Two Cents

Broadway entrepreneur Joel Kirk (@JoelTKirk) is doing the impossible. He has managed to turn his passion - Broadway - into a non-profit that both supports an industry he loves so much, and gives him the opportunity to create meaningful work with the world's most talented theater artists. He is living his dream, giving back to a community, and making a great living while doing it.On today's episode, we discussWhy broadway tickets FEEL so expensive (even though, they're not, when push comes to shove)How broadway shows actually get financedWhat Joel would like to see for the future of the industryFollow Two Cents / STS on all socials @SalaryTransparentStreet and @twocents.sts. Follow Hannah on IG @hannahwilliamsllc, TikTok @hannahwill3ams. Follow James on IG @sts.bts.

Alyssa Matesic spent years working in traditional publishing before she noticed something surprising: aspiring authors had endless questions about book deals, advances, agents, and the business of publishing - but very few people were giving straight answers.What started as sharing publishing insights online grew into a thriving YouTube community of nearly 170,000 followers. Today, she's one of the internet's most trusted voices on the realities of modern authorship.On today's episode, she shares:• What authors actually earn, and the truth about advances, royalties, and book deal economics• Whether you really need a large platform or social media following to land a publishing deal• How literary agents decide which projects to represent• What surprised her most about growing a YouTube audience from scratch and building a business around helping writersFollow Two Cents / STS on all socials @SalaryTransparentStreet and @twocents.sts. Follow Hannah on IG @hannahwilliamsllc, TikTok @hannahwill3ams. Follow James on IG @sts.bts.

Joseph Moore became financially independent in his mid-40s by doing something most people don't: studying history's biggest financial successes, failures, scams, and opportunities to uncover what actually works.A national bestselling author, historian, and investor, his latest book explores the lessons history can teach us about money, investing, and the opportunities available to everyday Americans today.On today's episode, he shares:• Whether the American Dream is really dead—and why he believes it's actually more attainable today than most people think• The two habits and mindsets that are the strongest predictors of building wealth• Why married women are often positioned for greater financial success than many people realizeFollow Two Cents / STS on all socials @SalaryTransparentStreet and @twocents.sts Follow Hannah on IG @hannahwilliamsllc, TikTok @hannahwill3ams Follow James on IG @sts.bts

Jen Glantz has been to more than 150 weddings. How did she pull that off? She's the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire, a business she built from the ground up after posting a Craigslist ad offering her services as a professional bridesmaid. The ad went viral, launching a career that's given her incredible insight when it comes to the best (and worst) decisions couples make before saying "I do."On today's episode, Jen shares:- The biggest financial mistakes couples make while planning their weddings- Where couples SHOULD be spending and saving.- The essential money conversations every couple should have before the big day- How to navigate difficult discussions about budgets, family expectations, and finances without causing relationship stressPlus, Jen reflects on the surprising lessons she's learned from attending hundreds of weddings and why the strongest marriages often start with honest conversations about money.

In this episode of Two Cents, Hannah and James sit down with former Blockbuster and 7-Eleven CEO Jim Keyes to talk about one of the biggest questions shaping our future: can education and technology actually make the world a better place?Jim shares why he believes humanity is on the verge of world peace, and how fear, ignorance, and lack of access to education are at the root of many of society’s biggest problems. From literacy rates in America to the role AI and personalized learning could play in accelerating human potential, he explains why he sees education as one of the most powerful investments a person can make.We also dive into the growing debate around college degrees, whether higher education is still worth the cost, and why Jim believes advice from tech billionaires telling people to skip college doesn’t apply to most workers. Drawing from decades of experience leading massive companies and hiring millions of employees, he breaks down how degrees still impact hiring decisions, earning potential, and long-term career opportunities.Plus, Jim shares why college may be more financially accessible than people realize today. He also reflects on joining Blockbuster during one of the company’s most turbulent moments, the importance of learning through failure, and whether pride and resistance to change hold businesses (and people) back from growth.Follow STS on all socials @SalaryTransparentStreetFollow Two Cents on Instagram @twocents.stsFollow Hannah on IG and TikTok @hannahwilliamsllc Follow James on IG @sts.btc

In this episode of Two Cents, Hannah and James sit down with Dr. Judith Joseph to unpack one of the biggest financial and personal questions people face today: should I go back to school, and is higher education worth it? Dr. Judith shares why she still believes education can be life-changing, even in a world of skyrocketing tuition costs and student debt. From becoming an expert in your field to learning from mentors and peers, she explains what higher education offers beyond just a degree, and why investing in your skills and trade can create opportunities no one can take away from you.We also dive into the realities people don’t talk about enough: who college is really for, whether some programs cost more than they’re worth, and the responsibility institutions have when it comes to rising tuition prices. Dr. Judith opens up about her own difficult experiences in medical school, including moments that made her question everything, and why external motivation alone isn’t enough to sustain a demanding career path.Plus, we answer listener-submitted questions about going back to school, finding mentors, balancing emotional burnout with career opportunities, and figuring out your “end game” before committing to a path. Dr. Judith also shares practical advice for people interested in therapy, psychology, and healthcare careers, including the many routes available beyond becoming a doctor.Follow Two Cents / STS on all socials @SalaryTransparentStreet and @twocents.sts Follow Hannah on IG @hannahwilliamsllc, TikTok @hannahwill3ams Follow James on IG @sts.bts

In this episode of Two Cents, Hannah and James sit down with Jill Kargman, writer, actress, and creator of Odd Mom Out, to talk about the messy, unpredictable reality of building a creative career.Jill shares what it really took to make it in entertainment, from living with her parents until 25 and making just $18K a year at Interview Magazine, to freelancing for pennies and chasing unpaid invoices. She opens up about the “feast or famine” financial reality of creative work, why writers need to “make multiple bets,” and the importance of taking jobs that may not be glamorous, but still keep you connected to your craft.We also dive into how one unexpected meeting with Andy Cohen helped change the trajectory of her career and eventually led to Odd Mom Out. Jill reflects on rejection, failed book options, starting acting at 39, and why she believes everyone has to do work they don’t love sometimes, but not at the expense of their creative identity.Plus, Jill answers user-submitted questions and shares some of the sharpest, funniest career advice we’ve heard on the podcast yet, including her now-iconic line: “I will burn a bridge so that the fire will light the way for others.”Follow Two Cents / STS on all socials @SalaryTransparentStreet, @twocents.sts, @nowthis Follow Hannah on IG @hannahwilliamsllc, TikTok @hannahwill3amsFollow James on IG @sts.bts

In this episode of Two Cents, Hannah and James sit down with Jill Kargman, writer, actress, and creator of Odd Mom Out, to talk about the messy, unpredictable reality of building a creative career.Jill shares what it really took to make it in entertainment, from living with her parents until 25 and making just $18K a year at Interview Magazine, to freelancing for pennies and chasing unpaid invoices. She opens up about the “feast or famine” financial reality of creative work, why writers need to “make multiple bets,” and the importance of taking jobs that may not be glamorous, but still keep you connected to your craft.We also dive into how one unexpected meeting with Andy Cohen helped change the trajectory of her career and eventually led to Odd Mom Out. Jill reflects on rejection, failed book options, starting acting at 39, and why she believes everyone has to do work they don’t love sometimes, but not at the expense of their creative identity.Plus, Jill answers user-submitted questions and shares some of the sharpest, funniest career advice we’ve heard on the podcast yet, including her now-iconic line: “I will burn a bridge so that the fire will light the way for others.”Follow Two Cents / STS on all socials @SalaryTransparentStreet, @twocents.sts, @nowthis Follow Hannah on IG @hannahwilliamsllc, TikTok @hannahwill3amsFollow James on IG @sts.bts

Haley Sacks, aka Mrs. Dow Jones, came on the Two Cents Podcast to share about how early our money habits are formed, quiet luxury, what it looks like to prioritize actually getting rich (rather than looking rich), and how financial nihilism holds us back from actually growing wealth.We also delve into frictionless finances, setting money dates with yourself, and more ways to make saving and investing easier for yourself. 'Do it for your ancestors, girl!' Sacks said, recounting how you should never be afraid of trying or asking when it comes to hard money conversations.And if you liked this episode, we’d appreciate it if you gave us a follow and a review. Thanks, H & J 💚

In this episode of Two Cents Podcast, we sit down with Sasha Zabar, founder of Glace and Glace Candy, to talk about a simple idea that most founders get wrong: you don’t need to spend money to make money.We get into why so many early businesses overspend—especially on things like office space and rent—and how that pressure to “look the part” can actually hurt you before you’ve even had the chance to grow into it. Sasha breaks down why staying lean in the early days isn’t just smart, it’s necessary.Instead, we talk about focusing on low-cost, high-impact growth—like social media, which he calls the fastest (and least excuse-worthy) way to build momentum. He shares how Glace went viral with its now-famous hot chocolate, and how that moment completely changed the trajectory of the business.We also dive into where spending does matter: investing in the big-ticket elements that shape your brand identity, and putting money toward education so you actually understand your space and can build something with real staying power.Whether you’re starting a business, scaling one, or just trying to be smarter with your money, this episode is a reminder that being scrappy isn’t a limitation—it’s an advantage.And if you liked this episode, we’d appreciate it if you gave us a follow and a review. Thanks, H & J 💚Follow Two Cents / STS on all socials @SalaryTransparentStreet @nowthisFollow Hannah on IG @thatmoneystreetgirl, TikTok @hannahwill3amsFollow James on IG @sts.bts