PODCAST · business
Money Unplugged with Chris Hill
by Chris Hill
Money Unplugged is a weekly podcast about the personal side of money — the stories, anxieties, decisions, and turning points that shape how real people earn, save, spend, and invest.Host Chris Hill talks with investors, entrepreneurs, journalists, comedians, and financial experts about their earliest money memories, their biggest financial mistakes, and what they've learned along the way. Guests include bestselling authors Morgan Housel and Dan Pink, CNBC host Becky Quick, NerdWallet's Sara Rathner, Motley Fool co-founder David Gardner, and many more.Whether you're working through debt, just starting to invest, building a business, or thinking differently about financial independence — this show is for you. No hot takes. No hype. Just honest conversations about money and the people who've learned to make it work for them.New episodes every Friday. Follow Money Unplugged and never miss a conversation.
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Betting on Yourself: The Financial Reality of Going Solo (Marc Goldman)
For nearly two decades, Marc Goldman was the voice of the Marine Corps Marathon — running marketing, communications, and sponsorships for one of the most prestigious road races in America. Five years ago, he walked away from that stability to launch Event Voice, his own announcing and event strategy business.In this conversation, Marc and Chris Hill explore:- Why the pandemic became the catalyst for a career leap Marc had been quietly building toward for years- How he thought through the financial reality of trading a steady paycheck for the uncertainty of solo entrepreneurship- A money philosophy he and his wife established on their 1st date- The way "Die With Zero" by Bill Perkins changed how he thinks about saving, spending, and the purpose of money- What it's like to announce the Berkshire Hathaway 5K in Omaha, where runners arrive from every corner of the world united by their faith in Warren BuffettBuying workout gear or running shoes? Go to Pacers and get 10% off when you use the promo code "MONEY".What is the last thing you splurged on? Tell us at [email protected] clip – “Ocean’s Eleven”
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Why Less is More in Investing and Life (Ben Carlson)
Ben Carlson has a simple philosophy when it comes to money — and life: less is more. He writes it in every book he signs. It sounds obvious, but most people never actually live it.He’s the co-host of Animal Spirits and author of the brand-new book, Risk and Reward: How to Handle Market Volatility and Build Long-Term Wealth.Chris Hill talks with Ben about:- The lesson his late brother Jon taught him about risk and money- Growing up in Michigan with frugal parents and a dad whose only financial advice was "never carry a credit card balance"- What it was like to sit in the room during the 2008 financial crisis and watch the smartest people he'd ever met choose fear over opportunity- Why he gave his wife a PowerPoint presentation about investing before they got married — and how far she let him getWant to invest like the pros? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unpluggedWhat is the last thing you splurged on? Tell us at [email protected] clip – “Mad Men”
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The Hardest Money Skill Nobody Talks About (Dan Caplinger)
Dan Caplinger has spent most of his career helping people understand money — first as a tax and estate planning attorney, then as a longtime writer at The Motley Fool. But the financial lessons that shaped him most started long before any of that: skipping school lunch to save a few dollars, counting coin rolls with his mom, and learning the hard way that a $60 Pac-Man game isn't what a nine-year-old thinks it is.Chris Hill talks with Dan about:- What the billable-hours model of law firms taught him about misaligned incentives- How he and his wife structured their finances before getting married- One change he would make to the US tax code- The money lesson he wishes he'd learned at 19 Make your tastebuds happy! Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10%.What's your favorite movie or TV series about money? Tell us at [email protected] clip – “Wall Street”
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Skin in the Game: Why Your Investments Should Match Your Convictions (Brian Stoffel)
What if the stocks you believe in the most are the ones you actually own? Brian Stoffel spent years as a teacher before stumbling into investing — and one experiment changed everything. After reading Nassim Taleb's Skin in the Game, he went back and coded 300 of his own articles into two buckets: companies he wrote about positively that he owned, and companies he wrote about positively that he didn't. The results were striking. The stocks he owned outperformed the market. The ones he didn't own underperformed — by a wide margin.Brian talks with Chris Hill about what that experiment taught him about conviction investing, why he looks for companies that get stronger under stress, and what his unconventional path (from rural Iowa to DC classrooms to Costa Rica) taught him about the relationship between money and the things that actually matter in life, as well as:- The reason he actively avoided money for most of his early life- A mistake with whole life insurance he made as a 1st-year teacher- What Nassim Taleb and a small Iowa college basketball team have in common- Why he doesn’t “fight the universe”Find more from Brian at LongTermMindset.coWhat’s your favorite movie or TV series about money? Tell us at [email protected] Markets is the best wrap-up of the day on Wall Street. Sign up for FREE at BrewMarkets.com/moneyOpening clip – “Heist”
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How a Music Teacher Went From $50 on Robinhood to Hosting an Investing Podcast (Jeff Santoro)
In January 2020, Jeff Santoro deposited $50 into a Robinhood account and started buying penny stocks. He had no idea what he was doing. Two months later, the pandemic hit — and he suddenly had a lot of time to figure it out.Santoro spent 12 years teaching music and has spent the past 13 as a school administrator. He is also the co-host of Investing Unscripted, a podcast he built from scratch (with Jason Hall) after becoming obsessed with investing in his 40s. His path there runs through a false sense of security about his pension, a wife who quietly knew more about money than he did, and a data obsession that started in high school when he was tracking every dollar he spent on Quicken.Chris Hill talks with Jeff about:- How having a pension made him dangerously complacent about saving and investing for decades- Catching both Charlie Munger's last Berkshire Hathaway meeting and Warren Buffett's last as CEO (neither time intentionally)- The one financial rule he's given his kids that he wishes someone had given him at their age- Why being “penny wise and pound foolish” is the category of spending he regrets mostWhat's the last thing you splurged on? Tell us at [email protected] to instantly improve your cooking? Go to dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. Opening clip – “The Big Short”
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He Gave Himself a PhD in Investing — One Audiobook at a Time (Brian Feroldi)
Brian Feroldi grew up in Rhode Island as a born saver — the kind of kid who hoarded his lunch money candy rather than eating it, just to watch his collection grow. His dad was a CFO. His mom raised money for the ALS Association. Nobody sat him down and explained how investing worked. That part he had to figure out on his own.A financial educator, YouTuber, and author of the book Why Does the Stock Market Go Up?, Brian joins Chris Hill to talk about the long road from money-illiterate college graduate to one of the most-followed investing educators on the internet. He shares:- Why he chose his college major purely to save $5,000 a year in tuition — and why the classroom demographics sealed the deal- How 40,000 miles a year on the road became an unlikely PhD in business and investing, while his coworkers listened to Howard Stern- What Charlie Munger understood about incentives that most investors still get wrong — and why stock-based compensation at most public companies is completely broken- Why he regrets his MBA (and it’s not because of the money it cost)What is something you bought that makes you happy? Tell us at [email protected] the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis! Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unpluggedOpening clip – “Neal Brennan: 3 Mics”
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He Cashed Out His 401(k) to Pay for a Round of Golf. He Understands Compounding Now. (Jason Hall)
Jason Hall grew up in rural Georgia watching his dad treat money the way most people treat a hot potato — get it and spend it as fast as you can. Nobody talked about saving. Nobody talked about investing. The plan, such as it was, was to fix up a beat-up old truck his grandfather gave him, pulling parts from the junkyard ten miles down the road, and figure the rest out later.Co-host of the Investing Unscripted podcast and a contributor to The Motley Fool for over a decade, Jason joins Chris Hill to talk about the long, expensive road from that junkyard to genuine financial clarity. He shares:- Why dropping out of college to sell electronics at Circuit City felt like the smart move — and how money locked him into a career path he never planned on- The moment his girlfriend's savings account and an unauthorized speaker purchase nearly ended their relationship before it really began- How he cashed out his 401(k) to pay for a round of golf with two guys whose names he can't remember — and what that decision is worth in today's dollars- The conversation he had with his wife before walking away from a six-figure sales job to write about investing for half the payWhat's the last thing you splurged on? Tell us at [email protected] to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10%.Opening clip – “Nate Bargatze: Hello World”
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What Do You Actually Want Money to Buy? (Tyler Gardner)
Tyler Gardner grew up eating Cheerios from a bag on a Vermont ski slope while other kids bought hot chocolate. That early lesson about money — absorbed more than taught — sent him on one of the more unconventional paths in personal finance: from stealing grocery money as a kid, to Andover on financial aid, to teaching English at prep schools for a decade, to becoming a financial advisor who thinks most people are asking the wrong question about wealth.The right question, Gardner argues, isn't how much can I accumulate — it's what do I actually want money to buy? For him, knowing the answer changed everything.Chris Hill talks with Tyler about:- Growing up in a household where money was never discussed — and the ski slope memory that first made him realize it mattered- Attending Andover on financial aid and getting his first glimpse of generational wealth on a spring break trip to Palm Beach- How a disastrous retirement fund presentation pushed him out of the classroom and into financial advising- The one thing he wishes he'd understood at 15 that he still has to explain to 60-year-olds todayWhat's the last thing you splurged on? [email protected] Markets is the best wrap-up of the day on Wall Street.Sign up for free at BrewMarkets.com/moneyOpening clip – “Landman”
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From $28K Salary to $1M Net Worth: What I Got Wrong About Money (Andy Hill)
Andy Hill hit a million-dollar net worth — and the first thing he did was sell part of his brokerage account and buy a Ford Mustang. It's the kind of decision that makes more sense once you understand how he got there.The host of the “Marriage Kids and Money” podcast and the author of Own Your Time, Hill grew up in Michigan learning early lessons about saving, investing, and building wealth. Guided by a mother who emphasized frugality and a father who built a career from the ground up, he developed a strong financial foundation — even as investing mistakes and market swings tested his path to financial independence.Chris Hill (no relation) talks with Andy about:- Buying a house at 22 with money he'd saved and invested — and why breaking even a decade later still stings- Falling in and out of love with investing, from tech mutual funds to a WWF stock purchase he'd rather forget- What he and his wife got wrong about money early in their marriage — and how 16 years later they're still figuring it out- The one investing move he wishes he'd made earlier — and why it requires almost no skill to pull offWhat's the last thing you splurged on? [email protected] to instantly improve your cooking? Go to dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. Opening clip – “Grand Canyon”
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I Fell for a Ponzi Scheme in My 20s. Here’s What It Taught Me About Investing. (Laura Adams)
Getting burned on a bad investment early in life can do one of two things: swear you off investing forever, or teach you exactly what kind of investor you want to become. For Laura Adams, it did the latter.Host of the Money Girl podcast — one of the longest-running personal finance podcasts in the world, with more than 1,000 episodes — Adams grew up in Charleston, SC, in a household where money was never discussed. That silence may be exactly why she became obsessed with it. Her earliest money memory involves sorting coins into paper wrappers for her father's business. Her first checking account came at age 12, when she begged her mother for one just so she could balance it.Chris Hill talks with Laura about:- How falling for a Ponzi scheme in her twenties turned her into a committed index investor who doesn't look back- Buying a struggling flooring business with her husband knowing nothing about flooring — and selling it four years later at a profit- The 2-year plan she and her husband made to eliminate their credit card debt as newlyweds, and why paying it off felt better than she expected- Why the money rules that help you build wealth can actually work against you when it's time to spend itWhat is something you bought that makes you happy? Tell us at [email protected] to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unpluggedOpening clip - "Succession"
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Why Hating Your Job Might Be the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You (Alison Fragale)
The best job is one you love. The second best? One you hate. Organizational psychologist Alison Fragale learned this the hard way — trading a McKinsey consulting career she couldn't stand for a Stanford PhD and a calling she never would have found otherwise.A professor at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and author of the bestseller Likeable Badass, Fragale grew up in Pittsburgh shaped by a father who made sure his daughter never had to think twice about what she put in the grocery cart. That early imprint on money followed her through Dartmouth, into consulting, and eventually into a career spent studying how people earn power, status, and influence.She talks with Chris Hill about:- Why the people most stuck in their careers are neither miserable nor happy — and what to do about it- A financial concept she didn't encounter until her late thirties that completely changed how she thinks about giving- Why she bought the car she'd wanted for decades, immediately regretted it, and refuses to get rid of it anyway- The one habit she believes is both the most generous thing you can do for others AND the most strategic thing you can do for yourselfCheck out Alison's book Likeable Badass at alisonfragale.com.What's the last thing you splurged on? Tell us at [email protected] to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10%.Opening clip – “Heist”
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The Investing Strategy That Quietly Outperforms — and Almost Nobody Under 40 Uses (Matt Argersinger)
Dividend stocks don’t get the hype of high-growth tech names — but they’ve quietly delivered some of the market’s best long-term returns.Investor Matt Argersinger joins Chris Hill to break down why dividend-paying companies can outperform, why younger investors shouldn’t ignore them, and how the stigma around dividends began to fade. They discuss:- The myth that dividend stocks are “for retirees”- Losing his first $500 investing in a failed computer company- The shift in investor thinking after companies like Apple embraced dividends- When growth stocks make sense — and when they don’tBrew Markets is the best wrap-up of the day on Wall Street.Sign up for free at BrewMarkets.com/money What's the last thing you splurged on? Tell us [email protected] clip - "Chinatown"
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The Day I Landed in New York, Bear Stearns Collapsed (Douglas Boneparth)
What's it like to start over in a new city on the day the financial world begins to fall apart? Douglas Boneparth flew into JFK in October 2008 with four boxes and a mattress to buy — and landed in the middle of the Great Financial Crisis. He didn't go home.Boneparth is a CFP, president of Bone Fide Wealth, and co-author with his wife Heather of Money Together. His path to New York started in the retirement communities of Boca Raton, where as a teenager he and his brother ran a computer repair business charging $30 an hour to teach elderly neighbors how to use AOL. It ended (or began, depending on how you look at it) with him telling his father he wasn't joining the family financial planning firm and buying a one-way ticket north.Chris Hill talks with Douglas about:- Growing up the son of a financial advisor who taught him the business of wealth management but assumed the rest would take care of itself- Why walking away from a family succession plan was the hardest financial decision he ever made — and why he'd make it again- How he and Heather approached $200,000 in law school debt not as a crisis but as a problem two capable people could solve together- Why the most reliable path to financial success is almost always the most boring oneCheck out Money Together, the best-selling book Douglas wrote with his wife Heather. What’s a purchase you still regret? Tell us at [email protected] clip - "Succession"
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The Difference Between Investing and Allocating Capital — And Why It Matters (Tim Hanson)
Tim Hanson didn’t set out to become a capital allocator.Today he’s the President and CIO at Permanent Equity, helping steward long-term investments in private companies built to last. But his path to investing included playwriting, early stock picks, and lessons about money that started in childhood. Chris Hill talks with Tim about what separates investing from allocating capital — and why the distinction matters, as well as:- The first stock Tim ever bought (and what he learned from it)- How Permanent Equity thinks about holding businesses for decades- Raising kids who understand ownership- A surprising purchase that says more about capital discipline than you’d thinkLooking for the best wrap-up of the day on Wall Street? Sign up for the free daily Brew Markets email at BrewMarkets.com/money What’s the last thing you splurged on?Share your story at [email protected] clip - "Glengarry Glen Ross"
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Why Money Decisions Are Never Just About Math (Beth Pinsker)
Personal finance isn’t just math—it’s memory, emotion, and lived experience.Chris Hill talks with MarketWatch columnist Beth Pinsker about why money decisions feel so hard, especially during life’s biggest transitions. Drawing from her work as a journalist and financial planner, Beth breaks down caregiving, taxes, and end-of-life planning in ways that actually make sense. They discuss:- How childhood money experiences shape adult behavior- What financial planners can—and can’t—help with during crises- Why “bad choices” are sometimes the only choices- What she learned about profit, inventory, and responsibility while illegally selling soft drinks on the beaches of Atlantic CityOpening clip – “The Princess Bride”Beth’s new book, My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving, can be found at BethPinsker.com.What’s the last thing you splurged on?Got a purchase you regret and still think about? Share your story at [email protected]
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She Built a Life Around Karate and Money. Here's What They Have in Common. (Denise Coursey)
Denise Coursey didn’t grow up talking about investing—but she did grow up learning respect for money.Raised in a blue-collar, union household, Denise became a first-generation college student, took early career risks as a writer and editor, and eventually became a small business owner. Along the way, she developed strong views on scarcity, financial independence, and why “having enough” doesn’t always quiet the money noise in your head.Chris Hill talks with Denise about:•Why karate became a lifelong practice—and eventually a business•Taking creative and career risks without a financial safety net•How separate bank accounts reduced money stress in her marriage•Redefining “splurging” as time, not dollarsOpening clip – “Tom Papa: What A Day!”Want to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unpluggedMore info about Denise's business at VirginiaDojo.comSend your questions and comments to [email protected]
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Why Reaching Your Money "Number" Rarely Brings Peace of Mind (Carl Richards)
Money anxiety often starts long before our first paycheck. For Carl Richards, it showed up as “static in the air” growing up around unspoken financial stress—and it shaped everything that came after.In this candid conversation, Carl reflects on how early experiences with money quietly influence our beliefs about risk, security, and success. From diving for golf balls as a kid to accidentally landing a job in finance, he shares the moments that taught him why money is never just about numbers—and why comparison keeps so many of us from ever feeling like we have enough. Chris and Carl explore:•Why money stress is often felt before it’s ever discussed•How childhood experiences shape our financial behavior as adults•Why hitting a financial “number” rarely brings peace of mind•Carl’s belief that money’s natural state is flow, not accumulation•How he now thinks about purpose, profit, and permission in his workOpening clip – “John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid”Check out Carl’s new book Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in 101 Simple SketchesSend your questions and comments to [email protected] to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off the best chili garlic crunch in America!
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The Financial Industry Keeps Getting This Wrong — And It's Costing You (Cullen Roche)
Why does so much financial advice feel urgent—yet miss what actually matters?Chris Hill talks with Cullen Roche, investor, author, and founder of Discipline Funds, about why the financial industry continues to misunderstand time, incentives, and risk—and how that confusion shapes the advice people receive.In this conversation, they discuss:- How growing up in a large family influenced his views on ownership and responsibility- Early investing losses that reshaped Cullen’s view of risk- The role financial media plays in distorting expectations- Why many families avoid open conversations about money—and the cost of that silenceOpening clip – “F1”Check out Cullen’s new book Your Perfect Portfolio: The ultimate guide to using the world's most powerful investing strategies.Want to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unpluggedSend your questions and comments to [email protected]
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Why Smart, Capable People Still Avoid Looking at Their Finances (Nick Wolny)
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”Send your questions and comments to [email protected] to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unplugged
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The Dan Pink Episode Our Listeners Keep Coming Back To
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 Looking to fuel your workouts AND save money? Go to Pacers and get 10% off your order when you use the promo code “MONEY”.Email the show! [email protected]
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'Twas the Night Before Christmas...
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”Email us [email protected]
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“It’s A Wonderful Life would have been improved if there was a bit of violence in the movie.” (Bill Barker & Bill Mann)
We’re back with more holiday-themed conversations on topics only loosely connected to money! Motley Fool senior analyst Bill Barker and Bill Mann, Chief Investment Strategist at Motley Fool Asset Management, share: - Regrettable holiday purchases- Songs we enjoy despite popular opinion- Our individual Mt. Rushmores of holiday movies- The legend of the Sourtoe Cocktail (Yes, really)Opening clip – “Elf”Looking for a last-minute gift for the book lover in your life? Order a copy of Oh, Christmas Tree today!Enjoy awesome holiday music you WON’T hear on your local radio station.Email us [email protected]
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We Analyzed Santa's Business. Here's Our Verdict. (Bill Barker & Bill Mann)
Santa has run his company for centuries. It’s arguably the most admirable business in the world. But is it profitable? Motley Fool senior analyst Bill Barker and Bill Mann, Chief Investment Strategist at Motley Fool Asset Management, break down the company’s revenue streams and discuss: - Why KGE’s logistics are “state of the art”- The relative negotiating power of Santa's elves- How cryptocurrency may be boosting the bottom line- Mismatched holiday-themed buddy cop pairings (Yes, really.)Opening clip – “Money Train” You can find behind-the-scenes info about the show at www.moneyunpluggedpod.com. Email us [email protected]
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The #1 Trait Successful Entrepreneurs Need (David Simnick)
You don’t start your own newspaper business when you’re in grade school unless you have entrepreneurship running through your veins. Fortunately for David Simnick, he had parents who indulged his ventures from an early age. Now the co-founder and CEO of Soapbox Soaps (one of the fastest-growing companies in America), David shares: - The military career he came close to pursuing- Early business ventures that failed- How “money is a fuel to go after what really matters”- Why he unabashedly loves his Shop-VacOpening clip – “Billions”Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your limited-edition Holiday Gift Pack!Use the promo code “MoneyUnplugged25” to get 25% off anything you order at Soapboxsoaps.com.Send your questions and comments to [email protected]
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“Enjoy every sandwich.” A Thanksgiving Story (or two)
Happy Thanksgiving! Need a little break from your family & friends? Take a walk or go for a drive as Chris Hill reveals how a listener email led him to spend an entire day in Atlanta with the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia. Plus, he shares:- 3 big Thanksgiving traditions in the U.S.- How two approaches to charitable giving (that have come up on the podcast) tie in to one of his favorite organizations, the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen- Tina Fey’s opinion of the only true reward in lifeOpening clip – “Wall Street”Email [email protected] w/ your questions, suggestions, and more.
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He Gave His Parents a Great Stock Tip. He Didn't Follow His Own Advice. (Adam Felber)
Long before he was a regular panelist on NPR’s popular show "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" and his writing was nominated for primetime Emmy Awards, Adam Felber was a Long Island kid with a voracious appetite for reading. Attending Tufts University he found his interest in writing, while outside the classroom he discovered a new love of comedy performance as one of the youngest members of ImprovBoston. Over a career that includes acting, creating television series, writing comic books (as well as regular books), Adam shares:- His dad being great at his job but bad at money- The incredible stock tip he gave his parents (but not himself)- How the tv series Succession works better as a comedy- Why it’s so important to “find your bliss”Opening clip – “Kathleen Madigan: Gone Madigan”Send your questions and comments to [email protected] to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unplugged
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He Bombed His Wall Street Interview. Here's Where He Ended Up. (Matt Koppenheffer)
In middle school, Matt Koppenheffer figured out which neighbors would pay the most and which driveways were easiest to shovel — and planned his snow routes accordingly. That early instinct for value served him well. What came next served as a master class in learning things the hard way.A UPenn economics grad, Matt lined up interviews at Goldman Sachs, Bear Stearns, and Credit Suisse — and walked into them knowing almost nothing about investment banking. At Credit Suisse, analysts who'd seen it all sniffed him out immediately and tore him apart. At Goldman Sachs, he told the interviewers he'd need to be placed in their West Coast office — because he wasn't going to leave the woman he loved. They looked at him like he'd lost his mind. He followed her to San Francisco anyway, landed at a boutique firm, and eventually found his way to the forefront of the AI revolution.Now a writer and advisor covering AI and investing, Matt joins Chris Hill to talk about:- Why the family that stiffed him on a blizzard-day shoveling job taught him more about negotiation than any class he took at Penn- The stock market game that high school teachers love — and why it teaches young investors exactly the wrong lessons- Why the AI financing world is "really incestuous" right now, and what that tells you about where we are in the cycle- The unlikely movie that best captures how he thinks about money — and why both the character chasing wealth and the one rejecting it end up miserableWant to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unpluggedTo get Matt’s latest insights on AI and more, go to MattKoppenheffer.comOpening clip – “Good Fortune”
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Investing in AI: A Guide for Long-Term Investors (John Rotonti)
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries—but what does it mean for long-term investors?In this episode, veteran investor and portfolio manager at Bastion Fiduciary, John Rotonti joins Chris Hill to talk about investing in AI through a disciplined, long-term lens. Rather than chasing hype, John explains how investors can think clearly about innovation, competitive advantage, and risk when evaluating fast-moving technologies. They discuss:- How to approach AI investing without speculation- What long-term investors should look for beyond headlines- The risks of hype-driven decision-making- Why patience still matters—even in rapidly changing marketsSpice up your Thanksgiving with recipes from Dizzy Pig! Go to DizzyPigBBQ.com to get holiday recipes and 10% off when you use the promo code “money”. Send your questions and comments to [email protected] clip - "Succession"
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Heather Boneparth's Path from $200,000 in Debt to Financially Unstoppable
Heather Boneparth's financial journey didn't start with a spreadsheet. It started with a fight with her grandfather at age 8 — and a lesson about money that took decades to unlearn.The last thing her grandfather ever said to her was that all that matters in the world is your blood and your money. Growing up as the only child and grandchild on both sides of her family, Heather internalized early that money meant love — and that withholding it meant you weren't enough. Those messages followed her from South Jersey to the University of Florida, through law school, and into a career she chose not out of passion but out of a fierce need to never have to ask anyone for anything again.The director of business and legal affairs at Bone Fide Wealth — and co-author of the new book Money Together, written with her husband Douglas — Heather talks with Chris Hill about:- Why she chose law school over journalism, and what the 2008 financial crisis did to that plan- Carrying more than $200,000 in student loan debt into a new relationship — with a man who happened to be a financial advisor — and the shame that came with it- How the pandemic quietly rewrote the power dynamics in her marriage, and why money conversations are never a straight line- What she wishes someone had told her earlier: that time is a greater currency than moneyCheck out Heather's new book Money Together.TIKR can help you find the best stocks and follow top investors. Try it for free at tikr.com/unpluggedOpening clip - "Your Friend, Nate Bargatze"
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He Cleaned the Pools of the Rich and Famous. Now He Teaches Others How to Invest. (Todd Wenning)
Decades before he started KNA Capital, a boutique investment firm, Todd Wenning got an up-close look at the homes of the rich and famous as he cleaned their swimming pools. He takes a break from teaching finance at the University of Dayton to discuss: - Why his love of history resulted in a college degree from St. Joseph’s University but not a career - Getting a job at The Vanguard Group - Making his students study corporate fraud by reading “The Smartest Guys In The Room” - The movie scene he uses to teach his students about bank solvencyOpening clip – “The House”TIKR can help you find the best stocks and follow top investors. Try it for free at tikr.com/unpluggedCheck out Todd's blog Flyover Stocks!
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He Got His MBA, Took Out $80,000 in Loans, and Then Discovered Stand-Up Comedy (Paul Ollinger)
Growing up with five siblings, Paul Ollinger vividly recalls the lengths to which his "frugal" parents would go to avoid spending money. While getting his MBA at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, he discovered his love of stand-up comedy after he’d taken out $80,000 in student loans. Now busy with his comedy career and hosting the podcast "Reasonably Happy", Paul shares:- How he ended up as an executive at Yahoo and Facebook- Why the opposite of broke is not rich- An expensive item he bought that his friends just didn’t notice- The 1 thing about money that “never stops”Opening clip – “Wall Street”Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order of the best chili garlic crunch in the world! Question or comment for the show? Email [email protected]
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How to Build a Healthy Obsession with Investing (Bryan Hinmon)
Some people come to investing later in life. But when Bryan Hinmon was a teenager, he was determined to make it his career. In choosing a college, he picked one of the few in the country that had a student-managed fund so he could get experience as quickly as possible. Now the Chief Investment Officer at Maridea Wealth Management, Bryan discusses:- Why you don’t want to challenge him to a contest bagging groceries- The 1st thing he looks for in an annual report- Balancing money in his personal life- What the hit comedy show “Arrested Development” can teach people about moneyOpening clip – “Sinners”TIKR can help you find the best stocks and follow top investors.Try it for free at tikr.com/unplugged.---------------------------------------------------------Disclaimer The Lawyers Asked Us To IncludeThis episode features Bryan Hinmon, Chief Investment Officer of Maridea who is also an equity owner of the firm, an investment advisor representative providing investment advice to clients, and has the ability to execute transactions in the same securities for both himself personally and for his clients. These affiliations and circumstances create a conflict of interest, as Bryan Hinmon has a financial interest in the success of Maridea, his personal investment accounts, and may benefit from this podcast. As such, listeners should not construe his statements as impartial or unbiased. Prospective clients should consult with their own financial, legal, and tax advisors prior to making any investment decision.Maridea wealth Management, LLC (“Maridea’) is an SEC registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training. For additional information and important disclosures, please visit www.marideawealth.com.
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Revisiting Morgan Housel w/ a Sneak Preview of His New Book "The Art of Spending Money"
Bestselling author Morgan Housel’s latest book, “The Art Of Spending Money” will hit stores on October 7. So, it seems like a good time to revisit the conversation we had with him nearly a year ago. As an added bonus, we’ve got a sneak preview of the opening chapter of his new book! Morgan discusses: - His teenage dream of becoming an investment banker - The inspiration he found in an interest payment of $0.03 - A restaurant job that made him feel rich - His (very) brief career as a stock picker Plus, we share the opening 5 minutes of Chapter 1 of his brand new book!Opening clip – “Boiler Room"TIKR can help you find the best stocks and follow top investors.Try it for free at tikr.com/unplugged.
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35
Why a Credit Card Expert Owns 20 of Them — and What That Tells You About Managing Money (Sara Rathner)
When she was in high school Sara Rathner knew she wanted to be a journalist. But it wasn’t until after she graduated from Northwestern University and working at The Washington Post that the “money light” flipped on for her. (It helped that her mother was sending her books written by personal finance expert Suze Orman.) Now a senior writer, credit card expert, and spokesperson for Nerdwallet, Sara shares: - How growing up in Miami is not what most people think - The rationale behind her 20 credit cards - Why “money TOTALLY buys happiness” - An underrated 1980’s finance film she loves the mostOpening clip – “Casablanca”Make your food taste better with Dizzy Pig! Use the promo code “money” at DizzyPigBBQ.com to get 10% off your 1st order.Got a question or comment for the show? Email [email protected] to contact us.
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34
The Lazy Teenager Who Became One of Investing's Great Rule Breakers (David Gardner)
Because he was a self-described “lazy bum” as a teenager, David Gardner’s mother got him a job near their home. In 1980, mowing lawns in the DC summer heat was no picnic and the job didn’t pay well. But it led to surprising mentorship that fed his interest in a relatively new technology: home computers. David shares some important themes from his new book, Rule Breaker Investing: How to Pick the Best Stocks of the Future and Build Lasting Wealth, and discusses: - How he followed his father’s career advice - What’s behind his above-average comfort level with risk - Board games vs. VR headsets - His “mediocre” track record in one type of investing Opening clip – “Moneyball”TIKR can help you find the best stocks and follow top investors. Try it for free at tikr.com/unplugged.
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33
There's One Financial Word His Father Never Uses. It Changed How Nick Maggiulli Thinks About Money.
When he entered Stanford University in the fall of 2008, Nick Maggiulli didn’t realize he would be studying economics while having a front-row seat at the start of the Great Financial Crisis. As the Chief Operating Officer at Ritholtz Wealth Management and author of the recent New York Times bestseller The Wealth Ladder, Nick opens up about: - How the Tooth Fairy made him skeptical about money - The financial word his father never says - A cost-effective charitable cause he supports - 2 investing movies he lovesOpening clip – “Margin Call”Find the best stocks and follow top investors for free! Go to tikr.com/unplugged
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Why I’m Happier In a Bear Market (Jill Schlesinger)
Somewhere along the way, Jill Schlesinger discovered that she didn’t like making money as much as she thought she would. An award-winning business analyst for CBS News, author, Certified Financial Planner, and host of the popular “Jill On Money” podcast and radio show, Jill has pretty much done and seen it all in her career. In this conversation she discusses: - Her experiences on the trading floor - Why she sees financial planning as a 50/50 proposition - Homer Simpson’s insight on sports betting - 1 money question everyone should askOpening clip – “We’re The Millers”Make your tastebuds happy! Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order of the best chili garlic crunch in the universe! Got a question or comment for the show? Email [email protected]
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3 Stories Our Guests Didn't Share the First Time (Dan Pink, Clark Howard & David Brancaccio)
We’re wrapping up the summer with a sneak preview of upcoming guests and Chris Hill sharing three behind-the-scenes stories from episodes earlier this year, including: - What David Brancaccio neglected to share about his 1st job in radio- An item Dan Pink wished he could have splurged on - The time Clark Howard cut into Uber’s business in AtlantaOpening clip - “Back To School”Got a favorite story or quote from the show? Drop an email to [email protected] you a music fan? Find your favorite artist here: https://masscommons.wordpress.com/category/music/
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"The Beatles were in a 95% tax bracket.” (Ross Anderson & Dan Messeca)
Which musical artists are genuinely smart about money? We explore that question with Ross Anderson and Dan Messeca, co-founders of Craftwork Capital and co-hosts of the hit financial podcast “Check Your Balances”, and discuss: - Songs with bad financial advice- The funniest lyrics about money- Documentaries and feature films we love about the music industry- Highlights from musical artists including 2 Chainz, Katy Perry, Hall & Oates, Ludacris, Robert Palmer, Taylor Swift, Jimmy Buffett, David Bowie, Dan Aykroyd and more!Opening clip – “Almost Famous”Email [email protected] to share your favorite song about money!
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"I do the shows for free. They pay me to travel." (Ross Anderson & Dan Messeca)
Of all the different entertainment industries, is the business of music the most…crooked? We explore that question with Ross Anderson and Dan Messeca, co-founders of Craftwork Capital and co-hosts of the hit financial podcast “Check Your Balances”, and discuss: - Our favorite songs about money- Behind-the-scenes stories about money in the music industry- Songs that feature smart financial advice- Highlights from musical artists including Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, Queen, Zac Brown Band, Barenaked Ladies, Macklemore, Dr. Dre, and more!Opening clip – “Ray”What’s your favorite song about money? Email [email protected] to let us know.
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”Why are there so many horror movies? Money.” (Bill Barker & Chris Harris)
How do movie studios create (and dispose of) fake money?Find out in part two of our roundtable discussion about money in movies! Senior counsel Chris Harris and Motley Fool senior analyst and advisor Bill Barker discuss movies that have under-the-radar financial plots, as well as their favorite movie quotes about money. Plus, they share: - The profitable world of horror films- Movies with amazing ROI - Highlights from classic films including The Big Lebowski, Jaws, Aliens, The Dark Knight, Rocky, Mad Max, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, Glengarry Glen Ross and more!Opening clip – “The Third Man”What’s your favorite movie about money? Email us @[email protected]
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Which Fictional Movie Business Would You Invest In? (Bill Barker & Chris Harris)
We’re kicking off August with a roundtable discussion about money in movies! Senior counsel Chris Harris and Motley Fool senior analyst and advisor Bill Barker discuss how box office receipts and money have become part of the everyday conversation about movies. Plus, they share: - 1st movie they saw that involved money in a big way- Which fictional business from a movie they would invest in- Their favorite heist movies- Highlights from Trading Places, Ghostbusters, WALL*E, The Hudsucker Proxy, Batman Begins, Monsters Inc., Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, The Sting, Inside Man and much moreOpening clip – “Grand Canyon”For behind-the-scenes information about the show go to www.moneyunpluggedpod.com.
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She Covered Money for a Living and Still Had to Learn It the Hard Way (Tess Vigeland)
An award-winning journalist and longtime Marketplace Radio veteran, Tess Vigeland faced two very different career paths when she was thinking about college. But for someone who earned acclaim for hosting a show about money, it turns out the topic was less compelling to her than finding the best way to tell stories about money. From her home in Portland, Oregon, Tess shares:- Growing up in a home where money was never discussed- The story behind her best-selling book Leap - Why she has 12 credit cards - Her unabashed fandom of “Shark Tank”Opening clip – “All The President’s Men”Go to www.dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY”, get 10% off your 1st order, and make your tastebuds happy! Question or comment for the show? Email us: [email protected]
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Author of "The Power of Habit" Has a Few Habits Around Money He'd Like to Change (Charles Duhigg)
Before he was a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, before he was the author of bestselling books like The Power of Habit and Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, Charles Duhigg learned about money at the dinner table with his nine siblings. In this conversation he shares:- The creative ways his father, an attorney, would impart lessons about valuation- Why he believes everyone should plan for success- How he took advantage of a big sale on airplane tickets (only to have it backfire)- His favorite movie quote about moneyOpening clip – “Chris Rock: Never Scared”Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. #FoodIsLoveFind highlights and more information about the show at www.moneyunpluggedpod.com.
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Buying a Home at 19 Changed My Money Path (Malcolm Ethridge)
When he was in grade school, Malcolm Ethridge created a business with great economics: Buy a box of Fruit Roll-Ups for $5 and sell them individually to his classmates for $2 apiece. While the school’s administrators disapproved, it turned out to be an early sign of the work ethic he would carry throughout his life. Now a certified financial planner, founder of the Capital Area Planning Group, and a regular contributor on CNBC, Malcolm takes a break during his work day to discuss: - Buying a house when he was 19 so he could save money on college tuition - The motivation behind his book Financial Independence Doesn’t Happen By Accident - Two TV series about money he has watched multiple times - Why there is an above-average amount of footwear in his home Opening clip – “Up In The Air” Who’s been your favorite guest so far? Email [email protected] to let us know!Want to save money on workout gear? Go to www.runpacers.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order.
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Why Financial Independence Matters in Every Relationship
We’re celebrating July 4th with three of our favorite stories from guests about financial freedom and independence, including: - Clark Howard on how smart financial habits can “create freedom in your life”- Linda Rottenberg on setting up bank accounts with your significant other- David Brancaccio on what he wished he’d known earlier in life about moneyOpening clip - “Heist”Got a favorite story or quote from the show? Drop an email to [email protected]
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22
Faith, Finance, and Long-Term Money Decisions (Robert Brokamp)
“I submitted a fraudulent birth certificate to McDonald's so I could work there.”Just because Robert Brokamp was studying to become a priest doesn’t mean he didn’t bend the occasional rule when he was younger. Now recognized as one of the top personal finance experts in America, he’s written or co-authored thousands of articles and several books on the topic of money. In this conversation Robert discusses: - Having a reputation as “a spendthrift” when he was young - The coworker who changed his mind about becoming a priest - A radio show and a website that got him interested in investing - Kermit the Frog, CEOOpening clip – “Smokey & The Bandit”Go to www.dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY”, get 10% off your 1st order, and start grilling!Question or comment for the show? Email us: [email protected]
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His First Trip to the Bank as a Kid Ended in an Armed Robbery. That's Not Even the Most Interesting Part. (Emmet Savage)
“Talking about money was analogous to talking about religion. You just didn't do it.”Growing up in Ireland, Emmet Savage learned about investing from his father. While he would go on to become the co-founder and Chief Investor at MyWallSt, and co-creator of the investment conference Investicon, his early career was in a completely different industry. In this candid conversation Emmet shares:- His first trip to the bank when he was a child coinciding with a robbery- Establishing “the rules of engagement” regarding money in a relationship- The 3 types of charities (and which one he prioritizes)- Which item he purchased from the estate of Freddy MercuryOpening clip - “The Wolf of Wall Street” Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. #FoodIsLoveFor more details on Investicon 2025 go to investicon.ie
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His Grandfather Taught Him to Invest. Here's the Money Lesson He Adds to That Advice. (Joe Magyer)
”It's great to save, it's great to be putting things aside. But make sure that so long as you're hitting those savings goals that you're treating yourself at some point.”For as far back as he can remember, Joe Magyer was interested in investing. Encouraged and taught by his grandfather, he studied business and finance before stepping into a career in the investing world. Taking a quick break from his role as managing director of Seaplane Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm, and host of the podcast “Investing In Startups”, Joe shares: - A behind-the-scenes look at his 1st business - Why investment banking wasn’t for him - What he thinks Berkshire-Hathaway will look like when Warren Buffett is gone - The “3-2-1” approach he swears byOpening clip – “The Gambler” Question or comment for the show? Email us: [email protected] to save money on workout gear? Go to www.runpacers.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order.
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From Homeless Teenager to CFO: Money Talk w/ Greg Haygood
“The original plan was always for me to go to school and live that typical life. But it didn't work out, so I had to make my own plan.”Before the age of 20, Greg Haygood spent a number of years in what he calls “survival mode”. How did he go from living on his own as a teenager in a homeless shelter to a successful career as a finance executive? Perseverance. From his office in Washington, DC, Greg discusses: - His creative approach to joining the United States Marine Corps - Why he “almost exclusively” reads books about finance (and three that he thinks don’t get the attention they deserve) - Teaching his son about money by offering a high interest rate - A Peabody Award-winning TV series about moneyOpening clip - "The Wire" Go to www.dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY”, get 10% off your 1st order, and make your tastebuds happy! Question or comment for the show? Email us: [email protected]
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Money Unplugged is a weekly podcast about the personal side of money — the stories, anxieties, decisions, and turning points that shape how real people earn, save, spend, and invest.Host Chris Hill talks with investors, entrepreneurs, journalists, comedians, and financial experts about their earliest money memories, their biggest financial mistakes, and what they've learned along the way. Guests include bestselling authors Morgan Housel and Dan Pink, CNBC host Becky Quick, NerdWallet's Sara Rathner, Motley Fool co-founder David Gardner, and many more.Whether you're working through debt, just starting to invest, building a business, or thinking differently about financial independence — this show is for you. No hot takes. No hype. Just honest conversations about money and the people who've learned to make it work for them.New episodes every Friday. Follow Money Unplugged and never miss a conversation.
HOSTED BY
Chris Hill
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