Death, Sex & Money

Inheriting Divorce

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I talk with producer Ian Coss about the many divorces in his family, and how learning about them inspired his podcast Forever is a Long Time. Listen ...

Where is Lisa Fischer's Backup?

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You've heard Lisa Fischer singing backup vocals for everyone from the Rolling Stones to Beyoncé. But after decades of touring with rock stars, Fische...

Where is Lisa Fischer's Backup?

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You've heard Lisa Fischer singing backup vocals for everyone from the Rolling Stones to Beyoncé. But after decades of touring with rock stars, Fische...

This Elvis Impersonator Does It For Love… And Money

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Elvis impersonator Brendan Paul marries as many as 75 people a day in the Las Vegas wedding chapel he owns. But while his portrayal of Elvis generally...

This Elvis Impersonator Does It For Love… And Money

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Elvis impersonator Brendan Paul marries as many as 75 people a day in the Las Vegas wedding chapel he owns. But while his portrayal of Elvis generally...

André De Shields On Living With His Shadow

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

André De Shields shares his wisdom from 50 years on the stage, and 76 years on this earth. You can find our original conversation from our Opportuni...

André De Shields On Living With His Shadow

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

André De Shields shares his wisdom from 50 years on the stage, and 76 years on this earth. You can find our original conversation from our Opportuni...

Downsizing After Divorce

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jaimie Seaton got used to a lavish upper class lifestyle while married to her banker husband and living overseas. Then she got divorced, and her finan...

Downsizing After Divorce

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jaimie Seaton got used to a lavish upper class lifestyle while married to her banker husband and living overseas. Then she got divorced, and her finan...

A New Year's Pep Talk From Robin Arzón

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The author and popular Peloton instructor tells me about running through trauma, changing careers, and how motherhood has changed how she values her t...

A New Year's Pep Talk From Robin Arzón

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The author and popular Peloton instructor tells me about running through trauma, changing careers, and how motherhood has changed how she values her t...

Why I Steal

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

"I want it, so I take it." A serial shoplifter explains why she steals, and how—and we hear about what's happened in her life since we first talked...

Why I Steal

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

"I want it, so I take it." A serial shoplifter explains why she steals, and how—and we hear about what's happened in her life since we first talked...

A Season to Savor

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I share some of the advice, tools, movies, and TV shows that I savored in 2021. Looking for The Favorites File from Kendra Adachi? Find it here at...

A Season to Savor

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I share some of the advice, tools, movies, and TV shows that I savored in 2021. Looking for The Favorites File from Kendra Adachi? Find it here at...

The Weight Of Love

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Your stories about how navigating weight and body size inside a relationship has sometimes made your partnerships stronger...and sometimes broken th...

The Weight Of Love

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Your stories about how navigating weight and body size inside a relationship has sometimes made your partnerships stronger...and sometimes broken th...

Why Alan Cumming Doesn't Do Drama

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Scottish actor and I talk about body image, celebrating aging, why he isn't in a monogamous marriage, and the joys of taking ecstasy. If you or...

Why Alan Cumming Doesn't Do Drama

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Scottish actor and I talk about body image, celebrating aging, why he isn't in a monogamous marriage, and the joys of taking ecstasy. If you or...

Becoming A Parent Of Six, At 25

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On the air, Yesi Ortiz is a warm, flirty host for a popular L.A. hip hop station. Off the air, she's a single parent of six adopted kids. Managing b...

Becoming A Parent Of Six, At 25

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On the air, Yesi Ortiz is a warm, flirty host for a popular L.A. hip hop station. Off the air, she's a single parent of six adopted kids. Managing b...

“What I Live With”: The Aftermath of Fatal Accidents

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the U.S., nearly 200,000 people die every year from accidental injuries. But what happens when you cause one of those accidents—and you survive?...

“What I Live With”: The Aftermath of Fatal Accidents

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the U.S., nearly 200,000 people die every year from accidental injuries. But what happens when you cause one of those accidents—and you survive?...

I Love My Dad, But I Don't Love Guns

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A listener we're calling Jack wants to tell his dad that a passion for firearms is no longer something they share.  We're looking for our next int...

I Love My Dad, But I Don't Love Guns

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A listener we're calling Jack wants to tell his dad that a passion for firearms is no longer something they share.  We're looking for our next int...

Order Up, Tapped Out: Life After Restaurant Burnout

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Five current and former food service workers reflect on their career changes and the future of their industry since the start of the pandemic. For mo...

Order Up, Tapped Out: Life After Restaurant Burnout

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Five current and former food service workers reflect on their career changes and the future of their industry since the start of the pandemic. For mo...

Succession's J. Smith-Cameron On Old Haunts and New Normals

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I talk with the Succession actor over egg creams and omelets in New York City. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, sign up! Every W...

Succession's J. Smith-Cameron On Old Haunts and New Normals

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I talk with the Succession actor over egg creams and omelets in New York City. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, sign up! Every W...

Dead People Don't Have Any Secrets

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda's husband Sam had a lot of secrets, most of which she discovered after his death. That made grieving, and moving on, a lot more complicated. W...

Dead People Don't Have Any Secrets

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda's husband Sam had a lot of secrets, most of which she discovered after his death. That made grieving, and moving on, a lot more complicated. W...

Your Infertility Stories Have Many Different Endings

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you hit speed bumps on the road to having kids? Today, your stories of IVF, IUI, adoption, choosing to not have kids and managing y...

Your Infertility Stories Have Many Different Endings

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you hit speed bumps on the road to having kids? Today, your stories of IVF, IUI, adoption, choosing to not have kids and managing y...

"You Should Be Carrying This. Not Me."

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Last year, a listener named Chloe had an unusual opportunity: to get on a Zoom call with the man who she says sexually assaulted her 10 years ago. ...

"You Should Be Carrying This. Not Me."

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Last year, a listener named Chloe had an unusual opportunity: to get on a Zoom call with the man who she says sexually assaulted her 10 years ago. ...

When A Banker Became A Nun

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sister Josephine Garrett grew up Baptist and worked her way up the corporate ladder—only to realize in her late 20s that she wanted to convert to Ca...

When A Banker Became A Nun

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sister Josephine Garrett grew up Baptist and worked her way up the corporate ladder—only to realize in her late 20s that she wanted to convert to Ca...

Decision Fatigue Is Real. We Called For Backup.

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Panelists Tayari Jones, John Paul Brammer, and Tara Ilsley share advice for listeners struggling with decision fatigue and weighing big moves, going...

Decision Fatigue Is Real. We Called For Backup.

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Panelists Tayari Jones, John Paul Brammer, and Tara Ilsley share advice for listeners struggling with decision fatigue and weighing big moves, going...

Financial Therapy: A Baby, And A Plan

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Cora and Garrett's final financial therapy session with Amanda Clayman, they talk about seeing a financial advisor, and what they want to model f...

Financial Therapy: A Baby, And A Plan

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Cora and Garrett's final financial therapy session with Amanda Clayman, they talk about seeing a financial advisor, and what they want to model f...

Financial Therapy: Struggling To Trust Again

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In their second session with financial therapist Amanda Clayman, a couple we're calling Cora and Garrett talk about their financial strengths and wea...

Financial Therapy: Struggling To Trust Again

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In their second session with financial therapist Amanda Clayman, a couple we're calling Cora and Garrett talk about their financial strengths and wea...

Financial Therapy: A Secret Gambling Addiction

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the first of three financial therapy sessions, a couple we're calling Cora and Garrett talk with therapist Amanda Clayman about the events that led...

Financial Therapy: A Secret Gambling Addiction

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the first of three financial therapy sessions, a couple we're calling Cora and Garrett talk with therapist Amanda Clayman about the events that led...

When Grief Doesn't Move In Stages

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Radiolab producer Rachael Cusick talks together with her grandmother about their shared loss, and about their experiences with Elisabeth Kübler-Ros...

When Grief Doesn't Move In Stages

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Radiolab producer Rachael Cusick talks together with her grandmother about their shared loss, and about their experiences with Elisabeth Kübler-Ros...

Doree Shafrir On The Out Of Control IVF Train

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I talk with the writer about going through fertility treatments in her late 30s, and why being "on the IVF train" made her get more comfortable with ...

Doree Shafrir On The Out Of Control IVF Train

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I talk with the writer about going through fertility treatments in her late 30s, and why being "on the IVF train" made her get more comfortable with ...

When Indie Rockers Become Full-Time Caregivers

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When musician Johnny Solomon hit rock bottom, he turned to his mom for help. As his mom's health declines, he and his wife—and bandmate—move in ...

When Indie Rockers Become Full-Time Caregivers

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When musician Johnny Solomon hit rock bottom, he turned to his mom for help. As his mom's health declines, he and his wife—and bandmate—move in ...

A Teen Musician Is Ready For His Solo. His Mom Is Not.

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Miguel Llapa's mother was told her son wouldn't live past age 2 because of a health condition. Now, he's going to college — and yearns for indepen...

A Teen Musician Is Ready For His Solo. His Mom Is Not.

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Miguel Llapa's mother was told her son wouldn't live past age 2 because of a health condition. Now, he's going to college — and yearns for indepen...

"The Lying Stops Now": Your Hardest Conversations

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Talking with kids about death. Telling family that you've fallen in love with a man in prison. Breaking up with a longtime friend. Today: the hardes...

"The Lying Stops Now": Your Hardest Conversations

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Talking with kids about death. Telling family that you've fallen in love with a man in prison. Breaking up with a longtime friend. Today: the hardes...

Michelle Zauner's Joy Is Rooted In Vengeance

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese Breakfast musician talks about writing her memoir, Crying in H Mart, why she's moving on from making art about grief and loss, and what'...

Michelle Zauner's Joy Is Rooted In Vengeance

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese Breakfast musician talks about writing her memoir, Crying in H Mart, why she's moving on from making art about grief and loss, and what'...

Mahershala Ali and Rafael Casal: Envy Is A Hell Of A Drug

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this guest hosted episode, the Oscar-winning actor interviews the Blindspotting co-creator about growing up a "knucklehead," finding a creative ...

Mahershala Ali and Rafael Casal: Envy Is A Hell Of A Drug

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this guest hosted episode, the Oscar-winning actor interviews the Blindspotting co-creator about growing up a "knucklehead," finding a creative ...

Alison Bechdel On Menopause, Mortality and Punching Pennies

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The graphic novelist on hot flashes and self-loathing, loss and grief, and one painful punching bag.  Are you new to our show? Welcome! Make sure ...

Alison Bechdel On Menopause, Mortality and Punching Pennies

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The graphic novelist on hot flashes and self-loathing, loss and grief, and one painful punching bag.  Are you new to our show? Welcome! Make sure ...

A Former Pro Climber On Enduring Chronic Illness

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Former pro rock climber Mason Earle's career ended in 2018, when he was diagnosed with the chronic illness ME/CFS. He now spends most of his time...

Strictly, Entirely On The Fence About Having A Kid

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A self-described "fiery ball of ambition," Avery Trufelman of The Cut podcast wonders how she'll know whether or not she wants to have a kid. Are you...

Strictly, Entirely On The Fence About Having A Kid

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A self-described "fiery ball of ambition," Avery Trufelman of The Cut podcast wonders how she'll know whether or not she wants to have a kid. Are you...

Where Noel and Anna's Hot Girl Summer Went Wrong

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I talk with my friend and colleague Noel King about getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations in my personal life, and why she thinks ...

Where Noel and Anna's Hot Girl Summer Went Wrong

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I talk with my friend and colleague Noel King about getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations in my personal life, and why she thinks ...

The 7 Hardest Conversations I've Ever Had On This Show

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Making a guest mad about money. Getting called out. Digging into my own beliefs about monogamy. These are the hardest conversations I've had here on ...

The 7 Hardest Conversations I've Ever Had On This Show

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Making a guest mad about money. Getting called out. Digging into my own beliefs about monogamy. These are the hardest conversations I've had here on ...

When I Almost Died

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A few years ago, I asked you to share your near-death experiences. You told us about car accidents...plane crashes...illness...suicide. And, you tol...

When I Almost Died

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A few years ago, I asked you to share your near-death experiences. You told us about car accidents...plane crashes...illness...suicide. And, you tol...

I Was In Debt. Then My Sister Offered Me $16,000.

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What happened when a 27-year-old listener deep in credit card debt asked their older sister for financial help.  If you're struggling with consumer ...

When Claudia Rankine Brought Up Race In Couples Counseling

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The poet reflects on growing up in largely white spaces in the Bronx during the 1970s, and how conversations about race with her husband have evo...

When Claudia Rankine Brought Up Race In Couples Counseling

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The poet reflects on growing up in largely white spaces in the Bronx during the 1970s, and how conversations about race with her husband have evo...

A Friend In The Execution Room

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A man steps up to participate in an American process that he doesn’t agree with: the death penalty. Today, we bring you a story about duty, faith ...

A Friend In The Execution Room

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A man steps up to participate in an American process that he doesn’t agree with: the death penalty. Today, we bring you a story about duty, faith ...

Finding Blessings and Throwing Vases

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Donna Perry has experienced tremendous loss this last year. But as she told producer Yasmeen Khan, the year has also brought "blessings," and reinf...

Finding Blessings and Throwing Vases

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Donna Perry has experienced tremendous loss this last year. But as she told producer Yasmeen Khan, the year has also brought "blessings," and reinf...

Masks On, Tops Off: Inside A Texas Strip Club

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Strip clubs are struggling with shutdowns, slow business and federal aid ineligibility. We hear from one Texas club's owner, and a dancer and custome...

Masks On, Tops Off: Inside A Texas Strip Club

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Strip clubs are struggling with shutdowns, slow business and federal aid ineligibility. We hear from one Texas club's owner, and a dancer and custome...

Ugh, Dating Right Now

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Your stories about the struggles of dating right now, and a pep talk from dating expert and How To Not Die Alone author Logan Ury. For more on Ann...

Ugh, Dating Right Now

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Your stories about the struggles of dating right now, and a pep talk from dating expert and How To Not Die Alone author Logan Ury. For more on Ann...

I Was Your Father, Until I Wasn't

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A listener named Tony wrote to us about his deep love for his daughter, and what it was like to discover that he wasn't her biological father. Suppo...

I Was Your Father, Until I Wasn't

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A listener named Tony wrote to us about his deep love for his daughter, and what it was like to discover that he wasn't her biological father. Suppo...

Your One Night Stand Stories

17 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're celebrating the very short-term romance: the one night stand. Those moments in life when someone appeared in a flash, you connected, and...

Your One Night Stand Stories

17 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're celebrating the very short-term romance: the one night stand. Those moments in life when someone appeared in a flash, you connected, and...

Getting Real About Getting Older, Live

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We opened the phones for a national radio call-in, to hear from you about life after 60 right now.  We've been sharing stories from listeners an...

Getting Real About Getting Older, Live

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We opened the phones for a national radio call-in, to hear from you about life after 60 right now.  We've been sharing stories from listeners an...

What The Border Taught Norma Elia Cantú About Being Free

03 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The 74-year-old writer on growing up in Laredo, Texas, and the three family deaths that changed her.  Our national live call-in show, Getting Real...

What The Border Taught Norma Elia Cantú About Being Free

03 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The 74-year-old writer on growing up in Laredo, Texas, and the three family deaths that changed her.  Our national live call-in show, Getting Real...

Beverly Glenn-Copeland's Gifts From The Universe

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The 76-year-old musician reflects on his complex relationship with his parents growing up, finding new audiences late in life, and why he loves "bei...

Beverly Glenn-Copeland's Gifts From The Universe

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The 76-year-old musician reflects on his complex relationship with his parents growing up, finding new audiences late in life, and why he loves "bei...

Marlo Thomas Is Her Mother's Revenge

20 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Marlo Thomas thought marriage was "nothing that I wanted to be a part of" after watching her mother give up her singing career for her father's acti...

Marlo Thomas Is Her Mother's Revenge

20 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Marlo Thomas thought marriage was "nothing that I wanted to be a part of" after watching her mother give up her singing career for her father's acti...

Just Ask Us: Your Stories About Life After 60

06 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We asked our listeners to get real about getting older. This is what you told us.  Tune in and call in to our live show about aging next Wednesday, ...

Just Ask Us: Your Stories About Life After 60

06 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We asked our listeners to get real about getting older. This is what you told us.  Tune in and call in to our live show about aging next Wednesday, ...

Death, Sex & 2020

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Death, Sex & Money team looks back on a year none of us expected. Want to revisit some of our favorite episodes this year? Check out our essen...

Death, Sex & 2020

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Death, Sex & Money team looks back on a year none of us expected. Want to revisit some of our favorite episodes this year? Check out our essen...

All That 2020 Has Taken From Us

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

"I guess 2020 just cost me hope." Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at dea...

All That 2020 Has Taken From Us

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

"I guess 2020 just cost me hope." Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at dea...

Stuck Apart, And Falling In Love

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

51 years after they went to prom together, a couple reconnects and falls in love during the pandemic. But despite being 15 minutes apart, they're wa...