I always know it’s a good interview when I find myself bringing up bits of it in the weeks that follow. This was one of those. Paul Podolsky is a writer, a finance guy, but most importantly, a philosopher/realist. His book, The Uncomfortable Truth Of Money, is a short read and in some ways, an easy one. It’s not complicated or full of financial formulas but it does ask you to think deeply about your relationship with money, your career, and how you invest.

One thing I took from the interview is that I should be looking in two directions: toward bonds and toward diversifying internationally. I’ve often defaulted to the idea that most of my equities are international companies, and that’s my protection. That is true, but it may not be enough. I don’t know enough about investing internationally. Until now, that hasn’t mattered and the potential returns haven’t been worth the added potential complexity, risk, and tax concerns. That may change and I need to be open to that.

I am learning more about the world of bonds, which is less story-driven and my English major brain finds it more challenging. Understanding bonds is more about knowing the macro, interest rates, and when bonds are cheaper. There’s different terminology to learn and it’s a bit more complicated which is one reason bond ETFs are appealing but I need to make sure I know the basics. Bond investing is mostly logic-driven; there’s no magic way in which your money suddenly rockets up due to a new innovation. But bonds might be that thing that helps you sleep at night.

Money is always going to be uncomfortable. Understanding it, talking about it, and facing it makes that easier for a lot of us. Even people like Paul, who understand money far better than most of us, still get anxious or uncertain. This interview was a comfort but also a lot of food for thought, I hope listening to it is the same for you.

This interview was done as part of the New Books Network, a fantastic podcast platform that features dozens of author interviews with leading academics and thoughtleaders each week.

I couldnt put the book down. Very interesting story and take on money. The author shows how to achieve your dreams by thinking methodically and arriving at a clear understanding of systems that control different aspects of our life.

Informative with a tinge of “this is depressing”, Podolsky breaks down the uncomfortable truth about money, as promised. I can wholeheartedly say that I am uncomfortable, hence the tinge of “this is depressing”, nonetheless, it is an important read but do it in small doses because this is not a book to read in one sitting.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Money by Paul Podolsky offers a refreshingly candid perspective on personal finance. Rather than sticking to the usual platitudes, Podolsky dives into hard truths, sharing what seasoned investors know: that money is more about survival and strategy than simply making endless gains. The book is a no-nonsense guide that presents financial knowledge like a basic recipe—simple, direct, and without fluff.

What sets this book apart is Podolsky's background as a hedge fund strategist, giving him the credibility to share real-world insights about navigating uncertainty, from the volatility of stock markets to making decisions about real estate. It’s practical advice, but without the usual gloss over the difficult topics. Whether you're a beginner or someone who's already experienced in money matters, this book challenges you to rethink your relationship with money. If you’re into books that strip away the sugarcoating, this one is definitely worth the read!

Overall, I’d give it a solid 4/5—informative, but a little dry in places for my personal taste​.