The Lazy Genius Podcast: "Introducing: What We Spend"

Host: Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
Episode Release Date: April 16, 2025
Episode Title: Introducing: What We Spend

Episode Overview

In the episode titled "Introducing: What We Spend," Kendra Adachi, known as The Lazy Genius, delves into the concept of financial transparency and its impact on our lives. This episode serves as a preview for the new podcast "What We Spend," hosted by Courtney Harrell. Through intimate conversations, the podcast aims to explore the personal and universal aspects of money management by documenting individuals' weekly financial habits.

Introducing "What We Spend"

Kendra begins by outlining the premise of "What We Spend," emphasizing the societal curiosity and sometimes nosiness surrounding others' financial lives.

Courtney Harrell (00:59):
"You know how you always want to know about everyone else's money? You do, right?... On this show, 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."

The podcast promises to bring listeners closer to real-life financial experiences by following individuals for a week, capturing every financial decision and the emotions tied to them. Courtney Harrell explains that each episode will feature a new person from diverse backgrounds, showcasing how money influences their daily lives.

Courtney Harrell (02:55):
"How much school debt do you have?"

Profile: Kelly and Ben

To illustrate the concept, Kendra introduces Kelly and Ben, a couple navigating the complexities of student debt and the aspiration to balance personal goals such as homeownership and starting a family.

Background:

• Kelly:

  • Age: Turning 32
  • Occupation: Director of Client Experience at a medical spa and online mental wellness coach
  • Debt: Initially $300,000 in student loans, reduced to $150,000 with family assistance
  • Income: Approximately $50,000 annually

• Ben:

  • Age: 32
  • Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Occupation: Engineer for a software company
  • Debt: Part of the couple's total student loans amounting to $202,728
  • Income: Approximately $78,000 annually

Relocation and Aspirations: The couple recently relocated from Tennessee to Salt Lake City, reflecting their pursuit of better career opportunities and quality of life.

Financial Challenges and Debt

Kelly and Ben openly discuss their significant student loan debt, a common challenge among millennials and Gen Z individuals striving for higher education and stable careers.

Kelly (02:55 - 03:39):
"I have 150,000. I had more... It was like $150,000 payment and just being like, holy sh*T... it feels like I have still $150,000 of debt."

The conversation highlights the psychological burden of debt, symbolizing financial constraints that extend beyond mere numbers, impacting their future plans and emotional well-being.

Ben (04:51):
"I would describe it as all consuming... it feels like that. And I try really hard to, like, be in control, like, maintain my control."

Ben metaphorically refers to money woes as a "monkey on their back," illustrating the persistent and intrusive nature of financial stress.

Tracking Expenses and Emotional Impact

Kelly and Ben detail their meticulous approach to managing expenses through budgeting and tracking, revealing both the practical and emotional dimensions of financial planning.

Expense Breakdown:

• Rent and Utilities: $2,800/month
• Gym Memberships: $108/month
• Car Insurance: $254/month
• Gas: $125/month
• Pet Insurance: $76/month
• Physical Therapy: $250/month
• Groceries: $600/month
• Medications and Supplements: $650/month
• Streaming Platforms and Subscriptions: Various amounts totaling around $76/month
• Hair Care: $40/month

Kelly (07:22 - 07:51):
"I put $40 next to my hair... treat myself sometimes and have my hair washed."

The couple's total regular expenses amount to approximately $4,800 monthly, excluding debt payments. Their detailed budgeting showcases the challenges of balancing essential and discretionary spending while managing substantial debt.

Emotional Responses: Tracking finances brings a mix of anxiety and curiosity. Ben expresses nervousness about potentially uncovering financial irresponsibility, while Kelly reveals a sense of being financially trapped despite her career satisfaction.

Ben (10:28):
"I'm feeling nervous because maybe I will just realize through tracking every expense that I'm actually just a dumb, dumb..."

Kelly (10:02 - 10:14):
"Ultimately, I don't regret anything because I am who I am and I'm happy, but I'm financially trapped."

Revelations and Future Implications

As the episode progresses, Kendra emphasizes the importance of understanding personal finances beyond mere numbers. The narrative underscores that money management is deeply intertwined with individual emotions, aspirations, and societal pressures.

Kendra concludes by inviting listeners to follow Kelly and Ben's journey in "What We Spend," promising insights into how daily financial decisions shape their lives and identities.

Host Kendra (10:56):
"To hear how Kelly's spending for the week unfolded and what revelations she had as a result of it. Search for what we spend. Wherever you get your podcasts."

Key Takeaways

• Financial Transparency: Encouraging open discussions about money to demystify and lessen the stigma around financial struggles.

• Emotional Connection: Recognizing that finances are not just about numbers but also about personal values, stress, and life goals.

• Practical Budgeting: Highlighting the necessity of detailed budgeting in managing expenses and debt effectively.

• Personal Stories: Showcasing individual experiences to create relatable and educational content for listeners navigating similar financial landscapes.

This episode sets the stage for "What We Spend," promising a blend of personal storytelling and practical financial insights. By following individuals like Kelly and Ben, listeners are invited to reflect on their own financial habits and the underlying emotions that drive them.