Healthy Love & Money: Financial Therapy, Intimacy, Conflict & Communication for Couples

In today’s powerful conversation, Ed welcomes back the insightful and trailblazing Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, financial therapist, author, and educator, to explore the emotional undercurrents of our financial lives. From her innovative work at the University of Michigan to her unique blend of social work and financial literacy, Lindsay shares how she’s creating safe, inclusive spaces for real financial healing. Together, Ed and Lindsay unpack the emotional weight of money, how to know if financial therapy is right for you, and why understanding your money story is essential no matter your background or bank account balance. Whether you're a professional in the financial or mental health field or someone trying to make peace with your money, this episode is full of powerful truths, personal reflections, and practical guidance. Tune in for a deeply affirming and thought-provoking journey into the heart of money, emotion, and healing.
Key Takeaways:
• How can financial therapy help people address the emotional side of money beyond traditional financial literacy?
• What makes group-based financial empowerment programs effective across diverse backgrounds and experiences?
• What should you consider when choosing a financial therapist, and how do you know if it's the right fit for your needs?
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - The emotional weight of money conversations
(02:30) - Financial empowerment program
(09:00) - Program structure and future plans at CEW+
(16:00) - Transitioning from one-on-one work to group education
(22:00) - When financial therapy is the missing piece
(28:00) - The boundaries of financial vs. mental health support
(32:00) - The importance of cross-trained professionals
(34:00) - Encouragement for listeners to find support
(35:00) - How to bring up financial therapy with a partner
Key Topics Discussed:
Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples, Money and mental health, Financial empowerment workshops, How to find a financial therapist, Emotional side of money, University of Michigan
Mentions:
Website: https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaybryanpodvin

More of Healthy Love & Money:
Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/
Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/
Contact me at [email protected]

Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

In this deeply insightful episode, Ed welcomes the brilliant Dr. Megan McCoy—professor at Kansas State University and a pioneering voice in the field of financial therapy. With warmth, humility, and her signature sense of humor, Megan opens up about the complexities of receiving praise, navigating imposter syndrome, and how shifting socioeconomic status shapes our relationship with money. Together, Ed and Megan explore the nuanced intersections of gender, money, and identity—unpacking why so many of us feel conflicted about success, wealth, and our roles in relationships. From the emotional weight of accolades to the hidden double binds in household income dynamics, this conversation offers profound takeaways for anyone working to align their financial life with their values and relationships. Whether you're a therapist, financial planner, or someone seeking deeper harmony between love and money, this episode is packed with heartfelt moments, fresh perspectives, and the kind of authenticity that stays with you long after the final word.
Key Takeaways:
• How do imposter syndrome and gender roles shape our ability to accept success and manage money?
• What hidden dynamics impact couples when income, power, and emotional labor are unevenly distributed?
• How can financial professionals and therapists work together to help clients build healthier relationships with money and each other?
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - Compliments vs. Accolades
(07:00) - The Psychology Behind Spending on Yourself vs. Others
(10:45) - Gender, Income, and the “Too Much Money” Problem
(17:20) - Reframing Couple Conflicts About Money
(21:45) - Rethinking Financial Self-Control
(25:30) - Hiding Wealth
(28:40) - Money Dysmorphia and the Million-Dollar Disconnect
(33:15) - Therapy Meets Financial Planning
(37:00) - You’re Not Broken—You’re Unpacking
Key Topics Discussed:
Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples, Financial therapy for couples, Megan McCoy, Gender and financial dynamics, Imposter syndrome and success, Navigating wealth and identity.
Mentions:
Website: https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/pfp/about/people/meganmccoy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-mccoy-phd?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
More of Healthy Love & Money:
Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/
Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/
Contact me at [email protected]
Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

In this intimate and thought-provoking episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, Ed sits down with powerhouse couple Doug and Heather Boneparth—co-founders of Bonafide Wealth and co-authors of an upcoming book that dives deep into the intersection of love, money, and trauma. But this isn't just a story of professional success—it's a raw, unfiltered look at the real journey behind the scenes: a couple navigating early adulthood in the throes of a recession, redefining roles around ambition and financial contribution, and learning to recalibrate their relationship through the evolving seasons of marriage, parenthood, and business. From grappling with shifting power dynamics and gender roles to reclaiming shared ambition after years of imbalance, Doug and Heather open up about the invisible labor, emotional recalibration, and personal transformation required to keep their relationship strong. Whether you're in a relationship, building a business with your partner, or simply trying to figure out how love and money can coexist—this episode will challenge your perspective, inspire reflection, and remind you that the dance of marriage is messy, beautiful, and always evolving.
Key Takeaways:
• How do couples navigate ambition and financial roles within a relationship while maintaining mutual respect and balance?
• What challenges arise when transitioning from traditional career roles to shared entrepreneurship, and how do partners support each other through these shifts?
• How can couples continuously recalibrate their relationship and financial dynamics to reflect changing life circumstances and maintain equity?
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - From college sweethearts to financial partners
(05:00) - Defining “collective ambition” in a marriage
(08:00) - Redefining masculinity and partnership in finances
(12:30) - Marriage isn’t a “set it and forget it” model
(14:00) - The invisible labor of love and money
(16:00) - Redefining contribution beyond income
(21:00) - Walking it out: conflict resolution on the move
(23:00) - The emotional toll of leaving corporate life
(33:00) - Letting go of the “conflict-free relationship” myth
(34:30) - Spotting when it’s time to switch roles
(38:00) - Financial recalibration in new life seasons
Key Topics Discussed:
Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples, Couples and money, Financial planning for millennials, Marriage and financial equity, Love and money podcast, Navigating money and relationships, Douglas and Heather Boneparth
Mentions:
Website: https://www.readthejointaccount.com/
Email: [email protected]
More of Healthy Love & Money:
Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/
Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/
Contact me at [email protected]

Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Ed interviews Justin and Hailey Brown-Woods, the dynamic couple behind the 'Price of Avocado Toast' podcast and financial coaching business. The Brown-Woods share their personal journey from receiving a $600,000 wrongful death settlement to blowing through the money and accruing $220,000 in debt, and how they turned their financial hardships into a mission to help others. They discuss the origins of their podcast name, the impact of their similar humble upbringings, and their transformation through effective communication about money. They also delve into their unique approaches to financial counseling and education, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big, staying present, and de-stigmatizing money conversations. The episode provides valuable insights into how couples can navigate financial struggles, improve their financial health, and build a strong, supportive relationship.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - The Origin of 'Price of Avocado Toast'
(04:17) - The Pumpkin Muffin Story
(05:39) - Blowing Through $600,000
(10:15) - Destigmatizing Money Conversations
(14:38) - Healthy Communication Practices
(19:55) - Managing Sensitivity in Relationships
(24:16) - Redefining Masculinity and Vulnerability
(29:07) - Supporting Each Other's Growth
(34:28) - Evolving Financial Coaching Practices
(37:03) - Balancing Dreams and Reality
Key Topics Discussed:
Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples
Mentions:
Website: https://www.priceofavocadotoast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priceofavocadotoast
Mentions: Happy Money Happy Life by Jason Vitug
More of Healthy Love & Money:
Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/
Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/
Contact me at [email protected]
Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Ed sits down with Blake Brewer, founder of Legacy Letter, to explore how one handwritten letter can change families for generations. Blake shares the heartbreaking story of losing his father at 19, and the unexpected gift his father left behind that transformed his grief into purpose. Together, they unpack why love, apology, belief, and identity are the true foundations of healthy relationships. This conversation is both a call to action and a reminder that the words we leave behind may matter more than anything we pass on financially.
Key Takeaways:
• How can intentional words and written legacy shape a child’s identity for life?
• Why are apology, love, and belief essential foundations for healing and strengthening family relationships?
• What responsibility do parents have to pass on emotional wisdom—not just financial or material inheritance?
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - How Blake Lost His Father
(09:00) - Letter That Healed
(12:00) - Grief And Growth
(15:00) - Why Words Matter
(18:00) - Parenting With Intention
(21:00) - Apology In Parenting
(24:00) - Affirming Child Identity
(27:00) - Love, Pride, Belief
(30:00) - Sharing Meaningful Memories
(33:00) - Advice That Shapes Life
(36:00) - Writing From The Heart
(39:00) - Legacy Beyond Death

Key Topics Discussed:
Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples, Legacy Letter, Parent Child Relationships, Emotional Inheritance, Healing Family Relationships, Meaningful Parenting Conversations

Mentions:
Website: https://www.legacyletter.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecbrewer/

More of Healthy Love & Money:
Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/
Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/
Contact me at [email protected]
Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.