The Long Burn

Episode 6 - The Family is the First Team

In this episode of The Long Burn, counselor Joel Malin and Dr. Jonathan Wade explore the concept of "the family as the first team," emphasizing that personal and professional success depends on domestic alignment. The hosts open with personal "wins and losses," ranging from Joel’s successful fishing trip and frustrations with insurance hiking to Jonathan’s family visit to his son’s college, which included a humorous mishap involving a black eye during a game of wiffle golf. Transitioning to the core topic, Jonathan reflects on the eight-year journey of his medical practice, Orchard Health, detailing how he secured his wife Candace’s "buy-in" by framing the business as a way to prioritize family time over grueling hospital shifts. They discuss the necessity of "counting the cost" and establishing a family operating agreement—setting firm boundaries, such as "no-business" zones after 6:30 PM and monthly retreat nights, to ensure that the drive for professional sustainability doesn't come at the expense of household harmony. Key Takeaways from "The Family as the First Team" * The Power of Buy-In: Success in a new endeavor requires more than just permission; it requires a shared vision. Jonathan noted that involving his wife directly in the business allowed their complementary skills—his "big ideas" and her "boots-on-the-ground" integration—to flourish. * Defining the "Operating Agreement": To prevent burnout and resentment, families should set explicit boundaries. This includes "work-free" hours and identifying which roles each member will play to support the collective goal. * Managing the "Nasty Nelson" of Risk: Just like the surprise point in pickleball (the "Nasty Nelson"), business risks are inevitable. The hosts suggest viewing these not as deterrents, but as opportunities for growth and learning. * Intentional Disconnection: Joel and Jonathan highlight that work is never truly "done." Building the skill of living in that tension—choosing to stop working to be present with family—is vital for long-term health.

Episode 5 - The Cancer of Self Doubt

This episode of The Long Burn marks a major milestone as Joel Malin returns from a brief hiatus following the birth of his son, Gideon Joseph Malin. The hosts use this life-altering event to pivot into a deep discussion on the "cancer of self-doubt" and imposter syndrome. Joel shares the raw reality of new fatherhood—from the "win" of a healthy nine-pound baby to the "loss" of navigating emergency C-section complications, preeclampsia, and the unpredictable learning curve of diaper changes. Meanwhile, Jonathan reflects on the "flywheel" effect of his growing medical practice but admits to the struggle of "stretching himself too thin." Together, they explore how self-doubt often surfaces right when someone is stepping into something bigger, emphasizing that confidence is built through action, not through waiting for 100% certainty. Key Concepts: Overcoming the Mental Hurdles of Growth * The Fallacy of Preparedness: Joel highlights that waiting for 100% confidence is actually waiting for "success" itself. Growth requires starting before you are ready—much like his story of installing 15 house windows with zero prior experience. * Plato’s Cave & Reality: Using the , Joel explains how we often react to the "shadows" of our fears rather than the reality of our capabilities. By changing our perspective, we can see that our "historic data" usually proves we are capable of succeeding. * The "Waffle" vs. "Spaghetti" Brain: The hosts humorously discuss cognitive styles: * Waffle Brain: Often attributed to men, where topics are compartmentalized into separate "squares" (focusing on one thing at a time). * Spaghetti Brain: Often attributed to women, where every thought and responsibility is interconnected, leading to high-speed multitasking. * Surrender vs. Giving Up: They redefine "surrender" as acting in alignment with current reality (like a pivot in business or birth plans) rather than fighting against an outcome that the circumstances no longer support. * The "One Thing" Strategy: To combat the "cookie jar" effect of grabbing too many opportunities at once, Jonathan advocates for focusing on one primary task in each life domain to build true momentum. How do you personally distinguish between a "practical" fear and one that is just a "shadow" of imposter syndrome?

Episode 4 - Navigating Seasons in Life

This episode of The Long Burn finds Joel Malin in a state of high-alert "baby watch," with his wife’s due date just hours away. Meanwhile, Jonathan Wade reflects on the shifting seasons at his medical practice, Orchard Health. Using Joel's transition into fatherhood as a backdrop, the two dive into a deep conversation about the "chapters of life" and the mental resilience required to navigate major pivots—whether personal or professional. The Anatomy of a Pivot The hosts emphasize that a "loss" is often just a matter of perspective. Jonathan shares a recent real estate deal that fell through; rather than viewing the lost time as a failure, he framed it as a win for avoiding a "money pit." This leads to a discussion on the "Two-Way Door" rule: * One-Way Doors: Rare, irreversible decisions. * Two-Way Doors: The majority of business and life decisions. If it’s not working, you can turn around and walk back out. Key Life Transitions & Hardships Joel and Jonathan reflect on the defining chapters that shaped them: * Identity Shifts: Joel discusses the "geriatric pregnancy" label (despite his wife being only 38) and his journey from a music degree to the Army, and eventually to clinical counseling. * The Reintegration Struggle: Joel highlights the difficulty of transitioning from military to civilian life, noting that growth doesn't happen in "peaceful times" but during the challenge. * Personal Rebuilding: Both hosts touch on the emotional toll of divorce and the profound realization that "finding yourself" is actually an active process of making yourself through daily choices. Entrepreneurial Pillars of Success Jonathan breaks down the three pillars that allowed him to scale Orchard Health: 1. Learning to Say No: Protecting your time to ensure your actions align with future goals. 2. The 5-10 Year Plan: Having a North Star so you aren't just reacting to "tomorrow." 3. The 80/20 Rule of Delegation: Understanding that someone else doing a task 80% as well as you is "100% awesome" because it frees you to be a visionary. > "We don’t grow in the easy times. Those times are for rest. We grow during the challenge." — Joel Malin The "Game" of Resilience Joel shares a powerful story from Army basic training where he refused to break eye contact with a drill sergeant during a "smoke session" (punishment exercises). He explains that looking a problem in the face and refusing to be broken is the same mentality required to survive the "head-in-hands" moments of entrepreneurship, like struggling to make payroll or navigating bureaucratic friction. Given the "Two-Way Door" analogy, is there a decision you’re currently facing that feels like a One-Way Door, but might actually be reversible?

Episode 3 - Health is the First System That Breaks

In this episode of The Long Burn, Joel Malin and Dr. Jonathan Wade dive into a critical yet often ignored aspect of professional success: Health is the first system to break and the last one people fix. Joel opens the show with a "weird week" update, calling in just hours after a root canal. Despite the dental work and his wife being on "baby watch" (with a due date of February 25, 2026), he emphasizes the importance of showing up and sticking to a routine. Jonathan shares a major business win—placing another rental property under contract—but pivots the conversation toward the physical and mental toll that the entrepreneurial "grind" takes on high performers. The Anatomy of Entrepreneurial Burnout Jonathan candidly recounts the 18-month struggle of trying to expand Orchard Health into Valdosta, Georgia. Despite a prime location and initial validation, the project ultimately failed due to staffing issues and legal hurdles. The stress culminated in a 3:00 AM emergency: * The Panic Attack: Jonathan describes waking up with chest pains so severe he thought he was having a heart attack, only to realize it was acute anxiety. * The "Hero" Fallacy: Many founders believe the business depends solely on them, leading to a neglect of basic biological needs like sleep and nutrition. The Science of the Reset Jonathan cites research from Johns Hopkins on why sleep is non-negotiable for anyone trying to build a legacy. During sleep, the body: 1. Repairs: Fixes cells, tissues, and muscles. 2. Consolidates: Processes memories and learns new skills. 3. Flushes: Clears "brain toxins" that accumulate during the day. 4. Regulates: Stabilizes hormones and lowers blood pressure. Psychological Barriers to Wellness Joel, drawing on his background as a therapist, identifies several "traps" that keep entrepreneurs from staying healthy: * Identity Linking: Connecting self-worth entirely to business performance. If the business is down, the person feels "bad." * Time Scarcity: The belief that two hours at the gym is "lost" time that could have been spent signing clients. * Under-Tracking: Ignoring small physical symptoms until they become chronic diseases. Actionable Solutions for High Performers To combat these trends, Joel and Jonathan suggest three primary shifts: * CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Restructuring what "success" looks like. It isn't success if your family hates you and your health is failing. * Accountability: Using a coach or therapist who cares about your stability, not your bottom line. * The "Non-Smoker's Smoke Break": Joel shares his personal hack—taking "fishing breaks" by the water in Jacksonville to clear his head, much like others take smoke breaks. > "If you die unexpectedly, how is your business going to fare? If you can't take care of yourself, you can't take care of your business." — Joel Malin As Jonathan works toward his "Freedom by 50" goal, this episode serves as a reminder that the "Long Burn" requires fuel—and that fuel is your physical and mental well-being. Given the "Hero Fallacy" Joel mentioned, what is one task you could delegate this week to reclaim time for your own physical or mental maintenance?

Episode 2 - Realizing Money Isn't the Hard Part

In this episode of The Long Burn, Joel Malin and Dr. Jonathan Wade explore a pivotal realization for any high-performer: The day you realize money isn't the hard part. While the "grind" of entrepreneurship often centers on the bottom line, Joel and Jonathan argue that money is merely a tool—one that can buy comfort and convenience, but never fulfillment, character, or time. The "Hard Part" vs. The "Green Part" Jonathan reflects on his journey with Orchard Health and his recent move into real estate. He notes that while building wealth is a goal, the true challenge lies in the discipline of the pursuit and the purpose behind the work. * The Takeaway: If you take care of people and solve problems authentically, the money follows as a byproduct, not the primary destination. The Currency of Time The hosts emphasize that time is the only non-renewable resource. Joel shares a powerful perspective from his work as a therapist: > "I’ve talked to countless clients dealing with grief. Not one has said, 'I wish my parents bought me more plastic stuff.' They all say, 'I wish I had one more day.'" The Trade-off: Every hour spent chasing an extra zero is an hour traded away from family, health, or personal passion. Jonathan highlights his "monthly retreat nights" with his wife as a necessary system to reclaim that time and ensure his marriage isn't a casualty of his success. Generational Change & Character Joel discusses the idea that financial success is unsustainable without the values to support it. He credits his father—who worked with his hands and urged his sons to "invest in their minds"—with instilling the drive to pivot from music performance to mental health counseling. * Skill vs. Passion: You don't have to be one thing forever. Pivoting toward a passion (like Joel's work with veterans) creates a "camaraderie and purpose" that a paycheck alone cannot provide. Shutterstock Actionable Insights for the "Long Burn" 1. Audit Your "Why": Are you working for a number or for the freedom that number provides? If the number keeps moving, you'll never be free. 2. Intentional Connection: Schedule "technology-free" time. Jonathan uses two nights a week and one monthly retreat to ensure he is present for his family. 3. Invest in the "Inner Self": Knowledge and character are the only assets that never depreciate. As Jonathan’s father told him, "If you have a love of learning, that investment in yourself is never wasted." 4. Bring Your Whole Self: Find ways to use all your tools (marketing, creativity, empathy) in your work, rather than just "punching a clock." A Final Thought: Wealth without health or family is just a well-funded tragedy. The "hard part" isn't making the money—it's maintaining the person you become while you're making it. Reflecting on your current "grind," which of your non-renewable resources (time, health, or relationships) is currently being traded most heavily for financial gain?