

Lessons from a Quitter
Goli Kalkhoran
It is never too late to start over. No matter how much time or money you've spent chasing degrees and jobs to get to your current position, if ultimately you're unhappy, then it is time to quit. Each week, Goli Kalkhoran, a fellow quitter, will interview inspiring guests who have quit lucrative careers to forge their own path and create a life they love. Get insight, inspiration, tools, and resources to help you quit what you hate and figure out what it is that you love.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 31, 2026 • 30min
You are not behind
In the latest episode of "Lessons from a Quitter," we tackle the feeling of "being behind." High achievers often struggle with this thought, ironically, despite their accomplishments. We delve into why this thought persists and how it robs us of joy and happiness. Society's expectations and hustle culture play a significant role in creating this feeling of falling short. However, it's crucial to recognize that we are not on a predetermined, one-size-fits-all path. Everyone's journey is unique, and comparing ourselves to others only breeds unhappiness. We explore the importance of accepting where we are and finding joy in the present moment rather than constantly chasing an elusive future of achievement. Listen for concrete tips to take on the feeling of "being behind" and remember, you are exactly where you need to be. There's no need to rush to some imagined destination.

Mar 24, 2026 • 34min
Finding Your Community
My biggest tip for success when you're quitting and starting something new: Get in the room with people doing the thing you want to do. This week, I talk about the benefits of surrounding yourself with a like-minded community and a few ways to find those groups.

Mar 17, 2026 • 33min
Replay: The Art of Dreaming Bigger
Explore the importance of dreaming bigger in life, setting audacious goals, and designing the life you truly desire. Break free from self-imposed limitations, pursue meaningful goals, and challenge societal expectations. Embrace lifestyle design and manifest your ideal life for a fulfilling journey.

Mar 10, 2026 • 31min
The Process of Going After Your Dream Life
This week I want to talk to you about how to go after your dream life. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I've been in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the past month. Taking this trip with my family is one way I'm going after my dream life. And the process is actually really simple, it's just two steps. I want to show you that the things you want are possible because whether you think you can or you can't you're right. So this week I'm sharing the two-step process for going after your dream life and how I'm applying that in my own life.

Mar 3, 2026 • 25min
Admitting what you want
In this episode, we tackle the fear that prevents us from acknowledging our true desires. I share my personal journey from believing I had no idea what I wanted to discovering a wealth of buried dreams. We explore two major fears: the fear of disappointment and the fear of success. Admitting your desires is the first step to transformation. By confronting these fears, you can excavate your dreams and embark on a journey to create a more fulfilling life. Stop settling for "good enough" and embrace the possibilities of a fuller life.

Feb 24, 2026 • 34min
How to Rewire Your Brain for Joy When You've Been Chasing Achievement
In this discussion, high-achievers confront the challenge of finding joy outside of their accomplishments. It explores how societal programming ties self-worth to productivity and how ignoring bodily needs diminishes joy. Listeners are encouraged to rediscover curiosity, engage in low-stakes dabbling, and reconnect with their inner voice. Practical suggestions include scheduling time for curiosity and recognizing patterns in personal interests. The episode emphasizes that a rich life comes from varied interests beyond job titles.

Feb 17, 2026 • 25min
Procrastination
This week I want to talk to you about procrastination. I have so many people telling me I want to do this thing but I can't get myself motivated to do it. What I've found is that procrastination is not a time management issue, but an emotional management issue. This week I dig into why we procrastinate and how to start overcoming it.

Feb 10, 2026 • 36min
Getting Rid Of That Inner Critic - Part 2
That inner critic you have that drones on and on every day about how bad you are at being a human is NOT your voice. It was put there by society - capitalism, religion, patriarchy, white supremacy, school, religion - in an attempt to control you. And it's time we undo it. This is Part 2 of a 2-part series that will help you get rid of your inner critic. If you haven't listened to Part 1, definitely start there because the first step is truly becoming aware of what it is and where it came from and that's what I'll cover in this episode. Part 2 will start giving you the rest of the steps to move you from a harsh inner critic to unshakeable self-trust.

Feb 3, 2026 • 34min
Getting Rid of the Inner Critic - Part 1
A deep dive into how cultural systems like religion, patriarchy, and capitalism create the inner critic. Discussion of how schooling, family, and social norms teach people to distrust bodily cues like hunger and sleep. Exploration of neurodiversity and how different brains are dismissed. Practical first step: noticing and naming the critic to separate it from your true voice.

Jan 27, 2026 • 20min
You picked your goal...now what?
In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we conclude our series on goal-setting by tackling the often-overlooked yet critical step: what to do after setting your goal. I share actionable tips to break your goal into manageable steps, focus on short-term milestones, and embrace the inevitable challenges along the way. You'll learn why expecting inconsistency is key, how to avoid all-or-nothing thinking, and the importance of weekly evaluations to adapt and improve. If you're ready to build momentum and finally achieve your goals, this episode will provide the tools and mindset shifts you need to succeed.


