In this engaging episode of Get Your Fill: Financial Independence and Long Life, host Christine McCarron interviews Brian Herriot, author, speaker, financial advisor, and entrepreneurship coach. Brian challenges the traditional retirement model and the 4% rule by introducing time freedom—achieving flexible, fulfilling living long before reaching massive wealth. He explains that true freedom comes from cash flow rather than a huge nest egg, combining modest savings withdrawals with flexible, seasonal work or passive income streams. Drawing from his own journey—sparked by a life-altering commute epiphany and shaped by his wife’s cystic fibrosis and lung transplant—Brian advocates designing a life of seasonal schedules, lifestyle businesses, and purposeful adventures, emphasizing that you don’t need millions to live freely if you optimize work, income, and time intentionally.

Brian shares practical steps for transitioning from traditional employment to entrepreneurship without the “hustle” grind. He advises leveraging existing professional skills to create service-based offerings (e.g., fractional CFO roles or independent consulting), building slowly while still employed, saving a year’s runway, and testing ideas before fully committing. He stresses the importance of structure in self-employment—suggesting virtual assistants for accountability—and setting clear boundaries with clients to protect flexibility. Through real-life examples, including a real estate agent who limited clients for work-life balance, Brian shows how mindset shifts and small, deliberate steps can lead to time freedom much earlier than conventional paths, allowing more time for family, travel, and meaningful pursuits.

The conversation highlights the deeper value of timefreedom: it creates space for purpose, connection, andintentional living, rather than endless accumulation. Brian warns against equating freedom with “enoughism” or retirement boredom, encouraging big goals pursued flexibly. He promotes surrounding yourself with like-minded people who understand and support non-traditional paths, and shares upcoming book details (pre-order available with free audiobook bonus). Listeners are inspired to rethink success, prioritize character over resumes, and design a life that’s rich in experiences and freedom, not just money.

Frequently searched keywords: time freedom, financialfreedom vs time freedom, lifestyle business, seasonal work schedule, entrepreneurship transition, flexible retirement, cash flow over nest egg, 4% rule alternative, no-hustle entrepreneurship, purposeful living, work-life freedom, fractional consulting, building passive income freedom before wealth.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QIpmbzCKx9Y

Connect with Brian: www.timefreedom.life

In this episode of Get Your Fill: Financial Independenceand Long Life, host Christine McCarron interviews Patrick Nagato, founder of Canoe and Current Wealth Strategies and author of The Canoe and the Current. Patrick explains the critical mindset shift required for a successful retirement: after decades of aggressively saving and growing assets, retirees must transition from accumulation to strategic spending and income maximization to sustain 30–40+ years of purposeful living. Many people “wing it,” chasing endless travel only to face boredom, loss of purpose, or unexpected life changes like caregiving. He strongly advocates creating a Retirement Vision Statement—a clear, shared plan with your spouse that outlines priorities, purpose, and pleasures—so families align expectations, avoid overspending, and build a meaningful post-work life instead of defaulting to daytime TV or isolation.

Patrick introduces his core philosophy through the book’smetaphor: the canoe represents a solid foundation of guaranteed income (funded primarily by Social Security, pensions if available, or properly structured income annuities and bond ladders) to cover essential expenses like housing, food, and insurance—creating calm even in rough markets. The current is the growth-oriented, time-segmentedinvestment portfolio (short-, mid-, and long-term buckets) that fuels lifestyle, joy, vacations, gifting, and reinvestment when markets perform well. By separating essentials from discretionary “pleasure” spending, retirees avoid panic-selling during downturns, stop chasing unrealistic returns, and harvest gains opportunistically—leading to greater confidence, financial security, and freedom.

The conversation highlights real client stories, the dangersof predatory or one-product financial advice (especially annuities sold incorrectly), and the value of working with a trusted advisor who educates rather than pushes. Patrick shares how even modest savings (as low as $250,000 with a paid-off mortgage) can support comfortable retirement when properly structured, and stresses that the biggest risk isn’t running out of money—it’s running out of purpose. Listeners are encouraged to read The Canoe and the Current (available on Amazon and canoeandcurrent.com) to evaluate strategies, articulate their vision, and design a retirement that’s fulfilling,not just financially viable.

Frequently searched keywords: retirement mindset shift, guaranteed retirement income, income annuities, retirement vision statement, The Canoe and the Current book, retirement planning strategy, flooring strategy retirement, bucket strategy investing, purposeful retirement, avoiding retirement boredom, Social Security optimization, safe retirement withdrawal, financial advisor trust, post-retirement purpose.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/cI_EFgSOhXs

Connect with Patrick:

canoeandcurrent.com

candcwealthstrategies.com;

patrick@candcwealthstrategies.com

In this podcast episode of "Get Your Fill: Financial Independence and Long Life," host Christine McCarron interviews Alistair Gordon, founder and CEO of Expertunity (also associated with the Expertship Institute) and author of the book Master Expert. Gordon is a leading authority on subject matter experts (SMEs), who are highly specializedtechnical professionals—such as software engineers, IT specialists, data experts, or engineers—who possess deep domain knowledge that keeps organizations running smoothly but often remains invisible until something goeswrong. He estimates there are about 40 million SMEs worldwide, many of whom feel stuck in repetitive, mundane tasks after years of honing their technical skills, leading to frustration, underappreciation, and limited career growth.Christine, a former SME herself in software, shares relatable experiences of translating complex jargon between engineers and clients, highlighting how SMEs often get pigeonholed into narrow roles, over-rely on technical expertise, and struggle with communication due to heavy use of jargon.

Gordon emphasizes that true professional satisfaction andimpact for SMEs come from developing "enterprise skills" (a term he prefers over the undervalued "soft skills"), which include communication, storytelling, collaboration, business acumen, influence, knowledge transfer, and the ability to navigate organizational politics and change. Many SMEs dismiss these as unimportant because they've invested soheavily in technical prowess, but mastering them allows experts to break out of their "technical bubble," delegate routine work, say no effectively without damaging relationships, version their explanations for differentaudiences (e.g., CEOs want the "why" and business impact, not technical details), and ultimately amplify their value. This shift can lead to more fulfilling work, greater influence, better retention in organizations, or even opportunities like consulting or independent ventures. Gordon stressesthat SMEs are smart and capable of rapid progress once they start, and he advocates for them to "design their own adventure" since only they truly understand their expertise's potential.

The conversation wraps with practical advice for SMEsfeeling trapped: start small with free resources on expertship.com, read Master Expert, or explore related books on management and communication. Gordon encourages a mindset change—recognizing that doubling value comes from adding enterprise skills, not just more technical depth—and notes how organizations increasingly invest in retaining experts post-COVID due to their critical role. The episode inspires technical specialists to regain passion, avoid burnout, and pursue a happier, more impactful career by getting "unstuck" and contributing more broadly.

Frequently searched keywords: subject matter expert (SME),enterprise skills, soft skills, technical expert career development, expertship, Master Expert book, communication for experts, jargon in technical roles, knowledge transfer, influence and impact for specialists, breaking out of technical bubble, career satisfaction for engineers/IT professionals.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/HdAZwVFGas4

Connect with Alastair: expertship.com

In this episode of the "Get Your FILL" podcast, host Christine McCarron (age 62) welcomes Dr. Ravi Iyer, a 67-year-oldHarvard-trained physician and longevity expert running a clinic in Virginia.Dr. Iyer, also known for his viral TEDx talks (including the most viewed of 2024 with millions of views on intentional focus), discusses groundbreaking advances in regenerative medicine and longevity. He emphasizes that while birth and death are fixed, the quality of life in between—functionality—ishighly modifiable. Most people experience a long decline after age 40, but modern approaches can help maintain high function (75-90%+) until a sharp drop at the end, ideally dying peacefully in sleep rather than a prolonged decline.

Dr. Iyer outlines a "triad" for preserving vitality: strong mobility (heart, bones, joints), sharp cognition (no decline), and reliable digestive/excretory functions. The key enemy is chronic inflammation, driven by processed foods, cereals, and seed oils. He advocates a minimally processed diet rich in red, green, and yellow vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive or avocado oil. Basic testing, including DNAmethylation clocks to measure biological age, can track progress—patients have reversed 6-7 years of aging in 9-12 months through these changes, plus good sleep, exercise (at least 150 minutes weekly), and targeted supplements.

A fascinating breakthrough Dr. Iyer highlights involves guthealth and mitochondria—the cell's energy batteries that go dormant with age, reducing function like "checked-out workers." Certain gut bacteria convert compounds in pomegranates and walnuts (elegitannins) into urolithin A, which tags dormant mitochondria for recycling (mitophagy), clearing space for new, efficient ones. This boosts energy, muscle performance, and brain function. Supplements like his Hubiome Plus combine probiotics with pomegranate extract for reliable results. He recommends universal basics like vitamin D3 (2,000-4,000 IU daily), vitamin C, and B vitamins, while stressing personalized approaches, boundary-setting(learning to say "no" to overstimulation), and coaching forsustainable change. The conversation ends optimistically: longevity is achievable through simple, science-backed habits, not extreme measures, making 2026 a great year to start.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/UBTM33ynXOU

Connect with Dr Iyer:

https://youtu.be/LDn69sqsOA8?si=Uo_SwWx4pvU5nbCW www.driyer.com www.activpower.com www.iyerclinic.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/driyermd/https://www.YouTube.com/@driyermd

In this engaging episode of Get Your Fill: Financial Independence and Long Life, wealth advisor Tiffany Irving shares practical insights on launching a business and achieving financial security. She introduces her "three P's" framework—prepare, plan, and protect—emphasizing the need to analyze cash flow, savings, and revenue timelines before taking the entrepreneurial leap, yet warns against analysis paralysis that prevents action. Irving stresses that starting a business involves emotional and financial risk, especially transitioning from steady W-2 income, but highlights the personal growth and passion that drive success, even if initial ventures fail. She encourages thoughtful preparation combined with a willingness to pivot and embrace the "leap of faith" required for great opportunities.Irving opens up about her passion for empowering women financially, drawing from her own experience as a female breadwinner with a stay-at-home husband. Coming from a blue-collar background where money was rarely discussed, she now champions financial literacy amid the upcoming "great wealth transfer" to women and younger generations. The conversation explores non-traditional family dynamics, including societal judgment faced by stay-at-home dads and the importance of open communication about roles, finances, and expectations in partnerships. Irving notes how her setup challenged gender norms yet allowed presence for their children, ultimately shaping her kids' progressive views on work and family.The episode delves into broader financial mindsets, contrasting scarcity-driven habits from lower-income upbringings with the early education often seen in wealthier families. Irving advocates starting money conversations young—using tools like savings jars—to harness compound interest and build healthy habits. She views money as a tool for pursuing passions and goals, urges listeners to seek education through books, podcasts, and advisors, and reassures that it's never too late to start planning. Embracing failure as a learning step and prioritizing financial confidence, especially for women, emerge as key takeaways for long-term independence and fulfillment.Connect with Tiffany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyirving/ https://www.mesirow.com/capabilities/wealth-management/irving-teamWatch the video: https://youtu.be/giCqS1OTjIc

Gokce Donat, better known as “Gucci,” accidentally stumbled into real estate development during the 2008 financial crisis when the builder of her own home spotted distressed properties selling for pennies on the dollar. With a master’s in finance, a decisive personality, and some available cash while the rest of the world was frozen, she partnered with her builder and began flipping and building high-end single-family homes. What started as a handshake partnership turned into a successful construction company—she even earned her own builder’s license so her name could be on the finished product—proving that some of the best careers begin with perfect timing and a willingness to jump in.After years of active development and millions tied up in projects, Gokce pivoted post-COVID. Skyrocketing material and labor costs shrank profit margins, so she sold her last spec home and shifted to more passive commercial real estate while keeping a careful eye on risk-reward. Now her biggest passion is empowering women through her company Millionelle (million + “elle”). She’s building a community and app that makes budgeting, investing, and understanding money simple and shame-free—something she wishes she’d been taught earlier, despite growing up with highly educated parents. Her mission: show women that financial independence isn’t nearly as complicated or out-of-reach as it seems in 2025.The conversation is full of hard-won wisdom: track every expense (carrying costs and taxes will eat flips alive), assume the worst-case scenario in your pro formas, and remember that youthful ignorance can sometimes be an advantage—less knowledge means less analysis paralysis. Whether you’re 25 with student loans or 55 with a 401(k) you finally want to put to work, Gokce’s core message is clear: real estate and investing have dozens of entry points (REITs, syndications, direct ownership, or lending), start small, educate yourself, trust but verify every deal, and never forget that if it sounds too good to be true, it definitely is. Above all—whatever you want is possible with the right attitude, daily joy, and forward motion.Connect with Gokce: millionelle.com

In a candid conversation on *Get Your Fill*, leadership coach and author Jennifer Jensen declares that we’re living through a genuine leadership crisis—one most organizations still refuse to acknowledge. She points out the alarming statistic that, even after decades in the workforce, most people can name only one or two truly great leaders they’ve ever had. The post-COVID loss of experienced mentors has only worsened the problem, leaving emerging managers are being promoted without guidance, and mediocre (or outright toxic) leadership is now the norm. The result? Sky-high turnover that costs companies hundreds of thousands—or even millions—per departed senior employee, disengaged teams, and profitability that quietly bleeds away while executives wonder why nothing seems to work.

Jennifer argues that great leadership isn’t mysterious or rare; it boils down to three foundational traits: deep self-awareness, genuine empowerment of others, and the ability to build real trust. Yet most leaders fail the simplest tests—she suggests asking yourself, “Am I delegating or micromanaging?” and “How do I actually behave when I’m under pressure?” Micromanagement, she explains, almost always stems from fear (fear of losing control, fear of being outshone), and it forces leaders to work 40% harder than necessary while driving away talent. The fix isn’t expensive: a modest investment in coaching or psychometric assessments (like 360-degree feedback or behavioral profiles) costs a fraction of what turnover does, and it quickly reveals blind spots. Perhaps the most sobering moment is when she says many dysfunctional teams keep the “wrong” people because they’re comfortable with the existing chaos, while the best employees vote with their feet and leave.

The episode ends on a hopeful, practical note aimed especially at entrepreneurs and solopreneurs who are about to scale. Jennifer urges listeners to decide what legacy they want to leave and then reverse-engineer everything—hiring, culture, processes, and even the courage to fire toxic clients or employees—around that vision. She stresses using tools to hire for cultural fit and complementary strengths from day one, setting crystal-clear expectations, and keeping communication brutally open. Her closing line is gold: “If your organization won’t invest in developing you as a leader, invest in yourself—because no one succeeds alone.” Whether you’re running a company of one or one hundred, the message is clear: authentic, self-aware leadership isn’t optional; in today’s world, it’s the only competitive advantage that actually lasts.Connect with Jennifer: Here is a link to Jennifer's book: https://www.amazon.com/Developing-Authentic-Leaders-Practical-Guide/dp/1779415672 Website: https://authenticleader.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authenticleader.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/authentic-leader-ca

From 2008 Crash to Creative Comeback

Chris Prefontaine’s real estate journey is a masterclass in resilience: after nearly losing everything in the 2008 crash while relying on banks and big down payments, he rebuilt from scratch using only creative, non-traditional techniques—no personal loans, no banks, no credit exposure. What started as survival turned into a thriving family business and the Inc. 5000-ranked Smart Real Estate Coach company. The secret sauce? Three bank-free buying strategies (owner financing, lease-purchase, and subject-to existing loans) that let him and his students scoop up properties on terms, often locking in low 2–4% mortgages that sellers are desperate to offload because “life happens”—divorce, job loss, inheritance headaches, or insurance spikes in places like Florida.

#CreativeRealEstate #NoBankNeededT

he Lucrative 3-Payday System That Replaces Your Job

Prefontaine’s trademarked “3-Payday” system turns every deal into a cash-flow machine: (1) a chunky non-refundable down payment from a rent-to-own buyer (average $25–30K), (2) monthly positive cash flow from the spread between what you pay the seller and what your buyer pays you ($300–$1,000+/month), and (3) a massive back-end payday from principal pay-down plus markup when the buyer cashes you out—totaling $45K–$350K per deal over 2–5 years. Students routinely replace six-figure salaries with just 5–7 deals; one former government engineer walked away from a 30-year career after his first five deals each cleared six figures. No flipping, no rehabs, no landlords-and-tenants headaches—just high-profit, predictable income that survives any market. #3Paydays #ReplaceYourJob

Why Now Is Actually the Perfect Storm

While the media screams “crash incoming,” Prefontaine sees a golden window: panicked sellers, tighter bank lending rules, and millions of low-interest mortgages owners want to escape create endless motivated leads. His students are buying subject-to at 2.75% and owner-financing free-and-clear properties with zero-interest principal-only payments while traditional buyers sit paralyzed. His blunt advice: pick a proven niche you love, find a mentor who’s survived real downturns (not just the last bull run), put on blinders for three years, and ignore shiny-object gurus promising riches in 30 days. Done right, creative real estate isn’t just recession-proof—it’s the fastest, safest way for regular people to fire their boss and build life-changing wealth on their own terms.

#RealEstate2025 #QuitYourJobWithRealEstate

Connect with Chris:

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/smartrealestatecoach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartrealestatecoach Website: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ Free Master's Class:: https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass FREE Best Selling Book: https://wickedsmartbooks.com/christine Upcoming Events: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/events/ Free 15-Minute Strategy Call https://smartrealestatecoach.com/action/