Episode Details

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I’m joined by Rodney Carpentier—a 20-year law enforcement professional turned mystery writer—who shares the family mantra that has shaped his life: “Early is on time, on time is late, and late is not acceptable.” Rodney opens up about inheriting this saying from his father (and likely generations before), its practical impact on his approach to work and creativity, and how losing both parents at a young age fueled his desire to seize every opportunity. We dive into how this mantra became more than just punctuality advice—it’s about being truly prepared for life, not letting regrets accumulate, and not waiting for a “perfect” moment to pursue your dreams. Rodney reflects on incorporating the mantra into his crime trilogy set in the Catskill Mountains, the role of preparedness in his journey from policing to publishing, and how listeners can reframe feelings of “lateness” into fresh starts. If you need a nudge to stop waiting and start taking action—no matter your age or stage—Rodney’s story will inspire you to show up ready for possibility.

Connect With Rodney Carpentier
Website: https://rlcarpentierwriter.com
Newsletter: https://rlcarpentierwriter.com/newsletter-signup

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction And Welcome
00:23 Meet Rodney Carpentier
00:42 Connection To The Catskills
01:07 Rodney’s Quote And Mantra
01:21 Meaning Behind The Quote
01:57 When The Quote Became Real
02:19 Using The Mantra In Life
02:51 Reflection On Preparedness
04:35 Staying Ready For Opportunities
05:08 Impact Of Family And Loss
06:14 Embracing The Mantra Fully
07:06 Writing And Life’s Surprises
08:23 Becoming A Writer Later In Life
09:15 Overcoming Regrets And Acting Early
10:34 The Consequences Of Being Late
11:40 Why “Early” Opens Doors
12:10 When It Feels Too Late
13:07 Turning Lateness Into Opportunity
14:23 Questions For Listeners
15:10 The Mantra In Rodney’s Writing
15:47 Preparing For The Next Chapter
16:34 Rodney’s Next Steps
18:00 About The Trilogy
19:29 Where To Find Rodney And His Books
20:14 Episode Wrap-Up And Thanks