Reel Stories, Real Problems
Rachael, a writer and personal finance expert, got laid off in 2024. Roxanne, a homeless university professor juggling a retail job, knows all about the hustle. Together, they dive into documentaries about money, work, and the economy—breaking down what’s changed (or stubbornly stayed the same) since the films were made. From being broke to navigating unemployment and homelessness, they tackle it all with insight, humor, and a no-holds-barred attitude!
Episodes
In this episode, Roxanne and I explore the often-overlooked issue of senior hunger in America through the lens of the documentary Leftovers. Tune in as we unpack the film’s powerful message and share stories that highlight both the struggle and resilience of aging Americans. We discuss the surprising realities many older adults face when it comes to food insecurity, the stigma that prevents them from seeking help, and the urgent ne...
In this week's episode, Rachael and Roxanne dive into how the first episode of The Conners tackles the opioid crisis in America. From Roseanne’s offscreen death to the emotional fallout faced by her family, we explore how the show reflects real-life struggles with addiction, prescription drug misuse, the broader impact of opioids on working-class families across the U.S., and how Roxanne's British friend feels about medical...
In this episode, Roxanne and I watch Jasper Mall, a quiet and compelling documentary that captures life inside a dying shopping mall in rural Alabama. We unpack how the film serves as a lens into the broader economic and cultural shifts facing America today—from the slow erosion of retail jobs to the loss of shared public space. Through interviews, analysis, and personal stories, we look at what Jasper Mall reveals about community,...
This week Roxanne and I watched the documentary Assholes: A Theory, but the audio didn't record properly. Oops!
This week, instead of listening to us talk about what exactly makes someone an asshole, you get to listen to some of our favorite bits from previous episodes (along with some clips from behind-the-scenes!)
Tune in again next week for more social commentary through the lens of a documentary film!
In this week's episode, Rachael and Roxanne dive into the world of frivolous lawsuits, tort reform, and the surprising truth behind one of the most infamous legal cases in American history while watching the 2011 documentary Hot Coffee. Come along with us as we unpack how the case of a spilled cup of McDonald’s coffee became the poster child of so-called lawsuit abuse (and why that narrative doesn’t hold water), how powerful intere...
In this episode, Rachael and Roxanne dive into the eye-opening documentary Buy Now: A Shopping Conspiracy for the second week in a row, exploring how modern consumerism is driven by carefully crafted marketing, psychological manipulation, never ending waste, and a relentless push for profit. Join us as we unpack the hidden forces behind your shopping habits, discuss how poverty is manufactured to force people to do jobs that go aga...
In this episode, Rachael and Roxanne dive into the eye-opening documentary Buy Now: A Shopping Conspiracy, exploring how modern consumerism is driven by carefully crafted marketing, psychological manipulation, never ending waste, and a relentless push for profit. Join us as we unpack the hidden forces behind your shopping habits, discuss the emotional and financial impact of overconsumption, and exactly how many dildos people are a...
In this week's episode, Rachael and Roxanne dive into Prison State, the 2014 Frontline documentary that exposes the cycle of incarceration in Louisville, Kentucky. We discuss the human stories behind the statistics, the impact of mass incarceration on families and communities, and the policies that keep people trapped in the system. Join us as we discuss criminal justice reform, mental health, the cost of locking people away in...
In this week's episode, Rachael and Roxanne dive into the fascinating world of Queen of the Deuce, the documentary that tells the story of Chelly Wilson—an immigrant, entrepreneur, and trailblazer who built an adult cinema empire in 1970s Times Square. We break down the unexpected business lessons we learned, from fearless decision-making and niche marketing to the power of authenticity in building a brand. How do you sell a pr...
In this week's episode, Rachael and Roxanne watch to 2006 documentary Maxed Out and dive deep into the dark world of predatory lending, exposing the tactics that keep people trapped in cycles of debt. Join us as we break down the film’s most shocking insights, share real-life stories of financial hardship. Whether you're battling debt or just want to understand the system better, this episode is a must-listen.
**Content ...
In this week's episode, Rachael and Roxanne talk about the law of attraction, manifesting Hugh Jackman, and what exactly The Secret has in common with Terminator 2. Is law of attraction real? Join us this week to find out!
Sources:
Roxanne is in traffic court, so our good friend Amanda steps in to talk with Rachael about health insurance, medical care in the United States, and why you can't stand outside other countries and yell at the U.S. Embassy though a bullhorn.
Sources:
https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/surveys/2024/nov/state-hea...
In this week's episode Rachael and Roxanne watch the 2020 documentary No Small Matter and talk about early childhood education, the importance of paying teachers a living wage, and why the Muppets would never make it in the military.
Rachael is a writer and personal finance expert who got laid off in 2024. Roxanne is a homeless university professor and part-time retail employee.
Sources:
In this week's episode, Rachael and Roxanne watch the 2003 documentary Born Rich and talk about wealth inequality, what it's like living outside of the American dream, and Roxanne's view of a Cambodian restaurant.
Sources:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-one-percent_b_87459
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_Johnson_(filmmaker)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7192220/
In this week's episode, Rachael and Roxanne watch the 2022 documentary Get Smart With Money and talk about spending less, earning more, and what they would do if they had Oprah money.
Sources:
https://www.zippia.com/advice/average-salary-increase/
https://www.bankrate.com/loans/student-loans/how-to-calculate-student-loan-interest/#tax-deductible
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1490134/
https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue...
In this week's episode Rachael and Roxanne watch the 2013 documentary American Winter and talk about poverty, job hunting, and why it is important to record your podcast before dinner.
Rachael is a writer and personal finance expert who got laid off in 2024. Roxanne is a homeless university professor and part-time retail employee.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/unemployment-rate-steady-at-4-1-percent-in-octobe...
Rachael is a writer and personal finance expert who got laid off in 2024. Roxanne is a homeless university professor and part-time retail employee. In this week's episode they watch the 1992 documentary It Was a Wonderful Life and talk about homelessness, poverty, and why going to prison isn't a good idea.
Sources:
https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PA/documents/Fact_Sheet_Summarized_Findings.pdf
https://endhomelessn...
Rachael is a writer and personal finance expert who got laid off in 2024. Roxanne is a homeless university professor and part-time retail employee. In this week's episode they watch the 2013 documentary A Place At The Table and talk about unemployment, nutrition, using the food bank, and the importance of keeping the police well fed.
Sources:
https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details?pubid=45132
https://www.er...
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