The David Bach Show

Brent Freeman had the marriage, the money, and the Instagram feed to prove he was crushing it — and one morning in 2018, standing at his window in San Francisco, he contemplated ending his life. In this episode, David Bach sits down with Brent, entrepreneur and author of The Alchemy of Joy, to talk about the sunset that changed everything and the framework he's used to help thousands of people go from burned out to genuinely joyful.
They dig into why joy works like compound interest — small daily investments that build into a life well lived — and why so many of us defer our happiness for some elusive "one day." Brent breaks down the Reset Breath, a 60-second technique to calm your nervous system in any moment, the One Minute Window practice of Stop, See, Soften, and his ITT Framework: Invest in joy, Train your brain, Take bold action. It's a conversation about presence, hardship, and why change is possible at any age.
Brent's new book, The Alchemy of Joy, is out September 15, 2026 – pre-order it now.
Learn more about Brent Freeman and The Alchemy of Joy.
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Get The Automatic Millionaire here.

Jean Chatzky's mother died with $1.7 million untouched in her retirement account – money she was too afraid to spend. In this episode, David Bach sits down with Jean, bestselling author and founder of HerMoney.com, to talk about her new book, The Forever Paycheck, and why so many retirees can't bring themselves to enjoy the money they spent a lifetime saving.
They dig into why $45 trillion is sitting in American retirement accounts with almost none of it coming out, the psychology behind why we treat savings like "precious cargo" we're afraid to use, and what it actually means to build a "forever paycheck" – a reliable stream of income that lets you spend with confidence instead of fear. Jean also breaks down the different types of annuities, challenges the popular 4% withdrawal rule, and explains why your first decade of retirement — the "go-go years" – is the one you can't afford to spend too cautiously.
Jean Chatzky has written over a dozen personal finance books, spent 25 years with the Today Show, and hosts the PBS series Opportunity Knocks. Her new book, The Forever Paycheck, is out on September 8th. 
Connect with Jean & David!
Pre-Order The Forever Paycheck.
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Listen to the last episode Jean recorded on David's podcast here.
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Learn more about David Bach.
Get The Automatic Millionaire here.

What do two financial pros with over 60 years of combined experience really wish they knew about money 30 years ago?
In this very special crossover episode of HerMoney and The David Bach Show, David sits down with longtime friend and bestselling author Jean Chatzky to share candid stories, big career lessons, and one bold new idea that could change retirement in America.
Together, Jean and David trade their top financial insights, biggest regrets, and heartfelt advice for anyone navigating money, health, aging, and family in 2026.
Resources:
David's Flat Tax Proposal
The Automatic Millionaire (20th Anniversary Edition)
HerMoney's InvestingFixx Club

In this special bonus episode, David Bach sits down with his longtime friend and fellow #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Forleo to reflect on the 20-year journey of The Automatic Millionaire – what has changed, what hasn't, and why the book's core principles matter now more than ever.
David shares the "trillion-dollar clues" behind America's explosion of new millionaires, why paying yourself first still works, and how automation remains the most powerful wealth-building habit ever created. But this episode goes far deeper than money – touching on purpose, burnout, sabbaticals, health expectancy, and the urgency of living rich now, not later.
Inside this candid, inspiring conversation, you'll learn:
Why America now has nearly 24 million millionaires – and what they're all doing in common

The surprising retirement crisis happening even among six-figure earners

Whether a million dollars is still enough (and the math behind becoming a multimillionaire)

How small daily habits – even $27.40 a day – can lead to $1-4 million in long-term wealth

Why the Latte Factor® still sparks aha moments around the world

The crisis in financial literacy — and why young people aren't being taught the basics

The rise of millennials and Gen Z as powerful savers, investors, and early retirees

How sabbaticals and mini-retirements can completely reset your life and creativity

The real story behind David's decision to update the book – and how his late father shaped this chapter

A final message of encouragement for readers who are ready to take action

This is more than a financial conversation – it's a blueprint for a richer, more intentional life. Whether you're just beginning your journey or recommitting to your financial future, this episode reminds you that building wealth isn't complicated...it just needs to be automatic.
Explore more: Visit www.DavidBach.com for resources, classes, the podcast archive, and the updated 20th Anniversary Edition of The Automatic Millionaire.

In this heartfelt episode, David Bach shares one of the most beloved parts of The Automatic Millionaire: the success stories. Recorded after three weeks in the studio – and kept in the audiobook thanks to one timely email from a reader – this chapter celebrates the everyday people who transformed their financial lives using simple, automatic steps.
These are not Wall Street insiders or high-income earners. They're teachers, soldiers, young couples, single parents, musicians, caregivers, and college students – all proving the same truth:
If they can do it, you can do it.
Inside this episode, you'll hear:
How a 24-year-old preschool teacher became a millionaire – and went on to inspire millions more

A trumpet player who went from broke to building a real estate empire

A family who automated their way to a $2.4M net worth

A deployed soldier who shared The Automatic Millionaire across his entire unit

Couples who paid off debt, maxed out retirement savings, and bought homes – all by making their finances automatic

A high school student whose required summer reading completely reframed her future

These intimate letters and emails span more than two decades and thousands of readers – all proof that the principles of The Automatic Millionaire work in any economy, any career, and any stage of life.
If you've ever wondered whether you can truly change your financial future, let these voices remind you: Start small. Make it automatic. And watch your life transform.
Share your story: success@davidbach.com
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Visit: www.davidbach.com