Celebrating Friendships & Special Shoutouts
After 10 years of podcasting and 554 episodes, we’re coming down to the final episodes of Martinis and Your Money. These final three episodes before Happy Hour will be a chat between me and you. When I was thinking about how I wanted to end this podcast, all I could think was, “I have to make it epic for my fans and listeners,” who have supported me for almost a decade. I have shared so much with you over these past 10 years, but I’ve also held some things back.
My intent with these final three conversations with you is to answer all of the questions, spill all of the tea, and share all of the lessons I’ve learned not only over the past 10 years but also over the past 46 years I’ve been on this earth.
I am splitting the final three episodes before Happy Hour into three categories: my personal experiences, my work and professional experiences, and my blogging and podcasting experiences. You can listen to all three, one or none.
I know that many of you have come here for years for money-related advice and guidance, and I will have that in these final episodes, but I’ll also have more. My intent in sharing all of this with you is in the hopes that my journey and the lessons I’ve learned can help you or someone you know who has been on a journey. I have faced a great deal of challenges over my life, and I would face all of them again if I knew that my story could help just one person.
Podcast Notes
Celebrating Beginnings and Friendships
This podcast started as a dare in 2014. At the time, there were hardly any money podcasts hosted by women, and her blogging friends encouraged her to start a show while they were attending FinCon.
The idea for Martinis and Your Money was inspired by her love of drinking cocktails and talking about money. She knew she didn’t want to edit the show, so Bill stepped in to help initially.
The first episodes aired with guest Erin Lowery on October 23, 2015. Since then, there have been 554 episodes, 105 Happy Hours, and 34 Financially Naked Sessions. She is sad to say goodbye but so thankful for the last ten years of this show.
Reflecting on these early connections, Shannon feels deeply grateful for the friends she made in her early blogging days and the amazing people she’s met through the podcast. Each person has had a special part of this journey.
Memorable Guests and Standout Moments
Shannon highlights some of her favorite episodes. Happy Hour has always had a special place in her heart because it has been a way to stay in touch with close friends. The Happy Hour Crew has always brought unique perspectives, openness, and great humor to the show.
She gives a special shout-out to Melanie, who started out as a blog friend but became a real-life friend and loyal Happy Hour crew member. Joe Saul-Sehy also gets a special shout-out because his show was the first podcast she ever appeared on, and he became a podcast mentor and frequent guest on this show.
There have been so many great topics on the show, but some of her favorites include bankruptcy, financial infidelity, paying medical bills, and investing for the Zombie Apocalypse.
Shannon has always wanted this show to be by the people, for the people, to always bring on a wide range of guests, talking about interesting topics, and make sure each episode provides nuggets of wisdom for the audience.
Thanking Fans and Looking Ahead
Shannon expresses gratitude to the listeners because there would be no show without them. Martinis and Your Money listeners are truly amazing and special. Many of them have become Financial Gym clients and even friends.
She acknowledges long-time fans and contributors, like those who have written show notes, her producer, and editors. Everyone has helped shape the podcast in some way and supported her through every season of the show.
The show has close to 2 million downloads, and she is so thankful to have been able to share the stories and wisdom of all of her guests. Hearing from the listeners who shared milestones, feedback, and their stories has kept her going through the tough times.
As Shannon steps back from the podcast to focus on The Financial Gym and her personal life, she reflects on the honor of sharing the last 554 episodes. She leaves listeners with heartfelt thanks, gratitude for a remarkable decade, and excitement for the next chapter of her life.
Takeaway: My biggest takeaway is that when you feel called to do something, whether by dare or dream, you take it. It will be a wild ride, but that’s what life’s about.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Happy Hour when Shit Show the Musical was born
Episode #1 with Erin Lowry
Investing for the Zombie Apocalypse
Medical Billing Questions Answered
Life After Bankruptcy
I encourage you to email me at Shannon@fingyms.com or join the private Martinis and Your Money Facebook Page, and let me know what you want to hear.
As many of you know, other than running this podcast, I’m the founder and CEO of The Financial Gym, and we are celebrating 10 years of this journey. Now more than ever, I see the importance of the work we do every single day. Rising inflation, the return on student loan debt, high-interest rates on loans and mortgages, and volatile stock markets make it a time where, now more than ever, you need a best financial friend to help you make the best choices along the way.
At Financial Gym, you get paired with a Certified Financial Trainer, who we call your BFF. Our team has coached clients through every financial season, whether they were living paycheck to paycheck or headed into Financial Independence and Retirement. As a reminder, we work with individuals, couples, or business owners.
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