Death, Sex & Money

Brendan Liao, a recent Jeopardy! champion and early-career job seeker, shares his unique experience listing himself as a 'stay-at-home son' and the challenges of job hunting post-graduation. Nitish Pahwa, a business writer, unpacks the structural hurdles in today's job market, highlighting automation's role in recruitment. Melanie Ehrenkranz, a writer focusing on layoffs, discusses the emotional turmoil and financial strain of losing a job and how many reevaluate their relationship with work afterward. Tune in for a blend of personal stories and insightful analysis!

Nick Dothée, a writer and actor who has battled addiction and undergone multiple cosmetic surgeries, shares his poignant journey. He opens up about how these surgeries strained his marriage and forced him to confront deeper emotional issues. Listeners discuss their own beauty interventions, revealing the fine line between self-improvement and vanity. From outrageous surgery expenses to personal recoveries, the conversations touch on self-worth, societal pressures, and the search for acceptance beyond physical appearance.

Megan Greenwell, a journalist and author of 'Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream,' shares her tumultuous experience as editor-in-chief of Deadspin under a private equity takeover. She discusses the unsettling impact of private equity on various sectors, including media and healthcare. Through gripping personal narratives, Megan reveals the hidden exploitation behind corporate profits and raises awareness about the detrimental effects on communities. Her investigation sheds light on the ethical dilemmas surrounding private equity in America.

Jay Duplass, acclaimed filmmaker known for his collaborations with his brother Mark, shares his bold move towards solo projects. He dives into the emotional journey of leaving behind a long partnership, influenced by tricky union rules and Mark's rising career. Jay talks about his new indie rom-com, 'The Baltimoreons,' co-written with comedian Michael Strassner. He also explores the challenges of forging his artistic identity while navigating the industry's evolving landscape, touching on resilience and the complexities of sibling dynamics in filmmaking.

Tamara Yajia, a comedy writer and author of the memoir *Cry for Me Argentina: My Life as a Failed Child Star*, shares her hilariously chaotic upbringing in a loud and crass family. She reflects on navigating the complexities of a sex-positive environment and her experiences growing up in Argentina and the U.S. Tamara discusses parenting strategies today, the trials of being a child performer, and her celebrity encounters that shaped her journey. The blend of humor and heart makes her story both relatable and entertaining.

Heidi Reinberg, a talented documentary filmmaker and producer, shares her poignant experiences of moving and housing instability in Brooklyn. She reflects on her emotional journey of leaving her beloved neighborhood and the grief tied to packing up her life. Heidi discusses her innovative relocation to a Hudson Valley container house, highlighting the role of community and chosen family in her healing process. Her insights reveal how life's transitions can often lead to unexpected resilience and deep connections.

Casey Johnston, author of 'Physical Education' and writer of the Substack newsletter, She's a Beast, shares her inspiring journey from restrictive dieting to the empowering world of weightlifting. She discusses her childhood struggles with body image and societal expectations, and how discovering weightlifting transformed her emotional and physical well-being. Johnston highlights the importance of self-acceptance, the joy of community support, and redefined perceptions of fitness, challenging the constraints of diet culture with a newfound appreciation for strength.

Adonis Williams, a mover in New York City for over two decades, shares insights from his unique job helping people transition their lives. He reflects on the joys and sorrows of moving, from happy new beginnings to heart-wrenching farewells. Adonis reveals how he became a trusted confidant for many clients, addressing their personal struggles during relocation. He also discusses his altruistic approach, having worked for years without charging, and the impact of New York City's housing crisis on his clients' narratives.

Evan Osnos, a Staff Writer at The New Yorker and author of 'The Haves and Have-Yachts', shares insights from his deep dive into the lives of the ultra-rich. He discusses their values, quirky fears, and the social dynamics of wealth, especially the duality of yachts as symbols of luxury and isolation. Osnos also reflects on the ethical dilemmas faced by wealthy families and their complicated relationships with societal responsibility, fame, and privacy. Get ready for a fascinating look at the mindset of the affluent elite.

N.D. Austin, an innovative experience designer who grew up in a doomsday cult, shares how his unique background fuels his passion for transformative rituals. He recounts creating a heartfelt experience for Tony Hawk, involving a homemade train that helped mend friendships. The conversation dives into the power of storytelling and creativity in making personal and emotional moments memorable. They also explore the role of generosity in overcoming struggles, highlighting how these experiences foster meaningful connections.