Best SMOOTH TALK 101 Podcasts (2025)

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Stop Making Simple Investing Mistakes With an Investment Policy Statement (SB1738) 57:45

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10h ago57:45

57:45

Ever make a money move in the heat of the moment and wish you could take it back? That’s exactly why a rock-solid Investment Policy Statement (IPS) might be your most underrated financial tool. In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug peel back the layers on IPSs—why they matter, how they save you from your own impulses, and the role t…

1
What Are YOU Worried About Financially? (LIVE From FinCon 2025) SB1737 1:08:17

3d ago1:08:17

1:08:17

What happens when you throw a bunch of money nerds into one room, add microphones, and sprinkle in a little economic chaos? You get this live recording from FinCon in Portland, where Joe Saul-Sehy, Paula Pant, Jesse Cramer, and Matthew Tarr tackle today’s most pressing financial questions head-on—with plenty of laughs along the way. From housing he…

1
David Gardner on Breaking the Rules of Investing (SB1736) 1:29:45

5d ago1:29:45

1:29:45

What happens when you stop playing it safe and start playing it smart? In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug sit down with David Gardner, co-founder of The Motley Fool, to explore how breaking traditional investing “rules” can sometimes lead to the biggest wins. From his early career to building a community of investors who think di…

1
How to Sidestep the 4 Culprits Wrecking Middle Class Retirement (SB1735) 54:46

7d ago54:46

54:46

What really derails retirement dreams? Spoiler alert: it’s not always the stock market or your 401(k). Sometimes it’s sneaky habits—like leaning too hard on your house as a retirement plan or ignoring how long you might actually live—that quietly gnaw away at your financial future. In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug dig into the …

1
How Are You Creating Your Happiest Life? (SB1734) 1:04:06

10d ago1:04:06

1:04:06

If having more money guaranteed happiness, we’d all just set our financial targets, cash the checks, and live joyfully ever after. But as Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Paula Pant (Afford Anything), and Joel Larsgaard (How to Money) unpack in this lively roundtable, life’s richest rewards often have little to do with your net worth. They explore why some wealt…

1
How to Lead (and Evaluate Good Leadership) with David Gergen (SB1733) 1:13:32

13d ago1:13:32

1:13:32

What can you learn about leadership from someone who’s served four U.S. Presidents, navigated some of the most intense moments in American politics, and still believes the future depends on building more leaders, not fewer? In this Greatest Hits Week replay, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug welcome David Gergen—former White House advisor, Harva…

1
Spotting the Sharks: 5 Red Flags Your Financial Advisor Might Be Waving (SB1732) 1:11:05

15d ago1:11:05

1:11:05

Not all financial advisors are created equal—and some will steer you straight into the rocks while smiling the whole way. In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug share the top five warning signs your advisor may not have your best interests at heart. From shady investment recommendations to fee structure…

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Outsmarting Unintended Consequences: How Good Money Moves Don’t Go as Planned (SB1731) 1:04:32

18d ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Ever celebrate paying off a credit card…only to watch your credit score drop? Or ditch your budget for “simplicity” and find yourself ordering takeout three nights in a row? On this week’s episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug welcome Paula Pant (Afford Anything) and Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Ter…

1
We Answer Your Awesome Questions: HSAs, Roth Conversions, Trusts, and More (SB1730) 1:15:43

20d ago1:15:43

1:15:43

What happens when you hand the mic to Stackers? You get a mailbag episode loaded with real-life money challenges, surprising lessons, and a few “wait, what?” moments. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, special guest Anna Allem (a CFP® with her own winding journey into the profession), and Neighbor Doug dig into your most pressing financial questions—no fluff, no j…

1
Unpacking Two Big Ideas: Infinite Banking and Saving For Young Children (SB1729) 1:19:25

22d ago1:19:25

1:19:25

Labor Day might be about rest, but in the basement, we’re getting to work on busting some of the most persistent myths in personal finance. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG welcome insurance pro Tony Steuer to unpack the shiny marketing around infinite banking and velocity banking. Spoiler: sometimes “be your own bank” really means “make your insurer rich.” Fr…

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How To Tell Your Boss You Want to Retire Often (SB1728) 1:01:57

25d ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Why wait until your knees creak louder than your rocking chair to start enjoying life? In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Paula Pant (AffordAnything) and Neighbor Doug welcome Jillian Johnsrud—author of Retire Often—to share why sprinkling your life with mini-retirements might be the smartest, healthiest, and most joyful move you make before your …

1
Dr. Danielle McGeough's Guide to Avoiding Burnout (SB1727) 1:00:21

27d ago1:00:21

1:00:21

If you’ve been running on fumes, juggling work deadlines, family obligations, and maybe even a neglected 401(k) or two, this episode is your permission slip to stop, breathe, and recalibrate. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug welcome Dr. Danielle McGeough—professor, transformational strategist, and champion of intentional living—into the basemen…

1
The Deceptive Allure of Investing Like the 1% (How We Get Conned) SB1726 55:44

29d ago55:44

55:44

Ever think, “If I just followed the playbook of the ultra-wealthy, I’d be set for life”? Turns out, that’s exactly the kind of thinking that can lead you straight into the arms of a scammer. In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG break down the traps hidden inside the “invest like the 1%” mantra (and other similar phrases), complete with real-life c…

1
Estate Planning, Charitable Giving, and Financial Hot Takes (SB1725) 1:01:47

1M ago1:01:47

1:01:47

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should pass on your money now or make your heirs wait for the “big reveal” (cue the dramatic reading of your will), this is your episode. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug welcome Paula Pant from Afford Anything and Jesse Cramer from Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors to play a high-stakes round of “In o…

1
Donor Advised Funds 101 (with Adam Nash) SB1724 1:15:26

1M ago1:15:26

1:15:26

What if there were a way to make charitable giving easier, more strategic, and—dare we say—more satisfying? In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Len Penzo welcome Adam Nash, founder and CEO of Daffy, to demystify donor-advised funds. Whether you’ve never heard of them or you’ve been meaning to set one up, Adam walk…

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3 Questions You're Dying To Know about Estate Planning (with attorney Tim Semro) SB1723 1:01:19

1M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Estate planning might not sound like the most thrilling topic—but skipping it can create a real mess for the people you care about most. In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug sit down with attorney Tim Semro to cut through the noise on wills, trusts, and life insurance. Whether you’ve been putting off …

1
Is Chasing Work-Life Balance Worth the Investment? (SB1722) 1:01:43

1M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

Some people chase “work-life balance” like it’s the Holy Grail—spending time, money, and mental energy trying to keep work and personal life perfectly split down the middle. But what if that balance doesn’t actually exist? Live from Joe’s mom’s basement (and not nearly as glamorous as it sounds), Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Paula Pant, and Jesse Cramer pull…

1
How One Entrepreneur Constructed a Better Tomorrow (with Cheryl McKissick Daniel) SB1721 1:05:02

1M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Ever wonder how to build a career, business, or financial plan that actually lasts — no matter what life throws at you? This week, we’re bringing you lessons from someone who’s done it for more than five generations. Cheryl McKissick Daniel, president and CEO of McKissick & McKissick, joins Joe and OG to share the strategies her family has used to …

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How To Fix 8 of the Most Common 401k Mistakes (SB1720) 1:02:08

1M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Is your 401(k) quietly working for you… or quietly working against you? In the first half of this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug tackle the most common 401(k) slip-ups that even seasoned savers make—and how to turn yours into a retirement-building machine. Then, in the second half, we turn to a problem many Stackers don’t see coming:…

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Hot Financial Takes: Are You In or Out? SB1719 55:26

2M ago55:26

55:26

Get ready for a rapid-fire roundtable packed with personal finance opinions that might challenge your own money playbook. In this episode, Paula Pant (Afford Anything), Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors), and Don McDonald (Talking Real Money) join Joe and OG to declare whether they're in or out on some of the most polarizing fi…

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Master the Art of Negotiation with Paula Pant (SB1718) 1:16:23

2M ago1:16:23

1:16:23

Think negotiation is just for boardrooms and car dealerships? Think again. In this episode, we bring in Paula Pant from Afford Anything to show how negotiating—done well—can level up your finances, your relationships, and yes, even who does the dishes. Paula breaks down why many of us fear negotiation, how to overcome those internal roadblocks, and…

1
A Sandwich Guide to Navigating Inflation (plus how to plug 401k "leakage") SB1717 1:21:12

2M ago1:21:12

1:21:12

Is your grocery bill beefier than your sandwich? This week, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug unpack inflation in a way that only we can—by biting into Len Penzo’s Annual Sandwich Survey. Yes, prices are up, and yes, you can still eat well without triggering a credit card crisis. But it’s not just meat and mustard on today’s menu. We’re also ser…

1
What Would YOU Do With $50,000? (SB1716) 1:06:26

2M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

You just came into $50,000—no strings attached. Do you crush your debt? Supercharge your retirement? Blow it all on a podcasting-themed backyard grotto? In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Paula Pant (Afford Anything), and Jesse Cramer (The Best Interest) gather around the card table in Mom’s basement to tackle one of…

1
How to Make Better Decisions Using Math (with Ted Dintersmith) SB1715 1:23:45

2M ago1:23:45

1:23:45

High school math left most of us staring blankly at the board, convinced compound interest was just a fancy way to say "confusing." But what if math could be fun, relevant, and—dare we say—life-changing? In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug welcome economist, education reformer, and documentary filmma…

1
How to Turn 2025's New Tax Rules Into Big Savings (SB1714) 50:01

2M ago50:01

50:01

Big changes are coming to the tax code—and that could mean big savings if you know where to look. On today’s episode, Joe, OG, and Doug break down the most important updates in the 2025 tax laws and share smart, simple ways to keep more of your hard-earned cash. Whether you're a spreadsheet-loving tax nerd or someone who still asks, “Wait, do I hav…

1
Climbing the Wealth Ladder: Conquering Retirement Fears (with Mark Trautman) SB1713 1:00:50

2M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

What if the scariest part of retirement isn’t running out of money—but losing your sense of identity? This week on The Stacking Benjamins Show, we tackle the fears that hold so many people back from financial independence and a joyful, purpose-filled retirement. Joe Saul-Sehy and Doug are joined by an all-star panel of financial thinkers: Mark Trau…

1
Understanding Your Financial Roadmap (with Nick Maggiulli) SB1712 1:17:49

2M ago1:17:49

1:17:49

What do your financial priorities look like when you're just getting started... or when you're sitting on $100 million? If you’re still stuck trying to figure out how to max out your Roth IRA and also afford dinner, this episode’s going to walk you through what might be coming next—without promising you a yacht by Tuesday. This week on The Stacking…

1
How to Climb the Wealth Ladder (SB1711) 1:08:29

2M ago1:08:29

1:08:29

What’s the right financial move for you… right now? If you've ever found yourself reading advice meant for a millionaire when you're still trying to crack five figures—or following budgeting tips when your net worth is seven digits—this episode is your custom-tailored financial GPS. In this installment of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy,…

1
How To Waste Your Life (or hopefully, not) SB1710 1:08:44

2M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

Ever feel like you're working hard but getting nowhere? You're not alone—and you might be stuck in a productivity trap, not a purpose-driven plan. In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, we tackle the big one: how to avoid wasting your life. (No pressure.) Joe Saul-Sehy kicks things off with a tongue-in-cheek nod to all the ways we fritter …

1
Create Goals that Stick (with Ret. Lt. Cdr. Gary MacDermid) 1:18:29

2M ago1:18:29

1:18:29

Want to crush your goals and avoid getting crushed by long-term care costs? In today’s episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG are joined by Retired Lieutenant Commander Gary McDermott, a former U.S. Navy officer turned business coach, who brings military-grade discipline to the world of goal-setting and financial success. Whet…

1
Mid-Year Financial Reset: Key Takeaways from the First Half of 2025 (SB1708) 1:17:48

2M ago1:17:48

1:17:48

Still on track to crush your 2025 goals? Or has the year felt more like a Super Mario Kart banana peel moment? In this special mid-year review episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG take a pause from the summer sprint to look back at the most impactful lessons, conversations, and themes from the first half of 2025. Whether you…

1
The Stuff You Should Stop Buying (and Why Your Wallet Will Thank You) SB1707 1:02:06

2M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Is your house full of stuff you thought you needed… but haven’t touched since the Obama administration? In this game show-style episode, we're helping you clean house and bulk up your bank account at the same time. Joining Joe in the basement are Paula Pant from Afford Anything, OG, and the man, the myth, the TikTok-famous legend’s grandpa’s best f…

1
Happy Money, Hidden Fees, and Hiring Your Kids (SB1706) 1:14:15

3M ago1:14:15

1:14:15

What if your money could bring you more joy—and less stress? Today, we welcome Ken Honda, Japan’s bestselling personal development guru, to the basement. He introduces us to his concept of “Happy Money,” where gratitude replaces fear, and your relationship with money becomes… well, happier. From early lessons in emotional finance to wisdom from his…

1
Want More Money? Cut The Clutter (with Tracy McCubbin) SB1705 1:05:33

3M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Is your home packed with emotional baggage... and maybe a few fondue sets you haven’t touched since 2003? Organizational expert Tracy McCubbin joins us to talk about the emotional side of clutter—why it builds up, how it weighs us down, and what to do when your sentimental stuff is quietly running the show. Meanwhile, Joe and OG dig into another ki…

1
Let's Start a Money Revolution (SB1704) 1:05:06

3M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

Happy Independence Day, Stackers! While fireworks boom and flags wave, we're lighting a spark under your financial life. This episode isn’t about tea in harbors—it’s about burning down debt, revolting against lifestyle creep, and rallying your family for a better money future. Joining Joe and Doug in the basement for this full-on financial insurrec…

1
Turning Ideas into Billion Dollar Businesses (with Julie Wainwright) SB1703 1:08:34

3M ago1:08:34

1:08:34

What does it take to turn a bold idea into a billion-dollar brand? Julie Wainwright, founder of The RealReal, joins us to share how she did just that—after enduring some pretty public failures (hello, Pets.com). She talks about navigating the startup world, tackling ageism head-on, and why your past doesn’t define your future. Julie’s story is pack…

1
Is the 4% Rule In Play? (SB1702) 54:37

3M ago54:37

54:37

How much can you really spend in retirement without running out of money—or worse, running out of fun? In this deeper-than-usual dive, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG examine the classic 4% retirement rule and whether it’s time for an upgrade. With new commentary from Bill Bengen, the original architect of the 4% rule, the team explores emerging research that…

1
Are Money Gurus Feeding Us Lies? (SB1701) 57:06

3M ago57:06

57:06

Can you really build wealth with a simple formula? Do you need a budget to succeed financially? Should you cut up all your credit cards, or is that just a dramatic TikTok trend? In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy is joined by Paula Pant, Doc G (Jordan Grumet), and Jesse Cramer for a roundtable discussion that peels back t…

1
Your Questions Answered: Saving, Investing & Estate Planning, Stacker Style (Episode 1700!!!) 1:01:04

3M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

What’s the best way to save for a house without wrecking your retirement plan? That’s just one of the big questions Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Mom’s neighbor Doug tackle in this packed episode (number 1700!) of Stacking Benjamins. Whether you're trying to figure out where to park your emergency fund, how to handle inherited IRAs, or how to financially …

1
AI’s Coming for Your Job? How to Outwit the Robots (SB1699) 55:39

3M ago55:39

55:39

The robots aren’t just coming—they’re already here. And if you’re not paying attention, they might not just take your job… they could take your personal data too. In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Doug dive into the rise of artificial intelligence, exploring whether it’s a threat, a tool, or something in between…

1
Carving Out a Robust Retirement Spending Plan (SB1698) 1:26:56

3M ago1:26:56

1:26:56

So you’ve scaled the mountain, built the nest egg, and maybe even shouted “I’m done!” across a pristine beach... now what? In today’s Stacking Benjamins episode, Joe Saul-Sehy convenes a roundtable of heavy-hitters to tackle the most misunderstood phase of money management: decumulation—a.k.a. the art of spending what you’ve worked so hard to save.…

1
The Shocking Retirement Hack That Has Nothing to Do With Money (SB1697) 1:07:03

3M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

What if the most important part of your retirement plan had nothing to do with your 401(k), IRA, or stock portfolio? In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG are joined by filmmakers Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis, creators of the thought-provoking documentary Join or Die. They explore how community connection, not cash, m…

1
Retirement 101: Planning, Risks, and Smooth Sailing (SB1696) 56:24

3M ago56:24

56:24

You can’t plan a great retirement if you haven’t first planned what you’re retiring to. In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug open up Retirement Week in the basement with a Monday that’s equal parts insight, weekend recap, and questionable vehicle decisions. 🚪 Start with the most overlooked part of retirement: your lifestyle vision.…

1
Learning from 130 Years of Stock Market Crashes: Resilience, Strategy, and a Dose of Doug (SB1695) 1:05:38

3M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

Markets crashing? Interest rates spiking? Inflation roaring? Welcome to history. This week, we dig into 130 years of stock market meltdowns—from the panic of World War I to the Great Depression, 1970s stagflation, the dot-com collapse, and the 2008 financial crisis—to uncover timeless lessons that can fortify your financial future. Joe Saul-Sehy is…

1
Rethinking Earning and Spending (with "Money With Katie"'s Katie Gatti Tassin) SB1694 1:08:18

3M ago1:08:18

1:08:18

What happens when you mix financial strategy with a healthy dose of cultural commentary? You get Rich Girl Nation. This week on The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG are joined by Katie Gatti Tassin, the powerhouse behind Money with Katie and author of the new book Rich Girl Nation. Together, they unravel the sneaky ways consumerism sho…

1
Trapped in the Spend Cycle? How to Break Free from Consumerism SB1693 1:06:27

4M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Is your wallet feeling lighter... but your closet’s full of regret? Joe, OG, and Mom’s neighbor Doug are throwing open the basement door to tackle one of the trickiest parts of personal finance: consumerism. Whether you're a recovering impulse buyer or knee-deep in buy-now-pay-later regrets, this episode’s got your back—and maybe your budget. 💸 Hea…

1
11 Great Ways to Build Wealth (SB1692) 1:09:47

4M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

Can building wealth be as entertaining as a round of trivia in the basement? We think so—and today’s episode proves it. Joe Saul-Sehy is joined by Doc G, Paula Pant, and Jesse Cramer to play a fast-paced financial game show based on 11 expert-approved ways to grow your wealth. From boosting your income and dialing in your budget to the eternal tug-…

1
Taking Your Portfolio Global: Expert Guidance from MarketVector's Joy Yang (SB1691) 1:05:01

4M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

After Monday’s primer on why your portfolio needs some international flavor, we’re following up with a deeper dive—this time with someone who lives and breathes global markets. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG welcome Joy Yang, Head of Index Product Management at MarketVector Indexes, to talk through how to actually invest beyond U.S. borders. Joy explains how…

1
The Case for International Investing & The True ROI of Emergency Funds (SB1690) 57:41

4M ago57:41

57:41

How global is your portfolio, really? This week in the basement, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and the gang zoom out from the U.S. markets and take us on a whirlwind trip around the investing world. Spoiler alert: the case for international investing is stronger than you think—and it’s not just about chasing higher returns. It’s about risk reduction, smart di…

1
Is Flourishing Tied to Financial Freedom? A New Study Reveals Insights (SB1689) 1:03:55

4M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

This week, we’re getting deep (like, basement-deep) into what it means to flourish. Join Joe, OG, Paula Pant, and special guest Ryan Doolittle as they unpack a brand-new study on happiness. Spoiler: it’s not just about stacking cash. From the influence of childhood experiences to the surprising power of community, autonomy, and faith, this episode …