EPISODE · Jun 4, 2026 · 33 MIN
Your Checkbook Never Lies: Calling, Money & the Life You're Really Living | Scott Maderer
from BECOME Empowered · host Sabine Kvenberg
What if your money problems have nothing to do with money?In this episode of Become Empowered, Sabine sits down with Scott Maderer — host of the Inspired Stewardship podcast with over 1,800 episodes — to unpack a truth most people avoid: financial stress is a symptom, not the source. The real problem is alignment.Scott opens up about his raw personal story: $60,000 in debt on a $40,000 teacher's salary, suicidal thoughts he kept hidden from his wife, and the radical turning point that changed everything. From the classroom to a corporate executive suite to launching a full-time coaching business after a stranger said, "You and your wife are weird — can you help us be weird?"In this conversation you'll discover:• Why your checkbook and calendar reveal what you actually value (not what you say you do)• The little-known difference between career and vocation — and why it changes how you live• How to master your time, talent, and treasure intentionally• The one question we stop asking adults that could unlock everythingScott shares insights from his book Inspired Living and has a free resource page exclusively for Become Empowered listeners at inspiredstewardship.com/becomeempowered.If you've ever felt stuck, out of alignment, or like your life doesn't match what you say matters most — this episode is for you.CONNECT WITH SCOTTWebsite: inspiredstewardship.comPodcast: Inspired StewardshipCONNECT WITH SABINERegister for free webinar: https://sabinekvenberg.com/be-seen-live-masterclassWebsite: sabinekvenberg.com/resourcesBook a call: talktosabine.comInstagram/LinkedIn: @sabinekvenbergTOPICS COVERED[0:01] Welcome — Introducing Scott Maderer[0:56] Scott's three words: Curious, Knowledgeable, Giving[3:40] From science teacher to corporate executive — Scott's path[4:47] $60K in debt on a $40K salary — and suicidal thoughts he kept secret from his wife[6:35] "You and your wife are weird" — how a stranger accidentally launched a coaching business[9:43] Money is the symptom — here's the real problem[12:28] "Show me your checkbook and calendar — I'll tell you if you're lying"[17:09] Scott's book: Inspired Living — assembling the puzzle of your calling[18:06] The "blood of the covenant" quote that reframes legacy[21:00] Can you — and should you — get paid for your calling?[21:51] Career vs. vocation: the word roots that will change how you think about purpose[24:09] What "calling" actually means and why it shows up in everything[29:35] Scott's final message: stop asking "what do you want to do?" — ask who you want to BE
What this episode covers
What if your money problems have nothing to do with money?In this episode of Become Empowered, Sabine sits down with Scott Maderer — host of the Inspired Stewardship podcast with over 1,800 episodes — to unpack a truth most people avoid: financial stress is a symptom, not the source. The real problem is alignment.Scott opens up about his raw personal story: $60,000 in debt on a $40,000 teacher's salary, suicidal thoughts he kept hidden from his wife, and the radical turning point that changed everything. From the classroom to a corporate executive suite to launching a full-time coaching business after a stranger said, "You and your wife are weird — can you help us be weird?"In this conversation you'll discover:• Why your checkbook and calendar reveal what you actually value (not what you say you do)• The little-known difference between career and vocation — and why it changes how you live• How to master your time, talent, and treasure intentionally• The one question we stop asking adults that could unlock everythingScott shares insights from his book Inspired Living and has a free resource page exclusively for Become Empowered listeners at inspiredstewardship.com/becomeempowered.If you've ever felt stuck, out of alignment, or like your life doesn't match what you say matters most — this episode is for you.CONNECT WITH SCOTTWebsite: inspiredstewardship.comPodcast: Inspired StewardshipCONNECT WITH SABINERegister for free webinar: https://sabinekvenberg.com/be-seen-live-masterclassWebsite: sabinekvenberg.com/resourcesBook a call: talktosabine.comInstagram/LinkedIn: @sabinekvenbergTOPICS COVERED[0:01] Welcome — Introducing Scott Maderer[0:56] Scott's three words: Curious, Knowledgeable, Giving[3:40] From science teacher to corporate executive — Scott's path[4:47] $60K in debt on a $40K salary — and suicidal thoughts he kept secret from his wife[6:35] "You and your wife are weird" — how a stranger accidentally launched a coaching business[9:43] Money is the symptom — here's the real problem[12:28] "Show me your checkbook and calendar — I'll tell you if you're lying"[17:09] Scott's book: Inspired Living — assembling the puzzle of your calling[18:06] The "blood of the covenant" quote that reframes legacy[21:00] Can you — and should you — get paid for your calling?[21:51] Career vs. vocation: the word roots that will change how you think about purpose[24:09] What "calling" actually means and why it shows up in everything[29:35] Scott's final message: stop asking "what do you want to do?" — ask who you want to BE
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Your Checkbook Never Lies: Calling, Money & the Life You're Really Living | Scott Maderer
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