Living Authentically

In this episode of Richer Soul, we welcome Brian Bogert, a human behavior and performance coach, business strategist, and speaker. Brian’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and intentionality. After a traumatic injury at age seven, he learned how to embrace pain to avoid suffering—a philosophy he now teaches to help others unlock their full potential.

Brian challenges the traditional norms of success, pushing individuals and leaders to connect with their authentic selves rather than simply chasing external achievements. His work is about building a life of sustainable growth, personal mastery, and deep fulfillment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Pain to Avoid Suffering. Brian believes that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. By facing challenges head-on and learning from them, we can avoid prolonged suffering and grow stronger. His own experience of recovering from a traumatic injury taught him that leaning into discomfort can be transformational.
2. Identity Over Actions. Success isn’t just about what you do but who you are. Many people chase financial or career success but feel empty inside. Brian encourages people to focus on identity first, ensuring their external success aligns with their internal values and purpose.
3. Rewriting Your Money Story. Growing up, Brian’s relationship with money was shaped by his father’s experiences—avoiding financial discussions and feeling undeserving of wealth. These subconscious beliefs impacted his early financial decisions, but he learned to reframe his mindset around self-worth and value.
4. The Power of Intention and Self-Awareness. To create meaningful change, you must be intentional. Brian shares that self-awareness is the first step to transformation. Whether in personal relationships, business, or finances, being clear about why you do what you do can unlock greater fulfillment and success.

Money Learning:

Brian’s early experiences with money were shaped by contrast—earning his own money versus watching others have wealth given to them. He worked hard to save for his first car, while some of his peers had luxury vehicles bought for them. His father’s unspoken scarcity mindset led to moments where Brian was told to return money he earned because it was “too much.”

These experiences shaped his financial beliefs, creating a mix of hard work, self-worth challenges, and scarcity programming. Over time, Brian realized that earning money is not about taking from others but about delivering value—a key shift in perspective that allowed him to thrive financially and professionally.

About Brian Bogert:

Brian is a human behavior and performance coach, speaker, and business strategist dedicated to helping people unlock their limitless potential. His work is centered around deep self-connection, fostering growth, and redefining success from the inside out. He aims to impact a billion lives by 2045 through his transformative coaching and leadership programs.

Key Discussion Points: 

1. The Story Behind Brian’s Injury: How a near-death experience shaped his philosophy on pain and growth.
2. The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Success: Why self-awareness and emotional processing are the foundation of transformation.
3. Scarcity vs. Abundance in Financial Mindset: The unspoken lessons from his childhood that shaped his relationship with money.
4. Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs: How early experiences can subconsciously affect career, relationships, and self-worth.
5. Building a Purpose-Driven Life: How to align your actions with your deeper values to create lasting impact.

Conclusion:

Brian Bogert’s journey teaches us that true success starts from within. While external achievements—money, career, status—may bring temporary satisfaction, real fulfillment comes from embracing your identity, rewriting your story, and living with intentionality.

What pain are you avoiding that could actually be the key to your growth? How can you redefine your relationship with success, money, and self-worth?

Join us in this powerful conversation as Brian shares how to break free from limitations, step into your true power, and live a life of abundance and impact.

Links:

Website: https://brianbogert.com/

Flipping the Lid Podcast: https://flippingthelid.com/ 

Rapid Fire Community Coaching: https://go.brianbogert.com/rfcc 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bogertbrian

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bogertbrian/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbogert/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmhaMgY8q-tMMCj0rpGg7iw

Twitter: https://x.com/BogertBrian

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let’s talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let’s figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It’s about personal freedom!

F Happiness

In this episode of Richer Soul, we welcome Shawn Nowotnik, a therapist, author, artist, and filmmaker. After the devastating loss of his son to suicide, Shawn embarked on a deep exploration of mental health, addiction, and the pursuit of meaning. His insights challenge the conventional idea that happiness is the ultimate goal in life. Instead, he encourages people to focus on finding purpose and personal fulfillment.

Shawn’s book, Fck Happiness: The Search for Meaning in a World Gone Mad Chasing Happiness*, delves into these themes, questioning why our culture is obsessed with chasing fleeting moments of joy instead of building meaningful lives.

This conversation dives into the myths around happiness, the impact of trauma on mental health, and how society needs to redefine success. Let’s explore key takeaways from our discussion with Shawn Nowotnik.

Key Takeaways:

1. Happiness is Overrated—Seek Meaning Instead. Many people believe that happiness should be their ultimate goal, but Shawn argues that this pursuit often leads to disappointment and anxiety. True fulfillment comes from embracing a life of meaning, even when it involves struggle and discomfort. He suggests that rather than avoiding pain, we should learn to navigate it in a way that helps us grow.
2. The Role of Trauma in Mental Health and Addiction. Shawn discusses how unresolved trauma can manifest in destructive ways, from addiction to self-sabotaging behaviors. His work focuses on helping individuals reframe their past experiences and find healthier coping mechanisms. He emphasizes that society needs better mental health education and more holistic treatment approaches to address these deep-rooted issues.
3. Society's Narrative on Success is Flawed. People often define success based on external achievements—money, status, or material possessions. However, Shawn believes that a more sustainable and fulfilling success is found in personal development, authentic relationships, and a sense of contribution to something bigger than oneself. He challenges listeners to redefine what success means on their own terms.
4. Art, Writing, and Film as Therapy and Advocacy. Beyond his clinical work, Shawn is an artist and filmmaker who uses creative expression as a healing tool. He believes that storytelling—whether through books, movies, or visual art—can help normalize conversations around mental health, grief, and addiction. His upcoming projects aim to raise awareness and challenge social stigmas around these critical issues.

Money Learnings:

Shawn's first lessons about money came from his grandfather. Growing up in a tough Chicago neighborhood, he learned the basics of commerce and money exchange by helping at his grandfather’s fish market. His early experiences showed him that money is a tool for survival and opportunity, but also that financial education was largely missing from both his home and school life. This lack of structured money education made him realize the importance of financial literacy, especially in the mental health field, where many professionals and clients struggle with money-related stress. Shawn emphasizes that financial stability plays a significant role in mental well-being, and more open discussions about money are needed.

Shawn Nowotnik's Bio:

Shawn Léon Nowotnik, MSW, LCSW, is a therapist, author, artist, and filmmaker based outside of Chicago. After experiencing the devastating loss of his son to suicide, he dedicated his life to understanding and addressing mental health, addiction, and trauma. He has developed holistic treatment programs and is an advocate for improving mental health care. His new book, Fck Happiness: The Search for Meaning in a World Gone Mad Chasing Happiness*, challenges traditional notions of happiness and offers a more purpose-driven approach to life.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Shawn's early experiences with money and business.
2. How the loss of his son changed his approach to life and mental health.
3. Why the pursuit of happiness can be counterproductive.
4. The role of trauma in addiction and mental illness.
5. How creative expression (art, film, writing) can be a healing tool.
6. Why financial stability is a crucial yet often overlooked part of mental health.
7. How to shift from chasing happiness to creating a meaningful life.

Conclusion:

Shawn Nowotnik’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and transformation. His perspective challenges the mainstream obsession with happiness, urging us to seek deeper fulfillment through meaning, connection, and personal growth. His work is a reminder that pain and struggle are part of the human experience, and by embracing them, we can build a richer, more purposeful life.

Links:

Website: https://www.shawnleonnowotnik.com/

https://www.am-biv-a-lent.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.nowotnik

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-l%C3%A9on-nowotnik/

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let’s talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let’s figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It’s about personal freedom!

Life As A Masterpiece

In this episode of Richer Soul, we dive into the inspiring journey of Cathy Christen, a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and executive business coach who is passionate about helping others craft a "Life by Design." Cathy shares her personal growth story, how she overcame early money mindsets, and how she now empowers women through GoBundance WomenⓇ to live abundant, fulfilling lives.

Key Takeaways: 

1. Overcoming Early Money Programming: Cathy grew up in a low-income household with a fear-driven attitude toward money. Through personal development, including transformative experiences like Tony Robbins' Date with Destiny, she reframed her beliefs to view money as a tool for impact and freedom.
2. Defining Success Beyond Money: By 25, Cathy was making over $400,000 annually but felt burnt out and dissatisfied. She realized that true success for her included time freedom, health, and living with purpose, not just financial milestones.
3. Money Equals Impact: Cathy’s financial journey shifted when she embraced the mindset that more money allows for greater impact. Her goal of giving away $1 million in a year exemplifies her commitment to generosity.
4. Empowering Women to Thrive: As a co-founder of GoBundance WomenⓇ, Cathy creates spaces for female entrepreneurs to connect, grow, and achieve balance in all aspects of life, from business success to personal fulfillment.

Money Learnings:

Cathy’s early years were marked by scarcity and negative money beliefs, yet she always aspired for more. While she initially equated earning money with happiness, her financial success didn’t bring her fulfillment. It wasn’t until she addressed her subconscious money programming that she found alignment between wealth and purpose. Now, Cathy encourages others to view money as a means to create positive change, not as a source of fear or greed.

Bio:

Cathy Christen is a vibrant entrepreneur, speaker, and executive coach with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and teams achieve their dreams. Known as the "Culture Queen," Cathy specializes in fostering team dynamics and guiding entrepreneurs to reclaim their time. She co-founded GoBundance WomenⓇ, a network dedicated to empowering female leaders to live abundant and balanced lives.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Breaking Limiting Beliefs: Cathy discusses how deeply ingrained beliefs about money being "evil" shaped her early behavior and how she worked to overcome them.
2. The Power of Purpose: Cathy shares how aligning money with purpose—like her aspiration to make large charitable contributions—shifted her view of wealth.
3. Balancing Wealth and Well-Being: She highlights the importance of balancing financial success with time freedom, health, and relationships.
4. Empowering Women: Through GoBundance WomenⓇ, Cathy focuses on fostering a community where women can thrive professionally and personally.
5. Strategies for Growth: Cathy shares practical tips for personal development, wealth creation, and mindset shifts, offering tools that listeners can apply to their own lives.

Conclusion:

Cathy Christen’s journey is a testament to the power of reframing money beliefs and intentionally designing your life around what matters most. Her mission to empower others to build wealth and make an impact demonstrates that financial success is about more than just dollars—it's about living a purpose-driven life.

Links:

https://cathychristen.com/

GOBUNDANCEWOMEN.COM

Instagram: CathyVChristen

Facebook: CathyVChristen

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let’s talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let’s figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It’s about personal freedom!

Can You Be Reasonably Happy

In this episode of Richer Soul, I had the privilege of speaking with Paul Ollinger, a stand-up comedian, podcast host, and author who left a lucrative career at Facebook to chase his dream of comedy. Through his podcast, Reasonably Happy, Paul explores the interplay between money, happiness, work, and purpose. His life journey, marked by bold choices and valuable lessons, offers incredible insights into navigating life’s financial and emotional complexities.

Key Takeaways:

1. Childhood Money Scripts Matter: Paul grew up in a large Catholic family where money was stable but never abundant. This upbringing shaped his initial belief that wealth equates to freedom from stress—a script he reevaluated later in life.
2. Chasing Dreams Is Risky but Rewarding: Paul’s decision to leave Facebook to pursue stand-up comedy was financially unprofitable, but it brought him immense personal growth and fulfillment.
3. Money and Happiness Are Interlinked but Complex: Paul’s podcast and essays examine how financial success can coexist with personal happiness, emphasizing balance over blind ambition.
4. The Power of Giving Back: From supporting his family as a child to providing thoughtful insights through his podcast, Paul embodies the spirit of contribution, proving that fulfillment often lies in lifting others.

Money Learning:

Paul’s journey reveals that our financial habits often stem from childhood experiences. His early lessons about saving and frugality played a pivotal role in his career choices. However, he emphasizes the importance of not letting outdated beliefs limit your growth. For Paul, real financial wisdom lies in balancing practical discipline with pursuing meaningful experiences.

About Paul Ollinger:

Paul Ollinger is a stand-up comedian and the host of Reasonably Happy, a podcast where he discusses money, happiness, and work with renowned guests like Judd Apatow and LL COOL J. His latest book, Reasonably Happy, compiles over 200 interviews into humorous and insightful essays. Based in New York City, Paul lives with his wife, two teenagers, and their French bulldogs, Theo and Colonel Tom Parker​​.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Early Money Lessons: Paul shared how his upbringing in a frugal, Catholic family shaped his financial mindset. His parents’ values emphasized stability over luxury, which initially instilled in him the belief that wealth equated to stress-free living​.
2. The Psychological Impact of Wealth: Paul discussed the emotional challenges of growing up with financial stress. He later learned to untangle these experiences to adopt a healthier relationship with money​.
3. Balancing Career Risks and Fulfillment: Leaving a well-paying job at Facebook for comedy was a gamble. Paul explained how this decision was fueled by the desire for purpose and authenticity over monetary gain​.
4. Cultural Narratives Around Money: Paul touched on societal attitudes towards wealth, noting how Catholicism often associates financial success with moral compromise—a narrative he actively worked to rewrite​.
5. Teaching Financial Lessons to the Next Generation: As a parent, Paul is mindful of the lessons his children absorb from him, ensuring they learn the value of money without developing unhealthy attachments or anxieties.

Conclusion:

Paul Ollinger’s story is a testament to the fact that money, while essential, is just one piece of the happiness puzzle. His journey from corporate success to personal fulfillment through comedy and podcasting showcases the courage it takes to align your financial habits with your values and passions. Tune in to this episode to gain deeper insights into how money, happiness, and meaning intersect.

Links:

Book on Amazon: Reasonably Happy: Essays on Money, Work and Other Things that Piss Me Off- https://www.amazon.com/Reasonably-Happy-Essays-Money-Things/dp/0997270659/ref=sr_1_1?crid=326TDOT9XWWGI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dLZOV_Igvsr40nXuxzsMbULjnDLojjeLCAnUkSK67wDL2ByRXdMpN6QwaDis5Ewq.RqJ-nLbHhL2CsP6768q3Ko-D9W2Wo1HMtxKDr_cs7Es&dib_tag=se&keywords=paul+ollinger&qid=1733763670&sprefix=paul+ollinger,aps,208&sr=8-1  

Substack: https://words.paulollinger.com/

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let’s talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let’s figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It’s about personal freedom!