1999: Debt: An American True Crime Story

<p>What if debt isn't a personal failure—but a symptom of a much bigger problem?</p><br><p>For years, we've been told that financial struggles come down to individual choices: spend less, budget better, work harder. But what if the real story is more complicated?</p><p>My guests today are Jamie Feldman and Rachel Webster, creators and hosts of the award-winning podcast <a href="debtheadspodcast.com/"; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Debt Heads</em>, </a>a groundbreaking series they describe as a "true crime investigation into the murder of our bank accounts." The podcast is now entering season 2.</p><br><p>Season one began with Jamie's own experience navigating credit card debt and the shame that came with it. But what started as one woman's debt payoff journey quickly evolved into a deeper investigation into the systems, cultural pressures, and economic realities that leave so many people feeling financially stuck.</p><p>Jamie is a writer, editor, and storyteller. Rachel is a filmmaker and producer. Together, they've built a fiercely honest, deeply funny, and surprisingly hopeful podcast community around a topic most of us avoid talking about: money.</p><br><p>Now, as <em>Debt Heads</em> returns for its second season, they're widening the lens beyond spending and debt to explore work, job security, income instability, and what it means to pursue financial wellbeing in a world that often feels increasingly precarious.</p><br><p>In our conversation, we talk about the hidden connections between mental health and money, why so many women tie their self-worth to spending, how shame keeps us isolated, and why financial security is about far more than your net worth.</p><br><p>You'll also hear their thoughts on the creator economy, the pressure to monetize every passion project, and why making meaningful work—not just profitable work—can lead to unexpected opportunities.</p><p><strong>How's midlife going? <a href="jotform.com/build/262556781257063"; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fill out Farnoosh's survey</a> and help shape the podcast in 2027.</strong></p>

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