In this powerful episode of The Billion Dollar Banker, Nicole Perrone sits down with Kristine Carlson, New York Times bestselling author and co-creator of the Don't Sweat the Small Stuff series—which has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and inspired a Lifetime movie starring Heather Locklear.
Kristine opens up about the behind-the-scenes journey of building a publishing empire with her late husband, Dr. Richard Carlson… from struggling in obscurity to becoming one of the most influential voices in modern self-help and positive psychology.
But this episode goes far beyond success. Kristine shares her deeply personal experience of navigating grief, identity, reinvention, and spiritual resilience—and how she found wholeness on the other side of heartbreak.
🎧 If you're a high achiever learning how to carry both ambition and emotion...
👑 If you're someone who feels called to transform pain into purpose...
🧠 Or if you simply want to build a better relationship with your mind...
This episode will speak directly to your soul.
💥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The truth behind the “overnight success” myth—and what it really takes to go big
The 5 principles of happiness that made Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff a phenomenon
How to process grief while still showing up for your life and purpose
The difference between reacting and responding (and how it changes everything)
The mindset habits that high achievers often overlook—but desperately need
🔗 Connect with Kristine Carlson
Website: KristineCarlson.com
Podcast: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, Live the Big Stuff
Books: Available wherever books are sold
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Intro
01:20 – Kristine’s journey from obscurity to bestseller status
05:40 – The real story behind Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
10:15 – Grief, identity, and rebuilding after loss
16:05 – Emotional burnout in high-achievers
20:30 – Five timeless principles for happiness
25:45 – Responding vs. reacting: a mindset shift
29:10 – How to transform pain into purpose
34:50 – Kristine’s spiritual resilience practices
39:00 – Advice for ambitious hearts navigating grief
43:20 – Where to find Kristine’s work
Subscribe for more conversations with elite performers, world-changing thinkers, and high-achieving hearts.
