Feelings About Finances

Most of us think money is about numbers, goals, and returns - but what if it’s more about fear, shame, love, and purpose? In this conversation, Mary and James dive into the psychology of money: why we avoid talking about it, how our past shapes our financial behavior, and how wealth management is often more about values than value. From billionaires with hidden fears to new earners trying to get it right, this is a conversation about what money really means - and how we can have a healthier, more intentional relationship with it.

Highlights:

• Why people would rather talk about death than their finances
• The emotional drivers behind wealth accumulation - fear, shame, and validation
• The critical role of a wealth advisor
• How to raise financially aware kids in a world of instant gratification

Resources:

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel - Book

Acquired Podcast - Interview with Howard Schultz - Link

Simon Sinek TED Talk: Start With Why - Video

This one’s raw and real. Mary and James dive into recent personal wake-up calls - Mary’s experience with deep fatigue and burnout, and James’ unexpected bout with shingles. Despite their high-performance habits and wellness tracking tools, both found themselves laid flat by the one thing they thought they were managing: their energy.

Highlights:

• Why being “on it” doesn’t mean you’re immune to burnout
• The illusion of being fine (until you’re really not)
• The tension between doing all the “right things” and still crashing
• Relearning to rest (and why meditation keeps coming up even if you keep resisting it)
• The truth about being “optimized” vs being well

All in all, this episode is part confession, part strategy session, and part loving nudge for anyone trying to do too much for too long.

Resources:

Whoop Band (for tracking sleep, strain, and recovery) - Link

Atomic Habits by James Clear - Book

High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard - Book

4-7-8 Breathing Technique - Video

What a Farmer Wants You to Know About Food by Dennis Bulani - Book

In this conversation, Mary and Stel explore the sometimes-blurry lines between therapy and coaching: when each is helpful, what they’ve personally gained (or not gained) from both, and how feeling safe, seen, heard, and understood is the foundation for transformation. They talk about the importance of inner and outer vision, emotional self-regulation, and how to shift your focus away from self-preoccupation and toward purposeful action.

If you're curious about whether coaching or therapy might be right for you - or what it looks like to fully commit to your own growth - this episode offers a thoughtful, compassionate place to begin.

Resources:

Iron John: A Book About Men by Robert Bly - Book

Becoming Your Vision by Angela Petal – Book

What's in it for them? by Joe Polish - Book