Golden Acorns Podcast
Ready to grow in health, family, career, relationships, travel, and more? Our podcast helps you unlock potential in 12 key areas of life.
Axel and Andrea share stories, tools, books and insights to help you create a life you love and build a lasting legacy. We’re here to guide your journey with purpose. 🌱 Tune in today and start growing with us! 🎧
Episode 1: How “Golden Acorns” Build a Legacy
In this episode, we share why we chose the name "Golden Acorns" and how a simple habit—listening to audiobooks together—transformed our relationship and mindset. If you're looking for a powerful way to grow with your spouse or partner, this is where we suggest starting.
Here are the books we mentioned in Episode 1:
The Wealthy Gardener – A parable about financial wisdom and legacy:
The Alchemist – A story about following your personal legend and intuition:
Killing Sacred Cows – A book that challenges limiting beliefs about money:
Swim – A short, impactful book on belief and personal transformation:
You can find all of these on Audible & Amazon
Episode 2: Our Journey From Financial Stress to Financial Freedom
n this episode, we share the raw, real story of how we went from house hacking and credit card juggling to a money system that actually gave us peace. We’ll walk you through the mindset shifts, tools, and strategies that helped us stop feeling behind and start building wealth—without sacrificing everything fun. Whether you're drowning in debt, trying to get ahead, or just tired of the guilt that can come with money conversations, this one’s for you.
Here are some of the tools and resources we mention in Episode 2:
Profit First – A business finance book that helped us rethink personal budgeting https://amzn.to/3XFsKBR
Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey – Where our journey started https://amzn.to/4lclwzc
Greenlight Card – The tool we use to teach our kids financial independence https://greenlight.com
Episode 3: How We Turned Expenses Into Income
In this episode, Axel and Andrea flip the script on what you think you know about money. They share a powerful mindset shift that transformed their financial journey—and it’s probably not what you were taught growing up. Whether you’re trying to make your first investment, turn a side hustle into something real, or just get a better grip on how to make your money work for you, this one’s packed with eye-opening insights. They also reveal a surprising way they turned an everyday item into a money-making machine—and the story is both practical and kind of genius. Tune in for real-life examples, candid lessons, and a few golden acorns you won’t want to miss.
Episode 4: Reframing Jealousy & Listening to Your Future Self
In this episode, Axel and Andrea get personal about an emotion many of us wrestle with but rarely talk about: jealousy. They unpack how envy might actually be a clue—a message from your future self—pointing you toward a life you're meant to build. With powerful mindset shifts and practical insights, this conversation challenges the old stories we tell ourselves and invites a more empowering lens of growth, gratitude, and ownership. Plus, they dive into how this kind of thinking can transform not just your own life, but also how you raise your kids.
“Jealousy is an invitation from your future self.”
"The Let Them Theory" Mel Robbins: https://amzn.to/42zlFEH
Episode 5: Budget-Friendly Adventures Without Sacrificing Fun
What if family travel didn’t have to mean draining your bank account? In this episode, Axel and Andrea share their favorite strategies for making unforgettable trips possible on a budget. From planning ahead to creative ways they stretch dollars without sacrificing joy, this conversation is packed with ideas for purposeful, value-driven travel. Whether you’re dreaming of your next getaway or just looking to make the most of school breaks, you’ll come away with fresh inspiration—and maybe even a few laughs.
Episode 6: Building Relationship Resilience Through Teamwork
In this heartfelt episode, Axel and Andrea dive deep into what makes a relationship thrive—not just survive. Drawing from their own experiences as a couple and teammates in life and business, they explore six powerful traits that define strong, supportive partnerships. From accepting influence and finding win-win solutions to showing appreciation, responding to each other’s emotional cues, and letting go of scorekeeping, this episode is packed with practical insights and real talk. Whether you're in a marriage, friendship, or work partnership, these tools can help you strengthen your emotional intelligence and become a better teammate.
The golden acorn? True teamwork means showing up for each other—not to win, but to grow together.
Episode 7: Building a Career with Purpose
In this episode, Axel and Andrea open up about their career journey—from early jobs and business ventures to real estate investing and building a car wash. They talk about the lessons they’ve learned through trial and error, how they’ve stayed aligned as a couple through career changes, and the tools they use to stay focused on their long-term goals. If you’re navigating your own career path or dreaming of something more aligned with your values, this episode offers inspiration and insight from their real-world experiences. Build a career that aligns with your values, not just your resume.
Episode 8: How to Flip Your Mental Soundtracks
In this mind-shifting episode, Axel and Andrea dive into the concept of “soundtracks”—the repetitive thoughts that run our lives, for better or worse. Inspired by Jon Acuff’s book Soundtracks, they share how to recognize the broken records in your head and replace them with new, empowering narratives. From silly voices to self-talk upgrades like “I’m impressive as f*ck,” they offer real-life ways to challenge negativity and take back control of your mindset.
Soundtracks by Jon Acuff 👉 https://amzn.to/4iIWINa
Teaches you how to identify the negative thoughts that play on repeat in your mind and replace them with more helpful, true, and kind alternatives.
Innercise by John Assaraf 👉 https://amzn.to/44DJJsr
Introduces brain training exercises designed to help you overcome fear, self-doubt, and mental blocks by strengthening your mindset.
Do Over by Jon Acuff 👉 https://amzn.to/44a1EXz
Offers a roadmap for navigating career and life transitions by building a foundation of skills, relationships, character, and hustle.
Episode 9: Harnessing Stress for Better Health
In this energizing episode, Axel and Andrea dive deep into the concept of hermetic stress—short, controlled stressors that can actually make us stronger and healthier. Inspired by Paul Taylor's book Death by Comfort, they share their personal experiences with cold plunges, sauna sessions, and extended fasting. You'll hear how these small challenges have boosted their vitality, helped Andrea on her Hashimoto’s healing journey, and even improved their overall resilience. They also discuss the powerful role of tracking biomarkers through services like Function Health.
If you're ready to get real insights into your health (and not just guess), check out Function Health.
Use our link to join: https://my.functionhealth.com/signupcode=AFOLEY10&_saasquatch=AFOLEY10
"Death by Comfort" by Paul Taylor
"The 4-Hour Body" by Tim Ferriss
Episode 10: Raising Financially Savvy Kids
In this special episode, Andrea sits down with her teenage son, Xander, for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about money. From his first job experiences to running a mini candy business, Xander shares how he manages his income using the Greenlight app—splitting earnings 50/50 between savings and spending—and what he's learned about debit vs. credit cards, delayed gratification, and personal finance. They dive into the emotions behind financial independence, including moments of envy and pride, and the power of real-world learning. Whether you're a parent looking to raise money-smart kids or a teen wanting to build your own path, this episode is packed with relatable stories and golden acorns of wisdom.
Greenlight: https://share.greenlight.com/121575584
Greenlight is a debit card and money management app designed for kids and teens. Parents set controls, while kids learn to budget, save, and even invest—all in one safe, easy-to-use platform. It’s real-world practice with training wheels.
SISS Budgeting for Kids: https://issuu.com/ajfoley22/docs/siss_budget
SISS stands for Savings, Investing, Stewardship, and Spending—a simple, family-friendly budgeting framework developed by the Golden Acorns team. It teaches kids to be intentional with every dollar, cultivating lifelong financial habits rooted in purpose and generosity.
Episode 11: The Little Things That Keep Us Close
In this heartwarming and candid episode, Axel and Andrea pull back the curtain on what makes their marriage thrive. From the “weird” habits they swear by—like always going to bed and waking up together, holding hands in public, and never letting tech invade their bedroom—to the powerful impact of physical touch and small daily rituals, they explore the foundational acorns that build a lasting connection. Whether it’s grocery shopping side by side or simply kissing goodnight, these simple acts create a deeply rooted bond. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep love alive in the day-to-day, this episode offers a blueprint of small, consistent actions that speak volumes.
Episode 12: Building Your Relationship Operating System
What if your relationship had a system—like a business—with regular check-ins, long-term planning, and aligned goals? In this episode, Axel and Andrea pull back the curtain on their yearly Couple’s Retreat, a powerful three-day process they use to reconnect, reflect, and set direction across all areas of life. Inspired by Jay and Wendy Papazian, the retreat includes solo reflection, deep conversations, and clear action steps covering topics like finances, parenting, and personal growth. They also share their weekly rhythm of “Power Couple Meetings,” where they align on everything from schedules to dreams. If you're looking for a practical, intentional way to strengthen your partnership, this episode lays out the roadmap.
Episode 13: Discovering Your Personal Legend
What if your past is the map to your future? In this reflective episode, Axel and Andrea dive deep into the idea of a Personal Legend—a concept inspired by The Alchemist—and how the signs in our lives can guide us toward purpose. They open up about their own big decisions, including a pivotal choice around their business, and how paying attention to omens and memories shaped their path forward. Alongside practical tools and a powerful memory exercise, this conversation will leave you inspired to listen more closely to your own journey.
Episode 14: Sweat Equity & Life Balance
In this reflective and relatable episode, Axel and Andrea talk candidly about the challenges of doing everything yourself. As they navigate personal and professional projects, they discuss the concept of sweat equity, where it's worth investing your own time and energy—and where it's better to outsource. With humor and humility, they share the growing pains of evolving from DIYers to strategic delegators, while touching on how this shift impacts their time, energy, and family priorities.
Episode 15: Real Talk
Andrea and Axel open up about the realities of health and fitness—no polished before-and-after stories here. Just honest reflections on post-Mother’s Day indulgences, body image, and the unglamorous side of fitness routines. They explore what it means to maintain health in the midst of parenting, busy schedules, and less-than-ideal metabolisms. If you've ever felt like traditional fitness advice doesn’t quite apply to you, this episode is a breath of fresh, relatable air.
Episode 16: Permission to Pause
In this honest and relatable episode, Axel and Andrea share the behind-the-scenes of a particularly intense season, where busyness and responsibility took a toll on both mind and body. From training new staff and opening a second business location to navigating decision fatigue and stress-induced migraines, they unpack the emotional and physical signals our bodies send when we push too hard. Through their conversation, they highlight the vital—yet often overlooked—practice of intentional rest. Whether you’re in hustle mode or recovering from it, this episode reminds us that rest is a form of strength, not surrender.