Money Feels

In this episode of Money Feels, we're kicking off season 10 by saying something that doesn't often get said out loud: the middle class might be the loneliest group in society. Not in a "cry me a river, it must be so hard to be comfortable" way. In a structural way. When we eradicated middle-class wealth, we also got rid of middle-class community. Alyssa and Bridget break down who the middle class actually is in Canada, why so many people in it feel stuck between "too rich for a potluck" and "...

In this episode of Money Feels, we break down the thing that makes most people's eyes glaze over: Canadian taxes. And actually make it make sense. Not just the numbers, but the feelings. The confusion, the resentment, the sneaking suspicion that you're being robbed. We're going there. Alyssa and Bridget walk through every layer of the Canadian tax system, from federal income tax all the way down to the municipal mill rate, and tackle two of the most misunderstood — and politically charged — c...

In this episode of Money Feels, we explore what AI actually is, and why it doesn't just change what technology can do… it can change how society functions, who holds power, and what the future of human work and life might look like. Bridget sits down with Timo Ewalds, former Google DeepMind AI researcher and founder of Nexopia, to cut through the hype and fear around artificial intelligence. This conversation goes far beyond "AI is coming for your job." It's about how artificial intelli...

In this episode of Money Feels, we explore what extreme wealth does to the human brain — and why money doesn’t just change what people can buy… it can change how people see themselves, others, and the world around them. We unpack the psychology behind wealth, power, empathy, entitlement, and social disconnection, and discuss why the ultra-wealthy often begin to operate in completely different emotional and social realities than everyone else. We also explore how wealth can distort risk percep...

In this episode of Money Feels, we explore the emotional, psychological, and financial reality behind shifting relationship dynamics — and why the traditional “trophy wife” model is quietly disappearing. We unpack new data showing that wealthy men are no longer more likely to partner with significantly younger women, and what that reveals about money, power, desire, and changing gender roles. We also dive into the so-called “male loneliness epidemic,” and ask a deeper question: is this about ...

In this episode of Money Feels, we explore the emotional, psychological, and financial reality of financial nihilism — and why so many people today feel disconnected from traditional money advice, long-term planning, and the promise that “doing everything right” will pay off. We unpack what financial nihilism actually is, why younger generations are increasingly saying “what’s the point?”, and how rising costs, housing inaccessibility, stagnant wages, burnout, and social media distortion have...

In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore the emotional, psychological, and financial reality of Coast FIRE, and why this middle ground might actually be the version of financial freedom more people are craving. We unpack what it means to “coast” financially, to build enough early on that your future is taken care of, without sacrificing your entire present to get there. We talk about the tension between security and freedom, the pressure to optimize your money, and why stepp...

We are living in a time where extreme frugality is being celebrated as discipline. Sleeping on child-sized beds, using things until they fall apart, refusing small comforts, all framed as virtue. And while frugality itself is thoughtful and often wise, there’s a point where saving stops being a value and starts becoming a fear. In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore the emotional, psychological, and financial realities of extreme frugality, and why saving money can sometim...

Sports betting has exploded in the last few years, driven by legalization, aggressive advertising, and frictionless apps that make placing a bet feel as easy as ordering takeout. What used to be a niche activity is now embedded directly into sports culture. In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore the emotional, psychological, and financial reality of modern sports betting and why this isn’t just about money. It’s about dopamine, identity, relationships, and the normalizatio...

We are living in a time where it feels like groceries don’t make sense anymore! Not the prices, not the sizes, not the sales. The same cart costs more every week, packages are shrinking, loyalty apps change the “real” price, and something as simple as buying food now feels like a mental math test. In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore the emotional, psychological, and financial realities of grocery inflation and why so many of us feel exhausted, confused, and, frankly, a ...

We're back, baby! Season 9 and feeling fine! We are living in a time where our attention is constantly being pulled in every direction — notifications, scrolling, ads, emails, content, news, shopping, and algorithms designed to keep us looking just a little bit longer. The average person now spends over 7 hours per day looking at screens. Gen Z? Nearly 9 hours a day. And mobile screen time alone sits around 5 to 7 hours daily. In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore t...

We are living in a time where it feels like we don’t own anything anymore — not our phones, not our entertainment. Everything is a subscription, everything renews automatically, and everything in our lives comes with a monthly fee. In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore the emotional, psychological, and financial reality of living in the subscription economy, and why so many of us feel like we’re leasing our lives one tiny charge at a time. We unpack how subscriptions prey...

Real estate is one of the most emotionally loaded topics in personal finance. For many of us, real estate investing has always felt tangled with inequity, bro-dude energy, and a sense that the whole system is rigged. But what happens when someone shows you a different way to see it? A way rooted in values, impact, and community care? In this episode of Money Feels, we’re joined by real estate investor and appraiser Christine Traynor, who has completely changed the way Alyssa sees real estate....

Life moves in seasons. Some that grow you gently, and some that split you wide open. As Bridget steps into her 40s this week, she’s looking back on her 20s and 30s with honesty, humour, grief, and gratitude. Aging is something we all experience, but rarely talk about with this kind of openness. In this episode of Money Feels, we’re exploring the emotional, financial, and identity shifts that happen as you move through decades of your life. We unpack how money shaped each season, what she wish...

Money and relationships are complicated enough. But when secrecy, control, or manipulation enter the picture, things get heavy fast. Financial infidelity and financial abuse are two topics that almost no one talks about openly… even though so many people quietly live through them. In this episode of Money Feels, we’re breaking down what these terms actually mean, how common they are, and why they’re often misunderstood. We unpack the ways money can become a weapon, how financial control inter...

Have you ever noticed that the people with the most power and privilege seem the most afraid of losing it? From private bunkers to doomsday yachts, billionaires are stockpiling for the apocalypse, and in doing so, revealing what money can’t actually buy: safety, trust, or community. In this episode of Money Feels, we’re unpacking the strange world of prepper billionaires — the ultra-wealthy who are preparing to survive the collapse of the very systems they helped create. We’re your hosts, Aly...

Have you ever noticed how buying anything these days seems to come with judgment attached? Whether it’s the “right” kind of coffee cup, the “wrong” influencer haul, or the moral high ground of minimalism, our spending habits have become a public performance of virtue. In this episode of Money Feels, we’re unpacking the moralization of everyday consumption — how culture, social media, and capitalism have turned simple purchases into moral statements. We’re your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welco...

Have you ever noticed how success can make women feel more alone — not more secure? In this episode of Money Feels, we’re unpacking why wealth and independence can come with unexpected emotional costs, and why partnership — once seen as an economic safety net — doesn’t always add value anymore. We’re your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast where we talk about the emotional side of money and how culture, gender, and ego all shape the way we love, earn, and connect. In today’s ep...

Have you ever wondered why money feels so emotional, even when you know what you “should” be doing? In this episode of Money Feels, we’re unpacking how psychology, therapy, and financial planning all overlap, and why the numbers only tell half the story. We’re your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk about the emotional side of money — and how culture, identity, and lived experience shape the way we earn, spend, save, and share. In today’s episode, we discuss the ...

Have you ever wondered if we’ve completely lost the plot on lifestyle spending? In this episode of Money Feels, we’re unpacking how what used to be luxuries have slowly become defaults — and what that shift means for our wallets, our emotions, and our ability to just sit with discomfort without buying something. We’re your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk about the emotional side of money, and how culture, social media, and convenience are reshaping what “norma...

Have you ever wondered why you keep saying “yes” with your money when you really want to say “no”? In this episode of Money Feels, we’re joined again by out very first guest, Chantel Chapman — founder of Trauma of Money, internationally recognized educator, and now author of Trauma of Money — to unpack something called financial fawning. We’re your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast where we talk about the emotional side of money — including how our nervous systems, past experi...

Have you ever wondered what really happens when we privatize health care? In this episode of Money Feels, we’re joined by emergency physician and public health advocate Dr. Shazma Mithani to talk about why more private clinics, pay-to-play systems, and investor-owned health care might sound efficient but leave most of us worse off. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk about the emotional side of money — including the systems that shape what kind of care ...

Have you ever wondered if saving money and saving the planet are mutually exclusive? In this episode of Money Feels, we’re joined by author and sustainability advocate Kara Perez to talk about her new book, Money for Change, and the concept of realistic sustainability — AKA how to reduce waste, build wealth, and not burn out in the process. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and gain a better understanding of building a healthy...

Have you ever looked at your bank account and thought… this doesn’t feel real? In this episode of Money Feels, we’re digging into the idea that money might not be as concrete as we think. From the history of how our currency came to be, to why our brains treat money like a survival need, we’re unpacking why money feels fake — and why that feeling actually makes a lot of sense. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a bet...

Money plays a massive role in our emotions, and fear-based messaging is everywhere — whether it's the news predicting economic collapse, financial influencers warning about missing investment opportunities, or brands using scarcity to push us to spend. But how much of this fear is real, and how much of it is designed to make us act impulsively? More importantly, how do we stop letting fear dictate our financial choices? We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we un...

Money controls so much of our lives, but what if we could take some of that power back? Financial activism isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy or policymakers. It’s something all of us can engage in, whether it’s where we bank, how we invest, or what we spend our money on. The financial system wants us to feel like we don’t have a choice, but we actually have more power than we think. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create ...

The future feels uncertain, but what if you could remember how to play? Leisure isn’t supposed to be productive, but in a world where everything feels like work, even our hobbies come with pressure. In this episode of Money Feels, we’re exploring how money changes the meaning of play, why hobbies don’t have to be profitable, and how burnout makes it impossible to enjoy free time. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a ...

The future feels uncertain, but what if you could see where your money is headed? Financial projections aren’t about predicting the future but about preparing for it. In this episode of Money Feels, we’re exploring the value of playing with your numbers, why seeing your financial trajectory can reduce anxiety, and how our very own Bridget accidentally became a tech CEO. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better und...

Dating is everywhere, but have you ever considered how much it costs you? From pricey dating apps to expensive first dates, modern dating isn’t just emotionally exhausting — it’s financially draining. Love might be priceless, but dating? That’s a whole different story. In this episode of Money Feels, we’re breaking down the financial, emotional, and societal price of dating today. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a...

Diet culture is everywhere — but have you ever thought about how much it costs you? From expensive weight-loss programs to “wellness” trends disguised as self-improvement, diet culture isn’t just harmful. It’s wildly profitable. In this episode of Money Feels, we’re breaking down the financial, emotional, and societal price of diet culture and why rejecting it might be the best money move you ever make. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our mo...

The nuclear family is often considered the standard, but have you ever wondered why? Who really benefits from this structure? In this episode of Money Feels, we’re unpacking the financial and social costs of this so-called ideal and how it has shaped everything from homeownership to personal debt. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's ep...

Financial advice could change your life, yet it feels like it’s reserved for the elite. Why is it so controversial to say everyone deserves access to good advice, not just the rich? This week on Money Feels, we’re breaking down the value of financial advice, who actually benefits from it, and how the rest of us are left to figure it out on our own. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we unpack money trauma and work on building a healthier, shame-free relationsh...

Groceries are essential. And yet, millions of people struggle to afford them every day. Why is it so controversial to say food should be a fundamental human right? We’re unpacking the cost of groceries, food insecurity, and the case for free food in this week’s episode of Money Feels. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we di...

It's been a minute since we've chatted. And we miss you. As a bonus to you on the 1st day of the New Year, we wanted to release one episode we recorded for our Patreon members, in which we share some of the best lessons we learned in 2024. Stay tuned for season 7, coming this January <3 We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we discuss our money trauma and gain a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. Thanks for listening t...

Most of our listeners know how much Bridget and Alyssa love to read. But we've never done a regular season episode about that. So, we get into this and more in this season six finale episode of Money Feels. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we discuss our money trauma and gain a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following: Our guest, Desirae OdjickWhat we're currently readingBook genres ...

It's trending to share your hauls, it's trending to share your capsule wardrobe, it's trending to buy a new water bottle, it's trending to show off your old water bottle. Consumption and consumerism are always trending, but why? We get into this and more in this week's episode of Money Feels. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episod...

With high interest rates and the rising cost of living, renewing a mortgage can feel — less than ideal! We get into this and more in this week's episode of Money Feels. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following: Alyssa's mortgage renewal storyBridget and Alyssa's renewal experience and costThe reality of in...

Let's catch up about our businesses, life changes, and taking risks in your life. We get into this and more in this week's episode of Money Feels. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following: Bridget & Alyssa give a little life updateThinking about your life 5 years into the futureWhat is the worst that c...

Ever wondered why the rich don't just solve world hunger or make the change all of us are so desperate to see? We get into this and more in this week's episode of Money Feels. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand GiridharadasHow the rich and powerful fi...

Are you tired of your parents telling you to just 'buy a house' or just 'be loyal to your job?' We get it. And we get into this and more in this week's episode of Money Feels. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following? Pull up your bootstraps The oversimplification of finances, forgetting:Income inequa...

We called in Barry Choi to help explain what Canadians need to know to get the best return on the credit cards they use in this week's episode of Money Feels. We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following? What credit cards are best for travel points?How many credit cards is too many?Should you close a credit c...

Do the wealthy really try to be discrete with their displays of luxury, or is that just something we've made up? In this week's episode of Money Feels, we look into this and more! We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following? What is stealth wealth, conspicuous consumption and old money?Talking about the 'mora...

How do we prevent falling for scams when AI is getting to be so complex? What even is AI, and what the heck is the dead internet theory? We dive into this and more in this week's episode of Money Feels! We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following? The realization that AI is a part of most businessesThe reason...

Have you ever wondered why cities are designed the way they are? Or what is the impact of buying a home in a suburban neighbourhood? We dive into this and more in this week's episode of Money Feels! We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following? What is urban sprawl? How does urban sprawl impact our econom...

A lot of people want to know how to invest in their kids. So, we're diving into the account you need to use, and what to be aware of before you open an RESP in this week's episode of Money Feels! We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following? What is the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)?What is the purp...

Is drinking what's holding you back financially and otherwise? In a society where alcohol is normalized and heavily marketed, we talk about sobriety. In this week's episode of Money Feels, we'll discuss this and more! We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following? Our relationship with alcoholHow to manage rela...

How do you recover (or prepare) for the most catastrophic financial event in your life? In this week's episode of Money Feels, we'll discuss this and more! We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following? Bridget and Annie's divorce storyDo you need a prenup?How does divorce work? What does a divorce cost?Di...

Why are women attempting to go back in time and become 50s housewives? The tradwife corner of the internet is alarming. Let's discuss this and more in this week's episode of Money Feels! We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following? What is a tradwife?The differences between SAHM's and homemakers versus tradwi...

Having a kid is a massive decision. But does it need to be? We bring on Chelsea Fagan of The Financial Diet to break down the realities of being child-free by choice. Let's discuss this and more in this week's episode of Money Feels! We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following? Chelsea's story and how she cho...

Do you have people to talk with about your money? Do you know what FIRE communities exist? Let's discuss this and more in this week's episode of Money Feels! We're your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we talk through our money trauma and create a better understanding of building a healthy relationship with finance. In today's episode, we discuss the following? What even is a subreddit?Fat FIRE, Chubby FIRE, HENRYWhat are some common strategies people on these forums...