Podcast Title: The Commercial Break
Episode: TCB Introduces: What We Spend
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: Bryan Green and Krissy Hoadley

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Commercial Break, hosts Bryan Green and Krissy Hoadley shift gears to introduce their listeners to a compelling new podcast from their network partner, Odyssey, titled "What We Spend". Stepping away from their typical improv-comedy and pop culture discussions, Bryan takes the spotlight to delve into the intricate and often personal topic of finances, showcasing a unique perspective on money management through intimate storytelling.

Overview of "What We Spend" Podcast

Bryan provides a thorough overview of What We Spend, highlighting its innovative approach to dissecting personal finances. Unlike traditional discussions that often skirt around the emotional and psychological aspects of money, this podcast ventures deep into individuals' financial lives, offering listeners a raw and unfiltered look at how money impacts daily living.

Bryan explains:

“What We Spend... hosts Courtney Harrell talks with just one person and they document an entire week of their lives and all the ways money plays a factor in it. People from all over the country, in all walks of life, they talk about how they make money, how they spend money, all the thoughts and emotions they have around money."
[02:45]

He emphasizes the podcast's relevance in 2025, a time marked by social media-driven financial comparisons and economic uncertainties, positioning What We Spend as a timely exploration of financial transparency and personal budgeting.

Preview Clip: Kelly's Story

To illustrate the podcast's impact, Bryan shares a poignant preview clip featuring Kelly, a 32-year-old professional navigating significant student loan debt and striving to balance her financial responsibilities with personal aspirations like buying a home and starting a family.

Key Highlights from the Clip:

• Student Loan Debt: Kelly reveals the extent of her educational expenses, detailing an initial $300,000 loan reduced to $150,000 with familial assistance.

  "I have 150,000. I had more. I had 300,000 after my master's... It still feels like I have still $150,000 of debt."
  [06:16]

• Financial Responsibility: She meticulously outlines her monthly budget, allocating funds for rent, utilities, car insurance, groceries, and personal expenses, highlighting the challenges of managing a tight budget.

  "On a Sunday, I will sit down and look at the budget. And I made a spreadsheet."
  [08:44]

• Emotional Relationship with Money: Kelly candidly discusses her emotional struggles with debt, comparing it to an addiction that is "all-consuming" and constantly present in her life.

  "I would describe it as all consuming... It feels like that. And I try really hard to, like, be in control."
  [08:12]

• Future Aspirations and Concerns: Despite her financial burdens, Kelly remains optimistic yet anxious about tracking her expenses, fearing she might reveal financial irresponsibility but also curious about the outcomes.

  "I'm feeling nervous because maybe I will just realize through tracking every expense that I'm actually just a dumb, dumb... But I'm feeling curious."
  [13:49]

Discussion and Reflections

After the clip, Bryan reflects on the universal struggles depicted in Kelly's story, relating it back to the shared experiences of The Commercial Break audience. He underscores the relatability of financial anxieties and the solace found in knowing others face similar challenges.

Bryan shares:

"Listening to that, I recognize myself in it. I recognize my emotions in it... it's like, everything's going to be okay for Kelly. And now I feel like everything's going to be okay for me, too."
[14:09]

He appreciates Courtney Harrell's empathetic interview style, noting how her "calm, reassuring voice" provides comfort to both the podcast's subjects and listeners grappling with their financial dilemmas.

Conclusion

The episode serves as a bridge between The Commercial Break's comedic and lighthearted content and the profound, introspective narratives of What We Spend. By introducing listeners to Kelly's financial journey, Bryan and Krissy highlight the importance of open conversations about money, fostering a sense of community and understanding among their audience.

Bryan concludes:

"What We Spend is available now wherever you're listening to this podcast or on the free Odyssey app... a show that will leave you entertained, but we may also leave feeling better and smarter."
[14:19]

Listeners are encouraged to explore What We Spend for a deeper dive into personal finance stories that resonate on a human level, offering both entertainment and enlightenment.

Notable Quotes:

• Bryan on the Importance of What We Spend:

  "We all want to know what our friends make and what they spend their money on, how they're flourishing or how they're suffering around money. But do we ask? No, we do not."
  [04:29]

• Kelly on Financial Struggles:

  "It's a tug of war... but it's kind of this tug of war."
  [08:35]

• Kelly on Education and Debt:

  "I thought I was supposed to because I was told that... if you don't go to college, you're going to end up working at McDonald's..."
  [11:42]

Through this episode, The Commercial Break successfully introduces a compelling narrative that invites listeners to engage with real-world financial challenges, blending empathy with insightful storytelling.