Memory Lane: Episode 400 with Melanie
Seven years ago, I attended a financial bloggers conference and it was while I was at this conference that I was dared by friends of mine to start a podcast of my own. At this point, I had only been a guest on one podcast, Stacking Benjamins, to talk about my book, Train Your Way to Financial Fitness, and other than listening to myself on that show, I had never even listened to another podcast. At the time, I had no idea what I would talk about on a show, but I knew I liked to drink and I knew I loved talking about money, and a few months later, Martinis and Your Money the podcast debuted. And today’s episode represents my 400th episode.
What started as a dare, has turned into a 7-year and 400 episode adventure that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. To take this trip down memory lane with me, I invited my good friend, and the person who’s appeared on the podcast the most, after me, Melanie Lockert, from the Mental Health and Wealth show and previously from Dear Debt. I had such a great time sharing some of my favorite memories of these first 400 episodes and I hope you enjoy hearing them as well. And now here’s my dear friend Melanie.
What are we drinking?
Melanie Lockert: Maple Leaf Iced Coffee
Shannon - Black Cherry Schweppes
Podcast Notes
Between happy hour and other guest appearances, Melanie has been the most frequent guest on the show.
Vinnie, Shannon’s boyfriend, let her know the 400th episode was coming up. He was helping out with the show notes for a little bit and noticed the milestone on the producer’s planning sheet. He suggested Melanie for the occasion!
This show basically started as a dare and Melanie was there at the moment of inception.
Melanie was on Episode 3: Debt Repayment & Side Hustling which aired October 24, 2014. They were drinking chai martinis, which you can find the recipe for in the show notes!
So much has changed since that first episode for both Shannon and Melanie
They have shared as much off the mic as they have on the mic, being there for each other through some of the most challenging times in ife. They call these ‘private breakdowns’ and joke there have been many.
Martinis and Your Money Memories
This show now has 400 episodes and over 1 million downloads. It has grown organically over time.
Bridget, The Financial Gym’s first employee, just celebrated her five-year anniversary. Back when the first gym opened, Melanie planned the opening party and she, Shannon, and Bridget were all there assembling furniture together.
There is an entire archive of shows for people to discover. For people who find the show, there is so much for them to listen to.
If you found the show today and started listening to one episode each day, it would take over a year to listen to Shannon’s entire catalog. It’s a complete historical archive.
FAVORITE PARTS OF RECORDING THE SHOW
Whoever sits down for happy hour, the conversations are always honest. They don’t shy away from being vulnerable, shadows, or light.
Shannon loves being able to highlight women-founded and owned businesses.
She also enjoys talking to other founders.
There are always the repeat guests who are fun to catch up with.
The folks who start as listeners who become clients and then friends.
If you think you’d be friends with Shannon, you probably would 1000% be.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SHOW
There used to be a lot more drinking on the show because it was recorded at night.
Although the show has been recorded in various locations, it is usually recorded on her laptop in her bedroom.
Shannon doesn’t prep the random three questions ahead of time. She does use the same questions relatively often, but they come from her own curiosity and selfish reasons (like wanting to find a new TV show)
MELANIE’S FAVORITE EPISODES:
The Year-End Happy Hour Episodes and all of the episodes centered around mental health.
SHITSHOW THE MUSICAL is also especially memorable.
SHANNON’S FAVORITE EPISODES:
All of the Financially Naked Episodes. These were kicked off by Shannon getting financially naked herself and loves the bravery of folks financially naked for the public.
Her all-time favorite episode is the one she did with Will when he was 8.
Melanie mentioned this website when talking about last meals: LastMealsProject.com
Takeaway: My biggest takeaway is to take on the big dares of your life, sometimes your friends and family may have a better idea of what’s best for you than even you know.
Connect with Melanie
Website: The Mental Health and Wealth Show
Instagram: @mentalhealthandwealth
A Special Thanks from Shannon:
I never would have made it to 400 episodes, if I wasn’t surrounded by some amazing people and I’d love to take the time to thank them now.
I would like to thank the three editors that the show has had that have kept it going for 7 years: Bill, Steve and now Tonya. If I had to edit this show myself, it would never continue.
I also want to thank the four show note writers this show has had: Claire, Erin, Vinnie and now Kristen. Their diligence in providing the resources to you has always been appreciated.
I would like to thank the two producers of this show who have helped me stay organized and brainstorm new ideas to continue to keep the show fresh over 400 episodes and that’s Emily and Catriona.
I want to thank Will and Vinnie who sometimes have to lose my time with them because I’m recording the show.
I would love to thank all of my guests, specifically the regular ones, Melanie, Kassandra, Joy and previously Tonya and Liz. It’s very difficult to come up with new podcast topics on a regular basis, but when you have intelligent, funny and compassionate friends, you always know that once a month, you will have something special to share with your listeners.
I said on the show and I want to make sure I share again that I never would have gotten to 400 episodes if it wasn’t for you listening to this show right now. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning, checked in throughout or just found this show now, I appreciate you taking time out of your life to listen to me and my guests and hopefully learn something along the way. I tell people all the time that my podcast listeners are literally the greatest. You have sent me words of encouragement via text, Facebook, Instagram, regular mail and through your prayers that have kept me going through some really dark times. Meeting any of you in person is always such a gift to me; and I thank you so much for allowing me into your ear buds, your cars, your homes, your conversations, and so much more. That dare from 7 years ago has turned into one of the greatest gifts of my life and it’s because you continue to bring me on your journeys with you.