So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

What if debt isn't a personal failure—but a symptom of a much bigger problem?

For years, we've been told that financial struggles come down to individual choices: spend less, budget better, work harder. But what if the real story is more complicated?
My guests today are Jamie Feldman and Rachel Webster, creators and hosts of the award-winning podcast Debt Heads, a groundbreaking series they describe as a "true crime investigation into the murder of our bank accounts." The podcast is now entering season 2.

Season one began with Jamie's own experience navigating credit card debt and the shame that came with it. But what started as one woman's debt payoff journey quickly evolved into a deeper investigation into the systems, cultural pressures, and economic realities that leave so many people feeling financially stuck.
Jamie is a writer, editor, and storyteller. Rachel is a filmmaker and producer. Together, they've built a fiercely honest, deeply funny, and surprisingly hopeful podcast community around a topic most of us avoid talking about: money.

Now, as Debt Heads returns for its second season, they're widening the lens beyond spending and debt to explore work, job security, income instability, and what it means to pursue financial wellbeing in a world that often feels increasingly precarious.

In our conversation, we talk about the hidden connections between mental health and money, why so many women tie their self-worth to spending, how shame keeps us isolated, and why financial security is about far more than your net worth.

You'll also hear their thoughts on the creator economy, the pressure to monetize every passion project, and why making meaningful work—not just profitable work—can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for Book to Brand on Friday, October 9, in New York City. Early bird tickets are available now at BookToBrand.co.

Farnoosh shares a parenting mishap from her book A Healthy State of Panic—accidentally sending her kids to the wrong birthday party—and explains why low-stakes failures can help us build resilience instead of fear.

Then, she tackles listener questions about whether to stay in an unhappy marriage for financial reasons, how to navigate a toxic workplace, and what home repairs are worth making before a sale. Plus: advice for Penn State finance freshmen looking to stand out, tips for choosing the right investment platform, and what to know before setting up an S-corporation for your business.

This episode aired originally on June 24, 2023.
Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to land a traditional book deal in 2026?

In this episode, Farnoosh sits down with book proposal strategist Richelle Fredson, founder of Book Proposal Blueprint, to unpack what publishers, agents, and editors are really looking for today. Together, they explore the role of platform-building, the biggest mistakes aspiring authors make, and the truth about landing a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.

Richelle, who helped shape Farnoosh's proposal for A Healthy State of Panic, shares practical insights on crafting a standout proposal, attracting the right publishing partners, and turning a book into a bigger opportunity—from growing your business and audience to securing speaking engagements and building a lasting brand.
If you're dreaming of writing a book—or already working on one—this conversation offers a clear roadmap for navigating today's publishing landscape.
Want to go deeper? Join us at Book to Brand on October 9 in New York, where we'll connect you with agents, publishers, editors, and successful authors for an immersive day of learning and networking. Early bird pricing ends July 1 at booktobrand.co.
Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're talking about one of the most stressful financial moments in a young person's life — that gap between graduation and a real paycheck.

My guest is Jahleane Dolné, founder of the Postgrad Playbook, a media platform and community helping Gen Z navigate the years right after college — the job search, the identity shift, the moving back home. All of it.

Because here's the thing: we tend to assume young people will figure it out. No mortgage, no kids — they'll be fine. But this transition is one of the most underserved in our culture, and the job market right now is making it even harder. New grads are spending six months, a year, sometimes two years searching. Many end up in jobs that don't require the degree they just paid six figures for.

Jahleane has been there. She's a UC Santa Barbara grad, daughter of Haitian immigrants, and she found her way through a sales career, a TikTok community, a $20 LinkedIn course — and eventually, a mission. Today she's sharing the playbook: how to position yourself for work, network without cringing, think about grad school strategically, and why a year in sales might be the best investment a twenty-something can make.

More about Jahleane: She is the founder of The PostGrad Playbook, a media company building the definitive guide for life after college and helping young professionals navigate careers, identity shifts, and the moments between milestones that nobody prepares them for.

She was named a Future Voice at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and her work has led to partnerships with brands including LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Fide. Her insights have been featured in Ad Age, Business Insider, The New York Times, Essence, AfroTech, and LinkedIn News. Across social media and The PostGrad Playbook newsletter, she has built a community of ambitious professionals seeking practical strategies for creating opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

Jahleane's socials Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn
The PostGrad Playbook: Website | Instagram

Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Farnoosh answers listener questions about rolling over an old 401(k), managing $100,000 in savings for a 68-year-old on Social Security, and how couples should discuss and merge finances. She highlights a New York Times story on how weak job markets can scar young graduates long-term and a piece in the Wall Street Journal about “Trump accounts,” including unclear eligibility rules and potential state tax differences versus 529 plans, advising caution until IRS guidance arrives.

Learn more about her October 9 Book to Brand event.

Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.