“Money is the addiction of choice for the unworthy.”
Mic drop.
If you grind, strive and pressure yourself to do more — this conversation will break you open.
This week on The Examined Life Podcast, we’re joined by Manisha Thakor. She's an author and seasoned financial services executive.
We ask the question:
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My top 3 takeaways
Making every moment productive with podcasts
We all feel the need to make every moment productive. Manisha was on a motorcycle trip in the Laos jungle — listening to business podcasts in her earbuds.
→ Watch the clip
The myth of "The Number"
When’s the best time to leave your high-paying job? After next year’s bonus. Manisha kept moving the goal posts under the pretense of “inflation.”
→ Watch the clip
What the FIRE movement (“Financial Independence, Retire Early”) got wrong
Vicki Robin who wrote Your Money or Your Life says that the movement missed the bigger picture of leaving the world a better place — choosing instead to focus on who had the biggest pile of money.
My favorite quote: She was literally on her deathbed (and went back to work)
Why this episode matters to me
Air Jordans and Polo Shirts as a kid. Luxurious vacations and bottle service as an adult.
I spent much of my life conflating net worth and self-worth.
Never having “enough” net worth almost killed Manisha.
My own chase for self-worth led to serious health problems (ahem, hardcore teeth grinding, Type II Diabetes and a reputation for Khe-garitas).
Manisha and I learned to separate net worth and self-worth.
You can too.
If you want to dig deeper
I devoured Manisha’s book Money Zen on one plane ride. It’s a no-brainer for anyone re-examining their relationship with net worth. Manisha also appeared on the What Works Podcast with Tara McMullin, where they went deep on The Cult of Never Enough.
Love letters from our fans
"Khe is like Morpheus from The Matrix, showing people another way to think about life."
Hope you enjoy the episode,
Khe