VBL034 – Taking Control and Living a Minimalistic Lifestyle, with Adam Baker!

May 27, 2011 18 Comments

In this session of the Virtual Business Lifestyle Podcast I sit down and chat with Adam Baker, or ‘Baker’ as he is more affectionately known as online, from ManvsDebt.com - a phenomenally successful personal finance and lifestyle design blog. FYI, this was a video interview, but the connection wasn’t great, so I have turned it into audio only.

I’ve followed Baker online on-and-off for well over a year. It was the image that you see on this page (which is the header for his blog) that got my attention straight off the bat. His little girl peering over his shoulder as they obviously had lots of fun together slammed home with me immediately, being a Dad myself.

Baker’s story is unbelievable. He was ridiculously in debt – to the tune of well over $70,000. He and his wife literally sold everything, paid off their consumer debt (leaving just student loans) and moved to Australia with his family for a year to start getting their lives in order.

On this call myself and Baker discuss, amongst other things, the following:

  • How he got into debt, and what he’s doing to get out of debt.
  • Choosing where he invests his emotions and time.
  • My ridiculously old CompuServe email address!
  • His tour of the US in an RV which has been sponsored for the entire trip!
  • His entrepreneurial drive and how he stays productive on the road.
  • The love and affection he has for his family, and why everything he does is for them.
  • Much, much more…

Play or download the audio of this VBL Podcast (below) to listen to it on your iPod, iPhone, or iPad and be sure to subscribe on iTunes, too!

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:12 — 35.0MB)

Baker and his ‘get debt free’ exploits have been featured on high-end press outlets such as USA Today, CNN, Fox Business and MSN to name, but a few. There’s a reason for this as far as I’m concerned… He aint the only one in this situation! There are people in debt all over the world, and in the US particularly, where Baker is from and lives – and because of that people can relate with his situation.

Check out Baker’s blog, ManvsDebt and be sure to also see what he’s up to at YouvsDebt.com and his latest online ‘movement’ with VBL friend Corbett Barr, over at The Hustle Project (be sure to view the interview I did with Corbett on this exciting project, too!). What about you guys? Are you in debt? What are you doing to get out of it? Have you already removed debt from your life? As aspiring, and hard working entrepreneurs, focusing on this type of thing is important.

I’d be interested to hear some fo your own personal stories (you don’t have to get too personal if you don’t want to!), in the comment section below - perhaps we can help each other out a little, too!

Filed Under: Entrepreneurship, Family, Health, Lifestyle Design, Location Independent, Podcasts, Product Creation, Super Mobility Tagged With: , , ,

Comments

  1. TrafficColeman says:
    May 27, 2011 at 9:04 pm  (Quote)

    Adam has been blowing up the air waves of the internet world for a while now. You see his name around everywhere so you know he is doing something right.

    “Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”

    Reply
    • Chris C. Ducker says:
      May 28, 2011 at 1:39 am  (Quote)

      Hi hear you loud and clear there, buddy!

      He has a hell of a lot going for him, apart from a great family and a solid outlook.

      I hope you and the rest of the VBL Tribe enjoy the chat with him!

      C

      Reply
  2. Caleb Wojcik says:
    May 28, 2011 at 3:32 am  (Quote)

    The shift from simply blogging to become an entrepreneur that Baker discusses is exactly the change I’m going through right now. The change is one I am working hard to make to fund an escape and upcoming trip.

    Looking forward to diving into the VBL podcast archives to meet other interesting people.

    Thanks for the interview Chris and Baker.

    Reply
  3. Michelle Dale, Virtual Miss Friday says:
    May 28, 2011 at 5:45 am  (Quote)

    I only recently discovered Adam Baker because he is one of the faculty members of Digital Nomad Academy along with me, and also Corbett too actually. These chaps are what my dearly departed grandma from Blackpool would call “the salt of the earth”.

    Thanks for another great poddy Chris. (that’s my new made up word for podcast)

    Reply
    • Chris C. Ducker says:
      May 28, 2011 at 10:52 am  (Quote)

      Lol. Poddy. I like that.

      Yep, both these guys have plenty to offer, and are both super nice guys to boot.

      It’s rare that you find someone that you instantly have a connection with. But that’s exactly what happened when myself and Corbett spent some time together in SF a while back. Instantly cool and instantly memorable.

      Thanks for the comment, Michelle.

      Reply
  4. Mike Stankavich says:
    May 28, 2011 at 1:08 pm  (Quote)

    Yup, Baker is one of my inspirations. I figured if he could do it, so could I. We pulled off the move to the Philippines last year, and we’re on track to be completely debt free by the end of 2011.

    Reply
    • Chris C. Ducker says:
      May 30, 2011 at 5:19 pm  (Quote)

      Thats awesome to hear, Mike.

      Good on ya, mate. And continue with that focus. Your family deserves it – they’re awesome!

      C

      Reply
    • Aldrich Famisaran says:
      June 7, 2011 at 3:15 am  (Quote)

      Hi Mike, what part of the Philippines did you move to? I take trips there at least 3 times per year. I was born there but moved to US over 40 years ago. I do business there.

      Reply
      • Mike Stankavich says:
        June 7, 2011 at 12:08 pm  (Quote)

        Hi Aldrich, I live in Fort Bonifacio Global City, which is part of Metro Manila. It’s just on the other side of Manila Golf and EDSA from Makati. Nice area, but a bit expensive. I got an expat job last year and didn’t want to put up with Manila traffic any more than necessary. Maybe we’ll see you here next time you visit.

        I’m also developing some side business interests in Cebu. I may make a day trip there this weekend, not sure yet.

        Reply
  5. Rob Cubbon says:
    May 29, 2011 at 2:52 am  (Quote)

    I didn’t know much about Baker before this podcast, Chris, so thanks for putting him onto me. I’m certainly going to check him out now. Inspirational to listen to a guy that has experienced a profound and positive change in his life and his wishes to pass on his wisdom to others.

    Reply
  6. Matthew Needham says:
    June 1, 2011 at 6:41 pm  (Quote)

    Hi Chris, downloaded to my iPod sir, already looking forward to it. I got confused because Rise to the Top also has a podcast published with Adam at the same time!

    You’re giving so much value with these podcasts Chris, they are a great resource.

    Matthew

    Reply
  7. Rachel Denning says:
    July 6, 2011 at 3:01 pm  (Quote)

    Adam is a great inspiration. We met him and his wife (and daughter) in California as one of the stops on our road trip from Alaska to Argentina.

    I’m excited to listen to this podcast.

    We interviewed him as well, and he shared his thoughts about selling your crap (different from your stuff) and gaining more personal freedom. Hope you don’t mind if I share the link to the video. http://ow.ly/5xAOq

    Reply
    • Chris C. Ducker says:
      July 6, 2011 at 5:14 pm  (Quote)

      Hi Rachel

      Great to see you back on the blog again… Its been a while, for sure.

      Adam’s a great guy and someone I hope to get to know more in the coming years, in whatever small way.

      I hope the rest of the Denning clan are doing well…! And, don’t be such a stranger…! :-)

      C

      Reply

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