Why do smart, capable people still avoid looking at their finances?

Chris Hill talks with Nick Wolny, personal finance writer and author of Money Proud, about the emotional side of money—why avoidance is so common, how early experiences shape financial behavior, and what actually helps people face their finances without shame. They also discuss Nick’s initial career path in music, following where "money is moving", as well as:
Closing the Wealth Gap - Why certain communities fall behind on savings and how "service journalism" can spark better financial habits.
The Pivot - How to identify where the money is moving in the economy and adapt your skillset to higher-paying industries.
Business Acumen vs. Marketing Hype - Lessons learned from the "dangling carrot" of expensive online courses and how to avoid being “in the red" in your first year of business.
Illegal Money - The thrilling documentary TV series (currently streaming on YouTube) that looks at money through the lens of organized crime.

Opening clip – “Jim Gaffigan: Comedy Monster”

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We’re kicking off the new year with one of our most popular episodes of 2025. When Dan Pink was growing up in Ohio, money issues in his home were like a cloud that caused “an endless drizzle” over his family. Despite having written a string of #1 New York Times bestsellers, his earliest encounters with finance still play a big role in Dan’s conservative approach to money. Sitting down at his kitchen table in Washington DC, he shares:
- Taking a VC approach to lemonade stands
- The economic reason behind his decision to attend law school
- Why a poor financial decision helps him sleep better at night
- An “absolute waste of time” he finally got rid of

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Chris Hill shares some holiday wishes before handing the show over to the late, great Louis Armstrong for his reading of Clement Moore’s classic poem, A Visit From St. Nicholas.
Opening clip – “Scrooged”

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