Broadcasting from my lakeside forest in New Zealand, noiseless world wraps up the Freedom from Money series. True freedom, to me, means “staying true to yourself” and “being free from money.” This involves listening to your inner voice and embracing your own values over societal pressures.

Living in a small, barter-based community has shown me that money doesn’t equal freedom. Instead of the “addition mindset”—thinking more money will bring happiness—I suggest a “subtraction mindset,” knowing your minimum needs and focusing on what truly matters.

Once your basic needs are met, you can stop working solely for money. Use the time gained to pursue what you love, which brings a deeper sense of happiness. Real fulfillment comes not from accumulating more, but from freeing ourselves from excess desires.

Broadcasting from New Zealand's lakeside forest, I explore in noiseless world what it means to truly be free from money. Living here has taught me that spending money often feels non-creative, even wasteful. In our community, people prioritize time with family, environmental care, and self-sufficiency. Here, "spending" takes the form of skill-sharing and bartering, where I contribute my fishing and tech skills in exchange for others’ unique talents.

While some see DIY as inconvenient, it builds physical strength, creativity, and a sense of achievement that money cannot provide. I believe such exchanges of skills, kindness, and time are the most meaningful forms of connection, reminding us of alternatives to consumer dependence.

Broadcasting from a peaceful lakeside forest in New Zealand, my noiseless world podcast now reaches listeners beyond Japan. After 15 years of self-sufficient living—gathering food from the land, growing organic produce, and fishing—I’ve begun to question society’s deep attachment to money.

We’re taught that working to earn money is the “right way” to live, yet true freedom lies in non-monetary exchanges: helping family, supporting friends, and connecting with nature. In our small, barter-based community, sharing prevails over accumulating, creating a life rooted in purpose rather than profit. I’ll share more reflections in the next episode.