This Is Uncomfortable

“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!

What does it mean to make a living from death? From a young age, Joél Simone Maldonado was fascinated by mortality, leading her to a career as a funeral director, embalmer and sacred grief practitioner. In the final episode of our miniseries on grief and money, Reema Khrais talks with Joél about her profession: the tough conversations around money, the toll it takes on her mental health, and why she advocates for more cultural competency in death care. Also, Joél offers tips to financially prepare ourselves for the inevitable, and Reema reflects on the personal impact of her recent experiences with loss. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And to get even more Uncomfortable, subscribe to our newsletter!

Mike Perry shares his touching journey with a stray dog named Wisdom that profoundly influenced his financial decisions. He reflects on the bond they formed and how it shaped his life after loss. The conversation explores the emotional and financial complexities of caring for pets, especially during their final days. Insights into the costs associated with pet healthcare are discussed, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by pet owners. It's a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the financial choices we make in their honor.

Amanda Petteruti, an insightful storyteller, digs into her father's hidden past as she unravels the mystery behind his secret hobby. Her discovery of locked toolboxes unveils financial secrets and challenges her understanding of family dynamics. The emotional journey through grief and legacy raises profound questions about closure and identity. Amanda reflects on selling her father's coin collection, revealing how personal belongings intertwine with memories and grief, leading her to navigate the bittersweet path of letting go.

This week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes and reconnecting with old friends for an update.Rebecca Danigelis never planned to stop working. She was an executive housekeeper in Boston raising two kids as a single mom, and everything she earned went to making sure they got the best education she could afford. When her son Sian-Pierre was climbing the ranks as a journalist and entrepreneur, it seemed like all the overtime, frozen dinners and sacrifice were worth it. But just as his career was taking off, hers started to crumble.We first aired this episode in 2022, and now Reema checks in with Rebecca and Sian-Pierre to see how their financial situation has unfolded.If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And to get even more Uncomfortable,  subscribe to our newsletter!

Nikki Massie, an advocate for fair pay, shares her shocking realization of being underpaid after a decade at her company. She explores the emotional journey of discovering potential salary inequities and reflects on the importance of self-advocacy in the workplace. Nikki discusses the struggles women, particularly women of color, face regarding wage disparities and the anxiety that surrounds salary negotiations. Through her story, she emphasizes the necessity of open communication about compensation and the empowerment that comes with valuing one's worth.