About Joel

What If we flipped the script?

What if we measured success by simplicity instead of economic growth? What if we stopped chasing more and started living with purpose and gratitude?

I ask because I spent years sleepwalking through life – hoarding prestige, sugar, and screen time while giving little and taking plenty.

But I fell asleep one night knowing things had to change. I needed a slower, more generous life for myself and my family.

Now that I’m living it and have realized how freakin’ incredible it is, I want to support others to do something similar.

Whether through spreadsheets, mindfulness, multipotentiality, or asset-based approaches, I’m here to help you find belonging, share your gifts, and thrive in the less glamorous (but way more rewarding) parts of life.

From Disconnected to Deeply Rooted

I’ve learned the hard way that true belonging takes time and effort. We all need real human connection: the kind that’s still there when you’re at rock-bottom.

But how can we be both brave and vulnerable?

If having two babies in my home and being a big baby myself has taught me anything, it's not just possible; it's probable with the right resources and people in your corner.

What I Believe In

I believe in the abundant use of asides, ellipses, hyphens, and bullet points, but that's not super relevant (wait … maybe it is – yeah, it definitely is).

More importantly, I believe that:

• Social good and personal change can happen at the low cost of Absolutely Free.
• Generosity doesn’t need reciprocity.
• True freedom can be found in needing little, wanting less, and creating more.
• Growth comes from intentional discomfort.
• Simple-living is for anyone and unique to everyone.
• Motivation > money. Outcome > income.

I don’t claim to know the “right way” (if such a thing even exists). I’m just learning, stumbling, and laughing through the mistakes and triumphs.

I’m a Mix of High-Fives, Hugs, and Flaws

I've been many things over the years and you can click here to get the short story.

I'm a connector, husband, papa, multipotentialite, community animator, sun worshiper, independent thinker, spreadsheet fanatic, atheist, and extrovert.

If you're like most of my family and friends who aren't these things, we can totally still be pals.

I’ve hosted a popular podcast, written a book that helped people focus and simplify, and created community-fueled experiments like the Continuous Creation Challenge.

But yeah, I still binge on sugar, hide behind highlight reels, and wrestle with money shame.

I’m not perfect, and I don’t want to be. I just want to show up, be real, and make the world a little more generous and connected.

Where I Show Up Most

You’ll find me helping to run the Puttyverse – a global community of multipotentialites that offers serious inspiration + support. I’m also super-duper stoked about this Offers and Needs Market thing and helping others run their own.

In-between all this grooviness, I’m active in my neighborhood, nerd out about quantum biology, and chase my curiosity wherever it leads.

Want In?

If you want to learn more about my family life or how my grandma busted me for lighting tissues on fire in my parents' bath tub when I was nine (safety first when you're a pyro), I suggest that you:

• Download a Smart and Simple Matters episode to hear my quirks in action.
• Explore the Start Here page if you want a guided tour.

One Last Thing …

Your time and attention are precious.

So I'm here for you if you're here for me. As a friend. As a peer. As we guide each other through the struggles and celebrations of life.

Word up!

Your partner in simplifying, community, and high-quality hugs,

Joel

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Photo Credit: Barbara Wells