When reality dating fans tune into their favorite shows like “The Bachelor,” they expect to see dramatic rejections, hateable villains—all the staple elements of the genre. These formulas keep audiences watching and keep the money rolling in for TV networks. And for a relatively small price—networks don’t have to pay teams of writers, and sometimes they don’t even pay the cast. But while corporations profit, there is a hidden cost for the people who make these shows so entertaining. On this episode, we’ll hear about the long-term costs of making reality dating shows from Nadia Jagessar, a contestant on “Indian Matchmaking,” as well as former “Bachelor” producers Jazzy Collins and Michael Carroll. 

What do you do when you find money? What if we’re talking about a lot of money? “This Is Uncomfortable” joins up with “Snap Judgment” to explore the ethics of finders-keepers. 

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When Kate Beaton graduated college, she had exactly one goal: get rid of her student debt as fast as possible. The goal took priority over everything else in her life, including the dream of trying to make it as an artist. But when she decided to take a job in the oil sands of Alberta, Canada, she didn’t know she would be entering a workplace that was a world of its own, where the ordinary rules of society would not always apply. 

We follow up with a listener and former guest who wrote to us about her struggle with class anxiety during our first season. We’ll also share an excerpt of Marketplace’s latest podcast, “Financially Inclined,” featuring an interview with Reema discussing emotions around money.

Matt knew from a young age that he was kinky and submissive, but he never understood the appeal of financial submission … until he tried it for himself.

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For years, Quinn held onto a terrible secret. It took a huge toll not just on their mental health, but also on their career trajectory and financial life. When Quinn learns they aren’t alone with this secret, it leads them down an astonishing path they never could have imagined.

Content warning: This episode deals with issues of grooming and sexual abuse. We hope our listeners take care while tuning in.

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When Ashleigh was a freshman in college, she saw a flier: earn up to $10,000 by selling your eggs. She thought, “Sure, I could use the money!” Her decision to sell her eggs set her on a journey that would define the next ten years of her life. And it would fundamentally change the way she thought about starting her own family.

Give now to support “This Is Uncomfortable” during our May fundraiser.

“This Is Uncomfortable” is back for its eighth season on May 18.

This season, we’re exploring how secrets shape our financial lives — the secrets we keep and the secrets we want to know.

We’ll look at how those secrets take a toll, from the traumas we hold on to, to the price we’ll pay to learn the truth.

Listen to the trailer, and follow “This Is Uncomfortable” wherever you get podcasts.

And to get even more Uncomfortable during the season, sign up for our newsletter. Each Friday morning, we’ll bring you a note from host Reema Khrais, new stories from listeners, tough money questions and recommendations from our team. Here’s the latest issue.

Give now to support “This Is Uncomfortable” during our May fundraiser.

Fed up with her husband not doing his part around the house, Jalie Gil decided to go on strike and document it all on TikTok. When the strike went viral, her private struggle for equitable housework became something of a reality show. Jalie updated every day, and viewers cheered her on from the virtual picket line. But in the real world, her marriage was being pushed to its breaking point. This week: How Jalie’s strike transformed her marriage and her world view.

This episode was reported by Reema Khrais, produced by Alice Wilder, edited by Laura Mayer and engineered by Drew Jostad. 

Marriage is all about beginnings, but staying married can often depend on how well two people adapt to change. The changes for Taylor and Gavin have been constant in the 14 years since they said, “I do.” There have been struggles and arguments over money, or the lack thereof. But even when money’s been the problem, having more of it hasn’t always been the solution. This week, we’ll hear the story of how they held things together and what they expect from each other when the unexpected keeps happening.

This episode was reported by Reema Khrais, produced by Marque Greene, edited by Karen Duffin and engineered by Drew Jostad.