Trying to decide between leasing or buying your next car? You’re not alone—and there’s a lot more to consider than just the monthly payment. In this episode of Merging Into Life, Zack Klapman is joined by Chris Hardesty, Senior Advice Editor at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, to unpack the financial, lifestyle, and long-term factors that come with car ownership in today’s market.

From building equity and managing depreciation to understanding car loan lengths, leasing fees, and how interest rates impact your total cost, Chris shares smart, real-world advice to help you make the best decision for you.

Whether you’re curious about e-bikes, new to biking, or finding more eco-friendly ways to travel, micro-mobility is becoming an increasingly popular (and practical) way to get around. But with more people riding on the road, safety, confidence, and smart planning matter more than ever. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Zack Klapman talks with Tangier Barnes Wright, Deputy Director of Shared Micromobility at PeopleForBikes, about how cities can better support cyclists and how riders can better support themselves. They cover everything from choosing your first route to making yourself visible at night and practicing good etiquette on shared trails

Learn more: 

https://www.peopleforbikes.org/

You don’t have to be a mechanic to handle a roadside emergency with confidence, you just need a little know-how. In this episode of Merging Into Life, Zack Klapman is joined by Audra Fordin, founder of Women Auto Know, to walk listeners through the car safety basics that every driver should know. From how to change a flat tire to what to put in an emergency car kit, Audra shares simple DIY car skills that can help you stay calm, act smart, and avoid costly mistakes.

Connect With Audra 

www.driversautoknow.com  

www.womenautoknow.com  

Eco-friendly tourism doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing philosophy. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Kim Rodrigues is joined by Claire Martin, an eco-conscious travel creator and founder of Claire’s Footsteps, to talk about how we can all make more mindful travel choices. It doesn't matter if it is in far-flung Sri Lanka or on spring break, the smallest effort can have a big impact. Especially if we all pitch in. From slow travel to over-tourism, supporting local businesses to spotting greenwashing, Claire offers practical, shame-free ways to reduce your impact and connect more deeply with the places you visit.

Planning a trip for toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents? It may sound impossible but it may be a lot easier than you think!  

In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Kim Rodrigues is joined by Nik Kennett of the YouTube travel channel Away Together, to share his advice for making multigenerational travel not only doable, but enjoyable. From setting expectations and picking destinations to packing smart and navigating group budgets, Nik offers practical wisdom from his own experiences traveling with his wife, daughter, and extended family.

Follow Nik @awaytogether

What if you stopped waiting for the “perfect time” to travel and just went? In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Kim Rodrigues speaks with Mikah Meyer, who started visiting U.S. National Parks one day, and then didn’t stop until he had visited all 419. From growing up in a flat state with no outdoors experience to setting world records, Mikah’s story is proof that adventure doesn’t require credentials, just intention.

They talk about what the outdoors can teach us about time, purpose, and grief; how to overcome the pressure to always be working; and why our own backyard might be the best place to start exploring.

Watch short film "Canyon Chorus" free: https://www.mikahmeyer.com/documentary

Donate to Mikah's feature film "Wild Goose Chase": https://www.mikahmeyer.com/donate

Homepage with video of Mikah's favorite National Park Service site: https://www.mikahmeyer.com/

From student loans to credit cards, car payments to “Pay in 4” buttons at checkout, borrowing money has never been more common or more complicated. In this episode of Merging Into Life, we break down the modern borrowing landscape: what to know before taking out a loan, how credit scores really work, and are newer forms of credit like Buy Now, Pay Later a blessing or a financial trap.

Julien and Kiersten are joined by William Black, a former managing director at Moody’s and longtime credit expert, to demystify the loan process and explore how your borrowing decisions can impact your credit, your stress levels, and your overall financial wellness.

Will's LinkedIn: @william-black-nyc

We all know the basics: spend less than you earn, save regularly, and avoid unnecessary debt. But if it were really that simple, we’d all be doing it. The truth is, our emotions drive more financial decisions than we realize. In this episode of Merging Into Life, Julien dives into the emotional side of money with Certified Financial Planner™ Eoin McGee. They explore how stress, habits, identity, and even childhood experiences shape the way we spend, save, and think about our financial futures.

From subconscious spending triggers to lifestyle creep, Eoin offers practical advice for building better habits, starting with understanding your mindset.

Follow Eoin: @eoin_mcgee

Talking about money with your partner isn’t just a financial decision, it’s an emotional one. Whether you’re dating, married, or somewhere in between, how you communicate about spending, saving, and values can make or break trust in a relationship. Yet for many couples, these conversations feel daunting or even taboo. 

In this episode of Merging Into Life, we explore why financial transparency matters, how to approach money talks with less fear, and what it takes to truly align as a team. Kiersten and Julien are joined by Dr. Abby Medcalf, a psychologist and relationship expert who shares how couples can use financial conversations to build connection rather than conflict.

Nobody hands you a manual for adulthood, but that doesn’t mean you have to wing it alone! 

Season 2 of Merging Into Life is here to unpack the real questions we all face, from buying your first car to planning a family vacation, and finding the courage to bring up finances with your partner. This season is all about meeting life’s twists and turns with confidence. Hosted by a rotating cast of experts and storytellers, and powered by AAA Northeast, we’re not just talking about adulting, we’re helping you do it better. 

Meet the Hosts:

Julien & Kiersten Saunders – Financial Futures

Kim Rodrigues – Travel Transformed

Zack Klapman –  Road Ready

Sabrina Pierotti – Everyday Mastery