This is the second of six Talking Shop episodes from 2015, where Kirsten Drysdale and I explored the evidence behind marketing. Just like on It’s Not Real, we uncover how subtle influences shape what we think is real, especially when it comes to consumer behaviour.

Does it pain you to use cash? Would you accept a higher interest rate if an attractive salesperson offered it? And can your credit card really help you lose weight?

In this episode we examine the psychology of spending, exploring why paying with cash hurts more than tapping a card, how payment methods influence our shopping habits, and why credit makes us more impulsive. From the origins of the first credit card to the hidden costs of convenience, we unpack the research behind why we spend the way we do—and what it means for our wallets, waistlines, and well-being.

Listen in and find out why sometimes, the best financial advice might be to leave your cards at home.