Episodes

On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with guest Shannon Villalba, founder of Heartsong Legal and a true innovator in the world of trademarks, copyright, and business strategy. Shannon isn’t your typical IP attorney, she’s a digital artist, a legal strategist, and someone who truly understands what it means to build a business with both ambition and purpose. Shannon shares her journey from working with major entertainment brands to helping entrepreneu...

Maybe you’re building a family legacy, planning for succession, or suddenly find yourself grappling with the weight of a financial windfall. Whatever your story, one thing is clear: wealth isn’t just a spreadsheet, it’s deeply personal. This episode of Money is Emotional podcast features Marina Pearson as she and host Christine Luken dig into something most financial experts shy away from: the emotional burden that can come with inheriting wealth. Christine and Mariana discuss Why inherited w...

On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken tackles a timely question: Will AI Replace Financial Coaches? The answer might surprise you, yes and no. Discover why a human touch remains vital in your financial journey, especially during stressful or complex situations. Christine shares personal stories, explores the limitations of AI when it comes to emotional intelligence, and highlights how technology can actually enhance your financial planning by making support more a...

Are you still trying to make traditional budgeting work for you even though your income and expenses are anything but predictable? Many of us were taught to use “static” budgets, but for professionals with variable income and complex finances, this old-school approach often leads to stress, guilt, and missed opportunities. On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken dives into the dynamic budgeting method which allows you to set targets and adjust in real time as your f...

On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, we explored how crystals can enhance your mindset and support your financial journey. While they aren’t a substitute for solid money management, crystals like Citrine, Pyrite, Green Aventurine, Sunstone, and Fluorite can help boost your confidence, focus, and abundance mindset. Remember, your prosperity starts with smart decisions—and a little extra sparkle never hurts. Christine discusses: How crystals work How to integrate crystals to your dail...

On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, Christine Luken and Mark Dolfini discuss the concept of time wealth, emphasizing its importance for entrepreneurs. Mark shares his journey from feeling overwhelmed in his business to creating a framework that enables better time management and personal fulfillment. They delve into the Viper framework, which includes vision, infrastructure, process, execution, and reporting, providing actionable insights for business owners to reclaim their time ...

On this episode of The Money is Emotional Podcast, host Christine Luken, the acclaimed financial dignity coach, explores her top three emotional money tools to help you make smarter financial decisions and grow your wealth . Christine shared why emotionally charged savings matter, how processing your emotions can help you spend less, and the power of treating yourself like your own best friend when big money choices arise. Remember, your emotions aren’t the enemy—they’re the key to more confiden...

On this episode of The Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with Akash Kanojia, finance professor at UT Austin and a former Wall Street bond investor with over 15 years of experience at institutions like McKinsey and the Federal Reserve. Together, they tackle one of the toughest challenges for high-achieving professionals: how to keep your cool and stick to your investment plan when market volatility triggers panic, fear, and even FOMO. Akash shares candid stories from his...

On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, Christine Luken explores the intricate relationship between money and happiness. She emphasizes that while money can support happiness, it is not the source of it. The conversation delves into the concept of the income plateau, where happiness levels off after a certain income point. Christine encourages listeners to find joy in their current financial journey, practice mindfulness in money management, and prioritize spending on experiences and ...

On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with cybersecurity expert Dave Hatter to unpack the latest tricks scammers are using to target individuals and businesses. They discuss the evolution of scams, the role of social engineering, and the necessity of cybersecurity awareness. Dave shares insights on common scams, particularly those that exploit emotions related to money, and emphasizes the need for strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Chri...

On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down sits down with renowned Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor® Tania Brown to tackle the emotional rollercoaster and financial realities of leaving traditional employment and building your own business. You’ll hear about Tania’s own journey from executive life to entrepreneurship (hint: it did NOT involve riding off into the sunset on a unicorn), the common pitfalls ambitious people tend to ove...

On this episode of The Money is Emotional Podcast, host Christine Luken, the acclaimed financial dignity coach, dives deep into the often uncomfortable topic of “Overcoming Money Shame.” Using insights from Brene Brown’s “Atlas of the Heart,” Christine unpacks heavy emotions like shame, guilt, and perfectionism—showing how they manifest specifically in our financial lives. She inspires us to embrace self-compassion and empathy, positioning these as the keys to break free from the shackles of mon...

On this episode of The Money is Emotional Podcast, host Christine Luken delves into the intricacies of family wealth transfer with Paul Deloughery, an experienced estate planning and probate litigation attorney with over 25 years of experience. Paul shares insights from his own journey, highlighting the importance of seeing your family as a championship team with strong communication, shared values, and a collective vision. Together, you can weather any financial storm and ensure lasting prosper...

On this engaging episode, Financial Dignity® Coach Christine Luken chat with Tammy Tyree, an award-winning author and clinical hypnotherapist. Together, they explore the fascinating world of hypnosis and how it can dissolve deep-seated money blocks. Tammy shares her journey into hypnotherapy and reveals how this powerful tool works to replace old, limiting beliefs with empowering new ones—a game-changer for those seeking financial growth. Plus, get a sneak peek into their collaborative Money Min...

Can a life filled with adversity be transformed into empowering success? On this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach, Christine Luken is joined by special guest Patrina Wisdom, the founder of Pure Abundance, Inc. Together, they explore Patrina’s framework for redefining success and achieving a life filled with joy and financial independence. Patrina shares her remarkable journey from being widowed at 35 to becoming a guiding force for women seeking financial independence and personal empowermen...

If we know that comparison has the tendency to make us feel bad, why do we do it? Let’s unpack it together. On this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach, Christian Luken revisits one of her favorite books called Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown. She shares insights on comparison, envy, and contentment and how they relate to financial matters. Christine’s top takeaways: Comparison is not an emotion but rather an activity that leads to all kinds of emotions. You feel jealous when someone is pul...

What does it feel like to give back and still thrive financially? In this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach Christine Luken chats with Derrick Kinney, author of the bestseller “Good Money Revolution.” Derrick’s journey from running a top financial advisory firm to spearheading a movement where money meets meaning is both inspiring and revolutionary. Discover why he believes that money isn’t bad and how good people can leverage it to make a great impact. Derrick shares insights about connecting c...

What happens when grief, trauma, and money intertwine? In this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach, Christine Luken, welcomes special guest DonJay Rice, a certified financial behavior specialist, to explore how life’s trials can impact our relationship with money. DonJay shares his deeply personal journey from childhood poverty and trauma to financial enlightenment. Together, let’s learn how these experiences shaped his unique approach to financial coaching. Gain some insight as DonJay shares: Th...

Are you over the old advice to just save and never enjoy your money? Ready to discover how to balance saving and living? Join Financial Dignity® Coach, Christine Luken as she discusses balancing ‘Provider Money’ and ‘Pleasure Money’ energies in your financial life. Christine shares insights on how to identify imbalances, practical strategies for achieving balance, and resources for further learning. The conversation highlights the emotional aspects of money management and the necessity of both s...

Are you ready to claim your seat at the financial table? Christine Luken sits down with Jennifer Rogers Markwell, an Emmy-nominated journalist turned financial planner, to explore the journey of empowering women through finances. Jennifer shares her transformative path from journalism to founding Platinum Wealth Management and discusses the importance of financial literacy and emotional healing around money. Christine and Jennifer discuss: Jennifer’s journey from journalism to financial plannin...

Join Financial Dignity® Coach, Christine Luken as she discusses the significant impact of medical bills on personal finances. She emphasizes the importance of questioning medical recommendations, understanding financial responsibilities, and utilizing tax-free accounts for healthcare expenses. Gain insight and clarity with these key highlights: The importance of reviewing and even questioning the costs of procedures and prescriptions Why you need to understand your insurance coverage How you ca...

It’s entirely possible to build a thriving business on social media, even with a small audience. You just need to know how to do it! If you are an entrepreneur looking to leverage deeper connections with your online community, you need to download this episode of Money Is Emotional. Join Financial Dignity® Coach, Christine Luken as she chats with marketing strategist, and the host of the Super Humans podcast, Ina Coveney. Together they discuss how entrepreneurs can effectively monetize a small a...

In a world where financial paradigms constantly shift, understanding the deep emotional ties we have with money becomes increasingly relevant. Join Christine Luken as she welcomes back special guest Casandra Austin-McDonald for an in-depth conversation surrounding her journey as a biracial woman. Together they explore the often-unspoken money conversations in her family, the profound impact of mentorship, the role of technology in financial education, and the critical importance of community sup...

In this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach Christine Luken is joined by Casandra Austin-McDonald to share her personal experience managing finances as a multiracial woman. Together, they explore how diverse racial backgrounds shape financial journeys, discuss the impact of systemic issues on wealth-building, and highlight the importance of emotional healing in achieving financial well-being. Casandra discusses: Her biracial upbringing and what it revealed to her about financial experiences How d...