Death, Sex & Money

Jen Sterger, a former sports media personality and subject of the infamous Brett Favre sexting scandal, and AJ Daulerio, ex-editor of Deadspin, dive deep into the complexities of betrayal and ethical dilemmas in journalism. They discuss the immense personal fallout from viral fame, including relentless online harassment and the struggle to reclaim one's identity. Their journey of healing unfolds as they reconnect through shared experiences and a rescue dog, highlighting the power of forgiveness and the challenges of starting anew after public disgrace.

Chef José Andrés, a celebrated restaurateur and humanitarian, opens up about his journey through fatherhood, discussing his insecurities and the lack of a manual for parenting. He reflects on his rocky upbringing in Spain and how it influences his role as a father to three daughters. José shares humorous anecdotes about seeking online advice for parenting while balancing his demanding culinary career. His heartfelt insights highlight the importance of prioritizing family alongside professional success, revealing the emotional challenges of parenting and business.

Maxine Simone Williams, the founder of WeMetIRL, brings her expertise in in-person dating events to the table. She shares fascinating insights into the charm of offline dating and the enchanting power of serendipitous love. Listeners recount memorable encounters—from asking an Uber driver out to surprising romances at community events. The discussion dives into the frustrations of dating apps, the joyful unpredictability of real-life connections, and the delightful stories that remind us how love can blossom in the most unexpected places.

Isabel Allende, the beloved Spanish-language author, shares her profound journey through grief and resilience. She discusses the impact of her daughter’s death on her writing and how her mother inspired her to keep creating. Allende also explores finding love in her late 70s, sparking a fresh perspective on relationships. The conversation reveals her insights on personal transformation, forgiveness, and the healing power of storytelling, highlighting a life rich with experience and deep connections.

Andrew Schneider, Executive Director of Fairness West Virginia, dedicates his career to advocating for LGBTQ rights in a deeply conservative climate. He discusses his unique strategy of building relationships with Republican lawmakers, emphasizing listening over confrontation. Former state senator Mitch Carmichael reflects on the challenges of advancing such rights in a supermajority and the importance of personal stories in fostering understanding. The conversation delves into the complexities of navigating hostility while striving for advocacy and inclusivity.

To fly a plane, pilots must prove to the Federal Aviation Administration that they’re physically and mentally fit. But when it comes to mental health, the rules are complicated and, some say, outdated.Pilots who need antidepressants are limited to a short list of approved medications and must take a mandatory six-month leave. Even common diagnoses like anxiety or depression can trigger reviews that could ground them.The F.A.A.’s rules are born out of desire to keep the public safe, but in this episode we talk to pilots, aspiring pilots, and medical aviation professionals about their unintended consequence: incentivizing people to stay quiet about their mental health issues.Read: Why Airline Pilots Feel Pushed to Hide Their Mental Illness Podcast production by Zoe Azulay.Death, Sex & Money is now produced by Slate! To support us and our colleagues, please sign up for our membership program, Slate Plus! Members get ad-free podcasts, bonus content on lots of Slate shows, and full access to all the articles on Slate.com. Sign up today at slate.com/dsmplus.And if you’re new to the show, welcome. We’re so glad you’re here. Find us and follow us on Instagram and you can find Anna’s newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our new email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is deathsexmoney@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kareem Rahma, a comedian and filmmaker known for his viral web series Subway Takes, shares his journey from service jobs to comedy. He reveals his creative financial strategies, including flipping motorcycles to support his education. Kareem discusses the challenges of navigating nepotism in the entertainment industry and the importance of personal growth. Through humor and candid reflections, he explores family dynamics, work anxiety, and the evolving complexities of creativity in today's fast-paced world.

Archie Matlow, a non-binary writer and audio producer known for their memoir 'Dead Mom Walking,' shares a poignant story about their mother’s unconventional choice to pursue alternative cancer treatments over standard medicine. They discuss the emotional complexities of navigating grief and the enduring bond between a mother and child amid terminal illness. Archie also reflects on how these experiences influenced their understanding of love, loss, and the nuanced struggles families face during health crises.

Guy Branum, a comedian and writer known for "Hacks," and Chanel Miller, author of the acclaimed memoir "Know My Name," dive into the absurdity of humor born from hardship. They share powerful stories of using comedy as a coping mechanism for trauma and societal issues. The conversation shifts to the challenges of writing during crises and the intersection of AI and personal connections. Miller's journey from victim to comedic storyteller highlights the resilience found in laughter, showcasing how humor can lead to healing even in the darkest moments.

Joe Gow, a former chancellor known for his unconventional choice to create porn with his wife Carmen Wilson, candidly shares their journey. They discuss how adult filmmaking played a role in revitalizing their marriage, sparking humor and open communication. The couple delves into the unexpected fallout from their decision, including professional repercussions and familial challenges. They also confront societal misconceptions about pornography, highlighting the importance of self-expression and intimacy in midlife relationships.