This Is Uncomfortable

From our sponsor: Imagine if you could ask someone anything you wanted about their finances. On “What We Spend,” people from across the country and across the financial spectrum are opening their wallets — and their lives — to tell you everything: What they make, what they want, and — for one week — what they spend.

Chantal Lisback, a data analyst, and her husband Travis, an aerospace engineer, share their journey of searching for their first home in Seattle. Their contrasting timelines and financial views spark heated debates and reveal deeper communication issues. They discuss how societal pressures impact their decisions and explore the emotional strain that comes with such a significant choice. Later, they consult financial therapist Aja Evans, who offers strategies for navigating money-related conflicts with care and building a stronger partnership.

Mandi Woodruff-Santos, a career coach and host of the Brown Ambition podcast, joins to tackle your toughest work dilemmas. The conversation kicks off with the drama of office relationships and the crucial need for clear communication. They dive into the rising trend of pets in the workplace, navigating personal boundaries amidst potential allergies. Expect insights on handling salary disparities and the emotional rollercoaster of negotiations. Mandi shares expert strategies for advocacy while inviting listeners to share their own workplace challenges.

Claudette Powell, a former actress and comedian turned nun, shares her remarkable journey from debt to devotion. After settling $150,000 in loans, she embraced convent life, only to discover that leaving material wealth was just the beginning. Claudette discusses the emotional conflicts around money within community living, her internal struggles with self-worth, and the unexpected challenges of finding belonging among spiritual commitments. Her candid reflections reveal the complexities of a life devoted to faith while wrestling with the remnants of her past.

Hanna Sanborn was a single mom with newborn twins, struggling to find affordable childcare. Her best friend, Bryer Rossi, was burned out at work and looking for a way out. One day, Hanna floated an idea to him: “What if you quit your job and took care of my babies?” What started as a running joke between friends turned into a lifeline that changed their lives and the way they saw each other.If you liked this episode, share it with a friend!

“This Is Uncomfortable” returns with four brand-new episodes about life and how money messes with it.This season: Two best friends, struggling with work and unaffordable child care, come up with an unconventional solution that reshapes their relationship. A woman walks away from a Hollywood career to take a vow of poverty. Our “Money Fight” series is back, following a couple whose search for a dream home turns into a power struggle. And in our new advice series, "Work Drama," we tackle your uncomfortable work questions on toxic offices and pay discrepancies.New episodes drop starting May 1.

“This Is Uncomfortable” will be back in your feeds with brand new episodes in May, and in the meantime, we’re sharing the first episode of “Unlocking the Gates,” a series from Marketplace and APM Studios hosted by special correspondent Lee Hawkins. He tells the story of how the Minnesota suburb he grew up in went from being a place where the housing market was inaccessible to Black families to one where many Black families found economic opportunity. And it all started with a nighttime business deal.

Haley Hirschman, the founding producer, shares the inspiring journey of the show through its ten seasons. She reflects on the challenges of discussing money openly and the importance of vulnerability in financial conversations. The chat covers clever remote work strategies, like using scents for better boundaries, and valuable tips for mindful spending. Listeners also share their transformative experiences, revealing how open discussions about finances can empower individuals. The team thanks audiences for their support and looks forward to the next season!

Jay Benedith, a listener who navigates financial compatibility in her relationship, shares her unique perspective on how differing money habits can challenge love. Her partner, Ben Williams, a high school history teacher, provides insights into their contrasting financial habits. They discuss the significance of a Venmo request that sparked conversations about budgeting and expenses. Their candid dialogue highlights the complexities of financial communication, offering valuable lessons in empathy and understanding for couples facing similar issues.

This week, we’re sharing an episode of another podcast we think you’ll love. “Notes From America With Kai Wright” is a show from WNYC Studios about the unfinished business of our history, and its grip on our future. In this episode, Wright interviews choreographer Bill T. Jones about his groundbreaking dance performance “Still/Here.” Jones shares his reflections on creating such an essential piece of performance art amid the AIDS epidemic and while grieving his own partner, what he learned from spending time with the “survivors” who inspired it, and how “Still/Here” has evolved for a new generation of audiences.To get even more Uncomfortable, subscribe to our newsletter!