This Is Uncomfortable

Latest Episodes:

It’s not my fault I was poor Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

We follow up with a listener and former guest who wrote to us about her struggle with class anxiety during our first season. We’ll also share an excerpt of Marketplace’s latest podcast, “Financially Inclined,” featuring an interview with Reema discussing emotions around money.

Pay pigs and piggy banks May 25, 2023

Show notes

Matt knew from a young age that he was kinky and submissive, but he never understood the appeal of financial submission … until he tried it for himself.

Give now to support “This Is Uncomfortable” during our May fundraiser.

The cost of secrets May 18, 2023

Show notes

For years, Quinn held onto a terrible secret. It took a huge toll not just on their mental health, but also on their career trajectory and financial life. When Quinn learns they aren’t alone with this secret, it leads them down an astonishing path they never could have imagined.

Content warning: This episode deals with issues of grooming and sexual abuse. We hope our listeners take care while tuning in.

Give now to support “This Is Uncomfortable” during our May fundraiser.

The price of eggs May 18, 2023

Show notes

When Ashleigh was a freshman in college, she saw a flier: earn up to $10,000 by selling your eggs. She thought, “Sure, I could use the money!” Her decision to sell her eggs set her on a journey that would define the next ten years of her life. And it would fundamentally change the way she thought about starting her own family.

Give now to support “This Is Uncomfortable” during our May fundraiser.

We’re diving into the costs of keeping secrets on May 18 May 11, 2023

Show notes

“This Is Uncomfortable” is back for its eighth season on May 18.

This season, we’re exploring how secrets shape our financial lives — the secrets we keep and the secrets we want to know.

We’ll look at how those secrets take a toll, from the traumas we hold on to, to the price we’ll pay to learn the truth.

Listen to the trailer, and follow “This Is Uncomfortable” wherever you get podcasts.

And to get even more Uncomfortable during the season, sign up for our newsletter. Each Friday morning, we’ll bring you a note from host Reema Khrais, new stories from listeners, tough money questions and recommendations from our team. Here’s the latest issue.

Give now to support “This Is Uncomfortable” during our May fundraiser.

Wife Strike Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

Fed up with her husband not doing his part around the house, Jalie Gil decided to go on strike and document it all on TikTok. When the strike went viral, her private struggle for equitable housework became something of a reality show. Jalie updated every day, and viewers cheered her on from the virtual picket line. But in the real world, her marriage was being pushed to its breaking point. This week: How Jalie’s strike transformed her marriage and her world view.

This episode was reported by Reema Khrais, produced by Alice Wilder, edited by Laura Mayer and engineered by Drew Jostad.

For richer or for poorer Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

Marriage is all about beginnings, but staying married can often depend on how well two people adapt to change. The changes for Taylor and Gavin have been constant in the 14 years since they said, “I do.” There have been struggles and arguments over money, or the lack thereof. But even when money’s been the problem, having more of it hasn’t always been the solution. This week, we’ll hear the story of how they held things together and what they expect from each other when the unexpected keeps happening.

This episode was reported by Reema Khrais, produced by Marque Greene, edited by Karen Duffin and engineered by Drew Jostad.

Bait & switch Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

How far would you go to right a wrong? When Kari meets a nice man on a dating site, it feels like a dream come true. But when the relationship turns into more than she bargained for — she sets off on a crime-fighting quest that forces her to reevaluate her world and herself.

This episode was reported and produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Karen Duffin and engineered by Drew Jostad.

Give and take Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

How much generosity is too much? Would you pay for your friend’s lunch every week? Or risk falling behind on bills to pay for a Christmas gift? And what does it take to ask strangers to be generous with you? We tend to think of generosity as a good thing, but it can also get… complicated. This week: three stories about giving and receiving generosity, and how it changes our relationships and ourselves.

This episode was reported by Reema Khrais, produced by Alice Wilder with support from Camila Kerwin, edited by Karen Duffin and engineered by Drew Jostad.

Coach Schmo Oct 27, 2022

Show notes

When Joe Hanson got the call to start a varsity esports team at the local community college, he didn’t know what to think. He already had a full time job. He had a family to think about. And this coaching gig, it was basically a glorified volunteer position. Plus, he didn’t even know what “esports” really meant. But this opportunity stirred something within Joe that he couldn’t ignore… In this episode, we follow Coach Joe and his ragtag team of gamers as they go up against the best and try to prove the haters wrong.

This episode was reported Reema Khrais, produced by Serena Chow, edited by Karen Duffin and engineered by Drew Jostad.