A Reflection on the Price of Presence and the Trap of Second-Best Things

In this episode, Alex & Jordan unpack one of the most deceptively simple ideas from author Bradley Charbonneau:

“The best things in life are free. The second best things are incredibly expensive.”

But what does that really mean in a world obsessed with aesthetics, luxury, and curated perfection?

Drawing from a candid story of life in Bali—dog walks, school runs, and broken washing machines—they explore the surprising places where real richness lives: in presence, in people, and in the often overlooked moments that money can’t buy.

What you’ll hear:

  • Why second-best things are often expensive and emotionally hollow
  • How connection and presence redefine true wealth
  • The social pressure to perform happiness—and how to break free
  • The liberating reminder that you don’t need to escape your life to fall back in love with it

Whether you’re chasing meaning, balance, or just tired of the hustle, this one’s a deep breath and a reset.

[ https://youtu.be/s0RZ7MbnAtg ]

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