The Mindful FIRE Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode: meeting yourself where you are, mindful check-in, breath awareness, letting go, non-judgmental observation

Episode Summary

In this guided meditation from the Mindful Fire Legends community meeting, Adam Coelho leads a practice of radical self-acceptance - checking in with body and mind exactly as they are, without trying to change anything. Listeners are guided through breath awareness and gentle redirection of a wandering mind.

About the Host

Adam Coelho is the host of the Mindful FIRE Podcast and founder of the Mindful Fire Legends - a weekly community gathering for people on the path to financial independence. He leads guided meditations and conversations to support mindful, intentional living.

Resources & Books Mentioned

• mindfulfire.org/join - Join the Mindful Fire Legends community (meets every Wednesday)

Key Takeaways

• Meeting yourself where you are means observing your body and mind with curiosity - acknowledging "right now, it's like this" without trying to fix or change anything.
• The breath is a reliable anchor: each in-breath is a new beginning, each out-breath a chance to let go.
• When the mind wanders, the practice is simply to notice and return — no criticism, just gentle redirection back to the present moment.
• A brief check-in at the start and end of practice builds self-awareness and helps you notice subtle shifts in body and mind.

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

• You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
• You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
• You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

• Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
• Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
• Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
• Turn yo...

In this episode: entrepreneurship, sustainable fashion, following omens, adaptability as a life skill, mindful parenting with Angela Arwady

Episode Summary

Angela Arwady went from flipping secondhand clothes on eBay in 2008 to launching Unpacka (unpacka.com), a subscription-based sustainable fashion business supporting local artists. She and Adam discuss the mindset shifts required to leave corporate life after nearly 15 years at Google and YouTube, the Zelda-inspired "side quest" approach to opportunity, mindful dressing as a daily ritual, and building a business aligned with your values.

Guest Bio

Angela Arwady is the founder of Unpacka, a curated marketplace for secondhand and handmade goods. Before entrepreneurship, she spent over a decade at Google and YouTube across HR, recruiting, and program management for YouTube TV — helping launch the Sports Plus package and primetime channels in multiple countries. She is a mom of three, a Poshmark pioneer with 75,000 followers, and is pursuing a sound healing certification.

Resources & Books Mentioned

• Unpacka — Angela's sustainable secondhand and handmade goods business
• Poshmark — social resale marketplace where Angela first built her following
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho — Adam's book about following your personal legend and reading life's omens
• Dan Arwady on the Mindful FIRE Podcast: Episode 39 and Episode 182
• Oakland Collective — Bay Area charity that receives clothing donations from Unpacka (free community popups)

Guest Contact Information

• Website: unpacka.com
• Instagram: @shopunpacka

Key Takeaways

• Follow the omens: Angela's pop-up at Golden Soul café in Pacifica snowballed into regular craft fair appearances — a small yes became the seed of her entire business model.
• Adap

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

• You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
• You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
• You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

• Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
• Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
• Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
• Turn yo...

This guided meditation was recorded live inside the Mindful FIRE Legends community. Adam Coelho first helps you settle into the present moment with the breath, then guides you through a powerful visualization of your ideal future, five years from now, where work is optional and you have the freedom to choose how you spend your days.

In this meditation, you’ll:

• Settle your mind and body with a calm, steady breath practice
• Notice what’s present with kind, curious awareness
• Visualize your “work-optional” future and the life you’re building toward
• Get clear on what you want your days to feel like, who you want to be with, and what lights you up
• Close by bringing the vision back with you as a living, evolving direction

Want to join live meditations like this?

These guided meditations happen inside the Mindful FIRE Legends community, alongside people on the path to financial independence who are connecting, supporting each other, and building this life together.

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community: https://mindfulfire.org/join

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

• You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
• You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
• You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

• Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
• Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
• Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
• Turn yo...

In This Episode:  mindfulness, achieving work-life balance, overcoming perfectionism, prioritizing family, ideal day design, presence, self-awareness, personal growth with Matt Drinkhahn

Episode Summary
In this episode, host Adam Coelho interviews Matt Drinkhahn, an executive coach and host of the Eternal Optimist Podcast. Matt shares his personal journey of overcoming perfectionism and workaholism, and how it affected his relationships and overall well-being. He emphasizes the importance of asking empowering questions to shift mindset and achieve work-life balance. Matt also discusses the concept of designing an ideal day and the benefits of practicing mindfulness in daily routines.

Guest Bio
Matt Drinkhahn is a father, executive coach, and host of the Eternal Optimist Podcast. With a background in entrepreneurship, Matt has experienced the challenges of perfectionism and workaholism firsthand. He now helps others overcome these obstacles and achieve success while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Resources & Books Mentioned
• Front Row Dads (frontrowdads.com)
• "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
• "Atomic Habits" by James Clear

Guest Contact Information
• Email: Matt@proadvisorcoach.com
• Podcast: The Eternal Optimist Podcast

Key Takeaways
1. Perfectionism and workaholism can lead to burnout and strained relationships.
2. Asking questions can shift mindset and lead to more empowering actions.
3. Designing an ideal day helps prioritize what is most important.
4. Mindfulness in daily routines can increase presence and inner peace.
5. Achieving work-life balance requires setting boundaries and making intentional choices.

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

• You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
• You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
• You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

• Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
• Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
• Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
• Turn yo...

In this episode: Financial Independence, Living Intentionally and the FI Freedom Retreat in Bali with Amy Minkley

Episode Summary:
On today's episode, Adam Coelho is joined by Amy Minkley, a passionate advocate of financial independence and the host of the Five Freedom Retreat in Bali. They discuss Amy's journey to Asia, her experience with the FIRE movement, and how financial independence opens up a world of possibilities. They also delve into the importance of designing a life with intention and choosing what truly matters.

🔥 Download my One-Page Envisioning Exercise to think BIGGER about your life and what's possible for you 🔥 

Guest Bio:
Amy Minkley is an experienced international school teacher and a firm believer in financial independence. She has been living in Asia since 2001, where she fell in love with the region and its vibrant culture. Amy recently quit her job to live a more intentional and designed life in Bali, where she is also hosting the FI Freedom Retreat.

Books & Resources Mentioned:
- ChooseFI Podcast
- CampFI
- Econome Conference
- The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins

Guest Contact Information:
-Website: FIFreedomRetreats.com


Key Takeaways:

• Financial independence opens up possibilities and choice

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

• You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
• You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
• You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

• Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
• Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
• Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
• Turn yo...

In this episode: Money as a Tool, Retirement and Autonomy, Awareness and Choice, Community and Belonging, Coast FI and Slow FI with Diania Merriam

Note from Adam
I hope you are well.  I know I've been MIA for the last few weeks, without any new episodes.

I've had some incredible things happening in my life, all thanks to envisioning. I can't wait to share them with you and share a resource I'm creating for you to think BIG about your own life and vision, so you can create similar amazing results for yourself. If you'd like to get early access to that, click here and sign up.

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Diania Merriam discusses her journey to financial independence and early retirement. She shares how she discovered the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement and how it transformed her relationship with money.

Diania explains the concept of "Coast FI" and "Slow FI" and how she retired from her corporate career at the age of 33.

She also talks about the importance of clarity and comfort in managing finances and how financial independence allows for greater creativity and time abundance.

Connect with Diania Merriam

• 10% off her FIRE conference, Econome with code “mindful”
• Website: EconomeConference.com

About our guest, Diania:
Diania Merriam is a retired corporate professional and the host of a daily podcast about money. She is passionate about helping others achieve financial independence and creating a life they never want to retire from. Diania is also the founder of The Econome Conference, a gathering for like-minded individuals in the FIRE community.

Key Takeaways:

• Money is a tool, not a goal. It should be used to create time and space in your life.
• Retirement is not about not working, but about separating your finances from

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

• You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
• You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
• You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

• Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
• Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
• Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
• Turn yo...

In this episode, we will explore a 12-minute guided meditation to find peace, ease, and a sense of refuge in the present moment.

Today's meditation focuses on creating space in our lives. Amidst the challenges and difficulties happening in the world, such as war, layoffs, and economic instability, we will cultivate a space of refuge. This space allows us to leave everything behind and simply be with ourselves.

To begin, we intentionally let go of our worries and concerns, and we tune into our body, mind, and heart to understand how we are feeling in this moment.

After spending some time in this space of refuge, we will transition into a practice of loving-kindness and compassion. We will first direct these qualities towards ourselves and then extend them to all beings in the world.

I hope you find joy in this meditation practice.

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

• You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
• You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
• You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

• Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
• Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
• Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
• Turn yo...

In this episode: Engineering Serendipity with Tony Wilkins

Get my Free Envisioning Guide Here

Episode Summary: In this episode, Tony Wilkins joins the Mindful Fire Podcast to discuss the concept of engineering serendipity. They explore the idea of how seemingly chance encounters and events can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities in life. Tony shares his personal journey and experiences with serendipity, highlighting the importance of setting goals while remaining open to unexpected possibilities. They also discuss the concept of "enoughness" and how it relates to financial independence and finding fulfillment in life.

Guest Bio: Tony Wilkins is a self-described neighborhood kid who has achieved escape velocity. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Tony always had goals in mind and pursued them with determination. Throughout his life, he has experienced numerous instances of serendipity, where failed plans led to even greater opportunities. Tony is now focused on being sustainably impactful, helping others while maintaining his own personal sustainability.

Connect with Tony Wilkins:

• LinkedIn: Tony Wilkins
• Tony Wilkins' TEDx Talk: "Engineering Serendipity”

Resources & Books Mentioned:

• Tony Wilkins' TEDx Talk: "Engineering Serendipity”

Key Takeaways:

• Engineering serendipity involves actively creating opportunities for chance encounters and unexpected connections.
• "Enoughness" is the concept of recognizing when one has reached a point of contentment and sufficiency in various aspects of life.
• Financial independence allows individuals to pursue their passions and make an impact in a sustainable way.
• Aligning personal values, goals, and financial resources is crucial in determini

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

• You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
• You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
• You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

• Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
• Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
• Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
• Turn yo...

With so much suffering happening all around us it's easy to get overwhelmed by difficult thoughts and emotions.

Unfortunately, mindfulness isn't a magic solution to remove the suffering in the world. But it does offer a different way of relating to the suffering and difficult emotions we are experiencing within ourselves.

​Today's guided meditation offers a chance to create some space within ourselves to allow whatever we're feeling to be there and to keep coming back to the simplicity of the breath.

Then we shift to practicing some compassion for ourselves and the millions of people suffering around the world.

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

• You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
• You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
• You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

• Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
• Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
• Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
• Turn yo...

On today's episode. I'm joined by my friend, Kerri Jacobs. Who's actually a former manager of mine. I'm really excited to have her on the podcast.

Kerri Jacobs has been leading high performing teams at Google in London, New York city, and now the Bay area for over 12 years. Her obsession with empathy and leadership and inclusion in every aspect of life led her to create the program, leading with empathy and to roll it out to leaders at Google.

Kerri is also a member of the 2021 class of Stanford University's CCARE in collaboration with ACA's applied compassion training for architects and ambassadors of applied compassion. A Scot from penny cook. She used to read books, watch films, and see a lot of Broadway shows. But these days, mainly anxiously scrolls, Twitter, and comfort eats. 

In her life before business, she taught dance sang in piano bars and wrote a dance and education syllabus for Scottish education curriculum. For primary school teachers. Kerri's facilitation style is not to lecture. She shares horror stories and LOL worthy moments from her own life as a manager, parent, and partner, and keeps it as real as one can, when video conferencing from a garage.

In this episode, Kerri and I explore what empathy is and why it's more important than ever to bring empathy into our interactions with the people we work with.   And how really small changes, really just being more thoughtful about how we're interacting with those we work with and those that work for us can make a huge difference and making people feel seen, heard, and cared for. Kerri also shares a number of practices that we can use to create greater empathy and connection with those that we work with.

And she shares how leading with empathy in this way can really not only impact your relationship with that one person, but can also transform your business and the success you're having as a business.

Kerri and I explore how she used to be super skeptical about all of this mindfulness stuff and how she actually came to understand the value of it in her own life when she found herself physically and mentally burnt out from work.  How mindfulness really helped her in her recovery and led her to explore and create more meaning in her life and her work through this leading with empathy program.

 Now more

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

• You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
• You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
• You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

• Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
• Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
• Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
• Turn yo...