Best Irregular Truth Podcasts (2025)

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Ditch Your Money Trauma So You Can Live an Abundant Life (with Shannah Game) 38:23

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10h ago38:23

38:23

Learn how to explore your money beliefs and take real steps toward saving and investing, even on a tight income. What’s really behind your money habits? How can you build savings and invest if you’re not earning much? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how your relationship with money shapes your financial behaviors and what you can do t…

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Managing Money in Your Marriage and How to Build Wealth Without a Side Hustle 38:31

4d ago38:31

38:31

Learn the truth behind myths about building wealth, plus hear from a couple looking to align on financial goals and values. Can you build wealth without starting a business? How can couples figure out what to do with extra money in their budget? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola share their “money hot takes” and then talk to a married couple ab…

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#190: Bringing Limitless Possibilities and Jolly Cheer to Orphans feat. Anna Leah Jolly 1:09:41

3d ago1:09:41

1:09:41

Click here to watch the video version on Youtube! America is a quilt of immigration stories, and among those is one that is unimaginable for any child. As an orphan who moved from Ukraine to America just 12 years ago, Anna Leah Jolly is living out her life-changing American Dream. As we celebrate another winter holiday season, learn how she went fr…

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Untangle Your Relationship with Money for Better Mental, Emotional, and Financial Well-Being 38:19

7d ago38:19

38:19

Learn how to navigate job loss and reshape your money mindset to feel more in control — emotionally and financially. What should you do with your money after losing a job? How can you feel better about money and stop stressing about finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss managing job loss and improving your relationship with money …

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How the 2008 Financial Crisis Changed Wall Street (The Big Short Companion Podcast from Against the Rules) 35:26

11d ago35:26

35:26

Learn how Wall Street has changed since the 2008 financial crisis in this Smart Money special presentation of Against the Rules: The Big Short Companion. Michael Lewis’ best-selling book The Big Short is now 15 years old, and the Oscar-winning movie based on it was released a decade ago. To mark the occasion, Lewis has narrated a new audiobook of T…

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Grand Tamasha’s Best Books of 2025 14:57

8d ago14:57

14:57

Grand Tamasha is Carnegie’s weekly podcast on Indian politics and policy co-produced with the Hindustan Times, a leading Indian media house. For six years (and counting), host Milan Vaishnav has interviewed authors, journalists, policymakers, and practitioners working on contemporary India to give listeners across the globe a glimpse into life in t…

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F&FC Statement on Rob Reiner Tragedy and Trump Truth Social Post 3:45

12d ago3:45

3:45

Statement from Friends & Fellow Citizens re: tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife and Trump's Truth Social post. The podcast does not support individuals turning tragedies into political opportunism and celebration. Our country is better than this. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is …

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2025’s Money Year in Review and Travel Card Moves To Make Now 51:56

14d ago51:56

51:56

Hear how 2025 money news hit your wallet and whether your travel cards are really pulling their weight. How did 2025’s biggest money stories actually affect your wallet? How can you decide if your pricey travel credit cards are still worth it? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola recap the year in finance news to help you understand what the stori…

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Strengthen Your 2026 Financial Plan and Optimize TSP and 403(b) Accounts for Heirs 26:18

18d ago26:18

26:18

Learn how to prepare your money for 2026 and invest retirement savings you hope to leave to your family. How do Americans feel about their money heading into 2026? How should you invest retirement accounts you don’t plan to spend so your family can benefit later? The Nerds discuss how to invest a seven‑figure nest egg in workplace retirement plans …

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113. A PARIERA: non-binary trans man 44:27

14d ago44:27

44:27

A Pariera is a philosopher, guide, and mentor, rethinking self, identity, and reality. A's pronouns are he/they, and he identifies as a non-binary trans man. Find out what that means to A in this episode. We talk about his journey from transitioning to detransitioning to retransitioning, going inward on a soul quest, embracing the journey, decondit…

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The Quiet Resilience of U.S.–India Defense Cooperation 52:28

20d ago52:28

52:28

Despite a year marked by tariff battles, confusion over Washington’s China policy, and the shock of the 2025 India–Pakistan war, one part of the U.S.–India relationship has held firm: bilateral defense cooperation. The two sides recently announced a new defense framework, are deepening links between their private sectors, and are boosting military-…

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#189: Samuel Chase (MD) - The "Extremely Irregular" Signer and Supreme Court Justice 31:51

19d ago31:51

31:51

Not all signers were universally well-regarded as calm moderates. Hear how Samuel Chase, a lawyer and a bunch of other "jobs," was known as an "extremely irregular" signer. He would serve as Supreme Court Justice and get caught up in one of the most partisan episodes in early American history. Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay "Deck …

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Life’s Big Buys: Travel Splurges and When to Cut Retirement Savings for a Home Down Payment 30:10

22d ago30:10

30:10

Learn how to shift savings between retirement and a home down payment without derailing your future. How do you balance big life experiences with long-term financial goals? Is it smart to scale back retirement savings to buy a home sooner? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss wedding budgeting, honeymoon spending, and saving trade-offs to …

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Understanding 2026 Housing Pressure Points and Finding Your “Enough” Number for Retirement 34:28

26d ago34:28

34:28

See what 2026’s housing costs and mortgage rates might mean for your homebuying plans and learn when you can safely coast on retirement savings. How is the housing market reshaping homebuying going into 2026? When can you stop saving for retirement and still feel confident about your future? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss Coast FI an…

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Rewriting India’s Education Story, One Girl at a Time 47:19

27d ago47:19

47:19

This year, the non-profit Educate Girls became the first Indian organization ever to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award—often called Asia’s Nobel Prize. The foundation recognized the group for its groundbreaking work enrolling out-of-school girls, improving learning outcomes, and shifting social norms in some of India’s most underserved communities.…

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#188: Practical Wisdom and Harmony - Virtues and Faces of Moderation feat. Dr. Aurelian Craiutu 59:29

26d ago59:29

59:29

Click here to watch the video version on Youtube! Amid all the political noise about ideologues on the right and left, political moderates are unique in our democracy. What makes moderation so essential for robust democracies? Dr. Aurelian Craiutu, Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at Indiana University Bloomington, shares abo…

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Master Multiple Credit Cards Without Tanking Your Credit Score (Plus: Giving Tuesday Tips) 35:52

28d ago35:52

35:52

Learn how to donate effectively for Giving Tuesday and juggle multiple credit cards without hurting your credit score. How can you donate more intentionally on Giving Tuesday without blowing your budget? Does having multiple credit cards hurt your credit score? Hosts Elizabeth Ayoola and Sean Pyles discuss charitable giving and credit card manageme…

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Fix Emotional Spending Habits with Feel-Good Finance and Learn How to Manage Finances Post-Job Loss 38:12

1M ago38:12

38:12

Learn how to navigate job loss and reshape your money mindset to feel more in control — emotionally and financially. What should you do with your money after losing a job? How can you feel better about money and stop stressing about finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss managing job loss and improving your relationship with money …

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Beyond the Raj: Recasting the India–UK Partnership 49:43

1M ago49:43

49:43

India and the United Kingdom have spent decades trying to define their post-colonial relationship—part partnership, part rivalry, and often, part courtship. Today, that relationship is being recast amid trade talks, tech cooperation, and geopolitical shifts. The two sides recently signed a landmark trade agreement and officials in London and New De…

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#187: Statutory to Statuary - Lighting the Ohioan Journey Honoring Thomas Edison in the Capitol feat. Kristin Strobel 1:01:46

1M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Click here to watch on Youtube! Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and it may also mean honoring those who have given. Kristin Strobel, who was our guest in Ep. 90, joins our show again to discuss her latest project about a statue honoring one of the most famous Americans: Thomas Edison! Hear about the journey from idea to voting, statuary to sta…

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Outsmart Black Friday Hype and Tackle Credit Card Debt with a Budget Reset 39:26

1M ago39:26

39:26

Learn how to spot real Black Friday deals and reshape your budget with a step-by-step money makeover. What should you watch for on Black Friday to avoid fake discounts? How can you reset your budget when debt and housing costs squeeze you? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss holiday shopping and budgeting to help you spend smarter without…

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Thanksgiving Savings You’ll Actually Notice and Tax Filing Tips for Common Law Couples 24:42

1M ago24:42

24:42

Learn how to save on Thanksgiving dinner and decide if filing taxes jointly makes sense for common law couples. How can you trim your Thanksgiving costs without skimping on the feast? Should common law spouses file taxes jointly or separately? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola dig into tax choices for couples to help you understand which filing…

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Interpreting the 2025 Bihar Verdict 47:46

1M ago47:46

47:46

Bihar has once again delivered a political drama worthy of its reputation—record turnout, sharp debates over the voter rolls, a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and a fresh round of questions about whether the opposition has what it takes to displace Modi and the BJP. The NDA—anchored by Nitish Kumar and his Janata Dal (…

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Generational Wealth Built from Scratch and an Emergency Fund on a Deadline 39:47

1M ago39:47

39:47

Learn how first-generation earners build wealth and how to grow an emergency fund before a possible job loss. How do first-generation earners start and protect generational wealth? How can you bulk up an emergency fund fast if layoffs are looming? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss first-generation wealth building and how to build an eme…

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IRA Conversion Strategies and Reading Economic Signals During a Shutdown 23:24

2M ago23:24

23:24

Discover how current economic data affect you and decide if a Roth or Traditional IRA is the most appropriate option for your retirement savings. What’s happening with layoffs and the economy right now? How should you be thinking about the data used to determine the economy's health, and what does it mean for your personal finances? Hosts Elizabeth…

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Understanding South Asia’s “Ordinary Rebels” 57:15

2M ago57:15

57:15

How do non-state armed groups act when the state seeks not to crush them—but to tolerate their activities? This is the central question of a new book by the political scientist Kolby Hanson titled, Ordinary Rebels: Rank-and-File Militants between War and Peace. Kolby is an assistant professor of government at Wesleyan University, and his new book l…

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#186: The Only Populism is the Populism We Don't Know 38:42

2M ago38:42

38:42

"Populism" is a term thrown around by many in politics, but what kind of populists used to be prominent? Is populism only for those who claim to be populist? Hear an 1892 excerpt from James Weaver, a prominent Populist Party leader, and the ways he portrayed a long-standing issue (as old as the country) that applied to the 1890s and applies to this…

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First-Generation Wealth Building and the Truth About Stablecoin Yields 41:30

2M ago41:30

41:30

Learn how first-generation wealth builders create financial freedom and what stablecoins could mean for your savings. How do you build wealth when you’re the first in your family to be able to do so? And can stablecoins really out-earn your savings account? Host Elizabeth Ayoola and Sean Pyles explore generational wealth-building and the myths and …

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Open Enrollment 2026: How to Choose Dental, Vision, Life and Disability (Plus: When to Refinance a Home) 37:23

2M ago37:23

37:23

Learn how to pick dental, vision, life, and disability coverage with confidence, and when refinancing a home can actually save you money. Is now a good time to refinance your mortgage? Which open enrollment benefits are worth it this year? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola talk to an expert about the ins and outs of open enrollment in 2026. But…

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How India’s Women Are Redefining Politics 59:45

2M ago59:45

59:45

For much of India’s democratic history, the woman voter has either been invisible or ignored – at times she has been spoken for, but very rarely listened to. A new book by the journalist Ruhi Tewari argues that this is no longer the case and seeks to understand why women have emerged from the political shadows. What Women Want: Understanding the Fe…

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#185: Magnifying Public Dialogue and Participation in Democratic Governance feat. Dr. Archon Fung 1:08:17

2M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Since the founding of the U.S., generations of Americans have strived to achieve democratic governance and self-government. How can Americans improve our system of democratic governance? Dr. Archon Fung, professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, shares how public participation, …

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Healthcare Open Enrollment Tips for 2026 and a Catch-Up Plan for Retirement 34:38

2M ago34:38

34:38

Learn how to pick the right health plan for your situation and build a stronger retirement even if you feel behind. How do you choose the best health plan during open enrollment? What can you do to secure retirement if savings feel like they’re falling short? In the first of a two-part series, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola break down open e…

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How to Budget Better With Your Partner and Why Scam Calls Are Surging 36:09

2M ago36:09

36:09

Learn how to spot shutdown-era scams and build a budget that works even when you and your partner disagree. How can you protect yourself from shutdown-era scams? How do you build a household budget when you and your partner see money differently? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola share strategies to figure out a household budget when you and yo…

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The Forgotten Partitions That Remade South Asia 59:07

2M ago59:07

59:07

As recently as 1928, a vast swathe of Asia—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, Bhutan, Yemen, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait—were bound together under a single imperial banner, an entity known officially as the “Indian Empire,” or more simply as the British Raj. And then, in just fifty years, the Indian Empire shat…

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#184: Inside the Battle Born Capitol - Representing Nevadans in and beyond the State Capital feat. PK O'Neill 1:04:01

2M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

State government is a key aspect of our federalist system in the U.S. But what is it like to represent a state capital's constituents in a state capitol? For this year's inaugural Nevada Day Special, PK O'Neill shares what it is like serving as Assemblyman for District 40 that includes Carson City (the state capital), Storey County, and some parts …

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Big Event Budgeting and Credit Monitoring: What to Know Before You Swipe 36:30

2M ago36:30

36:30

Learn how to get and read your free credit reports and spot red flags so you can protect your score and money. How do you set a realistic budget for a big life event without guilt? What’s the foolproof way to get and read your free credit reports? In this episode, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss wedding budgeting and credit monitoring…

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Invest or Pay Down Debt? Plus How to Save Big This Holiday Season 23:36

2M ago23:36

23:36

Learn how to handle holiday shopping in an increasingly expensive spending environment. Plus, lightning round insights around debt, investing, and savings goals. How should you prepare for holiday shopping when tariffs and inflation are leading to higher prices? When should you prioritize paying off your mortgage versus investing in the market? Hos…

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A Sixth of Humanity and the Dreams of a Nation 1:20:52

2M ago1:20:52

1:20:52

A Sixth of Humanity: Independent India's Development Odyssey is a landmark new book by the scholars Devesh Kapur and Arvind Subramanian. The book is an audacious attempt to trace how India—uniquely and daringly—attempted four concurrent transformations—building a state, creating an economy, changing society, and forging a sense of nationhood under …

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Are You Covered? Hidden Gaps in Life Insurance That Could Cost Your Family 38:59

2M ago38:59

38:59

Learn how to choose term vs whole life insurance and calculate your coverage so your family stays protected. How much life insurance do you really need? Which is smarter, term or whole life? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss recent smart, fun, and dumb spending to spark a quick audit of your own money habits, then pivot to right-sizing …

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What Home Sellers Can Legally Hide and How to Master Irregular Bills 34:24

2M ago34:24

34:24

Learn how to plan for surprise bills and what to ask about a home’s past so your budget and buying feel stress free. Do sellers have to disclose deaths, crimes or “hauntings” in a home? How can you budget for irregular expenses without daily tracking? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola open a spooky episode with housing Nerds Holden Lewis and Ka…

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The Court and the Republic: A Conversation with Justice D.Y. Chandrachud 1:03:59

3M ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud was the fiftieth chief justice of India. An alumnus of Harvard Law School, he served as additional solicitor general of India. He was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court in 2000 and became the chief justice of the Allahabad High Court in 2013. In 2016, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, …

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#183: George Read (DE) - A Key Delawarean Who Signed for but Did Not Vote for Independence 23:30

3M ago23:30

23:30

The Founders collectively voted for independence, but did everyone who vote actually support it? Perhaps after this episode, George Read may be categorized as one of the more unique Signers of the Declaration. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & F…

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Feeling Burned Out? How to Know When to Quit Your Job — and What to Do First 38:36

3M ago38:36

38:36

Learn how your habits and the cash and cards in your wallet reveal your money mindset, then learn how to know when it’s time to quit your job. What amount of cash should you keep on hand? Should you “quiet quit” or make a clean break from your job? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss everyday wallet decisions and career change trade-offs …

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What Fewer Earnings Reports Could Mean for Investors and How to Teach Kids About Money (Video Episode) 39:55

3M ago39:55

39:55

In this special video episode, learn what proposed stock market rule changes could mean for your portfolio and how to grow your teen’s money skills. Will corporate earnings reports soon shift from quarterly to twice a year? And what could new rules about day trading mean for everyday investors? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola team up with sen…

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H-1Bs, India, and the Global Talent Wars 50:46

3M ago50:46

50:46

By Britta Glennon, Milan Vaishnav

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#182: Unequal Disagreement on Inequality - Polarization's Effects on Social Issue Debates feat. Dr. John Iceland 58:06

3M ago58:06

58:06

Many Americans on both sides of the political aisle agree polarization is a major problem. But do many Americans on either side truly understand the other side's world view and contributions? Dr. John Iceland, Sociology and Demography professor at Penn State, shares how in this American democracy, we can understand the social justice and social ord…

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Watch the Nerds Sweat It Out: Hot Wings Meet Hot Money Takes (Video Episode) 44:26

3M ago44:26

44:26

In this special video episode, Sean and Elizabeth and special guests eat spicy wings and share hot takes on saving versus investing, inflation, crypto, and when to trade up for an electric vehicle. When should you prioritize investing over traditional savings? How do you know when to keep repairing your car versus trading it in for something new, l…

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Budget Rehab: What Our Hosts’ Spending Reveals About Smarter Money Moves (Video Episode) 37:33

3M ago37:33

37:33

In this special video episode, Sean and Elizabeth give each other a “budget rehab,” revealing their own budgets to help you fix yours. How can you feel more in control of your spending? How can you plan for irregular expenses like credit card annual fees or surprise bills? In this video episode, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola give each other…

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Why Washington Is Wooing Pakistan 48:22

3M ago48:22

48:22

One of the most surprising developments in Washington, if you’re a South Asia-watcher, is the surprising turn in U.S.-Pakistan relations. Having largely sidelined Pakistan over the past decade or more, the current U.S. administration has courted Pakistan with an enthusiasm that has caught many analysts off-guard. In June, Trump hosted Pakistan’s ar…

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Stop Overpaying With Miles: The Redemption Rules Smart Travelers Use in 2025 44:03

3M ago44:03

44:03

In a special presentation of Smart Travel, learn what your points and miles are really worth in 2025 — and why the answer might change how you book travel. Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much are your points and miles actually worth? Smart Travel hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest NerdWallet valuat…