99: The Economics of AI

In this episode of Money Feels, we explore what AI actually is, and why it doesn't just change what technology can do… it can change how society functions, who holds power, and what the future of human work and life might look like.Bridget sits down with Timo Ewalds, former Google DeepMind AI researcher and founder of Nexopia, to cut through the hype and fear around artificial intelligence. This conversation goes far beyond "AI is coming for your job." It's about how artificial intelligence intersects with consciousness, ethics, economics, and the environment — and why understanding it matters whether you're a tech insider or just someone trying to make sense of the world changing around you.In today's episode, we discuss:What AI actually is and why the definition matters more than most people thinkThe difference between AI, AGI, and ASI, and where we actually are on that spectrumWhy is sentience and consciousness so hard to define, even for researchersHow AI capabilities are growing exponentially and why that pace is difficult to comprehendThe societal implications of handing more decision-making power to machinesWhy AI benefits individuals and society in very different, sometimes conflicting, waysThe environmental cost of data centers and AI infrastructure that rarely gets talked aboutHow job displacement from AI could reshape entire economiesWhether Universal Basic Income could be a realistic response to widespread automationWhy even experts at the frontier of AI disagree about where it's all headingThanks for listening to another episode! If you want bonus episodes and more, you can join our Patreon! Until then, follow us on Instagram @mixedupmoney, @bridgiecasey and @moneyfeelspodcast, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this episode of Money Feels, we explore what extreme wealth does to the human brain — and why money doesn’t just change what people can buy… it can change how people see themselves, others, and the world around them.We unpack the psychology behind wealth, power, empathy, entitlement, and social disconnection, and discuss why the ultra-wealthy often begin to operate in completely different emotional and social realities than everyone else. We also explore how wealth can distort risk perception, reduce sensitivity to others’ suffering, and create environments where people slowly lose touch with everyday life.This conversation goes far beyond “rich people are out of touch.” It’s about how money impacts the nervous system, identity, relationships, and even morality — and why capitalism often rewards traits like detachment, dominance, and self-interest.In today’s episode, we discuss: How extreme wealth can psychologically distance people from others  The relationship between wealth, empathy, and entitlement  Why money changes risk-taking behaviour and decision-making  The “bubble effect” of wealth — and how rich people can slowly lose touch with everyday reality  Why some wealthy people genuinely believe they earned everything entirely on their own  The connection between power, status, and reduced emotional attunement  How capitalism rewards individualism, competition, and self-interest  Why wealth often creates insulation from consequences, discomfort, and vulnerability  The psychological difference between financial security and extreme accumulation  Why people with more money are not necessarily happier, calmer, or more connected  How shame, superiority, and fear can all coexist within wealth  Why many people simultaneously resent, idolize, and aspire toward extreme wealth Referenced in this episode:What Does Extreme Wealth Do to the Brain? (New York Magazine): https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/what-does-extreme-wealth-do-to-the-brain.htmlSpeaking of Psychology: The psychology of wealth, empathy, and entitlement, with Paul Piff, PhD: https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/wealth-empathyThanks for listening to another episode! If you want bonus episodes and more, you can join our Patreon! Until then, follow us on Instagram @mixedupmoney, @bridgiecasey and @moneyfeelspodcast, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this episode of Money Feels, we explore the emotional, psychological, and financial reality behind shifting relationship dynamics — and why the traditional “trophy wife” model is quietly disappearing.We unpack new data showing that wealthy men are no longer more likely to partner with significantly younger women, and what that reveals about money, power, desire, and changing gender roles. We also dive into the so-called “male loneliness epidemic,” and ask a deeper question: is this about rejection… or is it about the loss of a system where men were once centred and needed?This conversation goes beyond dating trends. It’s about what happens when women gain financial independence, relationships become less transactional, and people are forced to confront who they are outside of roles like provider, caretaker, or “the one who gets chosen.”In today’s episode, we discuss: Why the “trophy wife” dynamic is declining and what the data shows  How women earning more is reshaping partner selection  The difference between being needed vs desired in relationships  Why high-earning women are not simply “reversing the script”  How education, social circles, and opportunity influence partners The connection between this data and the “male loneliness epidemic”  Why loneliness may be more about friendship, identity, and emotional development than dating alone  The decentering of men — what it means, and why it feels so uncomfortable for some people  How capitalism shaped masculinity around provision, and what happens when that’s no longer enough  The psychology of desire — and how many women were never taught they were allowed to have preferences Referenced in this episode: Trophy wives are out of fashion (The Economist) https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2026/03/10/trophy-wives-are-out-of-fashion?utm_medium=cpc.adword.pd&utm_source=google&ppccampaignID=18798097116&ppcadID=&utm_campaign=a.22brand_pmax&utm_content=conversion.direct-response.anonymous&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18804755252&gbraid=0AAAAADBuq3LGsPBoeDKxz77EFwF0dD2q0 Archived version of the article (if paywalled) https://archive.ph/xMZl3#selection-3095.0-3105.1 Instagram post referenced in discussion https://www.instagram.com/p/DXMz0zuFJRb/?igsh=cm4xYXNvcGswZDQ3Thanks for listening to another episode! If you want bonus episodes and more, you can join our Patreon! Until then, follow us on Instagram @mixedupmoney, @bridgiecasey and @moneyfeelspodcast, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this episode of Money Feels, we explore the emotional, psychological, and financial reality of financial nihilism — and why so many people today feel disconnected from traditional money advice, long-term planning, and the promise that “doing everything right” will pay off.We unpack what financial nihilism actually is, why younger generations are increasingly saying “what’s the point?”, and how rising costs, housing inaccessibility, stagnant wages, burnout, and social media distortion have created a perfect storm of distrust around money. We also talk about the emotional toll of being “fine on paper” while feeling anxious underneath, and why reckless spending, over-saving, doom spending, or checking out financially may all stem from the same root issue: uncertainty.In today’s episode, we discuss: What financial nihilism is — and why it’s more common than people think  Why many people no longer trust traditional financial milestones like homeownership, retirement, or slow wealth-building  How high housing costs, stagnant wages, debt, and economic instability are shaping money beliefs  Why some people respond with risky behaviour (crypto, sports betting, speculation) while others respond with hyper-control (over-saving, chronic anxiety, fear of spending)  The psychology of “if the future feels broken, the present gets expensive”  How financial nihilism can show up even when someone has a stable income, savings, or looks successful on paper  The antidote to financial nihilismReferenced in this episode:Wubba Lubba Done With Money: The Absurdity of Financial Nihilism (Medium) Financial Nihilism research article (Taylor & Francis, 2025)  Philosophical perspectives on nihilism and meaning (PhilArchive) World Economic Forum article: Gen Z, Financial Nihilism & The Great Wealth TransferYahoo Finance report on the rise of financial nihilism among younger generationsThanks for listening to another episode! If you want bonus episodes and more, you can join our Patreon! Until then, follow us on Instagram @mixedupmoney, @bridgiecasey and @moneyfeelspodcast, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore the emotional, psychological, and financial reality of Coast FIRE, and why this middle ground might actually be the version of financial freedom more people are craving.We unpack what it means to “coast” financially, to build enough early on that your future is taken care of, without sacrificing your entire present to get there. We talk about the tension between security and freedom, the pressure to optimize your money, and why stepping off the gas can feel both relieving… and deeply uncomfortable.In today’s episode, we discuss:What Coast FIRE actually is (and how it’s different from traditional FIRE)Who Coast FIRE is for — and who it might not work forWhat counts as an “asset” when you’re calculating your Coast FIRE numberHow to actually do Coast FIRE (without becoming obsessed with the math)What it means for you financially once you hit that “coast” pointThe emotional shift from accumulation to maintenanceThe freedom Coast FIRE can offer — and why it can feel scary to trust itWhy this might be the most realistic first step on your journey to FIREThanks for listening to another episode! If you want bonus episodes and more, you can join our Patreon! Until then, follow us on Instagram @mixedupmoney, @bridgiecasey and @moneyfeelspodcast, and we’ll see you next time! 

We are living in a time where extreme frugality is being celebrated as discipline. Sleeping on child-sized beds, using things until they fall apart, refusing small comforts, all framed as virtue. And while frugality itself is thoughtful and often wise, there’s a point where saving stops being a value and starts becoming a fear.In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore the emotional, psychological, and financial realities of extreme frugality, and why saving money can sometimes become less about intention and more about safety, control, and identity.In today’s episode, we discuss:What extreme frugality actually is (and isn’t) Why frugality itself is neutral — but extreme frugality becomes identity When saving stops being about values and starts being about control Common signs of extreme frugality in everyday life Why extreme frugality often comes from scarcity — even years later How childhood experiences shape comfort with spending Why saving soothes the nervous system and spending can feel threatening Why logic and spreadsheets don’t always change behaviour The hidden emotional costs of chronic deprivation How extreme frugality can flatten joy and create shame around desireThanks for listening to another episode! If you want bonus episodes and more, you can join our Patreon! Until then, follow us on Instagram @mixedupmoney, @bridgiecasey and @moneyfeelspodcast, and we’ll see you next time! 

Sports betting has exploded in the last few years, driven by legalization, aggressive advertising, and frictionless apps that make placing a bet feel as easy as ordering takeout. What used to be a niche activity is now embedded directly into sports culture.In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore the emotional, psychological, and financial reality of modern sports betting and why this isn’t just about money. It’s about dopamine, identity, relationships, and the normalization of risk.We talk about how gambling has shifted from a destination to something in your pocket 24/7, why sports betting feels different from “traditional gambling,” and how the design of betting apps keeps people engaged longer than they realize.We also discuss why young men are especially targeted, the ripple effects on partners and families, and why women in relationships need to be aware of how normalized betting can quietly impact shared finances.We’re your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast where we explore the emotional side of money, and why sports betting might be telling a much bigger story than just winning or losing.In this episode, we discuss: How sports betting became normalized almost overnight  The role of legalization, advertising, and accessibility  Why sports betting feels different from “gambling”  How betting apps are designed to keep you engaged  The psychology of risk, reward, and dopamine  Why young men are especially drawn into sports betting  The social culture around betting and group dynamics  Why partners (especially women) need to be aware of financial risk  The reality of gambling economics (the house always wins)  How gambling shifted from a place you go to something in your pocket  The emotional highs and lows that reinforce betting behaviour  Warning signs that betting may be becoming a problem  The ripple effect gambling can have on relationships and families  Why this conversation is also about public health, not just moneyThanks for listening to another episode! If you want bonus episodes and more, you can join our Patreon! Until then, follow us on Instagram @mixedupmoney, @bridgiecasey and @moneyfeelspodcast, and we’ll see you next time! 

We are living in a time where it feels like groceries don’t make sense anymore! Not the prices, not the sizes, not the sales. The same cart costs more every week, packages are shrinking, loyalty apps change the “real” price, and something as simple as buying food now feels like a mental math test.In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore the emotional, psychological, and financial realities of grocery inflation and why so many of us feel exhausted, confused, and, frankly, a little suspicious every time we walk into a store.We unpack how grocery pricing actually works, why it can feel intentionally confusing, and how behavioural pricing, shrinkflation, and constant price changes create decision fatigue around something that’s supposed to be basic. We talk about the grief of “backwards lifestyle creep” — going from not checking prices to suddenly calculating every item — and why that shift feels so emotionally heavy.We’re your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast, where we help you understand the emotional side of money—and why your grocery cart might be telling a deeper story about stability, safety, and what it means to feel financially secure.In today’s episode, we discuss:Why grocery prices feel like a scam — even when they technically aren’t How groceries in Canada have increased faster than overall inflation Why feeding yourself now feels like a part-time job How grocery stores actually price products (margin targets, elasticity, competition) The psychology behind sales, “2 for $8,” and urgency pricing Shrinkflation and why packages keep getting smaller Loyalty pricing and why the shelf price isn’t the real price anymore Loss leaders and why milk is cheap but everything else isn’t The mental load of constantly recalculating your grocery budget “Backwards lifestyle creep” and the grief of losing grocery stability Why grocery inflation hits harder than other expenses The emotional impact of decision fatigue around food How consumers push back — quietly and collectively Why this isn’t about being bad with money, it’s about navigating a system designed for optimizationThanks for listening to another episode! If you want bonus episodes and more, you can join our Patreon! Until then, follow us on Instagram @mixedupmoney, @bridgiecasey and @moneyfeelspodcast, and we’ll see you next time! 

We're back, baby! Season 9 and feeling fine! We are living in a time where our attention is constantly being pulled in every direction — notifications, scrolling, ads, emails, content, news, shopping, and algorithms designed to keep us looking just a little bit longer.The average person now spends over 7 hours per day looking at screens. Gen Z? Nearly 9 hours a day. And mobile screen time alone sits around 5 to 7 hours daily.In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore the emotional, psychological, and financial reality of living on our phones, and how screen time is quietly shaping not just our focus, but our spending, habits, and sense of control.We talk about what happens when our attention becomes fragmented, how constant exposure to ads and aspirational content drives spending, and why reducing screen time can have a surprisingly powerful impact on your finances.We’re your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast where we explore the emotional side of money, and why your screen time might be costing you more than you think.In this episode, we discuss: The average screen time statistics (and why they’re shocking)  How 5 hours per day equals 2.5 months per year  Why more screen time = more spending  The link between ads, scrolling, and impulse purchases  How screen time reduces cognitive bandwidth for planning  Dopamine, resilience, and the ability to say no  Why reducing screen time improves financial decision-making  The emotional pull of phones: boredom, loneliness, avoidance, habit  Why screen time quietly drains both money and mental energy Thanks for listening to another episode! If you want bonus episodes and more, you can join our Patreon! Until then, follow us on Instagram @mixedupmoney, @bridgiecasey and @moneyfeelspodcast, and we’ll see you next time! 

We are living in a time where it feels like we don’t own anything anymore — not our phones, not our entertainment. Everything is a subscription, everything renews automatically, and everything in our lives comes with a monthly fee.In this episode of Money Feels, Alyssa and Bridget explore the emotional, psychological, and financial reality of living in the subscription economy, and why so many of us feel like we’re leasing our lives one tiny charge at a time.We unpack how subscriptions prey on convenience, loneliness, perfectionism, and the desire to optimize our lives. We talk about why it feels impossible to keep track of everything you’re paying for, how companies intentionally design services to be forgettable, and how this constant drip of micro-payments affects our sense of stability and control.We’re your hosts, Alyssa and Bridget. Welcome to the podcast where we help you understand the emotional side of money — and why your monthly subscriptions might be telling a deeper story about your values, your habits, and what you’re craving in your life.In today’s episode, we discuss:Why everything is a subscription now — and how we got hereThe illusion of ownership in a world where most things are rentedWhy companies love subscriptions (predictable revenue + harder to cancel)How “just $9.99” becomes hundreds of dollars a monthSubscription fatigue and the emotional load of tracking everything we pay forWhy people forget how many subscriptions they haveThe psychology behind subscriptions: convenience, identity, belonging, boredom, self-optimizationThis episode is a reminder that you’re not bad with money, you’re just living in a system designed around tiny, invisible charges that chip away at your financial and emotional bandwidth. It’s an invitation to approach your subscriptions with curiosity, compassion, and clarity… and maybe cancel a few things along the way.Thanks for listening to another episode! If you want bonus episodes and more, you can join our Patreon! Until then, follow us on Instagram @mixedupmoney, @bridgiecasey and @moneyfeelspodcast, and we’ll see you next time!