Episodes

  • An Embarrassment of Riches

    An Embarrassment of Riches
    Jul 16 2024
    In the final episode of the first season, Tom and Amber reflect on an “embarrassment of riches” – the wealth of lessons our guests shared about navigating their spiritual and financial lives in order to live a more meaningful life with money. Plus: Are sacred religious values … subversive? The top 10 lessons we learned from Season 1 What we missed: a taste of Season 2 Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads, and share your thoughts with us by emailing info@moneymeetmeaning.com.
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    35 mins
  • The Spiritual Life of Budgets: Jesse Mecham - EXTENDED CUT

    The Spiritual Life of Budgets: Jesse Mecham - EXTENDED CUT
    Jul 9 2024
    Can a budget bring you peace? Tom and Amber find out how with Jesse Mecham, personal finance expert and founder of the super popular YNAB (You Need A Budget) app. Jesse shares how money can help us express ourselves in the best of ways - and how his own faith has helped shape his business since Day 1. Plus: Tom makes a couple confessions Amber shares why budgeting, to her, is a spiritual experience Jesse explains why giving is the ultimate middle finger Follow YNAB on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads, and share your thoughts with us by emailing info@moneymeetmeaning.com. Jesse’s WSJ Best-Selling Book: You Need A Budget Jesse’s Top-Rated Financial Podcast: You Need A Budget
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    47 mins
  • The Ritual of Celebrations: Jankhana Desai

    The Ritual of Celebrations: Jankhana Desai
    Jul 2 2024
    Join Amber and Tom as they dive into the lavish world of Hindu weddings with South Asian wedding planner Jankhana Desai (“JD”) of JDEventz. Together, they explore the intricate balance between spiritual significance, extravagant celebration, and financial expense. JD shares her wealth of experience in orchestrating grand Hindu weddings, shedding light on how abundance is not merely a display of wealth but an expression of duty, gratitude, and the sacredness of life. Discover how elements like elaborate rituals, sumptuous feasts, and monetary gifts are deeply intertwined with spiritual values, enhancing the sacred union of marriage. Plus: The deeper meaning behind rituals that celebrate abundance and prosperity One of four traditional aims of life in Hinduism that relates to the pursuit of wealth Budgeting realities for an American Hindu wedding Tune in to learn how Hindu weddings beautifully merge the material and spiritual worlds, creating a celebration that honors both human and divine connections. Whether you're planning a meaningful life milestone or simply curious how celebration can be an act of spirituality, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Hindu wedding celebrations. Jankhana Desai is a South Asian event planner and the owner of JDEventz, which produces regal and captivating Indian weddings. A pioneer of Chicago’s “Desi-scene” in the 90s, Jankhana later moved to India to work in Bollywood and television before returning to work alongside the best Indian event planners in Chicago. Follow JDEventz on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads, and share your thoughts with us by emailing info@moneymeetmeaning.com.
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    52 mins
  • Soul, Meet Soap: Lisa Bronner

    Soul, Meet Soap: Lisa Bronner
    Jun 25 2024
    “Health is our greatest wealth!” If you’ve ever spent a few minutes reading the label on Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, you know it’s a fascinating fusion of the physical and spiritual. Join a fascinating discussion as Tom and Amber sit down with Lisa Bronner, granddaughter of Emanuel Bronner, to learn more about the spiritual act of caring for our bodies and spaces. The conversation ranges from Dr. Bronner’s Six Cosmic Principles, to The Moral ABCs, to the intersection of money, mindfulness, cleanliness, and stewardship. Plus: Is cleanliness actually next to godliness? The story behind that famous label A deeper background of the multi-generational, soap-making, German Jewish Bronner family Practical steps for decluttering our homes and our heads Lisa Bronner is the granddaughter of Emanuel Bronner, founder of Dr. Bronner's Magic soaps. She serves as Dr. Bronner's consumer educator and company spokesperson. She is the founder of Going Green with Lisa Bronner and author of Soap and Soul. Follow Lisa on Facebook and YouTube for tips on greener, simpler, more abundant living. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads, and share your thoughts with us by emailing info@moneymeetmeaning.com.
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    55 mins
  • Give Treasure, Reap Reward: Jerre Stead

    Give Treasure, Reap Reward: Jerre Stead
    Jun 18 2024
    This week, Money, Meet Meaning speaks with Jerre Stead, who, together with his wife Mary Joy, has given over $400 million to healthcare, education, and faith-based organizations. Jerre, a former CEO of 10 public companies, shares about the work and joy of giving, and the ways his faith has informed his business acumen and philanthropy. Plus, Jerre shares: 2 questions he’s asked himself every morning since high school 3 Ts that, if shared, will increase your ability to enjoy life 5 fundamentals, taken straight from the Bible, that he used to build up his businesses Jerre Stead co-chairs the Stead Foundation with his wife Mary Joy and is the board chair of Stead Impact Ventures, which invests in innovators whose ideas will positively change the course of health and wellbeing. Follow Jerre on LinkedIn, and learn more about Stead Impact Ventures & Foundation on their website and LinkedIn. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads, and share your thoughts with us by emailing info@moneymeetmeaning.com.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • On Wanting, Having, and Giving: Rabbi Jay Moses

    On Wanting, Having, and Giving: Rabbi Jay Moses
    Jun 11 2024
    Can “bad” money still do good? How much is enough? Where can we turn for guidance on giving? Amber and Tom discuss what a “kosher” life with money looks like with Rabbi Jay Moses, Vice President of the Wexner Foundation. Together they dig into the Jewish tradition’s millennia-old focus on money as a tool to care for people’s needs and uphold human dignity. And don’t miss the episode’s end when we debut our brand new game: “Kosher or No, Sir?” Rabbi Jay Moses serves as Vice President of The Wexner Foundation, having served for many years as Director of the Wexner Heritage Program, North America’s premier Jewish leadership education program. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads, and share your thoughts with us by emailing info@moneymeetmeaning.com.
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    58 mins
  • God in the Machine - Prayer, Tech, and Money with Alessandro DiSanto

    God in the Machine - Prayer, Tech, and Money with Alessandro DiSanto
    Jun 4 2024
    Can an app deepen your relationship with God? This week, Tom and Amber talk with Alessandro DiSanto, a co-founder of Hallow, the #1 prayer app in the world. Alessandro shares how prayer and Catholic values guide Hallow’s business model and decision-making – and, as a young, successful entrepreneur, how his faith informs his financial life and view on wealth accumulation. Plus: What is prayer? How can we do it “unceasingly”? Pay-to-Pray: why Hallow’s co-founders landed on its “freemium” business model Tom and Amber ask ChatGPT if it’s a good idea to seek spiritual guidance from a large language model Alessandro DiSanto began his career on Wall Street at Goldman Sachs and became a private equity investor before joining friends to create Hallow, the most-used Catholic app in the world. Follow Alessandro on LinkedIn. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads, and share your thoughts with us by emailing info@moneymeetmeaning.com.
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    57 mins
  • The Radical Simplicity of the Humble Credit Union EXTENDED CUT

    The Radical Simplicity of the Humble Credit Union EXTENDED CUT
    May 28 2024
    This full interview is not to be missed! Is wealth inequality a spiritual issue? If so, what can our religious institutions do about it – and how can we, as individuals, best love our neighbors … financially? This week, Tom and Amber talk with Rev. Winnie Varghese about economic justice and its scriptural roots. A national leader in the Episcopal Church, Rev. Winnie helped the Diocese of New York develop a credit union while serving at Trinity Church Wall Street in NYC. She shares how the credit union is a ministry: a way to provide financial services that re-imagines church – and community. GUEST: Currently the Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Rev. Winnie is known for her inspired writing, teaching, and preaching. Check out Rev. Winnie’s book, Church Meets World, and follow her on LinkedIn and X. For more episodes and info, visit Money, Meet Meaning. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads, and share your thoughts with us by emailing info@moneymeetmeaning.com.
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    47 mins