INTERVIEW | Make Money with Toxic Grit, feat. Amanda Goetz
Amanda Goetz is a two-time founder, four-time CMO, and single mom of three who’s helping ambitious people redefine what “having it all” actually looks like. She inspires over 150,000 readers each week through her Life’s a Game newsletter and her new book, Toxic Grit: How to Have It All and Actually Love What You Have. In this conversation, Amanda shares a grounded, intentional approach to ambition—one that makes space for work, relationships, and personal growth without burning out.
On this episode we talk about:
Why Amanda believes ambition isn’t toxic—it’s lack of intention that is
How to embrace “and” thinking instead of living life as an “either/or” equation
The hidden cost of letting one identity (career, parent, partner) take over your life
How to transition between roles, build hierarchy, and avoid constant guilt
The five pillars of Amanda’s “portfolio career” and how to start building one yourself
Top 3 Takeaways
The solution to overwork or burnout isn’t quitting ambition—it’s learning to balance all your “characters” with awareness and structure.
A thriving career doesn’t have to compete with family, purpose, or rest—it can coexist when you embrace the and.
Genuine success comes from self-awareness and human connection—two things that automation and hustle culture can’t replace.
Notable Quotes
“Life isn’t an or statement—it’s an and. You can chase goals and still build a life you love.”
“Toxic grit happens when one character takes over the whole storyline of your life.”
“You can’t automate your way out of human connection.”
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