184: Are You Shopping for “The Right Thing” or a Feeling?

184: Are You Shopping for “The Right Thing” or a Feeling?

Author: Lindsay Bryan - Podvin September 7, 2026 Duration: 11:09

Our brains are wired to seek things that help us feel better, which is why so many of us turn to shopping when we want a mood boost. So-called "retail therapy" can improve your mood in the short term. But by understanding what you’re really looking for—novelty, connection, happiness, or relief—you can find ways to meet that need that involve spending less or not at all. 


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Chapters:

00:00 - 00:51 Intro

00:51 - 02:37 DOSE spending

02:37 - 04:01 Does retail therapy work?

04:01 - 06:17 Diderot effect

06:07 - 10:19 Low-cost ways to meet your emotional needs

10:19 - 11:09 Closing and coping resources



Ever feel like your relationship with money is tangled up with stress, anxiety, or even shame? That’s the exact space where Mind Money Balance lives, exploring the deep and often overlooked connection between our financial habits and our mental well-being. Host Lindsay Bryan-Podvin brings a unique dual perspective as both a Licensed Master Social Worker and a Certified Financial Therapist, moving past simplistic budgeting advice to examine the broader societal and psychological forces that shape our financial lives. You won’t find a rigid "abundance mindset" doctrine here or judgment over small daily pleasures. Instead, each episode offers grounded, psychology-based conversations that provide actionable steps to untangle money stress and build a more peaceful financial existence. This podcast digs into the real stories and systemic factors behind our spending, saving, and earning, creating a compassionate resource for anyone ready to heal the divide between their wallet and their emotional world. Tune in for a refreshingly human take on finding clarity and confidence with money, one thoughtful conversation at a time.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Mind Money Balance
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