The Simple Life with Gary Collins

Latest Episodes:

Ep 93: Ben Stein – How to be Financially Savvy and Free Jun 01, 2021

Show notes

Ben Stein is the most famous economics teacher in America. His comedic role as the droning economics teacher in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is by far the most widely viewed scene of economics teaching in economics history and has been ranked as one of the fifty most famous scenes in movie history. But in real life, Ben Stein is a powerful speaker on economics, politics, education and history and motivation--and like his father, Herbert Stein, considered one of the great humorists on political economy and how life works in this nation. Stein in real life has a bachelor's with honors in economics from Columbia, studied econ at the graduate level at Yale, is a graduate of Yale Law School ( valedictorian of his class by election of his classmates in 1970), and has as diverse a resume as any man in America. Much more important, Ben Stein is morally committed to making your meeting a success and bringing his extensive background to bring out the most powerful and funniest trends in current history. That background includes...poverty lawyer for poor people in New Haven, trade regulation lawyer for the FTC, speech writer for Presidents Nixon and Ford. ( He did NOT write the line, "I am not a crook...."), columnist and editorial writer for The Wall Street Journal, teacher about law and economics at UC, Santa Cruz ( undergrads ) and Pepperdine( law school and undergrads). He has written or co-written roughly 30 books, mostly about investing, with his brilliant colleague, Phil DeMuth, many of them New York Times bestsellers. His and Dr. DeMuth's book, "Yes, You Can Time The Market" has become a landmark of using price theory for securities market analysis. He wrote a column about economics for The New York Times for several years, roughly 2004-2009. He was the co-host, along with Jimmy Kimmel, of the pathbreaking Comedy Central game show, "Win Ben Stein's Money," which won seven Emmies, including ones for Ben and Jimmy for best game show host. ( Surely making him the only well known economist to win an Emmy....). Presently, he writes a column for The American Spectator and for NewsMax, and is a regular commentator on Fox News and on CBS Sunday Morning, as well as a frequent commentator on CNN. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife of 45 years, Alexandra, two dogs and six cats. He loves people and loves to meet new people and hang out with them. He's a party guy, albeit an extremely serious economist and a decades long critic of excessively loose fiscal policy and unhelpful regulation in finance. Topics Discussed: * How the Federal Bank works and how it effects the everyday American * Why a house is still a great thing to own * What are Freddie Mac and Fanny Mae… are they a part of the Federal Bank * What should the average American focus on to be financially free * Why index funds should be the focus of the everyday investor * How does “Trickle Down” economics work * What are some of the biggest economic mistakes people make today * Why Ben considers investing in Bitcoin to be dangerous * Why you should never try to time the market Episode Resources: * Ben’s website: www.benstein.com * The World According to Ben Stein Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-world-according-to-ben-stein/id1540015480 * The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com *Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Ep 92: Jason Hornady of Hornady Ammunition May 25, 2021

Show notes

Today I have a special guest, Jason Hornady of Hornady Ammunition. If you grew up hunting, in law enforcement, the military, or are a firearms enthusiast, you have definitely heard of Hornady Ammunition. Jason was introduced to me through a common friend, and it was as Jason being a recent cancer survivor. So this interview has a few different layers to it, so you will not be disappointed. And of course we talk about guns and ammo! A bit a about Hornady Ammunition: Executive leadership of the Hornady Manufacturing Company has not faltered in the firm’s first 60 years. What was created in 1949 grew sound enough and strong enough to survive the cruel blow of losing the founder 32 years later. Under Steve Hornady’s leadership, and with the active support and involvement of the Hornady family, the business has doubled, and doubled again, and doubled again. In 2006, Jason Hornady, Steve's son, returned to the company as director of sales and is currently vice president. The stature of Hornady Manufacturing Company within its industry has never been higher. Hornady Manufacturing has gone from a start-up in a small Grand Island former auto body shop to become the largest independently owned maker of bullets, ammunition, and tools in the world. That’s quite an accomplishment. It demonstrates that a great many things have been done right throughout the company’s history. It suggests as well that the future may prove just as promising. The Hornady Manufacturing Company is truly more than the sum of its employees, equipment and facilities. A visitor to Grand Island, Nebraska, can quickly discover how active the Hornady family has been in community affairs, how generous in its philanthropy, how concerned for helping others—including the larger shooting community. Topics Discussed: * How Jason found out he had cancer * What were the steps he took once he was diagnosed * How he recovered from surgery and went back to living his life * How a lot of people he knew have had prostate cancer, but never told him until after he was diagnosed * We discuss how in 2020 7 million new gun owners entered the market and how manufacturers are dealing with it * Why buying expensive items and overpaying during panic is always a bad idea * Why hoarding seems to be taking place today * How by you hoarding things makes it tough on everyone * What it has been like running a business during “surges” over recent years * What does the future of Ammo inventories look like and when will it return to normal Episode Resources: * Hornady’s website: https://www.hornady.com * The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com *Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Ep 91: Entitlement Nation – Give Me My Free Sh*t May 18, 2021

Show notes

Well, if there has been one main thing burning my ass over the last decade, it would be how many people today think they are entitled to a life of joy, happiness, and abundance. Yes, you have access to these as a free person in this country, but it is not a right. It is a privilege, and you need to earn it. A life of freedom is not free! Thinking you can sit on your ass and just get free shit is not only a bad idea, I think it shows the lack of a moral compass. In the end, where do people think all the free goodies come from? The free shit fairy? In this episode, I will use this crazy thing again... basic math to prove my points. Yep, this may be a bit of a "Gary Rant" but it must be done, or I may have to go running in the woods naked screaming like a banshee! Ok, I may do that from time to time for fun, but not because my head is about to explode, due to drowning in a world of stupidity! Topics Discussed: * How if you are making minimum wage you are rich and a family can make six figures a year * A story of how prolonged unemployment makes you lazy * Why you are not entitled to anything so stop acting like you are * Why free shit is not free * A college story of not being poor and being on food stamps * Why using unemployment benefits as a way to make more money and not work is not a good idea * Why working hard and doing the right thing is a better way to live your life * How you are paying for all that stuff you think is free * Why that thing called critical thinking will make you realize life is about goals and working towards those goals instead of taking the easy road * How and why inflation is going to be passed on to the consumer Episode Resources: * The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com *Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Ep 90: Steve Gibb Shares How He Won The Battle of Addiction with Health and Exercise May 11, 2021

Show notes

Are you struggling with addiction, or even a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Is it wreaking havoc in your life? I know I have, and it is a tough road for many of us. This is not an exclusive club; it hits people of all socio-economic backgrounds, races, young/old, and men and women. Today, I have a very special guest and friend, Steve Gibb. Yes, that name may sound familiar, as he is the son of Barry Gibb... Those BeeGees guys who were a little famous in the 70s and 80s. Steve struggled mightily with addiction for decades, and finally hit rock bottom and decided it was time to change. So how did he do it? Some fancy-schmancy and exclusive rehab clinic costing thousands a day? Spending a year with a Buddha Monk? Nope, he went all-in on changing his health and making it a priority. He even went so deep he owned a Crossfit for a while. You have heard me say it time and time again... without your health and focusing on it daily life is going to be a very hard road. That is why it is the first leg in the Three-Legged Stool of The Simple Life. About the Guest: Stephen Gibb is a singer/songwriter/producer/actor and currently an active member of The Barry Gibb Band, performing and recording alongside his father on guitar and vocals. Stephen has been co-writing with his father for over a decade which produced several songs for Barbra Streisand’s "Guilty Pleasures" album in '05 certified Gold in the U.S.A & Platinum in the U.K. and more recently the title song “Angels” from the film "Shepherds & Butchers" which won “Best Original Song” at the RapidLion Awards, which is South Africa's international film festival. He has also written songs for Ricky Skaggs and Bonnie Tyler. The biggest highlight came in October of 2016 when Barry’s first solo record in many years entitled “In The Now” (Sony Records) was released to critical acclaim and Ultimately debuted at #2 in the UK (Gold) and New Zealand (6x Platinum) and #3 in Australia (4xPlatinum). With all songs being co-written by Barry, Stephen, & Ash Gibb for that release. Stephen as a solo artist, is currently writing & recording new music for his debut record. He has been an active member of several Internationally acclaimed Heavy Metal bands in the last 20 years recording and touring the world. Notably, as a bass player in Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society and as a Guitarist for 58 (Nikki Sixx’s 1st side project), Crowbar, Kingdom of Sorrow, JASTA, and Saigon Kick. TV Credits: Later with Jools Holland, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, The One Show (UK), Strictly Come Dancing (UK) Film : Bad Boys II (2003), Reefa (2020) Topics Discussed: How Steve and I met each other * A bit about Steve and how he ended up on the road of drug and alcohol addiction * Why Steve and I think many Americans are fighting addictions and not living the life they want * What was it that made Steve realize he needed to change his life or end up dead * How Steve found exercise and used his addictive personality to focus on positive instead of negative habits * How Steve focused on his health to fight addiction and turn his life around * How you don’t have nothing if you don’t have your health * How Steve has come to the conclusion him and his family want to live off the grid * How getting back to nature and meditating can help you get rebalanced in this crazy world * How being connected and engaged in life is the key to happiness * How critical thinking is crucial to living a life of freedom * Why getting back to basics and not overthinking is the way to optimal health * Steve tells what he thinks is the first step you need to take when fighting addiction Episode Resources: * Steve’s website: https://www.stephengibbmusic.com/ * The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com *Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Inside...

Ep 89: Are We F*cking up Fast and Picking Up Speed? May 04, 2021

Show notes

Do you feel like the world is melting down, and that things are hopeless? You are not alone, but is it our/your fault? That is the question we will address today. I hate to say it, but we have been here before as humans, especially in the good old USA. Nothing has changed, you/us are still in control of our destiny. You just have to look at it through the eyes of living a simpler and happier life... on your terms! Instead of following the herd of stupidity, you need to be a contrarian; yes, strange to think that way, but you need to go back to thinking rationally and taking back control of your life. You are not a victim; you are a driver of a car with the potential for unlimited success, you just need to stop driving into the ditch, and I want to share with you how best to do that. So strap on your helmet it is going to be a ride on a bumpy road of unfiltered Gary philosophy that will surely light a fire under your ass! Topics Discussed: * Why and how we are f*cking up fast and picking up speed in our lives today * Why we are lucky and won the lottery in life * Understanding the “red flags” when looking for help in changing your life * How to use the Three-Legged Stool and Five Principles of The Simple Life * Why limiting your information exposure is key * Why if you are failing in the U.S. you are failing everywhere * Why health is the key to positive rational thoughts to move your life forward * If you are digging a ditch of stupidity, listen when someone tells you to stop * If you want to change, you need to change not everyone around you * How to get stuff done Episode Resources: * Episode 67 The Three-Legged Stool of The Simple Life https://thesimplelifenow.com/e67/ * Episode 72 The Five Principles of The Simple Life https://thesimplelifenow.com/e72/ * The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com *Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Ep 88: The Day and Life of Gary Living Off The Grid Apr 27, 2021

Show notes

Do you wonder what it is like to live a life off the grid? Do you yearn for such a lifestyle? Well, you are lucky; today, I talk about how I created this lifestyle off the grid and how it is to live it day-to-day. Remember, as I often say, "simple doesn't mean easy," so there are many lessons in not only living off the grid in today's episode, but life as well. So, even if you are not interested in living off the grid, this episode has a lot to offer everyone looking for a simpler and happier life. Topics Discussed: * How my upbringing influenced the way I live today * How the term “poor” is often misunderstood in America today * Why education is the equalizer in society today * How I decided the “widget in widget out” life just wasn’t for me * Why hard work is always going to be in the mix so don’t hide from it * Why you need to adapt to the community you move into in a rural setting not the other way around * The life event I had while in the government that made me change the way I look at the world * Why my life is about the pursuit of freedom and happiness * What my day looks like while living off the grid * Even if you don’t want to live off the grid The Simple Life has a lot to teach you, and help you pursue the life you desire Episode Resources: * The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com *Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Ep 87: Gary’s How To Get Sh*t Done Apr 20, 2021

Show notes

Would it surprise you that it is not talent or just getting lucky that makes people successful, but being able to complete tasks... consistently? If you go through life flying by the seat of your pants, and half-a**ing everything you do, I can guarantee one thing you will be good at consistently--failure! Today I want to give you the tools to get sh*t done not just for right now, but for life. I have followed this basic system for decades, and I can tell you with 100% certainty--it works! Topics Discussed: * I’m back at my off-grid location in the mountains * How I clear my mind on long drives * Why The Simple Life Journal is not just your everyday crappy journal * Why you should use my consulting services to save time and money * How to complete any task and get things done * Why most people fail to get things done and live the life they want * And of course my many tangents while I discuss the above Episode Resources: * TSL Episode 72 - The Simple Life 5 Principles for Success: https://thesimplelifenow.com/e72/ * The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com * Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

E86: Working with Chris Pratt, Former Navy SEAL Jack Carr, now Best-Selling Author Apr 13, 2021

Show notes

Yes, that title is correct! Jack is currently working on taking his first book “The Terminal List” to screen, and big time Hollywood actor Chris Prat is playing his main character James Reece. Today, I have a very special returning guest, who is a former Navy SEAL, now best-selling author, Jack Carr. Jack has just released the fourth book in “The Terminal List” series, “The Devil’s Hand.” Even though this book is fiction, it contains a ton of valuable inside knowledge on the current and past fight agains terrorism. I know a lot of my listeners will enjoy Jack’s new book, so make sure to go check it out in your favorite local bookstore. More About Me Guest Jack Carr is a former Navy SEAL who led special operations teams as a Team Leader, Platoon Commander, Troop Commander and Task Unit Commander. Over his 20 years in Naval Special Warfare he transitioned from an enlisted SEAL sniper to a junior officer leading assault and sniper teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a platoon commander practicing counterinsurgency in the southern Philippines, to commanding a Special Operations Task Unit in the most Iranian influenced section of southern Iraq throughout the tumultuous drawdown of U.S. Forces. Jack retired from active duty in 2016 and lives with his wife and three children in Park City, Utah. He is the author of The Terminal List, True Believer, and Savage Son. Topics Discussed: * A bit about Jack * Jack talks about his new book “The Devil’s Hand” * How it has been working with Hollywood celebrity Chris Pratt * The process of how his first book “Terminal List” is currently in the works of becoming an Amazon Prime series * What current events influenced the plot line for his new book * How and when did Jack decide to try and become a fiction author * How is it dealing with the Hollywood “woke” crowd - you might be surprised * How does today’s current political climate influence his books * How did Jack apply his time as a Navy SEAL to develop his characters and plot for his books Episode Resources: * Jack’s New Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/danger-close-with-jack-carr/id1557814875 * Jack’s Website: https://www.officialjackcarr.com * The last episode Jack appeared on with me: https://thesimplelifenow.com/e69/ * The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com *Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

E85: Dating as an Alfa Male in a Beta World Apr 06, 2021

Show notes

Would it surprise you that if you are a politically right-leaning male living in Los Angeles today, the odds are you will have a very dismal or non-existent dating life?

E84: Is Our Work Ethic Dead? Mar 30, 2021

Show notes

Are we losing our ability to work hard and get things done? What is the root cause of this disease of "laziness" and lack of "attention to detail" today and wanting instant gratification in anything we do? Why do we blame others for our mistakes, even when they are paying us? As some of you know, I hired a couple of people to take the load off to get some other projects done, well it didn't work out in the end, and I no longer employ those individuals. Probably, the thing that surprised me the most was the arrogance, and talking back when I expected them to do the job correctly and fix their mistakes. I have seen this trend get worse and worse over the last couple of years, and it is pretty shocking, to say the least. In this episode: In today's episode, I will update you on the changes I have made, and will be making as I move forward and begin doing most of the work myself... yet again. Episode Resources: 25% Coupon Code For The Simple Life Online Courses (go to www.thesimplelifenow.com/courses) use coupon code: tslcourses25 Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

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