
What We Spend
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.If you want to be on What We Spend, we’d love to hear from you. Write us at: whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com
Latest episodes

Jun 4, 2025 • 48min
Full Time CryBaby
Discover the captivating journey of Yuhas as they transition from makeup artist to the drag world as CryBaby. Explore the duality of their horror-themed persona, blending charm with irony. Dive into the financial struggles of living in New York while pursuing artistic passions, and the emotional challenges of managing bills and credit debt. Hear about the balance between creativity and economic stability, and the joy of preparing for performances that bring their character to life. It's a thrilling ride of ambition, artistry, and survival!

12 snips
May 28, 2025 • 41min
America's Working Homeless
Brian Goldstone, a journalist and author of 'There Is No Place For Us', sheds light on America's housing crisis by sharing powerful stories from families facing homelessness. The discussion reveals the stark reality of the working homeless, like truck drivers and single mothers, struggling to find stability despite having jobs. Goldstone emphasizes systemic barriers, the disconnect between wages and rent, and the urgent need for policy reform. He advocates rethinking housing as a fundamental right, essential for tackling these pressing issues.

May 21, 2025 • 45min
Paid by the Mile
Maxine is a long-haul truck driver in North Carolina. She loves her job, but she doesn't make enough to pay her bills.
If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 14, 2025 • 35min
Getting by as a Teacher's Assistant
Victoria is a preschool teacher's assistant in New Jersey. She's struggling to make ends meet—and weighing whether to get her teaching license.
If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 7, 2025 • 44min
At the End of a Broadway Run
An actress shares her journey through the final week of her Broadway show, tackling the fears of unemployment. She reveals the stark contrast between her career successes and financial struggles, painting a vivid picture of life in New York City. Adventures and insights highlight the balance between artistic passion and fiscal responsibility. The emotional complexities of ending a performance are explored, capturing bittersweet nostalgia and reflections on friendship and future opportunities. It’s a relatable dive into the world of acting and the realities behind the curtain.

Apr 30, 2025 • 46min
Trying, Really Trying, to Enjoy Spending
A marketing director shares her remote work experiences while striving to enjoy her money more. Conversations dive into the emotional complexities of finance, including anxiety linked to past financial shifts. Listeners hear about the joys of nurturing relationships and achieving financial independence. The podcast emphasizes the importance of memorable experiences over material possessions, along with practical strategies for cultivating a positive spending mindset. It’s a journey of personal growth and balancing enjoyment with financial responsibility.

Apr 23, 2025 • 44min
Retired and On Edge
A retired social worker grapples with unexpected feelings of anxiety after leaving her career. As she navigates financial insecurities and caregiving demands, she shares intimate stories that reveal the complexities of retirement life. The challenges of newfound freedom, coupled with budget adjustments and social isolation, add to her struggles. Through reflections on self-employment and personal agency, she highlights the quest for purpose and connection in this new phase of life.

4 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 47min
The Price of Parenthood
Join a Religious Studies professor as he candidly shares the financial hurdles of new parenthood. Discover the emotional strain of budgeting for daycare and family necessities, while also navigating the costly surprises of everyday activities. Hear firsthand stories about managing household expenses in the face of rising costs. The journey also touches on the impact of financial choices on children’s future money habits, and the tension between gratitude and frustration in dealing with financial complexities. It's a relatable exploration of the price of raising a family!

Apr 9, 2025 • 42min
Trapped by Student Debt
Kellie is the Director of Client Services at a medical spa in Utah. She wants a kid and a home, but she has over $150,000 in student debt. If you want to be on What We Spend, we’d love to hear from you.Write us at: whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 4, 2025 • 3min
Introducing: What We Spend
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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices