The Voluntary Life

A presentation by Jake Desyllas at the 2026 Libertarian Scholars Conference held at the Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama.

A presentation by Jake Desyllas at the 2025 Libertarian Scholars Conference held at the Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama. The article of this talk is at https://jls.mises.org/article/141458-what-is-the-libertarian-theory-of-parental-obligations

Presentation at Freedom Fest 2023 in Memphis by Jake Desyllas.

Job Free: Four Ways to Quit the Rat Race and Achieve Financial Freedom on Your Terms Full Audiobook (Unabbridged) by Jake Desyllas Forget searching for the right job—start building a life in which you don't need a job. A job-free life is possible, and you have options about how to achieve it. This book provides real-world examples of people who have successfully quit the rat race using four different strategies: extreme saving, unjobbing, lifestyle businesses, and startups. Whether you want to achieve financial independence and retire early, or simply never work for anyone else again, this book provides an essential guide to the different lifestyle-design strategies open to you. An inspiring and concise introduction to job freedom and financial independence, by someone who has achieved both.

Becoming an Entrepreneur: How to Find Freedom and Fulfillment as a Business Owner  Full Audiobook (Unabridged) by Jake Desyllas Successful entrepreneur Jake Desyllas demystifies entrepreneurship, providing a cheerful and inspiring call to action for those who yearn to break free. Becoming an Entrepreneur is unique in its focus on the psychological dimensions of starting a business. Using personal examples, Desyllas approaches this topic with insight and sensitivity, showing you how to overcome the mindset of "employee conditioning" and find fulfillment by creating an enterprise in line with your values. Readers will learn how to reach profitability, remove themselves from the daily grind, and achieve personal and professional freedom as a business owner. Becoming an Entrepreneur is a short, jargon-free guide, packed with solid advice that you can start using today to build and manage your own business. By the time you've finished reading this book, you'll understand the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and have a set of timeless principles that can you use in any business situation. If you're ready to jailbreak your career and lifestyle, Becoming an Entrepreneur will set you on the right path.

A listener conversation about communication and mindfulness. Originally released in 2018 as a bonus episode for supporting listeners.

A discussion with a listener about tax strategies and financial freedom. The previous episodes of TVL referenced are episodes 209 and 210 with Joshua Sheats from the Radical Personal Finance Podcast. Originally released in 2017 as a bonus episode for supporting listeners.

A discussion with listeners about making a big change in life. Originally released in 2017 as a bonus episode for supporting listeners.

A conversation with listeners about the challenge of being an individual versus finding community. Originally released in 2017 as a bonus episode for supporting listeners.  

Jake Desyllas interviewed on the Freecast podcast about his childhood and intellectual development. Originally released in 2017 as a bonus episode for supporting listeners.

A listener conversation originally released in 2017 as a bonus episode for supporting listeners.  

A listener conversation. Originally released in 2017 as a bonus episode for supporting listeners.  

A continuation of the discussion about cash in investing that I started on TVL Episode 297. Here are a couple of books for further reading: Fail Safe Investing by Harry Browne is a simple introduction to the permanent portfolio The Permanent Portfolio by Craig Rowland has a detailed discussion about cash. Originally released in 2017 as a bonus episode for supporting listeners.

A bonus episode about how to do a daily task review. If you implement this practice, you can start the day like a rocket launching. Originally released in June 2017 as a bonus episode for supporting listeners.

This episode is part 2 of How To Sort Your Life Out. You can find Part 1 in episode 295 of The Voluntary Life. Originally released in June 2017 as a bonus episode for supporting listeners.

A special episode about the end of The Voluntary Life podcast.

An update about how my approach to travel and minimalism has changed since becoming a parent. From an interview on the World Wanderers Podcast. Show Notes: The World Wanderers Podcast Xolo.io for managing your Estonian E Residency company (use my referral code "Jake") Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback

A chapter from the audiobook of Job Free by Jake Desyllas. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback

Part 2 of the audiobook of Negotiate For Mutual Profit by Jake Desyllas. Part 1, which covered constructive communication, can be found in TVL Episode 371. Part 2, in this episode, covers the win-win negotiation method, principles, and good habits. Show Notes: TVL Episode 371: Negotiate For Mutual Profit Audiobook Part 1 Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback

An overview of the topics covered in The Voluntary Life, why I focus on these topics, and what you can get from them. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

A discussion of the lessons that can be taken from Jim Paul's book, What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars. Show Notes: What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars by Jim Paul Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback

What are the assumptions used in "tiger" parenting, and what is the goal? This episode is a review of The Battle Hymn of The Tiger Mother by Amy Chua.     

How do you know whether you have enough money to live from your investments? What if you stop working and then find out that you don't have enough? This episode is a discussion with a listener about these questions. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

Ray Dalio is a well-known billionaire investor and hedge fund manager. This episode is a review of his book Principles: Life And Work. Show Notes: Principles by Ray Dalio TVL Episode 244 Thinking Rationally Part 2: Imaginary Creatures and Machines Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback

A chapter from the audiobook Job Free by Jake Desyllas. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

How much risk should you take when investing? Is the Permanent Portfolio approach too risk-averse? Here's a great discussion from a recent livestream. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

What is it like to visit a meetup about the philosophy of objectivism? Here is my experience! This is a bonus episode for patrons originally recorded in early 2018.  Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

This episode is about another four ideas that I think are life-changing. The ideas are: quiet wealth, parent effectiveness, digital minimalism, and argumentation ethics. I explain why these ideas can have such a positive impact and where you can read about them. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley TVL 183 Financial Independence Part 3: Buy Status Symbols or Buy Your Freedom Parent Effectiveness Training by Thomas Gordon  Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport  The Economics and Ethics of Private Property by Hans-Hermann Hoppe A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism by Hans-Hermann Hoppe Argumentation Ethics and Liberty: A Concise Guide by Stephan Kinsella Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

A chapter from the audiobook of Job Free by Jake Desyllas. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

Should you use productivity systems like Getting Things Done (GTD) for your work or apply it to your whole life? Here's a discussion with a listener. Show Notes: TVL 347 Why I Am Passionate About Productivity Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

Highlights from two livestream conversations with listeners about the challenges of living with purpose. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency  

A chapter from Becoming An Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

A discussion with supporting listeners about the permanent portfolio investment strategy. How would assets like real estate would be tackled by the permanent portfolio? Why not use international stocks in a PP? Listen to the episode to hear these questions answered. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

A listener asks if he has to choose between financial independence and having children. Here's a response, including some fascinating data about the wider costs and benefits of having kids. Highlights from two bonus episodes.  Show Notes: Bonus Episode 35: Do You Have To Choose Between FI and Kids? Bonus Episode 41: Costs And Benefits Of Having Kids Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Selfish Reasons To Have More Kids by Bryan Caplan How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Child? by Go Curry Cracker  

A chapter from the audiobook of Job Free by Jake Desyllas Show Notes: Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback

Many self-improvement lifestyle changes have a side effect. Whether your are adopting extreme saving, perpetual travel, peaceful parenting, or other changes discussed in previous episodes, the side effect may be to disrupt your relationship. Listen to this episode to find out more. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency TVL Episode 298: Your Life Is Not On Loan  

Two conversations with supporting listeners about the appeal of the philosophy of Stoicism.  Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency  

A chapter from Becoming An Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

This episode is about four life-changing ideas. I explain why these ideas can have such a positive impact and where you can read about them. Over the coming months I will be hosting a series of livestream discussions for supporting listeners on life-changing ideas relating to The Voluntary Life. This episode explains the topics of the first four sessions. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Getting To Yes by Fischer and Ury — Principled Negotiation Livestream on June 23rd Join the TVL Mailing List for a free copy of Negotiate For Mutual Profit by Jake Desyllas Getting Things Done by David Allen — Productivity Systems Livestream on July 28th Instead of Education by John Holt  — Unschooling Livestream on August 18th Fail-Safe Investing by Harry Browne — Fail-Safe Investing Livestream on September 15th  

This episode is about how and why I break the rules of the approach to productivity called Getting Things Done (GTD). Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards An Alternative to "Waiting For" in GTD  Episode 120: Eight Tools That Will Free Your Mind  Episode 205: The Most Powerful Planning Tool I Know  Episode 178: Upgrading Habits 

The variable portfolio helps overcome some of the challenges and limitations of passive investing. Show Notes: Fail-Safe Investing by Harry Browne Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

A key aspect of financial independence is knowing how to live from investments. This episode is a chapter from Jake Desyllas' audiobook Job Free. It will help you: Choose your approach to investing Decide on a portfolio design Work out how much money you need to accumulate, and how much you can sustainably spend each year. Show Notes: Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency    

Here are the three best journalling techniques that I know to improve productivity: The list of tasks completed today The core dump  The incredibly simple week plan. Listen to the episode to learn how to use these techniques and kickstart your productivity! Show Notes: Other TVL Episodes on productivity TVL Episode 191 Task Management Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

To be productive you need to know your goal, and you must know the best action that you can take to move towards that goal at any given moment. This episode is about managing the split between planning and execution. How can you get into the right mindset for planning work, and then switch mindset for execution? How much time do you spend planning, and how much time should you spend? How can you track the amount of planning you do? What can you learn from tracking? Listen to the show to hear the answers! Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback  

This episode is a critique of the popular idea of forcing children to share and a discussion of a great alternative approach. Show Notes: It's OK Not to Share by Heather Shumaker TVL Episode 336 A Review Of Jordan Peterson's Parenting Principles  TVL Episode 278 Three Principles Of Philosophy Applied To Parenting  Grit by Angela Duckworth  Should Libertarian Parents Be Strict or Permissive? By Steven Horwitz Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency  

An introduction to the concept of Unjobbing, from the audiobook of Job Free by Jake Desyllas. Show Notes: Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback    

This episode discusses a thought-provoking alternative theory about who Jesus was and whether he existed as a historical person. Show Notes: Episode 361 A Secular Look At The Bible Part 1 On the Historicity of Jesus: Why We Might Have Reason for Doubt by Richard Carrier Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency      

Michael Ostrolenk interviews Dr Jake Desyllas on The Michael Ostronlenk Show. The interview covers leaving a career behind, redesigning your life, minimalism, travel, and more! Show Notes: The Michael Ostrolenk Show Becoming an Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Job Free by Jake Desyllas Audiobook, eBook, Paperback Support TVL on Patreon and get bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency  

Part 1 of the audiobook of Negotiate For Mutual Profit by Jake Desyllas. Part 1 covers constructive communication. Part 2 covers the win-win negotiation method, principles, and good habits. The full audiobook is available to supporting listeners on Patreon and Bitbacker. Show Notes: Join the TVL mailing list for a free PDF copy of Negotiate for Mutual Profit Support TVL on Patreon and get the full Negotiate For Mutual Profit audiobook, plus bonus episodes and other rewards Support TVL on BitBacker with cryptocurrency