This Is Uncomfortable
Marketplace
This is Uncomfortable is the award-winning show about life and how money messes with it. Each week, Marketplace’s Reema Khrais explores how money shapes our decisions, relationships, and sense of self through conversations that are intimate, surprising, and deeply human. From the economic headlines that hit our wallets to the choices that keep us up at night, the show digs into the money questions we’re too afraid to ask and gives listeners a way to feel less alone in this increasingly complicated world.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 8, 2020 • 23min
Divorce story (rerun), plus a request for your help!
Money gets complicated when a marriage falls apart. First, we’ll hear from a divorce lawyer who ends up representing herself. Then from a couple trying to plan for the day they hate each other.Plus: Have you hidden a purchase, some funds or anything else money related from your partner? We’re working on an episode about that, and whether you were casually dating or married, we want to hear about it! Give us a call at 347-RING-TIU (347-746-4848).
Oct 1, 2020 • 18min
Can’t make rent, can’t get evicted
Marilyn worked hard to afford her own home. But when a sheriff showed up at her front door with a summons for eviction court, suddenly she was stuck trying to navigate a system with confusing rules.
Sep 24, 2020 • 24min
“Why don’t you fix your teeth?”
One woman’s smile becomes a marker of poverty that feels impossible to escape.
Sep 17, 2020 • 29min
Who can afford to vote?
From restricted access mail-in ballots to poll taxes, voting rights have always been tied to power and money.
Sep 15, 2020 • 2min
“This Is Uncomfortable” is back this week!
Money messes up everything. This pandemic is widening the wealth gap, pushing thousands of people into debt, and shifting family and relationship dynamics. Why do so many of us let our careers define who we are? Who can afford to vote this November? Can business and friendship mix? Will you ever get over that one money fight with your partner? We’ll sit with this discomfort all season, and it all starts this Thursday, Sept. 17. Here’s a preview.
Sep 10, 2020 • 24min
Love in the time of coronavirus (rerun)
There are a lot of couples stuck at home right now. Some of them are out of work or dealing with canceled plans. Today, we’ll hear from two couples trying to figure out what their future will look like.This is a rerun of one of our favorite stories from last season. We’re back with new episodes on September 17, and we’re still doing weekly newsletters. Subscribe at marketplace.org/comfort.
Aug 20, 2020 • 25min
WeWork too much (rerun)
When WeWork acquired her company, she got executive training, fancy corporate retreats and a dope Patagonia jacket. It was almost enough to make her forget everything she lost. This week: Why we’re so obsessed with our jobs, even though they’ll never love us back.This is a rerun of one of our favorite stories from last season. We’re back with new episodes on September 17 and we’re still doing weekly newsletters between now and then. Subscribe at marketplace.org/comfort.
Aug 6, 2020 • 23min
Life in the coronavirus heckhole
To get a new bike, this 11-year-old signs a contract to do the thing he hates most: math. How one family is using a tactic borrowed from the business world to settle arguments (and help them get through the pandemic).
Jul 16, 2020 • 22min
Money makes me sick
Meet the professional auditor who can’t stand to look at his own bank account. Our team goes on an adventure to help a man who’s anxious about his spending get more comfortable checking his finances.
Jul 2, 2020 • 22min
The fight for fair pay in Big Tech
One woman’s fight against Silicon Valley’s racial pay gap. Plus, why it’s so hard for Black workers in tech to get ahead
