Books, Podcasts & People That Changed My Mindset About Money & Borders
There was a time when I thought success looked like a steady job, a house with a mortgage, and a retirement plan that involved staying put. But somewhere along the way, I started questioning everything—especially the way we think about money, borders, and freedom.
And that mindset shift? It didn’t come from nowhere. It was built from late-night reading, long drives with podcasts playing, and people who made me see the world differently.
Here are the books, podcasts, and thinkers that cracked my brain wide open and helped shape the global, financially flexible life I’m building now.
Books That Broke the Mold
1. “The Sovereign Individual” by James Dale Davidson & William Rees-Mogg
This book is like a roadmap to the future—one where power shifts from nations to individuals, and where being flexible and mobile is a superpower. It made me rethink citizenship, digital income, and how to navigate a world that's changing faster than governments can keep up.
2. “Nomad Capitalist” by Andrew Henderson
It’s part playbook, part pep talk for living life on your own terms. From offshore banking to second passports, Andrew makes it clear that the tools for financial sovereignty are out there—you just need to use them.
3. “Die With Zero” by Bill Perkins
This one flipped my script on saving. What if the goal isn’t to hoard money, but to use it to maximize your life experiences while you’re still healthy enough to enjoy them? Game changer.
4. “Investing for the Long Term” by Mark Mobius
Mobius doesn’t just invest globally—he lives globally. His stories about emerging markets opened my eyes to how much potential (and undervalued opportunity) exists outside the Western lens.
Podcasts That Shifted My Perspective
1. The Mark Moss Show
Mark ties together history, money, and technology like no one else. He talks about Bitcoin, the rise of decentralization, and why we're in the middle of the greatest financial revolution in 500 years. I listen weekly.
2. Expat Money Show with Mikkel Thorup
Practical and eye-opening. Mikkel dives into second residencies, tax strategies, and real-world stories from people who’ve actually done the thing—moved abroad and built a borderless life.
3. Borderless with James Guzman
A must for digital nomads and location-independent thinkers. It’s about creating freedom and finding your tribe outside your passport country.
4. Rational Reminder
More traditional finance, but incredibly sharp. If you want to understand long-term investing, behavior around money, and building real wealth—this is gold.
People Who Changed the Way I Think
1. Michael Saylor
The Bitcoin maximalist and MicroStrategy CEO. Whether you agree with him or not, the way he talks about long-term thinking, volatility, and protecting purchasing power is brilliant.
2. Nomad Capitalist (Andrew Henderson)
He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. His message is simple: go where you're treated best. That includes your money, your citizenship, and your lifestyle. He made me realize how optional borders really are.
3. Kyla Scanlon
She breaks down complex financial topics on YouTube and social in a way that’s engaging and smart. She made economics feel not just accessible—but fascinating.
4. Tim Ferriss
Yes, he’s been around forever, but “The 4-Hour Workweek” was one of the first things that made me question the 9-to-5 and start designing a life that actually fit me.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Permission to Opt Out
Mindset shifts don’t happen overnight. But once you start listening to voices outside the mainstream—reading different books, hearing from people who live differently—you start realizing: there are a thousand ways to live well.
You don’t need to stay in one country. You don’t need to follow traditional career paths. You don’t need to measure wealth by your 401(k).
You get to choose. And that realization? That’s what changed everything for me.
If you're starting your own shift—this list is a good place to begin. Let me know which ones you’ve read or what’s changed your thinking lately. I’m always adding to my list.
