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
Sep 26, 2019 • 21min
Money advice with “Call Your Girlfriend”
Reema was on one of our favorite podcasts, “Call Your Girlfriend,” a few weeks ago to answer listeners’ tricky money questions about divorce, student debt and (shudder) investing.
Sep 19, 2019 • 23min
Can’t buy me love
After hooking up with her roommate, one woman can’t seem to avoid him — or his spending habits, and a couple tries showing their love for each other … in a way neither of them actually loves.
Sep 12, 2019 • 14min
Everyday liars
You tell your mom you’re broke. You pretend to have student loans. You wear knock-off couture. People tell lies about money all the time. We asked about your “white lies” — and you didn’t disappoint.
Sep 5, 2019 • 16min
Cashing in on your kids
Something to think about when you’re watching the new “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” this weekend: For every piece of this family’s massive empire, matriarch Kris Jenner takes a 10% cut. And when business and family mix, you can’t help but wonder how the lines get blurred. Does being your child’s manager get in the way of being a good mom? This week, BuzzFeed’s Zan Romanoff walks us through the history and stigma of the “momager,” and we hear from a real-life stage mom about her day-to-day.
Aug 29, 2019 • 20min
Trapped in your personal brand
Aparna Nancherla has made a career in comedy, where she often delves into her own struggles with mental health. We look at what happens when your job is tied to the most painful parts of your life. Plus, The New York Times’ Amanda Hess on treating your work like a commodity.
Aug 22, 2019 • 23min
The lies we tell our friends
Exploring the impact of financial inequalities on friendships, navigating newfound wealth and fear of judgment, bonds of friendship through financial struggles, and discussing money within friendships - this podcast delves into the complexities and strains money can bring to relationships.
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?
