Welcome to the Early Retirement Roadmap podcast, your audio guide to preparing for and thriving in early retirement! If you’re dreaming of retiring early but feeling overwhelmed about where to start, or if you’re already retired and looking to make the most of your freedom, you’re in the right place. I’m your host Mike Upland, and I successfully retired at 55. Through this podcast, I share my personal early retirement journey—the victories, the challenges, and all the essential lessons I’ve ...
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Follow along on our adventurers chasing all kinds of game in the heart land of America. Our passions run from the north woods rivers all the way out to the wide open prairie. We are untamed and wild is all we chase.
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Welcome to Lone Duck’s Gun Dog Chronicles. We’re here to talk all things related to bird hunting, gun dogs and trade stories between friends, pro trainers and hunting buddies.
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The Ugly Dog Podcast celebrates bird dog training, hunting wild places, habitat conservation, and the journeys that bring all three together. Brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co.
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This is a show about the life of wildlife biologists and other people who are passionate about bird hunting, bird habitat and bird dogs.
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A podcast for hillwalkers and climbers about the people we share the hills with. Get to know some of the other users, managers, and owners of our uplands. Meet characters and personalities who live Outdoor Lives. This podcast will be of particular interest to mountain leaders, hill and moorland leaders and mountaineering instructors, but it's hoped anyone who climbs or walks in the hills of the UK and Ireland might be interested too.
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Clays and Birds is a podcast that strives to bring knowledge, reviews, and experience from hunters, shooters, and industry representatives to the hunting and clay shooting community. I will try to cover everything from the newest shotguns to dog food. If you live to shoot anything that flies with a shotgun like I do, this is the podcast for you.
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The Legend Behind Wildrose Kennels: Mike Stewart Tells All
1:35:24
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1:35:24Joined by Mike Stewart from Wildrose Kennels, Bob and Kevin get the full rundown of Mike's career, his business, his dogs, unforgettable hunts and training philosophies that have continued to create exceptional dogs. You don't want to miss this one. Here's a few highlights from the show: Incorporating bird dog work, running beagles, working labs an…
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The Top 10 Retirement Myths That Could Cost YOU Thousands!
22:44
22:44
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22:44Think you need $1 million to retire? That Medicare covers everything? Or that your expenses will drop after you stop working? In this episode of the Early Retirement Roadmap Podcast, I bust the top 10 retirement myths—with real data and practical advice. These are the beliefs that could seriously derail your plans and cost you thousands if you fall…
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🚨Roth Conversion Warning: Miss This 2025 Window, Regret It FOREVER!
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11:58🚨 Roth Conversion Warning: Miss This 2025 Window, Regret It FOREVER! In this episode, I break down why Roth conversions in 2025 are more important than ever—and how early retirees, those already retired, or those thinking about retirement could face massive tax regret if they don’t act soon. Whether you're already in early retirement or planning to…
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Well, it might be less than 4 million but exchange rates with pesos was very confusing and we aren't really math guys... Joined by our friends from Standing Stone Kennels and their podcast, Ethan and Kat, we chat through one of the coolest hunting trips you could imagine. We spend a few days hunting in Cordoba Argentina for doves, pigeons, parakeet…
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61. Ben Brettingen - The Importance of Public Lands in Bird Hunting, Transitioning from Drahthaars to Cover Dogs and Building a Career in the Hunting Industry.
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1:25:58Ben Brettingen from onX Maps joins the show this week to cover the current movement in the Senate to sell public lands (speaking of, have you called your Senator yet?), and share his journey from filming hunts in college to a career in marketing in the hunting industry. He also shares how he got started in bird dogs, fell head first into drahthaars…
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Bob and Kevin sit down to catch up on whats happening around the kennel. We cover topics like drills for summer, training in the heat, dogs of a lifetime and more. Here's a few highlights from the show: The dogs in the kennel & SAFELY training in the summer heat A life update on Rambler Heeling drills and service dogs in Home Depot Will Bob run Hun…
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STOP Worrying About Running Out of Money in Retirement!
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8:40Are you constantly worried about running out of money in retirement? You’re not alone—and the good news is, the truth might surprise you! In this podcast, I reveal what most people get wrong about retirement spending, how rare it actually is to run out of money, and the real strategies that work—especially if you're retiring early. We’ll break down…
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60. Your Public Lands Are For Sale - Are You Really Going To Let That Happen Without Speaking Up?
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34:41Your public lands could be for sale soon if your Senator doesn't help torpedo a specific part of the budget reconciliation bill. Call them and let them know that CANNOT happen. Call: 202-224-3121 Ask for your Senator's office. Adapt this script to your voice (remember, be polite): “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m from [place]. I am one of your …
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S5EP87 Ryan With The Upland Social Podcast
1:16:07
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1:16:07Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Ryan, the voice behind The Upland Social podcast. Ryan shares the story behind starting his own podcast and how his love for bird dogs, upland hunting, and faith all intersect. We dig into what fuels his passion, why he felt called to create content in the upland world, and the deeper meaning he find…
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How Much Do You REALLY Need to Retire on $10K a Month?
12:55
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12:55Want to retire on $10K a month? This episode shows exactly how much you need saved in 2025 and beyond—factoring in taxes, healthcare, inflation, Social Security, and investment risk. We’ll break down what it really takes to sustain $10,000 in monthly retirement income spending —whether you're aiming for early retirement, following the 4% rule (and …
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59. Mike Neiduski - Planning a Long Distance Bird Hunting Trip
1:00:02
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1:00:02This episode is the audio of a presentation Mike did at the 2025 NAVHDA Annual Meeting in Montana. He covers his tips and tricks to plan and execute a long distance road trip including pre-planning, checklist making, and some helpful pro-tips to keep you out of trouble when it inevitably finds you. If you have any follow up questions, feel free to …
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Will ACA Subsidies Disappear After 2025? What You NEED to Know!
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6:00⚠️ Are ACA subsidies really going away after 2025? If you're planning to retire early or already living off your investments, this could impact your healthcare costs in a big way. In this episode, I explain exactly what's happening with ACA subsidies in 2026—what's expiring, what's staying, and how you can still qualify for financial help through s…
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If You’re in Your 40s, 50s, or 60s: 25 Life Lessons from 70+ Year-Olds
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11:50If you're in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, listen to this! In this podcast, I share 25 life lessons from people over 70 — timeless wisdom for navigating midlife, retirement planning, relationships, purpose, and happiness. These life lessons are based on the powerful research of Dr. Karl Pillemer, author of 30 Lessons for Living, who interviewed over 1,000…
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58. Tanya Caram - Her Journey With Wirehaired Vizlas and Attacking Goals Tenaciously
1:15:14
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1:15:14Tanya Caram joins the show this week to share how she fell in love with Wirehaired Vizlas, her journey to having the first VC WHV, spending extended time in Hungary, and working to develop the breed here in North America. Tanya also shares some unique insights about her journey along the way, including challenging doubters and tirelessly pursuing h…
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How Your Kids Can Derail Your Retirement (Unless You Plan for It)
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7:37Many early retirees forget to factor in their adult children when planning retirement. From weddings and tuition to ongoing support, the financial impact can be substantial—especially when you no longer have a paycheck coming in. In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to plan for potential financial support, set healthy boundaries, and protect …
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The Truth About Hunt Test Cheating (UNFILTERED)
1:34:02
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1:34:02Today we had the pleasure of chatting with our buddy, Brandon Sweesy, from Northern Air Retrievers. Brandon has been on our show before and trains dogs with the best of 'em. Here's a few highlights from the show: We catch up with Brandon and hear about his winter trip We dig pretty deep into new rules for AKC hunt tests and they're trying to addres…
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The Truth About Ryglen Gundogs (No One Talks About This)
1:21:08
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1:21:08Today we chat with Jay Lowry from Ryglen Gundogs. We learn about Jay's time running rabbits and how he was first introduced to cockers while hunting over in the UK. Then we learn a little about show cockers vs hunting lines and how Jay's dogs are brought to the United States. Here's a few highlights from the show: How does Jay import such awesome d…
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57. Matt Sather and Jason Rice - Bird Hunting and Dog Training from a Track Chair
1:13:49
1:13:49
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1:13:49Matt Sather and Jason Rice join the show this week to share Matt's journey into NAVHDA and hunting with a versatile dog. Jason discusses connecting Matt with the Track2Wing Project and Matt reflects honestly on how much of the world has opened up to him and his dog now that he has a track chair. These two go back and forth with ribbing and heartfel…
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Claim Social Security at 62, 67, or 70? The Answer May Surprise You!
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9:45Should you claim Social Security early, wait until full retirement age, or delay until 70? In this podcast, we walk through a real retirement case study and run the numbers to show how your claiming age affects your investments, taxes, and even your health insurance premiums. 📊 See why delaying may not always be the best choice—and how opportunity …
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56. Ted Wentink - The Beauty and Function of the Spinone, Walking Along in European Hunt Tests, and The Importance of Taking Things Slow
1:24:38
1:24:38
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1:24:38Ted Wentink joins the show this week to share his never-ending love for Spinoni Italiani. He shares candidly about his journey with dogs throughout the years, making an effort to show his dogs form and function, and his experiences attending hunt tests in Italy and England. He also dives into the importance of learning to train the dog in front of …
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Today we chat with one of our best buddies, Bunny Snipes. Bunny is an incredible guy who pours himself into dogs, hunting and fishing and especially, Bobwhite Quail. As the Lowcountry Chapter President of Quail Forever down in Charleston, he works closely with land owners, farmers, hunters and anyone who wants to bring back some southern quail. Wha…
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How Early Retirees Can Pay WAY Less for Health Insurance!
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12:46
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12:46Want to pay WAY less for health insurance in early retirement? This follow-up to my previous very popular video (link below in watch next) shows how smart retirees legally slash ACA premiums by strategically managing their income. You'll learn how MAGI impacts subsidies, and see real scenarios using Healthcare.gov. Don’t overpay for healthcare—plan…
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S5EP86 Public Land Sell Off With The Pubic Land Advocate
1:33:06
1:33:06
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1:33:06Send us a text In this episode, we welcome John, widely known as The Public Land Advocate, to discuss a critical and timely issue facing the outdoor community: the federal government's recent proposal to sell off up to 500,000 acres of public land. We dig into what this means for hunters, anglers, hikers, conservationists, and anyone who values acc…
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55. Ellen Neiduski - Lessons Learned On The Journey to A Well-Trained Companion
1:21:49
1:21:49
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1:21:49For a little something different this week Mike sits down with his mother, Ellen, on Mother's Day to discuss their family history in pets. Ellen shares her decision and commitment to having a well-trained family dog and a variety of lessons she learned along the way. She also taps into the power of working with a trainer part time to develop confid…
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Retirement Stats That’ll Make You Rethink Working Another Year
7:07
7:07
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7:07Is working longer really worth it? In this episode, I break down 3 retirement stats and insights that could completely change the way you think about work, wealth, and health in retirement. If you're planning for early retirement, these numbers might just shift your whole retirement strategy. Here's what you'll learn: • Why 63.9 years is a critical…
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54. Christy Langston - Fighting Imposter Syndrome, Solo Hunting Shenanigans, and Lessons from a Failed Breeding
1:44:31
1:44:31
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1:44:31Christy Langston joins the show this week while Mike visited the Missouri Uplands NAVHDA chapter to judge. She shares candidly about fighting imposter syndrome, gives more great photography tips, and opens up about a recent failed breeding with one of her dogs. She also shares more about her experiences with long-distance solo hunting trips and not…
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Today we have the pleasure of talkin' dogs, field trials and answering some Q&A with our good buddy, Michael Demmer, from Windy Hill Retrievers. Michael has been on the show before and is extremely knowledgeable about dogs and how to get the most out of their work. Michael is also looking to hire, so if you're interested in dogs, training, field tr…
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Why You’re Closer to Early Retirement Than You Think
8:44
8:44
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8:44Are you wondering why it feels like everyone else is retiring early — and you're not? In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, we uncover the real reasons people delay early retirement, even when they have enough saved. Learn how to avoid the "one more year syndrome," stop chasing unrealistic retirement numbers, and discover 5 proven strategies…
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S5EP85 Ben Brettingen onX Hunt & Board Member of Ruffed Grouse Society
1:10:06
1:10:06
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1:10:06Send us a text In this special 85th episode, we welcome back Ben Brettingen of onX Hunt, who now brings a fresh perspective as a newly appointed Board Member of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS). We dig into Ben’s vision for the future of RGS and where he believes he can make the biggest impact. Topics include: Ben’s new role on the RGS board and wha…
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53. Carey Killion - Marathons to Bird Dogs, Facing Failure Head On, and Building Better a Weimaraner
1:09:39
1:09:39
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1:09:39Carey Killion joins the show this week to share how marathons brought her to bird dogs, facing failure head on, and how she is committed to bettering the breed of Weimaraners. Carey is refreshingly honest about her pursuits, whether that be making mistakes along the way with her dogs, tips to better show dogs in field trials, and joining the board …
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Today we have the pleasure of catching up with our good buddy and fellow dog trainer, Adam Campbell, from Campbell's Hillside Kennels and the Dog House Podcast. It's always a good time when you're on with Adam cracking jokes and talking dogs. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Here's a few highlights from the show: Working at Ad…
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The $12,900 Health Insurance Loophole for Early Retirees!
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11:19
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11:19What if you could save over $12,000 a year on healthcare—just by choosing the right account to withdraw from to fund your retirement? In this episode, I (early retiree and tax-planning nerd) break down the smartest way to structure your income before age 65 to maximize your ACA subsidy. You’ll learn why your taxable brokerage account might be your …
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52. Yia Vang - Hunting and Fishing as a Way of Life, The Power of Food, Conservation, and Community, and Bringing Hmong Food to the Mainstream
1:24:41
1:24:41
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1:24:41Yia Vang joins the show this week to discuss his award winning restaurant and how growing up in the Hmong community presented hunting and fishing as a way of life, not just a hobby. Yia is a James Beard Award Finalist and creator and head chef of Vinai, one of the top 50 best restaurants in the US. Yia discusses his thoughts on Hmong culture in reg…
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If you’re planning for retirement — or already enjoying your golden years — this episode is a must-listen. Dive into the five most common financial regrets retirees face, drawing from personal experience, hard-earned lessons, and recent data. From not saving early enough to underestimating healthcare costs, I break down how you can sidestep these p…
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51. Bailey Petersen - Falling in Love with Ruffed Grouse, Her Gaggle of Setters, and Pro-Tips for Navigating Grouse Cover
1:09:13
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1:09:13Bailey Petersen joins the show this week to talk all things Northwoods, Ruffed Grouse, and her pack of setters (and one microphone loving Munsterlander). She dives into how she grew her love of ruffed grouse and woodcock, moved from a golden retriever to a small munsterlander, and then to an ever growing pack of setter boys. She dives into her best…
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"Lightbulb Moments" for a Dog's First Season
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1:33:59Today we chat with our good buddy and repeat podcast guest, Shawn Stahl. Aside from being one of the greatest goose callers you'lll ever find... Shawn is a great guy, an exciting storyteller, a successful hunter and businessman. If you haven't already, go back and listen to our first show with Shawn and enjoy. Here's a few highlights from the show:…
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What Vanishes When You Retire (And How to Get it Back!)
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10:59You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and now retirement is here! But nobody warns you about the six major things that disappear the moment you leave the workforce. If you’re not prepared, these changes can hit harder than expected—but the good news? You can replace them with something even better! In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I’ll …
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50. Q&A with Mike - NAVHDA Invitational Prep, DD vs GWP, and The Day Everything Changed
1:43:59
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1:43:59This week's episode features Mike answering questions submitted on our Facebook and Instagram pages. He covers his mindset heading toward the NAVHDA Invitational, his thoughts on DDs vs. GWPs, answers a whole bunch of silly geese questions, and talks candidly about losing 2 of his dogs to heat stroke. This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunt…
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"Nature is medicine" with Tony Peterson
1:34:02
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1:34:02Today we chat with our friend, author, podcast host, father and man who knows his way around the woods... Tony Peterson. Here's a few highlights from the show: How did Tony grow up and get into the outdoor industry Why is it so important to spend time in nature, no matter what the adventure is Filling tags vs enjoying a hunt Hunting alongside good …
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S5EP84 The Wisconsin Prairie Chicken Project
1:05:43
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1:05:43Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with the founder of the Prairie Chicken Project in Wisconsin to explore the incredible work being done to protect one of North America’s most iconic grassland birds: the greater prairie chicken. Once a common sight across the Midwest, these vibrant birds are now fighting for survival as their native habit…
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Thinking About Retiring Early in 2025? Think Again.
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7:57Planning for early retirement in 2025? Before you hand in your notice, this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap is your essential guide to navigating the biggest risks facing early retirees this year. In it, I break down three critical threats — sequence of returns risk, rising inflation, and high market valuations, yes, even with the market downtu…
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49. Nick Dulas - Being the Young Guy in a PF Chapter, Driving All Night To Get a Setter, and Making The Choice To Go
1:13:28
1:13:28
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1:13:28Nick Dulas joins the show this week where he recounts his pre-COVID journey to joining the Rice County PF chapter and why he's stayed involved since. He also shares how he developed a love for setters and the french brittany. He and Mike also talk a little hockey, and dive into Nick's advice for making long-distance hunting trips. Enjoy! This episo…
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The Retirement Wake-Up Call: What the Study AND My Story--Reveals!
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13:46Thinking about early retirement or already living it? This episode is your wake-up call — and your roadmap. In this powerful and personal episode of The Early Retirement Roadmap, I talk about the retirement truths no one warns you about. Discover the real challenges behind the dream — from unexpected loneliness and identity loss to the surprising t…
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48. Nikki Flander - Loving Dogs So Much She Snuck One Home, Her Love of English Setters, and Diving Into The Industry and Creating Spaces for Women.
1:08:39
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1:08:39Nikki Flander joins the show this week to share her journey to working with the Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, how she fell in love with English Setters, that one time she wanted a dog so bad she snuck one home in high school, and creating community for women in the hunting and shooting space. Nikki is dedicated to any pursuit she picks up and this e…
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How a Mutual Index Fund Cost Me $17K in Taxes (And How to Avoid This Mistake)
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11:44Investing in index mutual funds sounds like a safe bet, right? Well, I thought so—until I got hit with an unexpected $17,000 tax bill. In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I break down the hidden tax trap in taxable mutual funds and why an ETF might be the smarter choice. Plus, I’ll share how tax-loss harvesting helped me fix my mistake and…
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47. Hannah & Kyle Peterson - A Match Made Over Bird Dogs, Diving Into Cover Dog Trials, and Wanting An Assertive Female Setter.
1:28:28
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1:28:28Hannah & Kyle Peterson are a match made with a shared love of dog training, and then bird dogs in grouse country. In this episode they share their journey into dog training in very separate realms and how they eventually met, married, and now are growing a family, all while chasing English Setters through the grouse woods hunting and in Cover Dog t…
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Today we chat with our good buddy Ben Brettingen from onX while he and Bob were down in South Carolina for the 2025 SEWE event. We dig into all sorts of good stuff in this show and I think you'll enjoy the conversation. Cheers! Here's a few highlights from the show: Get unlost with onX Versatile dogs vs bird dogs vs retrievers Cover Dog Trials How …
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Scared to Retire? Overcome Your RETIREMENT FEARS!
16:42
16:42
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16:42You’ve run the numbers, planned your finances, and dreamed of early retirement—but fear is still holding you back. You’re not alone! What if I run out of money? What about healthcare costs? Will I be bored? These fears are completely normal, and in this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I’ll help you tackle them head-on. 🌟 Here’s what you’ll lea…
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The Perfect Retirement Announcement: A Step-by-Step Guide
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15:18Planning to retire? Announcing your retirement isn’t as simple as picking a date and telling your boss—it’s about strategy, timing, and setting yourself up for success. In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I’ll guide you through the complete retirement announcement process, so you can make a smooth, professional transition. 🌟 Here’s what we…
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46. John Zeman - Letting a Dog Fill Up The Country, The Power of Helping Others Train Their Dogs, and Ensuring Others Have Access to Dog Training Areas
1:19:04
1:19:04
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1:19:04John Zeman got his first German Shorthair in 1978 and has had various types of bird dogs ever since. Through mentors he found field trials and training methods which he now shares with many who show up at his home on Wednesday nights for training. He still runs and judges field trials across the upper midwest and is also the current president of th…
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