212 : Reflecting on My First Year of Early Retirement with Adam Coelho (interviewed by Katrina McGhee)

In this episode: Financial Independence, Overcoming Debt, Mindful Travel, Sustainable Living, Career Transitions with Courtney Rosiak Quinto Episode Summary Join Adam Coelho as he interviews Courtney Rosiak Quinto on The Mindful Fire Podcast. Courtney shares her journey from corporate life to financial independence, how she overcame significant debt, and the lessons she learned along the way. She discusses her passion for sustainable living and travel coaching, along with the importance of mindfulness in navigating life transitions. Guest Bio Courtney Rosiak Quinto is a former corporate professional with 18 years at Apple. Now, she is focused on sustainable living, travel coaching, and empowering others to pursue their passions. A passionate advocate for mindful travel, Courtney aims to help individuals navigate career transitions while embracing their curiosity and purpose. Resources & Books Mentioned Choose FI communityDave Ramsey's financial principles The Latte Factor by David BachGuest Contact Information LinkedIn: Courtney Rosiak Quinto • Instagram: They Adventure SlowlyKey Takeaways Financial independence begins with understanding your financial situation and taking actionable steps to overcome debt. Embrace an abundance mindset to allow for curiosity and exploration in life beyond financial goals. Mindful travel offers opportunities for personal growth and understanding of cultural impacts. It's important to find balance between frugality and enjoying life, especially after reaching financial security. Seek out small, manageable goals to pave the way towards larger aspirations in financial independence. Stay open to new experiences and paths, allowing for growth and learning in both personal and professional realms.Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join. PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program Connect with your big vision for the next chapter of your life and start living it in 10 weeks or less using envisioning and the power of your mind. Interested? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat) 🔥 WHO I'm creating this for: I'm creating this for YOU if you are feeling stuck & frustrated after saving and investing for years to create "financial freedom" only to find yourself: Unclear or unsure about what you want Overwhelmed by all the options created by financial freedom Not sure how to move forward to start living the next chapter of your life 🔥 WHAT we'll do together over 10 weeks: In this small group coaching program, you will: Finally answer "What do I actually want?" Come up with a BIG vision for your next chapter of life Learn what envisioning is and the brain science that makes it work Learn how to use your mind to start living your new vision right away 🔥 Sound interesting? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat)

Join Mindful FIRE Legends to practice with us live every Wednesday. Episode SummaryIn this short guided meditation from the Mindful FIRE Legends community, Adam leads listeners through a calming breathwork practice designed to help you drop below the noise and chaos of everyday life. Find a peaceful, present state of mind as you focus on the simple sensations of breathing in and breathing out.What You'll PracticeFinding stillness beneath the chaos of life Breath awareness meditationLetting go of distractions with each exhaleCultivating gratitude for yourself and your practicePerfect ForAnyone seeking a few minutes of peace and presence in their day. No meditation experience necessary.Resources Mentioned:Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at mindfulfire.org/legendsDownload the free envisioning guide at mindfulfire.org/startJoin the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program Connect with your big vision for the next chapter of your life and start living it in 10 weeks or less using envisioning and the power of your mind. Interested? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat) 🔥 WHO I'm creating this for: I'm creating this for YOU if you are feeling stuck & frustrated after saving and investing for years to create "financial freedom" only to find yourself: Unclear or unsure about what you want Overwhelmed by all the options created by financial freedom Not sure how to move forward to start living the next chapter of your life 🔥 WHAT we'll do together over 10 weeks: In this small group coaching program, you will: Finally answer "What do I actually want?" Come up with a BIG vision for your next chapter of life Learn what envisioning is and the brain science that makes it work Learn how to use your mind to start living your new vision right away 🔥 Sound interesting? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat)

In this episode: Adam gets live coaching from Nicholas Whitaker on navigating early retirement and shifting from money to connection as his primary success metricEpisode SummaryAdam opens up about his first 14 months of early retirement—still seeking Google's validation, wrestling with outdated success metrics, and struggling to let go of money as his primary motivator. Through compassionate coaching, Nick helps Adam explore the tension between entrepreneurial revenue goals and simply enjoying life. This raw conversation tackles corporate identity hangover, the "not good enough" narrative, and what it means to fully own your retirement.Guest BioNicholas Whitaker is a coach, mindfulness facilitator, and founder of Rebellion Collective. He helps high performers navigate burnout, identity collapse, and life transitions—restoring their sense of self and building lives aligned with who they need to be. A fellow ex-Googler, Nick brings deep expertise in mindfulness and conscious leadership.ResourcesNick's previous episodes: Episode 11 and Episode 12"Love Money, Money Loves You" by Sarah Crumbrebellioncollective.com — Free journaling prompt guide availableLinkedIn: Nicholas WhitakerKey TakeawaysThe first year of retirement is harder than expected—corporate baggage and outdated metrics don't disappear overnightSeeking validation from your former employer keeps you stuck in the pastMoney doesn't need to be your primary metric after FIRE—connection, enjoyment, and fun are equally validThe "not good enough" narrative just takes new entrepreneurial forms after leaving corporateJoin the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join. PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program Connect with your big vision for the next chapter of your life and start living it in 10 weeks or less using envisioning and the power of your mind. Interested? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat) 🔥 WHO I'm creating this for: I'm creating this for YOU if you are feeling stuck & frustrated after saving and investing for years to create "financial freedom" only to find yourself: Unclear or unsure about what you want Overwhelmed by all the options created by financial freedom Not sure how to move forward to start living the next chapter of your life 🔥 WHAT we'll do together over 10 weeks: In this small group coaching program, you will: Finally answer "What do I actually want?" Come up with a BIG vision for your next chapter of life Learn what envisioning is and the brain science that makes it work Learn how to use your mind to start living your new vision right away 🔥 Sound interesting? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat)

In this episode: A loving-kindness meditation focused on the bodyLearn to tune into your body's wisdomThis guided practice helps you cultivate kind, curious, and loving awareness toward your physical being.Begin by checking in with how you're feeling in this moment.Move through a gentle body scan, offering loving attention to each area.Close by expressing gratitude and compassion for your body, which enables every experience in your life.Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join. PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program Connect with your big vision for the next chapter of your life and start living it in 10 weeks or less using envisioning and the power of your mind. Interested? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat) 🔥 WHO I'm creating this for: I'm creating this for YOU if you are feeling stuck & frustrated after saving and investing for years to create "financial freedom" only to find yourself: Unclear or unsure about what you want Overwhelmed by all the options created by financial freedom Not sure how to move forward to start living the next chapter of your life 🔥 WHAT we'll do together over 10 weeks: In this small group coaching program, you will: Finally answer "What do I actually want?" Come up with a BIG vision for your next chapter of life Learn what envisioning is and the brain science that makes it work Learn how to use your mind to start living your new vision right away 🔥 Sound interesting? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat)

In this episode: Decompressing from corporate life, forcing vs. allowing in early retirement, discovering true purpose through financial independence, the LinkedIn comparison trap, building real human connection in the AI age with Katrina McGheeEpisode SummaryAfter 14 years at Google, Adam reflects on his first 14+ months of early retirement with career break coach Katrina McGhee. From the six-month decompression timeline to navigating the "not far enough along" narrative, Adam shares the raw truth about corporate burnout, learning to trust himself after betrayal, and figuring out what his entrepreneurial vision actually looks like in practice. He reveals his evolving purpose—empowering a generation to achieve financial independence before the hamster wheel traps them—and his desire to build authentic human connection in an AI-driven world.Guest BioKatrina McGhee is a Career Break Coach, author of *Taking a Career Break for Dummies*, and co-host of the *Taking a Career Break* podcast. She has supported 200+ people through career breaks over 8+ years.Resources & Books Mentioned- Taking a Career Break for Dummies by Katrina McGhee- One Last Talk by Philip McKernan- Return to Real by Ryan Levesque (Spring 2026)- Front Row Dads community- Break Space – Katrina's career break communityGuest Contact InformationLinkedIn: Katrina McGheeWebsite: https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/Podcast: Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGheeKey Takeaways- Decompression takes time: Expect 3-6+ months minimum; toxic environments require 6-12 months before you feel like yourself again.- Your brain will lie to you: High achievers hear "you're not far enough along" even with no rush—recognize and release this narrative.- Financial independence changes decision-making: When work is optional, choose based on excitement and alignment rather than ROI and efficiency.- Early retirement is walking into fog: Clarity emerges through experimentation and allowing organic unfolding, not forcing outcomes.Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join. PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program Connect with your big vision for the next chapter of your life and start living it in 10 weeks or less using envisioning and the power of your mind. Interested? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat) 🔥 WHO I'm creating this for: I'm creating this for YOU if you are feeling stuck & frustrated after saving and investing for years to create "financial freedom" only to find yourself: Unclear or unsure about what you want Overwhelmed by all the options created by financial freedom Not sure how to move forward to start living the next chapter of your life 🔥 WHAT we'll do together over 10 weeks: In this small group coaching program, you will: Finally answer "What do I actually want?" Come up with a BIG vision for your next chapter of life Learn what envisioning is and the brain science that makes it work Learn how to use your mind to start living your new vision right away 🔥 Sound interesting? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat)

In this episode: Visualize your ideal future with clarity and intention.Welcome! In today's guided meditation, we'll practice visualization—a powerful tool for imagining and connecting with the life you truly desire.We'll begin with the fundamentals: cultivating presence and mindfulness. By observing our thoughts without judgment, we anchor ourselves in the present moment, releasing attachment to past regrets or future anxieties.As you settle into a state of calm relaxation, we'll begin to visualize your ideal life in rich detail. You'll engage all your senses—seeing the scenes unfold, hearing the sounds around you, and feeling the emotions that arise in this envisioned reality.Once you're fully immersed in this visualization, I'll introduce an unexpected element that deepens the practice.Are you ready? Let's begin!Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program Connect with your big vision for the next chapter of your life and start living it in 10 weeks or less using envisioning and the power of your mind. Interested? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat) 🔥 WHO I'm creating this for: I'm creating this for YOU if you are feeling stuck & frustrated after saving and investing for years to create "financial freedom" only to find yourself: Unclear or unsure about what you want Overwhelmed by all the options created by financial freedom Not sure how to move forward to start living the next chapter of your life 🔥 WHAT we'll do together over 10 weeks: In this small group coaching program, you will: Finally answer "What do I actually want?" Come up with a BIG vision for your next chapter of life Learn what envisioning is and the brain science that makes it work Learn how to use your mind to start living your new vision right away 🔥 Sound interesting? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat)

In this episode: year-end reflection, self-awareness, coaching yourself, creating goals, daily check-ins, with Morgan Bricca Episode Summary Join host Adam Coelho as he welcomes back Morgan Bricca to discuss the importance of year-end reflection and planning. Morgan shares her approach to self-awareness, self-coaching, and how to set meaningful goals for the upcoming year. Learn how to develop habits that align with your desired feelings and intentions, and discover practical tips for maintaining focus and motivation throughout the year. Guest Bio Morgan Bricca is a passionate advocate for mindful living and financial independence. With a background in coaching and personal development, she emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and intentional goal setting in achieving a fulfilling life. Key Takeaways Self-awareness is crucial for efficient living and helps align actions with one's life purpose. Coaching yourself can save costs and empower personal growth through self-reflection and accountability. Setting a daily checklist can enhance focus on personal goals and help track progress effectively. Year-end reflections help in recognizing changes in priorities and recalibrating for the upcoming year. Identifying core feelings can guide goal-setting and daily actions, making them more meaningful. Embracing discomfort and being brave can lead to significant personal growth and fulfillment.Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join. PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program Connect with your big vision for the next chapter of your life and start living it in 10 weeks or less using envisioning and the power of your mind. Interested? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat) 🔥 WHO I'm creating this for: I'm creating this for YOU if you are feeling stuck & frustrated after saving and investing for years to create "financial freedom" only to find yourself: Unclear or unsure about what you want Overwhelmed by all the options created by financial freedom Not sure how to move forward to start living the next chapter of your life 🔥 WHAT we'll do together over 10 weeks: In this small group coaching program, you will: Finally answer "What do I actually want?" Come up with a BIG vision for your next chapter of life Learn what envisioning is and the brain science that makes it work Learn how to use your mind to start living your new vision right away 🔥 Sound interesting? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat)

Episode SummaryJoin Adam Coelho for a gentle guided meditation focused on the transformative practice of starting again. This 10-minute meditation guides you through mindful breathing, present moment awareness, and the powerful reminder that no matter how many times your mind wanders, you always have the ability to begin fresh with just one breath.This practice emphasizes self-compassion and the understanding that distraction isn't a failure—it's simply an opportunity to return to the present moment. The meditation concludes with a gratitude practice, inviting you to connect with something you're grateful for and feel that appreciation throughout your body.Perfect for both beginners and experienced meditators looking for a reminder that starting again is always available, anywhere, anytime.What You'll PracticeBreath awareness: Finding your home base in the sensations of breathingNon-judgmental awareness: Meeting your experience with openness, kindness, and curiosityThe art of beginning again: Recognizing when attention has wandered and gently returning to the presentGratitude practice: Cultivating appreciation and letting it infuse your entire beingAccessibility: Understanding that this practice is available with just one mindful breathKey TakeawaysMeditation isn't about never getting distracted—it's about noticing when you've wandered and choosing to come backEach in-breath is a new beginning; each out-breath is a chance to let goThe ability to start again applies not just to meditation, but to life more broadlyWhen you notice your mind has wandered, you're already back—simply choose to begin againGratitude can be a full-body experience that infuses every cellThis practice is accessible anywhere, anytime, with just one conscious breathResources MentionedMindful Fire Envisioning Guide: mindfulfire.org/start - Download this free 10-minute guide to craft a clear and inspiring vision for your lifeJoin the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join. PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program Connect with your big vision for the next chapter of your life and start living it in 10 weeks or less using envisioning and the power of your mind. Interested? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat) 🔥 WHO I'm creating this for: I'm creating this for YOU if you are feeling stuck & frustrated after saving and investing for years to create "financial freedom" only to find yourself: Unclear or unsure about what you want Overwhelmed by all the options created by financial freedom Not sure how to move forward to start living the next chapter of your life 🔥 WHAT we'll do together over 10 weeks: In this small group coaching program, you will: Finally answer "What do I actually want?" Come up with a BIG vision for your next chapter of life Learn what envisioning is and the brain science that makes it work Learn how to use your mind to start living your new vision right away 🔥 Sound interesting? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat)

In this episode: "Trying Life On", 5 Freedom Principles, Purposeful Work, & more with Maurice Philogene. Adam Coelho talks to Maurice Philogene, a former senior executive at an IT consulting firm and a retired federal agent, who is now a full-time real estate investor. They discuss Maurice's philosophy of "trying life on" and how he has been able to mesh together his different interests and careers. They also talk about the importance of envisioning, reducing big dreams into achievable goals, and building a personal and work blueprint.Episode TakeawaysMaurice's philosophy of "trying life on" involves meshing together different interests and careers to build a lifestyle you don't need a vacation from.Maurice reduces big dreams into achievable goals by having people write down their perfect day in vivid detail and building a personal and work blueprint around it.Maurice encourages people to build meaningful relationships and intentionally make decisions related to time, financial, and geographic freedom.Maurice believes that adults forget to dream and that we need to remember our purpose of plugging into life planet as intended.Maurice believes that if we really want to do something, we will find a way to make it happen.Maurice encourages people to be unapologetic in their pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life.Maurice’s Contact InformationMaurice Philogene on LinkedInQuattro Capital : https://www.thequattroway.com/Maurice Philogene BioMaurice Philogene is a former senior executive at an IT consulting firm, a retired federal agent and lieutenant colonel, and a full-time real estate investor. He is also a former street cop in Washington DC. Maurice's philosophy is to "try life on" and he has been able to mesh together his different interests and careers to build a lifestyle he doesn't need a vacation from.Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join. PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program Connect with your big vision for the next chapter of your life and start living it in 10 weeks or less using envisioning and the power of your mind. Interested? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat) 🔥 WHO I'm creating this for: I'm creating this for YOU if you are feeling stuck & frustrated after saving and investing for years to create "financial freedom" only to find yourself: Unclear or unsure about what you want Overwhelmed by all the options created by financial freedom Not sure how to move forward to start living the next chapter of your life 🔥 WHAT we'll do together over 10 weeks: In this small group coaching program, you will: Finally answer "What do I actually want?" Come up with a BIG vision for your next chapter of life Learn what envisioning is and the brain science that makes it work Learn how to use your mind to start living your new vision right away 🔥 Sound interesting? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat)

I'm thrilled to share this meditation designed to help you explore your BIG vision through visualizing your perfect day.The narratives we tell ourselves shape our reality.Visualization is a powerful practice that allows you to plant the seeds of new narratives you wish to grow in your life.Do the narratives you're creating serve your goals and aspirations?Mindfulness enables you to recognize your narratives - whether they're supporting or limiting you.This guided meditation invites you to connect with the narratives that are shaping your experience.I hope this guided meditation serves you well.Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program Connect with your big vision for the next chapter of your life and start living it in 10 weeks or less using envisioning and the power of your mind. Interested? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat) 🔥 WHO I'm creating this for: I'm creating this for YOU if you are feeling stuck & frustrated after saving and investing for years to create "financial freedom" only to find yourself: Unclear or unsure about what you want Overwhelmed by all the options created by financial freedom Not sure how to move forward to start living the next chapter of your life 🔥 WHAT we'll do together over 10 weeks: In this small group coaching program, you will: Finally answer "What do I actually want?" Come up with a BIG vision for your next chapter of life Learn what envisioning is and the brain science that makes it work Learn how to use your mind to start living your new vision right away 🔥 Sound interesting? Let's chat. (https://mindfulfire.org/chat)