This Is Uncomfortable

Mandi Woodruff-Santos, a career coach and host of the Brown Ambition podcast, joins to tackle your toughest work dilemmas. The conversation kicks off with the drama of office relationships and the crucial need for clear communication. They dive into the rising trend of pets in the workplace, navigating personal boundaries amidst potential allergies. Expect insights on handling salary disparities and the emotional rollercoaster of negotiations. Mandi shares expert strategies for advocacy while inviting listeners to share their own workplace challenges.

Claudette Powell, a former actress and comedian turned nun, shares her remarkable journey from debt to devotion. After settling $150,000 in loans, she embraced convent life, only to discover that leaving material wealth was just the beginning. Claudette discusses the emotional conflicts around money within community living, her internal struggles with self-worth, and the unexpected challenges of finding belonging among spiritual commitments. Her candid reflections reveal the complexities of a life devoted to faith while wrestling with the remnants of her past.

Hanna Sanborn, a single mom, shares her journey through IVF and the challenges of caring for her newborn twins while friend Bryer Rossi describes his pivot from burnout to becoming their full-time caregiver. They discuss the financial shock of childcare costs, their evolving friendship, and how a lighthearted idea became a serious arrangement. Their living situation brought unexpected romantic feelings to light, leading to a loving partnership. Now married and with an adopted child, they reflect on how economics intertwined with their love story.

“This Is Uncomfortable” returns with four brand-new episodes about life and how money messes with it.This season: Two best friends, struggling with work and unaffordable child care, come up with an unconventional solution that reshapes their relationship. A woman walks away from a Hollywood career to take a vow of poverty. Our “Money Fight” series is back, following a couple whose search for a dream home turns into a power struggle. And in our new advice series, "Work Drama," we tackle your uncomfortable work questions on toxic offices and pay discrepancies.New episodes drop starting May 1.

Lee Hawkins, a journalist and author specializing in Black family history, shares a compelling narrative about his upbringing in Maplewood, Minnesota. He explores the historical segregation and the challenges faced by Black families seeking housing. The story focuses on the groundbreaking decision by the Hughes family to sell lots to Black buyers, sparking a vibrant community. Hawkins also reveals a secret nighttime deal that enabled this opportunity, highlighting its lasting impact on property access and economic advancement for future generations.

Haley Hirschman, the founding producer, shares the inspiring journey of the show through its ten seasons. She reflects on the challenges of discussing money openly and the importance of vulnerability in financial conversations. The chat covers clever remote work strategies, like using scents for better boundaries, and valuable tips for mindful spending. Listeners also share their transformative experiences, revealing how open discussions about finances can empower individuals. The team thanks audiences for their support and looks forward to the next season!

Jay Benedith, a listener who navigates financial compatibility in her relationship, shares her unique perspective on how differing money habits can challenge love. Her partner, Ben Williams, a high school history teacher, provides insights into their contrasting financial habits. They discuss the significance of a Venmo request that sparked conversations about budgeting and expenses. Their candid dialogue highlights the complexities of financial communication, offering valuable lessons in empathy and understanding for couples facing similar issues.

Bill T. Jones, choreographer and dancer who co-founded the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, reflects on creating Still/Here during the AIDS crisis. He discusses survivor workshops, turning personal movement and stories into choreography, audience reactions and controversies, and remounting the work for new generations. The conversation centers on mortality, memory, and how movement holds meaning.

Joél Simone Maldonado, a funeral director, embalmer, and sacred grief practitioner, dives deep into the complexities of death care. From her childhood fascination with mortality to founding the Multicultural Death and Grief Care Academy, she discusses the emotional toll of her profession and the difficulty of talking money with grieving families. Joél emphasizes the need for cultural competency in death care and offers practical tips for pre-planning. She reflects on how grief can transform relationships and highlights the importance of legacy through love.

Mike Perry shares his touching journey with a stray dog named Wisdom that profoundly influenced his financial decisions. He reflects on the bond they formed and how it shaped his life after loss. The conversation explores the emotional and financial complexities of caring for pets, especially during their final days. Insights into the costs associated with pet healthcare are discussed, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by pet owners. It's a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the financial choices we make in their honor.