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
Aug 15, 2019 • 26min
What dad left behind
When money, death and grief mix there’s no playbook for what to do. And for years, one young man has been stuck.This episode deals with depression and suicide. If you or someone you know needs to talk, call 1-800-273-8255 or text “TALK” to 741741.
Aug 8, 2019 • 20min
I have class anxiety
Exploring the impact of money and status on our sense of self, a listener discusses navigating social cues and norms after entering the middle class. Contrasting experiences of growing up poor and middle class are shared, along with anecdotes about class differences in fashion.
Aug 1, 2019 • 16min
That thing you buy and don’t tell your parents about
We’re keeping things just a little uncomfortable this week with another round of our favorite game: Financial Face-Off! But first: We need your help telling a new story.
Jul 25, 2019 • 23min
The college fund
When you’re a kid, your parents make all the financial decisions for you. But what happens when you grow up … and don’t agree with their choices?
Jul 18, 2019 • 23min
Ziwe Fumudoh makes people uncomfortable
Growing up, Ziwe Fumudoh wanted to be a pop star. Her parents wanted her to go into medicine or finance. She ended up as a comedian writing for “Desus & Mero.” This week we talk about her work and money.
Jul 11, 2019 • 24min
Lost in the game
When you’re a high-stakes gambler laying down tens of thousands of dollars at a blackjack table, the value of money takes on a whole new meaning.
Jul 3, 2019 • 13min
Guess my financial secret
Our new game, “Financial Faceoff” puts one couple’s financial life to the test. Plus, we’ll get an update from the couple in our first episode, Nika and Terence.
Jun 27, 2019 • 20min
Home/work
Reema Khrais explores the “jobs” we take on in our families — starting with her own. Plus, one couple comes up with a creative way to stop fighting over a dreaded household chore.
Jun 20, 2019 • 23min
Crying at work
What happens when work is the thing that’s making us cry … at work? Plus: Reema asks her old boss an awkward question.
Jun 13, 2019 • 31min
When money makes it weird
Reema tries to settle a debt she’s been avoiding. And what happens when one person in a relationship has way more money?
