The Time Freedom Podcast

Veena Harbaugh and Trevor Blondeel Put Time Freedom to the Test

Episode Summary

Today on the podcast, Brian and Kirby welcome two guests: Veena Harbaugh and Trevor Blondeel. Veena, 37 and married with no kids yet, lives in the Bay Area and works in sustainability. Trevor, mid-50s and remarried, splits time between Louisville, KY and Canada, where he runs a manufacturing consulting business. In this episode… Veena and Trevor share what stuck after reading early drafts of Brian's book over a year ago. Trevor talks about the relief of running the numbers and realizing he could do the things he wanted to do, plus how the money personality framework sparked better conversations with his wife. Veena describes the shift from constantly proving her worth to trusting her inherent value, and how the calculator turned scattered dreams into something that felt possible. Both are writing their own books and reflect on the power of doing that work in community.

Episode Notes

Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Running the numbers creates relief. Both Veena and Trevor describe the same feeling: once you see it on paper, fear turns into confidence.
2. You don't have to prove your value. Veena's biggest mindset shift was letting go of the belief that she had to constantly earn her worth.
3. Money personalities can improve relationships. Trevor and his wife had better conversations once they understood their different styles.
4. Working longer can be more freeing than retiring early. If you love your work, extending it beats sacrificing now for some future number.
5. Some of the best people you meet come later in life. Trevor reminds us that new friendships can be just as meaningful as old ones.

Chapters:

• 0:00 – Why the Time Freedom Calculator Brings Relief
• 1:07 – Meet Trevor + Veena (Background + What They Do)
• 2:43 – Welcome + How They Know Brian (AJ Harper Writing Community)
• 3:13 – Beliefs That Changed (Time, Identity, and Proving Yourself)
• 9:20 – Life Stage Snapshot: Work, Marriage, Kids, Entrepreneurship
• 10:39 – What Time Freedom Means (Choices, Impact, and Agency)
• 11:55 – The Calculator Effect: Seeing a 6-Month Dip as a “Small Blip”
• 12:18 – Real-Life Optionality: Being Present for Family When It Matters
• 18:23 – Money Styles + Better Money Conversations With Partners
• 24:42 – The Books They’re Writing + Designing Life 10 Years Out

VEENA HARBAUGH 

Veena Harbaugh is a sustainability strategist based in the Bay Area. She spent over a decade helping Fortune 500 companies build environmental and social programs that actually work. Veena is currently writing her first book, Meet the Moment, a guide for change-makers who want to stay effective without burning out.

You can connect with Veena at veenaharbaugh.com.

TREVOR BLONDEEL 

Trevor Blondeel spent 25 years leading manufacturing operations before launching his own consulting and coaching business. He helps leaders in manufacturing, logistics, and construction get better results by building trust and accountability through real conversations. Trevor hosts the Manufacturing Greatness podcast and is writing a book by the same name.

You can connect with Trevor at trevorblondeel.com.