Thoughts and Farewells NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

Lawrence is one of my favorite creators. He shares with passion, vulnerability and care. I chatted with Lawrence Yeo about his new book, 'The Inner Compass,' exploring themes of self-reflection, creativity, and the journey of writing and self-publishing. We discuss the importance of engaging with the world to gain a deeper understanding of oneself, the role of ambition in creative work, and the dynamics of traditional versus self-publishing. Click here to watch a video of this episode. To find his book and support his work: BOOK: https://compass.moretothat.comSITE: https://moretothat.comCHAPTERS00:38 The Journey of Self-Reflection 01:12 Creativity and Connection 06:38 The Nature of Creativity 08:55 Success and Inner Fulfillment 16:51 The Risk of Authenticity 18:51 Self-Publishing Insights 36:51 The Power of Short Books 38:06 Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing 39:58 Creative Intentions in Writing 42:07 Overcoming Fear in Publishing Choices 44:17 The Pathless Path: Choosing Your Journey 47:48 The Next Book: Exploring Money and Identity 52:05 Innovative Approaches to Book Launches NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

In this episode, I have a conversation with my friend Jack Moses. Three years ago, Jack emailed me after reading my book, declaring he was dropping out of college. Over time, I've been amazed by his life's actions, from embracing hustle culture to diving deep into spirituality. Recently, Jack led a retreat in Thailand, inspiring me with his courage and optimistic outlook. Join us as we discuss spiritual journeys, trusting our paths, and taking bold steps early in life. You can check out his podcast too (00:00) - Introduction to Jack Moses (01:14) - Jack's Journey: From Hustle to Spirituality (01:34) - Meeting in Chiang Mai (03:12) - The Impact of Travel (07:54) - Returning to School for Football (08:38) - Navigating the Real World vs. School (16:22) - The Challenges of Hustle Culture (19:40) - Writing and Creativity (24:02) - Spirituality and Personal Growth (32:13) - Human Design and Life Strategies (40:42) - Launching the Hardcover Version (41:43) - Living in Mexico During COVID (43:48) - The Pathless Path and Finding Flow (44:45) - Balancing Work and Family (45:44) - Exploring Synchronicity and Consciousness (47:13) - The Journey of Writing and Creativity (52:31) - Navigating Relationships and Freedom (01:09:42) - The Decision to Move to Asia (01:11:57) - Publishing and Creative Independence (01:13:36) - Final Reflections and Gratitude NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

Personal updates about life, including his recent move back to Asia, reflections on work and career paths, parenting experiences, and insights into education and self-publishing. I share the challenges and joys of parenting, how I think about decisions in regards to kids, and evolving thoughts on publishing and creative projects. Topics00:00 Introduction and Life Updates05:32 Reflections on Career Paths and Work Culture08:43 Family Relocation and Adjustments11:06 Traveling with Children: Tips and Experiences14:40 Advice for New Parents17:34 Approach to Education for Children20:33 Self-Publishing Journey and Future Projects NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

Hello! I'm back! Expect a slow ramp, but there are new episodes coming! I talked with Nat Eliason about his journey as a writer, from early experiments with ideas to fully embracing writing as a career. We discussed the challenges and rewards of moving from nonfiction to fiction, the trade-offs between traditional and self-publishing, and the importance of audience engagement. We also explored how AI is impacting writing, strategies for gathering feedback, and fiction’s role in addressing societal issues. Nat closed by sharing his vision for the future of his writing and the opportunities ahead. Links & book info! Husk Special Direct Sale: Buy here or https://shop.nateliason.com/products/huskHusk on Amazon: Buy here or hereMore of Nat's stuff: His Website and newsletter NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

Links: PodcastBlake BolesDirtbag Rich Site: https://www.blakeboles.com/dbr/Episode DesriptionPaul Millerd is a 39-year-old writer, ex-consultant, and advocate for ditching the default path in favor of what he calls “the pathless path.” (pmillerd.com / @p_millerd) Paul walked away from a promising corporate consulting career—think McKinsey, prestige, and six-figure salaries—to pursue a life of writing, experimenting, and global wandering. He describes how he initially struggled with unlearning his achievement-oriented mindset, why the idea of good work (work that energizes) became his guiding principle, and how his first self-published book, The Pathless Path, briefly and unexpectedly earned six figures. We discuss the philosophical basis of work and money, how to avoid the traps of both scarcity and overachievement, and how the value of exercising your freedom is limited by how others exercise their own freedom. (In other words: if you're free to hike on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, and no one's available to go with you, are you really free?) Paul and his wife have a young daughter, and they struggle to find and live near other, like-minded families. We talk about how online communities help Paul stay connected while living nomadically between Texas and Taiwan and how online self-education was invaluable to his success. We conclude with a discussion of navigating fear and uncertainty on the pathless path. Throughout the conversation, Paul stays refreshingly honest about the tensions between freedom and stability, the allure of easy money, and the ever-present temptation to fall back into old habits of achievement and validation. Energized by this conversation, I ended up talking more than usual about the tricky balance of factors that leads to a Dirtbag Rich existence. NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial

This was a fun episode. A friend, Matt Yao, reached out to see if he could interview me about my recent book, Good Work. We first connected when he called me in the summer of 2022. He was in the middle of my book and knew he needed to quit his job. Over the last few years, he's been on a transformational journey, experimenting with writing, coaching, and several other side quests. Hope you enjoy this conversation. You can learn more about Matt here: Matt Yao NEW: The Pathless Path Hardcover Premium Edition 📘 My 2nd Book Good Work: Learn More📕 Buy My First Book, The Pathless Path (65k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join 500+ In My Cozy Community: Pathless Path Community 📲Connect + Follow Paul X: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (26k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast: Accounting, Taxes, and Payroll for Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up HereI use and love the Readwise reader for notes and highlights: Join Here for a 2 month trial