Weird Finance

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Braxton Brewington about debtor’s unions and why they’re important, how debt is used as a form of power, how unions and collectives can work together and create leverage, debt strikes, and the state of student loans. Braxton Brewington is an organizer and spokesperson for the Debt Collective (@thdebtcollective) —the nation's first union of debtors. Braxton is a North Carolina native and proud North Carolina A&T State University graduate—the nation's largest HBCU. Braxton has worked on several local and national political campaigns from New Hampshire to Georgia. Most recently, Braxton has been working with the Debt Collective leading the charge to cancel student debt. Currently, Braxton is a Sociology PhD student at UNC Chapel Hill, where he'll be researching social movements and the media. This episode also features a segment called Slow and Steady with Leo by Leo Aquino (@queerandtranswealth), an award-winning author, poet, and anti-capitalist personal finance expert.  A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode.  Thank you to Gabe Sena and Jenna Parker for lending your voice to our special PSA.  The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Stay in touch and sign up for Paco’s weekly email newsletter, The Nerdletter.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Erin Lowry about her latest book, Broke Millennial Workbook, how she’s changed her advice on emergency fund savings, ways to move away from hyper-individualistic thinking to community-based thinking, how to have conversations with your parents about money, and advice for people who are struggling in the current economy. Erin Lowry (@brokemillennialblog) is the author of Broke Millennial, Broke Millennial Takes On Investing, Broke Millennial Talks Money and Broke Millennial Workbook. Her first book was named by MarketWatch as one of the best money books of 2017 and by Business Insider as one of the best personal finance books for 2020. Her second book was named one of the best self-help books for personal finance by VICE in 2022. She’s appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, CNBC and The Rachael Ray Show and quoted in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal and has written for The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, USA Today and Bloomberg Opinion. Erin lives in New York City with her husband and their rambunctious dog. This episode also features Loose Change, a short segment where Chris Laughter talks to strangers to ask them their thoughts, feelings, and opinions about how we relate to money and one another. This week we’re exploring the link between money and happiness. A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode.  Thank you to my sweet wife, Jenn Pablo for lending your voice for our special PSA.  The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Stay in touch and sign up for Paco’s weekly email newsletter, The Nerdletter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Shaun Evaristo about the path he took to become a dancer and choreographer, how he’s overcome his fear of numbers and the idea that he’s bad with math, and how he’s navigating through the biggest loss of his career thus far. Shaun Evaristo (@shaunevaristo) is a Filipino American dancer and choreographer. He has worked with well-known artists such as Justin Bieber, Pharrell Williams, Miguel, Tae Yang, and much more. Creator of the dance brand Movement Lifestyle Shaun continues to carve in his craft using movement to access self discovery, creativity and expression. An international instructor for over 20 years, community will always lie at the heart of sharing his passion for dance.  This episode also features The Price Report, a short segment with Michael “Frosti” Snow (@FrostiFresh), where he takes us on a journey, examining the cost of one thing in the hopes that it helps us have a better understanding of well, everything. This week we’re exploring the cost of tipping. A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode.  Thank you to Jenna Parker and Gabe Sena for lending your voices for our special PSA. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Stay in touch and sign up for Paco’s weekly email newsletter, The Nerdletter.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Erin Levine about the value and importance of prenuptial agreements, advice on how to approach marriage to avoid divorce, how to talk to your partner about money, and the growing cost of divorce. Erin Levine is a lawyer turned founder of award-winning, venture capital-backed justice tech company, Hello Divorce. Erin is revolutionizing the broken divorce system by combining easy-to-use digital tools with integrated expert advice to make the divorce process more accessible, kinder, and a lot more affordable. This episode also features The Economic Outlook with financial astrologer Susan Gidel. This is a short segment where Susan, our resident economic cosmonaut, does what many humans have done before us for thousands of years: she looks to the stars to try to understand our economic present and predict our financial futures. For more guidance from Susan, sign up for her Red Letter Trading Days newsletter. A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode.  Thank you to Jenn Pablo for lending your voice for our special PSA. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Stay in touch and sign up for Paco’s weekly email newsletter, The Nerdletter.   Links & Resources 13 Questions to Ask Before Getting Married By Eleanor Stanford Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person By Alain de Botton How Much Does A Divorce Cost In 2023? Divorce costs can differ by thousands of dollars, depending on which state you reside in  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Jay Handy about how we value art, having a meditation practice, starting an asset management firm, how art and investing intersect, art as an asset class, and the intrinsic value of art in our lives. Jay Handy has his MFA from the Lesley College of Art and Design and is an alum of Harvard Business School. He co-founded SignalPoint Asset Management, where he has been a financial advisor and senior portfolio strategist for 15 years and counting. Having personal experience with the power of support for overcoming hardship, Handy has volunteered with organizations to benefit causes such as reducing health and economic barriers to success. Handy was the president of The Odyssey Project and the founder of the Diabetes and Sports Foundation. Jay has built an international art career as a printmaker, with exhibitions in England, Greece, Spain, Italy, and India and his art publication in the Brazilian magazine Revista Literária Pixé, and included in prestigious exhibitions like the Florence Biennale. This episode also features a segment called Stock Watch with Amanda Holden (@dumpster.doggy). In this segment, we’ll follow a stock-picking competition between a dog named Henry, a cat named Hugo, and a human baby. If you’d like to learn more about investing from Amanda, sign up for her online course, Invested Development. A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode.  Thank you to Jenna Parker and Gabe Sena for lending your voices for our special PSA. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Stay in touch and sign up for Paco’s weekly email newsletter, The Nerdletter.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Lindsay Bryan-Podvin about her journey in becoming a financial therapist, healthy and unhealthy ways of dealing with financial anxiety, the four money personas, and how to know when it’s time to seek financial therapy. Lindsay Bryan-Podvin (@mindmoneybalance) is a biracial financial wellness expert, speaker, and author of "The Financial Anxiety Solution." A practicing social worker since 2012, she uses a shame-free approach to help people get their minds and money in balance by focusing on the intersection of money and mental health using financial therapy. While financial literacy is important, she champions the belief that money is rooted in emotions and impacted by the systems around us. She has a degree in sociology and a Master’s in Social Work with certificates in Financial Social Work and Financial Therapy. She lives with her partner and their dog on the occupied land of the Fox, Peoria, and Potawatomi peoples, also known as Michigan. This episode also features a segment called Ask Paco Anything. Thank you to our anonymous caller for their question about joint finances. If you’d like to ask a question, call our hotline at 833-ASK-PACO or email your question to weirdfinancepod@gmail.com. A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode.  Thank you to Jenna Parker and Gabe Sena for lending us their voices for our special PSA. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Please enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Roja Gashtili about their mutual obsession with power and money, being first generation, the myth of meritocracy, especially when it looks somewhat successful, the financial anxiety that comes along with pursuing writing, the amount of generosity and wealth it takes to do that, nepo babies and why we’ve seen such an uptick on “eat the rich” movies. Roja Gashtili worked on the Oscar­-nominated, No End in Sight and was an associate producer at MTV. She produced the Refinery29 Shatterbox film, "Jack & Jo Don't Want To Die." With her filmmaking partner, Julia Lerman, Roja wrote and directed "Rita Mahtoubian Is Not A Terrorist" at AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Their short, “Pinky,” was a Refinery29 Shatterbox film. They have sold pilots to FX, Amazon and AMC. Recently, they wrote on Joseph Gordon Levitt’s Mr. Corman for Apple TV+. This episode also features a segment called Slow and Steady with Leo, where Leo Aquino (@queerandtranswealth), an award-winning author, poet, and anti-capitalist personal finance expert, shares their poetry alongside their grandfather's. A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode.  Thank you to Samantha McVey and Anney Reese, the Stuff Mom Never Told You Podcast hosts, for lending us their voices for our special PSA. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Please enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Pamela Capalad about the path to becoming a financial planner, building a financial literacy program for kids, the unique struggles first-generation folks have with navigating wealth building, her holistic approach to financial planning and Sea Change, a financial planning service specifically for people of color. Pamela Capalad (@brunchandbudget) is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Accredited Financial Counselor™ and has been in financial services since 2008. She founded Brunch & Budget to help people who felt ashamed or embarrassed about money have a safe place to make real financial progress. Pam has been featured in the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Huffington Post, Vice Magazine and was named New York Magazine’s Best financial planner of New York 2019. This episode also features The Economic Outlook with financial astrologer Susan Gidel. This is a short segment where Susan, our resident economic cosmonaut, does what many humans have done before us for thousands of years: she looks to the stars to try to understand our economic present and predict our financial futures. For more guidance from Susan, sign up for her Red Letter Trading Days newsletter. A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode. Thank you to my friends, Jenna Parker and Gabe Sena, for lending us their voices. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Paker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Please enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to business owner, dog groomer, actor, and creative professional Jess Rona about how she went from bathing dogs at PetSmart to building a burgeoning dog grooming business, becoming a celebrity groomer, taking financial risks, believing in yourself, and the power of an online and in-person social network. Jess Rona (@jessronagrooming) is an actress and comedian that has turned her day job as a dog groomer into a successful and adorable brand called Jess Rona Grooming. This episode also features Loose Change, a short segment with Chris Laughter, where he walks up to random strangers on the street to ask them their thoughts, feelings, and opinions about how we relate to money and one another. This week we’re exploring if it’s taboo to talk about money. A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode. Thank you my new friends, Samantha McVey and Anney Reese, the hosts of the Stuff Mom Never Told You Podcast, for lending us their voices for our special PSA. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Please enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Chantel Chapman about how trauma manifests our behaviors with their money, how our society has become more open about talking about trauma, the pillars of the Trauma of Money program, and how to start on a journey of healing. Chantel Chapman (@chantelchapman) is the CEO and co-founder of the Trauma of Money - an accredited course certifying professionals in trauma-aware and trauma-informed approaches to finance. Drawing influence from 14 years of experience as a mortgage broker, ten years as a financial literacy consultant, and extensive research in addiction, behavioral science, trauma, community economic development, and mindfulness.  Chantel is renowned for her cutting-edge, relatable, and trauma-informed money guidance. Chantel has taught and written personal and entrepreneurial finance curriculums for Universities, and Accelerator programs such as Humber College, Wilfrid Laurier University, Ryerson University, United Way, Simon Fraser University, EntrepreNorth and Fireweed Fellowship. Chantel was the lead player in building Canada's first-ever, award-winning digital mortgage experience with free credit score and a consultant on several other innovative products for one of Canada's largest Fintech brands. The next Trauma of Money session begins this fall. Use the code WEIRDFINANCE at checkout to get 15% off. This episode also features The Price Report, a short segment with Michael “Frosti” Snow (@FrositFresh), where he takes us on a journey, examining the cost of one thing in the hopes that it helps us have a better understanding of well, everything. This week we’re exploring the price of Big Macs. A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode.  Thank you to Jenna Parker and Gabe Sena for lending your voices for our special PSA. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Please enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Vivan Tu about how she became the internet’s rich BFF, her prior work as a wall street trader, how kindness is an underappreciated currency, and some financial advice, including how to avoid bad financial advice on social media. On January 1st, 2021, Vivian Tu created @Your.RichBFF, a passion project to share her knowledge with everyone who hasn’t historically had a seat at the financial table, and posted her first TikTok. 8 hours later, the video had gone viral. Now, merely a year and a half later, the Your Rich BFF community includes over 3 million followers and counting across 7 social platforms. One of Forbes’ Top Creators of 2022, Vivian is regularly featured in the media. With women, people of color, the LGBTQ community, and low-income people at the forefront of the conversation, Vivian aims to share essential information that allows everyone to master their personal finances, empowering her audience through the power of education. On top of Vivian’s credibility as a former stock trader, she’s approachable and judgment-free. She doesn’t ask followers to skip their avocado toast; instead, she’ll provide them with the tools they never knew they needed. This episode also features a segment called Stock Watch with Amanda Holden (@dumpster.doggy). In this segment, we’ll follow a stock-picking competition between a dog named Henry, a cat named Hugo, and a human baby. If you’d like to learn more about investing from Amanda, sign up for her online course, Invested Development. A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode.  Thank you to Camille Kane and Wisconsin John for lending your voices for our special PSA. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Please enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks with Financial Astrologer Susan Gidel about how being a sixth-generation farmer has played a role in her work in economics and astrology, what exactly financial astrology is, understanding how it applies to the financial markets. Finally, Susan explains her predictions on the air economy. Susan Abbott Gidel specializes in financial astrological market research and publishing. She also provides astrological consulting to help people succeed financially in career, business, investments, and trading. After 35 years in the commodity futures business as a journalist and brokerage firm marketing executive, Susan combined that market knowledge with her passion for astrology to specialize in financial astrology. In 2018, Susan published “Trading In Sync With Commodities—Introducing Astrology To Your Technical Toolbox.” She publishes “Red Letter Trading Days,” a newsletter that alerts traders and investors to important astrological energy. She is working on a new book about how to use financial astrology in everyday life. This episode also features a segment called Ask Paco Anything. Thank you to our anonymous caller for their question about retirement. If you’d like to ask a question, call our hotline at 833-ASK-PACO or email your question to weirdfinancepod@gmail.com. Thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode. Thank you to Jenna Parker and Gave Sena for lending your voices for our special PSA about bank scams. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Please enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Nikita Crump about why people are interested in following along on her journey of living in her car, the tension between the idea of van life versus the reality of being unhoused, and the unexpected path of becoming known for being the living in her car.  Nikita (@nikitacrump) lived in her Honda civic for 1,000 days as a way to escape paying rent. She began documenting her experience by sharing "a day in the life of being homeless/living in her car” and went viral in the process. She’s now moving out of her car and into a van. This episode also features a segment called Slow and Steady with Leo by Leo Aquino (@queerandtranswealth), an award-winning author, poet, and anti-capitalist personal finance expert. Let Leo’s affirmations soothe your nervous system and help you feel a sense of calm and safety around your money. A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode.  Thank you to Camille Kane and Wisconsin John for lending their voices for our special PSA about needs versus wants. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Please enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to writer and editor Hannah Rimm about our collective love of reading how other people spend their money, privilege, how generational wealth is secretly passed down, and what makes a good money diary.  Hannah Rimm (@hannahrimm) is a writer and editor in New York City. Currently, she is Senior Editor at Refinery29, writing and editing lifestyle, wellbeing, and work & money content. She also leads Refinery29’s biggest franchise, Money Diaries. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer, Social Media Copywriter and Producer at WNYC Studios, and as the Marketing Manager at GKIDS, an Academy Award-nominated arthouse distribution company. Beyond R29, Hannah has been featured in Women’s Health, Allure, Bustle, HelloGiggles, Healthline, Autostraddle, and more.   Hannah holds a B.A. in Film and Psychology from Wesleyan University, where she graduated with Honors. Also, this episode also features The Economic Outlook with financial astrologer Susan Gidel. This is a short segment where Susan, our resident economic cosmonaut, does what many humans have done before us for thousands of years: she looks to the stars to try to understand our economic present and predict our financial futures.  A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing, editing, and sound designing this episode. Thank you to my new friends, Samantha McVey and Anney Reese, the hosts of the Stuff Mom Never Told You Podcast, for lending us their voices. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Paker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Please enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to financial dominatrix and entrepreneur Mistress Marley. In this episode, we talk about financial kinks, the psychology behind giving your power away, and advice for women wanting to enter the industry.   Mistress Marley (@eyesonfire) is a Pro Financial Dominatrix based in Brooklyn, NY. She is the Co-Founder of Whipz Dungeon and the Owner of the Sexcademy, a kink education based platform hosted through Patreon.   Mistress Marley has been featured in the NY Times, Buzzfeed, Paper Mag, Refinery 29, Vice, Business Insider, and a variety of podcasts. Her mission is to help people find success in their kink and BDSM professional careers by teaching marketing, branding, advertising, and other successful strategies.   Also, this episode also features Loose Change, a short segment with Chris Laughter, where he walks up to random strangers on the street to ask them their thoughts, feelings, and opinions about how we relate to money and one another. This week we’re exploring expectations around dating and paying.   A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing this episode and to my friends Camile Kane and Wisconsin Jon, for lending us their voices in this week’s PSA. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon.   Please enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to entrepreneur and founder of Unique Markets, Sonja Rasula about her curiosity and how it leads to asking financial questions, taking risks, knowing which rules to break, taking decisive action, and why people don’t spend money on themselves. In 2008 Sonja Rasula (@sonjarasula) self-funded Unique Markets by risking her entire 401k and never looked back. Since then she’s become one of just 2% of women-owned businesses in the US to hit $1 million a year, is proud to be the only AAPI-owned national market owner in the country, and has been credited for fueling and leading the 'shop small' revolution for over 13 years. Her large-scale, modern pop-up markets showcase hundreds of small businesses and emerging designers, attract celebs to families to TikTok influencers, and have taken place in over 10 cities around the US.   Sonja was just named "The Millionaire Maker" by Forbes, and '1 of 30 Women Entrepreneurs Changing the World' by fashion mogul Eileen Fisher.   Also, this episode also features The Price Report, a short segment with Michael “Frosti” Snow, where he takes us on a journey, examining the cost of one thing in the hopes that it helps us have a better understanding of well, everything. This week we’re exploring bananas, a deliciously vibrant and tropical treat.   A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing this episode. To my new friends, Samantha McVey and Anney Reese, the hosts of the Stuff Mom Never Told You Podcast, for lending us their voices. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon. Please enjoy! Listen to the episode on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing a brand new podcast about money, Weird Finance. You can listen to our teaser right here. And tune in on February 19th, for our first full episode! Weird Finance will explore the often intimidating terrain of money, finances, and economics and how these invisible forces shape each person’s ideas about themselves and the world around them. Hosted by author, illustrator, and musician Paco de Leon; Weird Finance is all about real, honest, unconventional money conversations with the aim of getting comfortable with the uncomfortable and changing our relationship with money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.