History That Doesn't Suck: Episode Summary - "Introducing: What We Spend"

Release Date: April 28, 2025
Host: Prof. Greg Jackson

Introduction to the Episode

In the episode titled "Introducing: What We Spend," Professor Greg Jackson sets the stage for a new exploration into the intricacies of personal finance through an affiliated podcast called "What We Spend." This episode marks the collaboration between History That Doesn't Suck (HTDS) and Odyssey, aiming to delve deep into the financial lives of American families to uncover the realities of kitchen table economics.

Promotional Segment and Upcoming Content

Before transitioning into the main content, Prof. Jackson briefly mentions recent and upcoming episodes of HTDS, highlighting subjects such as:

• The Hoover Dam: A narrative on the monumental effort to control the Colorado River and its human cost ([00:03:25]).
• Engineering Marvels: Including episodes on the Golden Gate Bridge, the Empire State Building, and aviation pioneers like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart.

He also promotes HTDS membership, encouraging listeners to support the podcast for ad-free content and exclusive perks, emphasizing the importance of accessible and engaging historical narratives.

Introducing "What We Spend" Podcast

Prof. Jackson introduces "What We Spend," a new podcast by Odyssey that ventures into the rarely explored domain of personal finances. The primary objective is to unveil the day-to-day financial decisions and pressures faced by average American families.

Courtney Harrell's Role

Courtney Harrell, the host of "What We Spend," elaborates on the podcast's mission:

“We are actually going to do that. We are going to go somewhere that we almost never get to go deep into the heart of someone else's finances.”
— Courtney Harrell [03:25]

She emphasizes the societal tendency to be curious—and sometimes invasive—about others' financial status and outlines the podcast's approach to demystify personal economics by providing transparent insights into individuals' financial lives.

Sample Episode: Kelly's Financial Journey

Meet Kelly

In a sample episode shared by "What We Spend," Courtney introduces Kelly, a 32-year-old resident of Salt Lake City, Utah. Kelly's financial landscape is characterized by significant student debt and the challenges of balancing household expenses with personal aspirations.

Student Debt Struggles

Kelly candidly discusses her student loan burden:

“I have 150,000. I had more. I had 300,000 after my master's. ... I press[ed] submit on $150,000 payment and just being like, holy sh T.”
— Kelly [05:22]

She reveals the emotional impact of her parents' support in paying off part of her debt, expressing a lingering sense of financial insecurity despite the substantial relief.

Household Finances

Kelly and her husband, Ben, navigate their finances with a combined income just below the average for married couples in Salt Lake City. Their monthly budget is meticulously detailed:

• Rent and Utilities: $2,800 ([08:07])
• Gym Memberships: $108
• Car Insurance: $254
• Gas: $125
• Pet Insurance: $76
• Physical Therapy: $250
• Groceries: $600
• Subscriptions and Miscellaneous: Various expenses totaling around $4,800 monthly, not including debt repayments

Despite a stable income, Kelly finds certain expenses, such as groceries and personal care, particularly burdensome.

Debt and Financial Planning

Kelly openly discusses the weight of her debt, totaling $202,728, including student loans:

“I am financially trapped.”
— Kelly [11:46]

She reflects on her educational choices, revealing regret over the high cost of her degrees and the societal pressures that led her to pursue higher education without a clear plan for debt repayment.

Emotional Relationship with Money

Describing her relationship with money, Kelly likens it to an addiction:

“It feels like the monkey on their back. ... It's just clinging and it's present with you all the time.”
— Kelly [07:17]

This metaphor underscores the pervasive stress and constant presence of financial worries in her daily life.

Budgeting Practices

To manage her finances, Kelly employs a strict budgeting routine:

“On a Sunday, I will sit down and look at the budget. And I made a spreadsheet.”
— Kelly [07:49]

Her detailed budgeting includes tracking every dollar spent, from significant expenses like rent to minor indulgences such as monthly hair treatments.

Insights and Reflections

Throughout the episode, significant themes emerge:

1. The Psychological Burden of Debt: Kelly's experience highlights how substantial debt can dominate one's mental landscape, affecting both personal well-being and financial decision-making.

2. Balancing Aspirations with Reality: The struggle to achieve life goals, such as home ownership and starting a family, is juxtaposed with the constraints of existing financial obligations.

3. Impact of Societal Expectations: Kelly's narrative touches on the pressure to pursue higher education as a societal norm, often without adequate consideration of the long-term financial implications.

4. Transparency in Personal Finances: "What We Spend" aims to normalize conversations about money, reducing the stigma and secrecy that often surround personal financial matters.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Prof. Jackson concludes by urging listeners to engage with "What We Spend," available on the Odyssey app and other podcast platforms. He emphasizes the value of understanding personal finance through real-life stories, fostering a community of informed and financially literate individuals.

“To listen to the rest of this episode and others, be sure to check out What We Spend. Available now on the free Odyssey app and wherever you get your podcasts.”
— Greg Jackson [13:22]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kelly on Debt Feeling:

  “I am financially trapped.”
  — Kelly [11:46]

• Kelly Describing Money as an Addiction:

  “It feels like the monkey on their back.”
  — Kelly [07:17]

• Courtney on Nosiness About Money:

  “I think we should be talking about money more and all the ways, big and small, that it impacts our lives.”
  — Courtney Harrell [03:25]

• Kelly on Budgeting Anxiety:

  “I'm feeling nervous because maybe I will just realize through tracking every expense that I'm actually just a dum dum and I'm very irresponsible and this is all my fault...”
  — Kelly [12:54]

Final Thoughts

"Introducing: What We Spend" serves as a compelling entry point into the collaborative efforts of HTDS and Odyssey to shed light on the financial realities faced by countless Americans. By intertwining historical storytelling with contemporary financial narratives, the episode enriches listeners' understanding of both personal and collective economic landscapes.

For those seeking to comprehend the nuanced relationship between money and daily life, this episode offers a valuable and empathetic exploration, setting the tone for future discussions that promise to be both informative and deeply human.