Bill Perkins Redefined Wealth with His Book Die With Zero

Bill Perkins:
Welcome, everyone — and thank you for joining this meaningful conversation series. I wrote Die With Zero not just as a financial guide, but as a wake-up call to live a fuller, more intentional life.

Too many people spend their lives chasing money without ever asking, What am I saving it for? My belief is simple: Your life is the sum of your experiences, not your bank balance at the end. And if we wait too long to start living, we risk missing our prime windows for joy, connection, adventure, and growth.

These seven conversations you’re about to experience aren’t just about money — they’re about how to design a life worth remembering. We’ll explore how to treat time as your most precious asset, why experiences pay memory dividends, and how giving, timing, and even dying with less can leave you richer in every way that matters.

So whether you're in your 20s, 40s, or 70s — I invite you to lean in. Question the rules you’ve inherited. Rethink what "success" looks like. And most of all, don’t wait to start living.

Let’s get into it.

(Note: This is an imaginary conversation, a creative exploration of an idea, and not a real speech or event.) 

Time is More Valuable Than Money

Moderator: Kevin Kelly
Guests:

• Bill Perkins (Die With Zero)

• Tim Ferriss (The 4-Hour Workweek)

• Naval Ravikant (Angel investor, philosopher)

• Laura Vanderkam (Time management author)

• Ryan Holiday (The Daily Stoic)

• Annie Dillard (via her published words)

Kevin Kelly:
Welcome, everyone, to this timely discussion on a resource more precious than money: Time. Bill, let’s start with you. In Die With Zero, you argue that time is the ultimate currency. Why do you feel people miss this?

Bill Perkins:
Because society trains us to optimize for money, not for life. People chase dollars but forget they’re trading away irrecoverable hours. Every moment spent earning money you’ll never use is a lost opportunity to live, love, or grow.

Tim Ferriss:
Exactly. That’s why I always say — "Forget the deferred life plan." People say they'll travel or write a book "someday," but someday is often too late. Designing your life now around meaningful use of time is essential.

Naval Ravikant:
Time is the only thing we can’t buy more of. Even billionaires can't buy back five years. I think wealth isn’t money, it's freedom — freedom to spend your time how you want. That’s the real ROI.

Laura Vanderkam:
I agree. When people say, "I don’t have time," what they really mean is "It’s not a priority." We all have the same 168 hours a week. It's not about having more time — it's about being conscious of how we spend it.

Ryan Holiday:
The Stoics had it right: Memento Mori. Remember that you will die. When you face your mortality, suddenly time becomes sacred. Every hour becomes something you don’t want to waste in trivial pursuits.

Kevin Kelly:
Bill, some people fear spending time now because they think they’ll run out of money later. How do you address that?

Bill Perkins:
That’s where planning comes in. If you track your health, energy, and financial needs across your lifetime, you’ll see that front-loading experiences makes more sense. You can always adjust later — but you can’t rewind.

Tim Ferriss:
Yeah, people overestimate how much they'll enjoy things when they’re older. You won’t want to skydive or backpack at 75. You enjoy different things at different stages, and time-sensitive opportunities don’t wait.

Naval Ravikant:
And we forget compounding applies to memories, too. The earlier you live something amazing, the longer you benefit from the memory. Experiences pay emotional dividends for decades.

Annie Dillard (quote from her book):
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."

Laura Vanderkam:
Beautiful. I love that. If people tracked their time like they tracked their money, they’d be shocked by the waste. You can’t be casual with your most precious asset.

Kevin Kelly:
Let me throw in a challenging question. Is there ever a time when trading time for money makes sense?

Ryan Holiday:
Yes — if the purpose is clear and time-bound. But don’t lose yourself in the hustle. If you don't know what enough looks like, you'll never get off the treadmill.

Bill Perkins:
Right. Earn with intention. But always measure the cost in time. Ask yourself: “Is this worth an hour of my life?” Because that’s the real price.

Kevin Kelly:
What a perfect place to pause. Final takeaway in one sentence?

• Bill Perkins: Time is your most valuable, non-renewable asset — spend it wisely.

• Tim Ferriss: Design your lifestyle, not just your income.

• Naval Ravikant: Freedom is time — and it’s the only true wealth.

• Laura Vanderkam: Track your time like money, and invest it in what matters most.

• Ryan Holiday: Live like your time is running out — because it is.

• Annie Dillard (through her work): Live deliberately, or time will pass you by unnoticed.

Memory Dividends – Why Experiences Keep Paying Off

Moderator: Brené Brown
Guests:

• Bill Perkins (Die With Zero)

• Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

• Rick Steves (Travel expert)

• Jay Shetty (Think Like a Monk)

• Matthew McConaughey (Greenlights)

• Morgan Housel (The Psychology of Money)

Brené Brown:
Welcome, everyone. Today we’re diving into what Bill calls Memory Dividends — the emotional return on investment from life experiences. Bill, what inspired this idea?

Bill Perkins:
It hit me that money spent on experiences doesn’t vanish — it compounds emotionally. A great trip, a deep conversation, or even a scary leap into the unknown keeps paying dividends through memory, storytelling, and perspective shifts.

Elizabeth Gilbert:
Absolutely. After I traveled for Eat, Pray, Love, the memories fed me for years. I didn’t just live those moments once — I relived them every time I told the story, remembered the people, or grew from what I learned.

Rick Steves:
That’s the soul of travel. I’ve always said that meaningful travel makes you richer — not in dollars, but in depth. The dividends are cultural empathy, perspective, and beautiful lifelong flashbacks.

Jay Shetty:
There’s a Sanskrit idea that our experiences vibrate through our life. A moment of awe or connection stays in your subconscious and reshapes your emotional DNA. That’s the dividend — it’s not what you do once; it’s what it continues to do to you.

Matthew McConaughey:
I like to say, “Greenlights stick.” Those moments when you feel fully alive — dancing in the rain, laughing ‘til it hurts, stepping into the unknown — they don’t fade. They become part of your compass.

Morgan Housel:
In finance, people talk about compound interest. I think memories are emotional compound interest. If you spend on stuff, the joy depreciates. Spend on experience, and the emotional value appreciates.

Brené Brown:
So true. Do you think people underestimate just how long-lasting that emotional return can be?

Bill Perkins:
Massively. People think they’re being “responsible” by saving instead of traveling or living fully — but they forget what they’re giving up: the ability to relive and retell those joyful, identity-shaping experiences over and over.

Elizabeth Gilbert:
Yes! The universe responds when you show up for life. When you take risks for joy and soul growth, you plant stories inside yourself that flower for decades.

Rick Steves:
And not just big trips — small experiences too. A picnic with a friend. A hike. A shared sunset. These little memories become treasures we return to when life gets tough.

Jay Shetty:
Even our relationships become stronger when they're built on shared memories. The dividends multiply when your experiences are co-experienced with people you love.

Matthew McConaughey:
Yeah, man — it's not the years in your life, it’s the life in your years. I’d rather have 10 unforgettable memories than 1000 untouched days.

Morgan Housel:
And here’s the kicker — when you’re older, it’s those memory dividends that make aging worth it. You don’t get to relive your peak health, but you do get to relive your peak experiences.

Brené Brown:
Final round — what’s one memory dividend you cherish that still pays off emotionally today?

• Bill Perkins: A father-daughter trip to Paris. Every time we talk about it, I get a joy spike.

• Elizabeth Gilbert: The moment I forgave myself in an ashram in India — still echoing today.

• Rick Steves: A simple moment with locals in a Tuscan village. Laughter, no words needed.

• Jay Shetty: My first silence retreat. The peace it left in me still helps me every day.

• Matthew McConaughey: My solo road trip through the desert — me, the sky, and the unknown.

• Morgan Housel: My son's first words. The video, the emotion — still gold.

Brené Brown:
Thank you all. May we all spend more intentionally on what the heart never forgets.

Don’t Delay Life for Retirement

Moderator: Tim Urban
Guests:

• Bill Perkins (Die With Zero)

• Vicki Robin (Your Money or Your Life)

• Chris Guillebeau (The Art of Non-Conformity)

• Tony Robbins (Peak performance coach)

• Andrew Hallam (Millionaire Teacher)

• Bronnie Ware (The Top Five Regrets of the Dying)

Tim Urban:
Alright team, let’s talk about the biggest trap many people fall into: working endlessly now, so they might enjoy life later. Bill, how do you break that mindset?

Bill Perkins:
People overestimate how much future "freedom" they’ll have, and underestimate how much life they’re trading away now. The truth is, your energy, health, and desire to explore often peak long before retirement age.

Vicki Robin:
Absolutely. I’ve always said that money is just life energy. When you overspend time earning, you're underspending it on living. The goal is to reclaim that energy while you’re young enough to enjoy it.

Chris Guillebeau:
We live in a world where some people retire at 30 and others never do. Why? Because retirement isn't an age — it’s a choice to design life on your terms. I built mine around meaningful adventures, not waiting for “someday.”

Tony Robbins:
I see so many people chasing external success without internal fulfillment. You have to ask: What’s the quality of my life right now? If you’re always deferring, you’re living in illusion. Time waits for no one.

Andrew Hallam:
As a financial educator, I’ve seen too many people stockpile wealth they never use. My motto: Balance is the new wealth. Spend strategically in your 30s, 40s, 50s — don’t just hoard for your 70s.

Bronnie Ware:
From being with the dying, I’ve heard this over and over: "I wish I’d let myself be happier." "I wish I hadn’t worked so much." They regret waiting. Retirement is not a finish line; joy has to happen during the journey.

Tim Urban:
Love that. Why do you think society still clings so tightly to the idea of delaying joy?

Bill Perkins:
It’s fear — of running out of money, of being irresponsible. But in trying to protect a “secure future,” people create an empty present. The cost is unseen until it’s too late.

Chris Guillebeau:
Also: social scripts. “Graduate, work 40 years, then maybe travel.” I decided to flip the script — 100+ countries before 35. That wasn’t rebellion. That was strategy — I wanted memories while I still had momentum.

Tony Robbins:
You have to interrupt the pattern. Ask: “What would my 80-year-old self regret not doing now?” That’s how you start living intentionally. Not later. Now.

Andrew Hallam:
I call it reverse-financial-planning. Don’t just plan for retirement. Plan your life story and align money with your values — not just future comfort.

Bronnie Ware:
And that includes presence. Sometimes it’s not grand adventures you’re delaying — it’s just slowing down to enjoy your kids, your partner, your own breath.

Tim Urban:
So, for our final round — give us one sentence of advice to the person postponing their dreams.

• Bill Perkins: Life is now — spend it before you lose the chance to enjoy it.

• Vicki Robin: Reclaim your time and live intentionally — your real wealth is your freedom.

• Chris Guillebeau: Don’t wait for permission to start living — rewrite the script now.

• Tony Robbins: The road to someday leads to nowhere — make today your masterpiece.

• Andrew Hallam: If you don’t enjoy life along the way, what’s the point of the destination?

• Bronnie Ware: Don’t trade your joy for the illusion of control — love the life you have.

Give Money When It Matters Most

Moderator: Esther Perel
Guests:

• Bill Perkins (Die With Zero)

• Ramit Sethi (I Will Teach You to Be Rich)

• Thomas J. Stanley (The Millionaire Next Door)

• Ken Honda (Happy Money)

• Suze Orman (Financial expert)

• Ray Dalio (Billionaire philanthropist)

Esther Perel:
Welcome, everyone. Today’s conversation is about timing — specifically, why giving money to loved ones when it can change their lives is far more powerful than saving it for after you're gone. Bill, this is one of your boldest points. Why now, not later?

Bill Perkins:
Because “later” often misses the moment. Giving your kids a large inheritance at 60 doesn’t help them launch their dreams or raise their families. I say: Give when the impact is greatest — usually when they’re in their 20s or 30s.

Ramit Sethi:
Totally. I call this ROI on relationships. Giving money in your lifetime lets you witness the joy and impact. I helped my parents upgrade their lifestyle in their 60s — not after they were gone. That’s love in action.

Thomas J. Stanley:
From my research, the most financially successful people often received guidance and modest help at critical life junctures — not giant windfalls. Small, timely support often creates more independence than large late-stage gifts.

Ken Honda:
In Japan, we say money has energy. If it’s given with joy and timing, it heals. If it’s delayed or given out of guilt, it brings confusion. Give when the heart calls for it — that’s Happy Money.

Suze Orman:
But let’s not forget structure. Give early, yes — but plan it smartly. Don’t give if it puts your own future at risk. It has to be a win-win — financially and emotionally.

Ray Dalio:
I agree. I’ve always said: the purpose of money is to create meaning. Timing is everything. Philanthropy, family gifts, even equity stakes — all should happen while you’re here, not just through a will.

Esther Perel:
Interesting. What emotional barriers do people face in giving earlier?

Bill Perkins:
Fear — that they’ll run out. But also ego. Some people like the control of giving after death. I say: If you trust your loved ones, empower them while you’re alive.

Ramit Sethi:
And there’s guilt. Many parents confuse giving with atonement. That’s a dangerous energy. Clean giving means no strings, no shame — just support.

Ken Honda:
I’ve coached many wealthy people who delay giving out of unresolved family tension. The money becomes a proxy for love or power. That’s when giving late causes harm.

Suze Orman:
It also comes down to education. If you give early without teaching financial literacy, it can backfire. Money without wisdom can be a curse. That’s why your timing must match their maturity.

Ray Dalio:
That’s why I created a family financial vision. We talk values first, numbers second. That conversation — not just the money — is the real inheritance.

Esther Perel:
Beautiful. Final round: What’s one piece of advice for someone hesitating to give now?

• Bill Perkins: If it’ll change their life now, don’t wait. Money is meant to flow.

• Ramit Sethi: Give with joy, not guilt — and give while you’re alive to enjoy the ripple.

• Thomas J. Stanley: Strategic early support beats late-life lump sums every time.

• Ken Honda: Let your money smile — give when your heart is open and your timing aligned.

• Suze Orman: Give early, but plan wisely. Empower, don’t enable.

• Ray Dalio: Use money to shape lives — and have the conversations that truly matter.

Plan Your Life Backwards

Moderator: Michael Bungay Stanier (The Coaching Habit)
Guests:

• Bill Perkins (Die With Zero)

• Stephen Covey (legacy via 7 Habits)

• Michael Hyatt (Life planning expert)

• James Clear (Atomic Habits)

• Benjamin Hardy (Be Your Future Self Now)

• Derek Sivers (Anything You Want)

Michael Bungay Stanier:
Welcome, everyone. Let’s flip the script today — what if instead of reacting to life, we design it? Bill, planning life backward is such a striking idea. Can you unpack it for us?

Bill Perkins:
Sure. Imagine you're 85, looking back. What would you regret not doing? What moments would you trade your money for? Now take those answers, and work backward — that’s your roadmap. It’s not about drifting, it’s about designing.

Stephen Covey (from his book):
“Begin with the end in mind.” It’s Habit #2 for a reason. Clarity of destination is the first step toward meaningful action.

Michael Hyatt:
Most people spend more time planning a vacation than they do their life. I teach clients to write a Life Plan — vision first, then actions. If you don’t define success for yourself, you’ll end up chasing someone else’s version.

James Clear:
And the key is that identity and habits must align with that vision. Who do you need to become to live that designed life? Reverse engineering your habits is just as vital as your goals.

Benjamin Hardy:
Totally. I often say, “Your future self is your true north.” Don’t just think, “What do I want?” — ask, “Who do I want to be?” Then plan the version of you that can look back with zero regret.

Derek Sivers:
I keep a document called “My Directives.” It’s like writing my own user manual based on future reflection. It helps me say yes to the right things — and more importantly, say no.

Michael Bungay Stanier:
Love that. What are some key traps people fall into when they don’t plan backward?

Bill Perkins:
They oversave, underlive. They run out the clock playing defense. Then they look up and realize the game’s over — and they never took a shot.

Michael Hyatt:
Or they climb a ladder of success, only to realize it was leaning against the wrong wall.

James Clear:
They get caught in the inertia of routine. Without clear end goals, habits form by accident — and often serve comfort, not growth.

Benjamin Hardy:
And they operate from their past self, not their future self. Your past doesn’t have to dictate your path — your imagination does.

Derek Sivers:
People also forget how short the runway is. There’s not unlimited time to try everything. Pick your essentials early.

Michael Bungay Stanier:
Let’s close with this: What’s one question our audience should ask today to start planning their life backward?

• Bill Perkins: “What would I deeply regret not doing before I die?”

• Stephen Covey (quote): “How do I want to be remembered?”

• Michael Hyatt: “What does a meaningful life look like — across body, mind, and spirit?”

• James Clear: “Are my daily habits leading me toward my ideal future?”

• Benjamin Hardy: “What would my future self thank me for starting today?”

• Derek Sivers: “If I died next year, what would I drop immediately — and what would I pursue like hell?”

Know Your Peak and Spending Curves

Moderator: Dr. Andrew Huberman
Guests:

• Bill Perkins (Die With Zero)

• Arthur C. Brooks (From Strength to Strength)

• Dan Buettner (The Blue Zones)

• Cal Newport (Deep Work)

• Dr. Peter Attia (Outlive)

• Daniel Pink (When)

Dr. Andrew Huberman:
Welcome, everyone. Today we’re talking about something that hits the brain and the wallet: timing. Bill, you say every activity has a “peak window” where it brings the most joy. Can you explain that?

Bill Perkins:
Sure. You won’t want to backpack Europe at 75. You might love museums later, but cliff diving? Not so much. Your physical and cognitive energy changes over time. Planning your experiences according to those natural curves is the key to living fully.

Arthur C. Brooks:
I call that the shift from the fluid intelligence curve to the crystallized intelligence curve. In youth, you're a creator, a competitor. Later, you're a teacher, a philosopher. Knowing when your strengths shift helps you plan your life — and your happiness — better.

Dan Buettner:
In the Blue Zones, we see people aging well because their lifestyles match their stage. They walk daily, garden, connect socially — activities that are sustainable, not extreme. Aging gracefully means accepting and adapting to these curves.

Cal Newport:
And from a productivity perspective, your mental bandwidth also has peaks. Deep work is best done in early hours of the day, and peak career innovation often comes in the 30s to 40s. You need to align important work and passions with those peaks.

Dr. Peter Attia:
Absolutely. I talk about the Healthspan, not just lifespan. If you want to ski at 70, you have to train at 40. But also, know when to pivot — don’t wait for the cliff. Use data and self-awareness to know when it's time to shift gears.

Daniel Pink:
My book When explores the science of timing — not just what to do, but when. Everything has a natural rhythm: our energy, our decision-making, even our life satisfaction curves. And most people ignore them — to their own regret.

Dr. Huberman:
Bill, how do people miss this curve in their financial life?

Bill Perkins:
They wait too long to spend. They think “I’ll do that when I retire,” not realizing they’ll be past their peak desire or capability. Money has to be used when it matches your physical and emotional peaks, or it becomes wasted potential.

Arthur C. Brooks:
Exactly. You don’t want to die with your best experiences still sitting on a bucket list. You have to “spend” your energy and time before the curve dips.

Dan Buettner:
And people also overconsume in their youth, not realizing they'll crave different kinds of fulfillment later. Know your curve and budget your joy accordingly.

Cal Newport:
To me, that’s the power of intentional periods. Design blocks of life — your 30s for building, your 40s for mastery, your 50s for sharing. Match your ambition to your cognitive and emotional bandwidth.

Dr. Attia:
And don’t forget the health curve. Your investment in physical capital today determines what you can do tomorrow.

Daniel Pink:
So true. Miss the window, and you’re playing catch-up. Hit it right, and life just flows better.

Dr. Huberman:
Alright, final round — what’s one piece of advice to help someone align their spending and living with their peak curve?

• Bill Perkins: Know your personal timeline — not just your bank account.

• Arthur C. Brooks: Accept when one curve ends, and prepare joyfully for the next.

• Dan Buettner: Spend on mobility and connection early — they pay off for decades.

• Cal Newport: Match your energy curve to your deepest work and boldest dreams.

• Dr. Peter Attia: Invest in your future physical self — your 70s depend on your 40s.

• Daniel Pink: Timing isn’t everything — but it’s a lot. Live in rhythm.

Don’t Aim to Die with a Huge Net Worth

Moderator: Krista Tippett (On Being)
Guests:

• Bill Perkins (Die With Zero)

• Joshua Becker (The Minimalist Home)

• Sam Harris (Neuroscientist & philosopher)

• Fr. Richard Rohr (Franciscan mystic)

• Courtney Carver (Be More with Less)

• Leo Babauta (Zen Habits)

Krista Tippett:
Welcome, everyone. Today’s conversation explores a bold shift in values: What if dying with less is actually a sign of a life well lived? Bill, let’s begin. Why should we aim to die with zero?

Bill Perkins:
Because money has no value after death. The goal isn’t to have the most — it’s to have used it most meaningfully. Every unused dollar represents a moment you could’ve lived more fully, given more joyfully, or loved more deeply.

Joshua Becker:
Minimalism taught me this: your life is not measured by your possessions, but by your purpose. When we pursue enough instead of more, we free ourselves to live — not hoard.

Sam Harris:
From a philosophical view, the attachment to money is just another version of fear — fear of not being in control, fear of death, fear of insufficiency. But life isn’t extended by saving more — it’s deepened by experiencing more.

Fr. Richard Rohr:
In the second half of life, we are invited to let go — of ego, of possessions, of illusion. Accumulation is the game of the false self. The true self gives, shares, and releases. That’s spiritual maturity.

Courtney Carver:
And we forget: too much stuff — including money — creates mental clutter. When you release the pressure to “die wealthy,” you can finally live freely and generously. What a beautiful shift.

Leo Babauta:
Zen teaches us to live simply and fully in the moment. I always ask, “If not now, when?” Waiting to live until you’re ‘secure enough’ usually means you never do. True richness is presence.

Krista Tippett:
Bill, what do you say to the person who feels guilty about “spending down” their wealth instead of leaving it to their kids?

Bill Perkins:
Legacy isn’t just a number. It’s about presence, lessons, and love. If you give wisely while you’re alive, your children benefit so much more than from a large inheritance when you're gone. You can leave a legacy of living, not just saving.

Joshua Becker:
Exactly. We need to redefine legacy. It’s not what you leave behind — it’s what you pass along while you’re here.

Sam Harris:
And perhaps the most ethical life is one where you use your wealth to reduce suffering, amplify joy, and contribute to collective growth — instead of hoarding it in isolation.

Fr. Richard Rohr:
If God is abundance, then the spiritual call is to circulate blessings, not contain them. The river gives life because it flows.

Courtney Carver:
Let’s not just “accumulate” memories — let’s make space for them. The less you cling to wealth, the more you gain in presence and peace.

Leo Babauta:
Living with intention also means dying with peace. That’s the ultimate wealth — to know you gave your life away, on purpose.

Krista Tippett:
Final thoughts — what’s one sentence of wisdom for those afraid to let go?

• Bill Perkins: Don’t leave your life unlived so your money can die rich.

• Joshua Becker: The more you give while living, the richer your life becomes.

• Sam Harris: Let go of the illusion of control — and live with open hands.

• Fr. Richard Rohr: You are not what you possess — you are what you pour out.

• Courtney Carver: Simplicity is a path to freedom — and joy grows in space.

• Leo Babauta: Die light, live fully — that’s the way of peace.

Final Thoughts by Bill Perkins

Bill Perkins:
Thank you for taking this journey with me across these seven powerful conversations.

If there’s one message I hope you take away, it’s this: life is meant to be lived, not postponed.

Every hour you wait to pursue joy, growth, or connection is an hour you never get back. We save, we plan, we prepare — but too often, we forget to experience. And that’s the greatest tragedy: dying with a fortune, but a famine of memories.

Your time, your energy, and your money all have expiration dates. Use them intentionally. Design your life backward. Invest in what matters now — because the future you imagine may come, or it may not. But this moment? It’s here. And it’s yours.

So spend your time with the people you love. Say yes to the adventure. Be generous — not just with your wealth, but with your presence. Because in the end, the only real legacy is a life fully lived.

Die with zero — and live with everything.

Short Bios:

Bill Perkins – Hedge fund manager and author of Die With Zero, Bill challenges traditional wealth accumulation by promoting a life rich in meaningful experiences, not unused savings.

Tim Ferriss – Bestselling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, Tim is known for lifestyle design, time freedom, and hacking success through efficiency and intentional living.

Naval Ravikant – Angel investor and philosopher of wealth and happiness, Naval is renowned for his viral wisdom on time, freedom, and leveraging leverage.

Laura Vanderkam – Time management expert and author of 168 Hours, Laura helps people make the most of their time with data-driven strategies for intentional living.

Ryan Holiday – Modern Stoic and bestselling author of The Daily Stoic, Ryan blends ancient wisdom with modern productivity to help people focus on what truly matters.

Annie Dillard – Pulitzer-winning author whose work, including The Writing Life, explores the beauty and brevity of life, emphasizing how we spend our days is how we spend our lives.

Elizabeth Gilbert – Memoirist of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth has inspired millions through her stories of personal transformation, courage, and spiritual exploration.

Rick Steves – Travel expert and public TV host known for promoting thoughtful, empathetic global travel as a means of personal and cultural growth.

Jay Shetty – Former monk turned viral wisdom content creator, Jay shares insights on intentional living, relationships, and inner peace in Think Like a Monk.

Matthew McConaughey – Academy Award-winning actor and author of Greenlights, known for his philosophical take on living authentically and chasing life’s “greenlights.”

Morgan Housel – Financial writer and author of The Psychology of Money, Morgan explains how behavior, not spreadsheets, shapes our financial outcomes and happiness.

Vicki Robin – Co-author of Your Money or Your Life, Vicki helped launch the FIRE movement by reframing money as life energy and promoting conscious spending.

Chris Guillebeau – Adventurer and author of The Art of Non-Conformity, Chris traveled to every country before age 35 and helps others design unconventional, purpose-driven lives.

Tony Robbins – Peak performance strategist and bestselling author, Tony teaches people to take massive action in life, finance, and personal growth.

Andrew Hallam – International teacher and author of Millionaire Teacher, Andrew encourages balance between financial independence and joyful living.

Bronnie Ware – Palliative caregiver and author of The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, Bronnie’s reflections highlight the value of authenticity, connection, and present-moment living.

Ramit Sethi – Financial educator and author of I Will Teach You to Be Rich, Ramit encourages people to design their “rich life” through intentional spending and conscious decisions.

Thomas J. Stanley – Late author of The Millionaire Next Door, Stanley studied America’s self-made millionaires and the habits that made them quietly wealthy.

Ken Honda – Japan’s bestselling financial author of Happy Money, Ken teaches how to heal your relationship with money and give it joyful energy.

Suze Orman – Personal finance icon and former host of The Suze Orman Show, she’s known for bold, practical advice on saving, giving, and financial self-empowerment.

Ray Dalio – Billionaire investor and author of Principles, Ray offers timeless guidance on life, legacy, and financial stewardship.

Stephen Covey – Late author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen helped millions gain clarity on purpose, values, and intentional planning.

Michael Hyatt – Productivity coach and former publishing CEO, Michael helps people create life plans that align with values across work, health, and relationships.

James Clear – Author of Atomic Habits, James offers simple systems for building meaningful habits and identity-based transformation.

Benjamin Hardy – Psychologist and author of Be Your Future Self Now, Benjamin teaches how to live in alignment with your future potential rather than your past limitations.

Derek Sivers – Entrepreneur and minimalist philosopher, Derek shares deeply reflective advice on doing less, saying no, and living with clarity.

Arthur C. Brooks – Social scientist and author of From Strength to Strength, Arthur helps high-achievers find peace and purpose in life’s second half.

Dan Buettner – National Geographic fellow and author of The Blue Zones, Dan researches the world’s longest-lived people and the lifestyle patterns behind their longevity.

Cal Newport – Computer science professor and author of Deep Work, Cal promotes focused, distraction-free productivity for meaningful results.

Dr. Peter Attia – Physician and longevity expert, Peter focuses on maximizing healthspan through science-based lifestyle and medical strategies.

Daniel Pink – Author of When and Drive, Daniel explores the science of timing, motivation, and performance to help people work and live smarter.

Joshua Becker – Founder of Becoming Minimalist, Joshua promotes simplicity and intentionality to live a life centered on purpose, not possessions.

Sam Harris – Philosopher, neuroscientist, and host of Making Sense, Sam explores consciousness, meaning, and letting go of attachments to live more fully.

Fr. Richard Rohr – Franciscan priest and author of Falling Upward, Rohr teaches about spiritual growth, ego release, and transformation in the second half of life.

Courtney Carver – Creator of Be More with Less, Courtney inspires others to simplify their lives, wardrobes, and schedules to make space for what matters.

Leo Babauta – Founder of Zen Habits, Leo teaches simplicity, mindfulness, and how to live intentionally by letting go of excess.

Krista Tippett – Peabody Award-winning host of On Being, Krista explores deep questions of meaning, faith, and what it means to be human.

Michael Bungay Stanier – Author of The Coaching Habit, Michael empowers people through better questions, helping them shape work and life around purpose.

Dr. Andrew Huberman – Neuroscientist and host of Huberman Lab, Andrew shares cutting-edge research on the brain, behavior, performance, and longevity.