This Is Uncomfortable

Millions of Americans who are out of work don’t receive unemployment benefits. That’s by design. An episode from “The Uncertain Hour’s” pop-up season “A History of Now.” If you liked this epsiode, you can hear more at uncertainhour.org .

When you’re 17 or 18, you’re often making choices that can dictate the course of your whole life. Making those decisions during a pandemic is even harder. Today we follow three high school friends trying to figure out what comes after graduation when a global pandemic is clouding everything. By the way, today is the last day of Marketplace’s spring fundraising drive. We know not everyone can affor...

This week, we’re showcasing a story from our colleagues at “Terrible, Thanks For Asking”: When a supporting pillar is knocked out of a family, the consequences can be costly.

Kevin Harrington was exonerated last month after spending 17 years in prison for a murder conviction. He and his family are overjoyed, but the coronavirus pandemic means freedom looks a little different right now. By the way, Marketplace is in the middle of a really important fundraising drive right now. We know not everyone can afford to give, but if you love the show and you are in a position to...

A woman grapples with her shopping addiction in quarantine. By the way, we were just nominated for a Webby! Please take a second and vote for us at wbby.co/pod09 .

Danni Askini fought cancer for 18 months before getting COVID-19. Their focus was on surviving, not the cost of care. That didn’t make the bill any easier to take.

The clock is ticking for one college student after she finds out she’s pregnant in the middle of a pandemic, in a state that’s trying to restrict abortion.

How do I keep from fighting with my partner about money? What do I say to a friend who’s just lost a job? This week, a little financial therapy session over zoom to help us all cope with our COVID-19 anxiety.

There are a lot of couples stuck at home right now. Some of them are out of work or dealing with canceled plans. Today, we’ll hear from two couples trying to figure out what their future will look like.

As states across the country close all non-essential businesses, people are rethinking what it means to do the right thing. Today we hear listeners’ stories of pay cuts, layoffs and telling employers they’re putting people at risk.

The coronavirus is changing how we think about money and community. We set out to see how people are coping and put together this audio care package. And we want to check in on you, too — let us know what you’re going through and how you’re getting through it at uncomfortable@marketplace.org .

Would you spot a friend money if they needed it? How about if they asked every month? This week: the limits of friendship.

When WeWork acquired her company, she got executive training, fancy corporate retreats and a dope Patagonia jacket. It was almost enough to make her forget everything she lost. This week: Why we’re so obsessed with our jobs, although they’ll never love us back.

Sam Sanders, host of NPR’s “It’s Been A Minute” and Marketplace product specialist Sarah Menendez are here give advice on salary sharing, expensive olive oil, and bridesmaid duties in the latest installment of “The Group Chat.” Got anything you want to run by the group? Tell us at uncomfortable@marketplace.org, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter at Marketplace.org/comfort.

When a shady business partner leaves a newly married couple on the hook for over $300,000, it tests the limits of “for better or worse.” For even more “This Is Uncomfortable,” sign up for our new weekly newsletter at marketplace.org/comfort .

After getting married, Angie’s husband started to scrutinize every purchase. The situation soon got so much worse. We look at what happens when money becomes a form of control.

Reema (a skeptical Libra) talks with astrologer Chani Nicholas about the booming business of astrology and together they answer listener questions about overspending and toxic bosses.

Money gets complicated when a marriage falls apart. First we’ll hear from a divorce lawyer who ends up representing herself. Then from a couple trying to plan for the day they hate each other.

We’re back Jan. 30 with new stories about life and how money messes with it. You know, the light stuff, like divorce, workaholism and financial fraud. Here’s a sneak peek.

A listener struggles to navigate all the unspoken rules of middle-class life. This is our last rerun before we return with new episodes later this month. To stay on top of when we’re coming back, subscribe to our emails at marketplace.org/comfort .

In the cutthroat world of professional classical music, Eric Abramovitz was headed toward a shining career. Until something — or someone — got in the way. We’re rerunning a few of our favorite episodes over the holiday season, and we’ll be back with new episodes in 2020. To stay on top of when we’re coming back, subscribe to our emails at marketplace.org/comfort .

Reema tries to settle a debt she’s been avoiding. And what happens when one person in a relationship has way more money? We’re rerunning a few of our favorite episodes over the holiday season, and we’ll be back with new episodes in 2020. To stay on top of when we’re coming back, subscribe to our emails at marketplace.org/comfort .

Earlier this year, Hayden started getting these surprise gifts in the mail. Once he realized who sent them to him, he wondered just how far the gift giver would go. Plus, two more stories of spending regret. To be the first to know when we’re back with new episodes, subscribe to our newsletter at marketplace.org/comfort.

Just in time for Thanksgiving, “This Is Uncomfortable” revisits the “jobs” we take on in our families — starting with Reema’s. Plus, one couple comes up with a creative way to stop fighting over a dreaded household chore. This is the first of a few favorite episodes we’re rerunning over the holiday season, and we’ll be back with new episodes in 2020. To stay on top of when we’re coming back, subsc...

After a rare cancer diagnosis, one family’s battle with insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and the endless bureaucracy, teaches them about the price tag the medical system can put on a person’s life. By the way, this is our last episode of the year. We’re taking a break for the holidays, replaying a few of our favorite episodes and working on some new stories. Make sure you’re the first to kn...