Debt Heads

The Way We Get By: Dispatches from the Debt Heads UniverseA weekly-ish companion series to the Debt Heads podcast that asks friends and listeners one question: How are you getting by?This dispatch is from Alex Kaufman - energy, climate change, business and geopolitics reporter - who helped form the first staff union for HuffPost in 2015. Alex has been a dedicated journalist since his first position writing for the Long-Islander at the age of 15.  Follow Debt Heads on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, Patreon and YouTube.See more of Alex's writing on his website and Substack, Field Notes.Credits:Writing/Editing/Production: Jamie Feldman & Rachel WebsterTheme Song: "Pay For That Money," Written and Performed by The Defibulators, PigCow Publishing (ASCAP) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Way We Get By: Dispatches from the Debt Heads UniverseA weekly-ish companion series to the Debt Heads podcast that asks friends and listeners one question: How are you getting by?This dispatch is from Kate Bratskeir - sustainability/climate/food/health/lifestyle reporter - who has been laid off no less than FOUR times, including while she was on maternity leave. But that doesn't keep Kate down. She's got wisdom to share and perseverance to spare. Follow Debt Heads on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, Patreon and YouTube.See more of Kate’s writing on her website and Substack, Good Little Garbage GirlCredits:Writing/Editing/Production: Jamie Feldman & Rachel WebsterTheme Song: "Pay For That Money," Written and Performed by The Defibulators, PigCow Publishing (ASCAP) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Way We Get By: Dispatches from the Debt Heads UniverseA weekly-ish companion series that asks friends and listeners one question: How are you getting by in today's economy?Dispatch #2 is from Joe Erbentraut, a longtime journalist who shares his thoughts on trying to be creative in a media landscape where layoffs lurk around every digital corner.Follow Debt Heads on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, Patreon and YouTube.Follow Joe on Instagram and check out his Substack, Queering the Burbs. Credits:Writing/Editing/Production: Jamie Feldman & Rachel WebsterTheme Song: "Pay For That Money," Written and Performed by The Defibulators, PigCow Publishing (ASCAP) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Way We Get By: Dispatches from the Debt Heads UniverseA weekly-ish companion series that asks friends and listeners one question: how are you getting by?The debut dispatch is from Emily Meade, famous actress and friend who shares her "nihilistic" thoughts on the state of being a working actor in the era of streaming. Follow Debt Heads on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, Patreon and YouTube.Credits:Writing/Editing/Production: Jamie Feldman & Rachel WebsterTheme Song: "Pay For That Money," Written and Performed by The Defibulators, PigCow Publishing (ASCAP) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this bonus episode of Debt Heads, we unwittingly face off in a battle of who's busier with the most charming bartender in Brooklyn, and wonder if we’d all be more Sussex-ful making jam with Meghan Markle.  Follow Debt Heads on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, Patreon and YouTube.Credits:Writing/Editing/Production: Jamie Feldman & Rachel WebsterTheme Song: "Pay For That Money," Written and Performed by The Defibulators, PigCow Publishing (ASCAP)Original Score: Ali HelnweinAudio Mix: Jeff Seelye ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Susan Strasser, a historian specializing in consumer culture, dives deep into the origins of our shopping habits. She reveals how the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a shift from craftsmanship to mass branding, shaping modern consumerism. The discussion covers the emotional ties we have with shopping, the powerful impact of advertising, and the hidden environmental costs of disposable goods. Strasser argues that shopping can unlock creativity, while hosts reflect on their own experiences at TJ Maxx, highlighting both community connections and the pitfalls of impulse buying.

In this mini episode of Debt Heads, take a peek behind the curtain, and a step back in time, to hear us get rejected by Tribeca Film Festival.Follow Debt Heads on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, Patreon and YouTube.Credits:Writing/Editing/Production: Jamie Feldman & Rachel WebsterTheme Song: "Pay For That Money," Written and Performed by The Defibulators, PigCow Publishing (ASCAP)Original Score: Ali Helnwein ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Elena Botea, a former credit-card industry insider and investigative author, shares eye-opening insights about the mechanisms of consumer debt. She reveals how banks design credit products to keep consumers perpetually in debt, discussing tactics like unrequested credit line increases and the structure of minimum payments. Elena critiques the predatory nature of the credit industry's business model and highlights the psychological tactics at play, from marketing campaigns to regulatory weaknesses. A thought-provoking exploration of the 'debt machine' that affects millions.

Donna Halper, a former radio DJ and media studies professor at Emerson College, shares her journey of becoming an early female credit-card holder. She discusses the historical barriers women faced regarding credit until the 1974 Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The conversation explores the rise of consumer debt, particularly after the 1980s, and why credit cards symbolize adulthood for many young people. Halper also recounts her bold move to obtain an Amex Gold Card, asserting her identity in a male-dominated field.

The hosts dive into the complexities of debt, starting with a personal confession about hidden credit card debt. They challenge the moralistic tones of financial advice and explore the unique struggles women face in managing finances. A revealing interview about family influences on spending habits highlights how upbringing shapes financial behavior. Conversations about public debt journeys on social media reveal both support and backlash. The discussion emphasizes the need for community and honesty over solitary efforts in overcoming the shame and cycle of debt.