Category: Coaching

How to Not Freak Out When the Markets Go Crazy with Akash Kanojia (Ep. 65)

How to Not Freak Out When the Markets Go Crazy with Akash Kanojia (Ep. 65)

On this episode of The Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with Akash Kanojia, finance professor at UT Austin and a former Wall Street bond investor with over 15 years of experience at institutions like McKinsey and the Federal Reserve. Together, they tackle one of the toughest challenges for high-achieving professionals: how to keep your cool and stick to your investment plan when market volatility triggers panic, fear, and even FOMO.

Akash shares candid stories from his own investment career—including early setbacks and the lessons learned about discipline, emotional awareness, and long-term strategy. He unpacks why even the savviest professionals can fall prey to herd mentality, make impulsive decisions, or let their egos interfere with sound judgment. Christine and Akash offer clear, practical advice for staying focused on your financial goals, building robust systems, and harnessing emotional intelligence to make better decisions—especially when markets go haywire.


Christine and Akash discuss:

  • Why every market crash is an emotional story
  • The permanence of fear and panic even among professional investors.
  • The major lessons Akash learnt from his $750,000 trading loss.
  • How external opinions and sensationalist media coverage amplify investor emotions.
  • Historical cycles of FOMO.
  • Why it is important to reframe money as a tool to support not define happiness

 

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Akash Kanojia

 

About our Guest:

Akash holds a BBA degree from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, a BA degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from New York University’s School of Law, where he was a Jacobson Scholar in Law & Business, and a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Akash is also a member of the New York State Bar and is a CFA charterholder.

Akash has also had roles at McKinsey & Company, De Nederlandsche Bank, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He led the stand-up, launch and day-to-day operations of the Commercial Paper Funding Facility, an emergency lending vehicle at the vanguard of the Federal Reserve’s effort to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also a key advisor to Federal Reserve Bank of New York leadership on green finance and markets. At McKinsey, he assisted financial and energy sector clients in navigating the aftermath of the 2008 crash. He managed a €30 billion sovereign fixed-income portfolio across the euro, dollar, and yen at De Nederlandsche Bank. Akash founded two companies, one in the battery space and another in the document management space, and served for 10 years on the Board of Directors of the Lineage Project, an NYC nonprofit. Akash is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at NYU’s School of Law and its Stern School of Business.

 

Money and Happiness (Ep. 64)

Money and Happiness (Ep. 64)

On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, Christine Luken explores the intricate relationship between money and happiness. She emphasizes that while money can support happiness, it is not the source of it. The conversation delves into the concept of the income plateau, where happiness levels off after a certain income point. Christine encourages listeners to find joy in their current financial journey, practice mindfulness in money management, and prioritize spending on experiences and relationships over material possessions. The episode concludes with a focus on aligning spending with personal values and the intentional use of money to foster a fulfilling life.

Christine discusses:

  • The job of money is to support our happiness, not be the source of it.
  • True happiness is about peace, well-being, and contentment.
  • More money can increase happiness, but only to a point.
  • Chasing money as a source of happiness is a losing race.
  • Ignoring money leads to stress and anxiety.
  • Spending  out of alignment with your happiness.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Scam Proof Your Money with Dave Hatter (Ep. 63)

Scam Proof Your Money with Dave Hatter (Ep. 63)

On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with cybersecurity expert Dave Hatter to unpack the latest tricks scammers are using to target individuals and businesses. They discuss the evolution of scams, the role of social engineering, and the necessity of cybersecurity awareness. Dave shares insights on common scams, particularly those that exploit emotions related to money, and emphasizes the need for strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.

Christine and Dave discuss:

  • The most common scams hitting inboxes and smartphones right now.
  • How a few smart habits can keep your money secure—no tech degree required.
  • Real-world examples of financial scams targeting professionals and businesses
  • How social engineering and spoofing make even the savviest professionals vulnerable.
  • Practical, actionable steps individuals and businesses can to safeguard their financial information and navigate the digital landscape safely:
    • Using strong, unique passwords and password managers.
    • Turning on multi-factor authentication for all business-critical accounts.
    • Recognizing red flags in suspicious communications.

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken: 

 

Connect with Dave Hatter:

 

Scam Protection Websites & Resources

 

About Our Guest:

Dave Hatter is Cincinnati’s top cyber security pro. If his name sounds familiar, it’s not surprising: He’s an award-winning technology professional who’s done thousands of media interviews as a subject matter expert. In addition to offering expert advice on the radio, TV and internet, Dave serves as Intrust’s cyber security consultant.

During Dave’s 30 plus years in the business, he’s focused on software development and cyber security. He has experience as a software engineer, project manager and instructor. In addition to working in the industry for decades, Dave has been an adjunct instructor at Cincinnati State Community and Technical College for nearly 20 years, teaching programming courses to help the next generation of workers prepare for careers in technology.

An enthusiastic technology student and evangelist, Dave has written more than 100 published articles and has been quoted in national and regional print media including: The Wall Street Journal, Money, MSNBC, Salon, Reader’s Digest, MSN, Business Insider, The Street, Yahoo!Money, The Ladders, Dice.com, InfoWorld, ComputerWorld, CIO, CSO, CIO Update, Search CIO, Digital Trends, Tech Beacon, CyberNews, Lifewire and GearBrain.

Dave is passionate about cyber security, lifelong learning and continuous improvement and he is constantly working to improve his skills and stay at the cutting edge of industry. He has earned the following cyber security certifications and is always working toward something new:

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISA)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
  • CompTIA’s Security +
  • CompTIA’s Network +

If you’re up early on Fridays, tune in to Dave’s regular radio show, “Tech Friday” aired each week at 6:30 a.m. on 55KRC in Cincinnati. You can also catch him each Monday on Toledo’s WTVG Tech Monday at 6:30 a.m. and The Nine at 9 a.m. on ABC 13.

You can view nearly 250 of Dave’s interviews on his YouTube channel.

Your Job Exit Strategy with Tania Brown (Ep. 62)

Your Job Exit Strategy with Tania Brown (Ep. 62)

On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down sits down with renowned Certified Financial Planner™ and Accredited Financial Counselor® Tania Brown to tackle the emotional rollercoaster and financial realities of leaving traditional employment and building your own business. You’ll hear about Tania’s own journey from executive life to entrepreneurship (hint: it did NOT involve riding off into the sunset on a unicorn), the common pitfalls ambitious people tend to overlook, and the step-by-step considerations you must address to put yourself—and your family—on smart financial footing.

This engaging conversation is full of candid stories, tangible processes, and practical mindset shifts to make sure your leap isn’t just brave, but also brilliantly planned.

Christine and Tania discuss:

  • The importance of setting up a clear, confident exit strategy.
  • How to manage unpredictable income after leaving a steady paycheck.
  • How to avoid common pitfalls like underpricing yourself or over-investing in business tools you don’t need.
  • The major challenges women over the age of 40 face when transitioning to self-employment.
  • Making the emotional transition from leader to entrepreneur with peace of mind.
  • Actionable steps for calculating your living and business expenses during a transition.

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Tania Brown:

 

About Our Guest:

Tania Brown i]s a financial coach with over 20 years of experience, She helps corporate women build a financial bridge to the self-employed life they’ve dreamed of.

She does this by simplifying the complexities of navigating personal, business, and often overlooked mindset aspects of the transition from steady paychecks to unstable business income.

She’ll help you:

☑ Get Clarity and Direction: Move past confusion by understanding your current financial picture and assessing your personal “Quit Job” readiness with confidence.

☑ Uncover Key Blindspots: Proactively identify potential financial roadblocks or overlooked areas so you can take smart action before you make your leap.

☑ Map Your “Freedom” Date: Create a realistic financial timeline so you know exactly when you can confidently resign and begin building your self-employed life.

You won’t leave with just theory; you’ll have your personalized Blueprint—a solid starting point for making a confident transition to living life on your own terms.

Imagine this:

⋅ Waking up every morning excited to work with your clients.
⋅ Setting your own hours and creating a schedule that honors your priorities.
⋅ Building a thriving business that supports your dreams.

This is within your reach! Ready to finally take the step to live life on your own terms?

Overcoming Money Shame (Ep. 61)

Overcoming Money Shame (Ep. 61)

In this episode of The Money is Emotional Podcast, host Christine Luken, the acclaimed financial dignity coach, dives deep into the often uncomfortable topic of “Overcoming Money Shame.” Using insights from Brene Brown’s “Atlas of the Heart,” Christine unpacks heavy emotions like shame, guilt, and perfectionism—showing how they manifest specifically in our financial lives. She inspires us to embrace self-compassion and empathy, positioning these as the keys to break free from the shackles of money shame.

Christine discusses:

  • The difference between guilt and shame in the context of managing personal finances.
  • How to break out of money shame cycle.
  • Her personal journey of overcoming money shame.
  • How perfectionism can sabotage your future growth.
  • What she learnt from the challenges she faced in the BODi LAVA fitness program.
  • The importance of self-compassion in overcoming money shape and achieving financial dignity.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Family Wealth Transfer with Paul Deloughery (Ep. 60)

Family Wealth Transfer with Paul Deloughery (Ep. 60)

On this episode of The Money is Emotional Podcast, host Christine Luken delves into the intricacies of family wealth transfer with  Paul Deloughery, an experienced estate planning and probate litigation attorney with over 25 years of experience.

Paul shares insights from his own journey, highlighting the importance of seeing your family as a championship team with strong communication, shared values, and a collective vision. Together, you can weather any financial storm and ensure lasting prosperity


Gain some insight as Paul shares:

  • Why effective communication and preparedness are crucial ingredients for successful wealth transfer.
  • The harsh lessons he learnt after receiving a surprising $14million inheritance.
  • The relationship between good and bad events in his life.
  • Why it is important to educate the next generation.
  • The secrets behind creating a sustainable family wealth that spans generations.
  • How ultra-wealthy families utilize family offices to maintain financial harmony.

 

Connect with Christine Luken: 

 

Connect with Paul Deloughery:
X: Paul Deloughery
Linkedin: Paul Deloughery
Website: Sudden Wealth Protection Law
Quiz: Will Your Heirs Blow Their Inheritance
Book: Lasting Wealth – A Revolutionary Method for Family Wealth Transfer™ on Amazon

 

About our guest:

Paul Deloughery, also known as Paul E. Deloughery, is an experienced estate planning and probate litigation attorney with over 25 years of experience. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Paul is dedicated to helping families protect their wealth, maintain harmony, and create lasting legacies. As a Certified Family Wealth Advisor and author of Lasting Wealth – A Revolutionary Method of Family Wealth Transfer, Paul brings a unique, proactive approach to estate planning that prioritizes family governance, autonomy safeguards, and multi-generational wealth protection. He serves clients throughout Arizona and beyond.
 
After receiving his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Indiana University-Bloomington, Paul went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from the Iowa College of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Arizona and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona and WealthCounsel. He is a certified Family Wealth Advisor. He is also the author of Probate Made Simple.

 

Dissolve Money Blocks with Hypnosis with Tammy Tyree (Ep. 59)

Dissolve Money Blocks with Hypnosis with Tammy Tyree (Ep. 59)

On this engaging episode, Financial Dignity® Coach Christine Luken chat with Tammy Tyree, an award-winning author and clinical hypnotherapist. Together, they explore the fascinating world of hypnosis and how it can dissolve deep-seated money blocks. Tammy shares her journey into hypnotherapy and reveals how this powerful tool works to replace old, limiting beliefs with empowering new ones—a game-changer for those seeking financial growth. Plus, get a sneak peek into their collaborative Money Mind Reset Hypnosis Library, a collection designed to help you tackle the most stubborn financial issues effortlessly.


Christine and Tammy discuss:

  • How hypnosis differs from meditation.
  • How combining emotional intelligence with financial planning leads to more effective results.
  • Accessing your subconscious to rewrite unhelpful money scripts and embrace abundance.
  • Common myths surrounding hypnosis.
  • Getting unexpected results by adopting new mantras and breaking free from financial shame.

 

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken: 


Connect with Tammy Tyree:

 

About Our Guest: 

Tammy Tyree is an award-winning author and clinical hypnotherapist. A devoted mother of four and proud grandmother, she spent years helping individuals navigate the depths of the subconscious.

Now fully immersed in her passion for writing, Tammy has transitioned into a full-time author and self-hypnosis audio creator, blending her expertise in the mind’s hidden realms with the art of storytelling.

She is celebrated for her memoir and paranormal fiction, weaving profound themes of transformation, spirituality, and the unseen. As a writer, narrator, and explorer of all things spiritual, Tammy inspires others to embrace healing, self-discovery, and the power of our Divine Source.

Widowed at 35 with Patrina Wisdom (Ep. 58)

Widowed at 35 with Patrina Wisdom (Ep. 58)

On this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach, Christine Luken is joined by special guest Patrina Wisdom, the founder of Pure Abundance, Inc.

Together, they explore Patrina’s framework for redefining success and achieving a life filled with joy and financial independence.
Patrina shares her remarkable journey from being widowed at 35 to becoming a guiding force for women seeking financial independence and personal empowerment.

Gain some insight as Patrina shares:

  • The tragic event that altered the course of her life.
  • Her emotional journey towards financial mastery.
  • How vulnerability can be your strength.
  • How to master your money mindset.
  • The benefits of adopting a collaborative approach in running her business.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine Luken: 

 

Connect with Patrina Wisdom:

 

About Our Guest:

Patrina Wisdom is an accomplished Abundance Activator and Strategist, best-selling author, TEDx Speaker, and the visionary creator of the Anatomy of Abundance™ Framework. With over two decades of experience in leadership, personal development, and wellness, she is dedicated to guiding high-achieving women and organizations from diverse backgrounds towards a mindset of abundance and empowerment.

Her Mission is to inspire individuals and organizations to prioritize self-care, embrace their unique voices, and live empowered lives filled with abundance and purpose.

Watch her TEDx Talk:

Comparison, Envy, and Contentment (Ep. 57)

Comparison, Envy, and Contentment (Ep. 57)

If we know that comparison has the tendency to make us feel bad, why do we do it?

Let’s unpack it together.

On this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach, Christian Luken revisits one of her favorite books called Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown. She shares insights on comparison, envy, and contentment and how they relate to financial matters.

Christine’s top takeaways:

  • Comparison is not an emotion but rather an activity that leads to all kinds of emotions.
  • You feel jealous when someone is pulling away from you.
  • We feel envious when we want something another person has and we don’t want them to have it.
  • Healthy desire pulls us forward into a more expansive future.
  • If you are not feeling content, intentionally practicing gratitude is the antidote.

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken: 

 

OUTLINE
00:00 – Intro
02:04 – Comparison itself is not an emotion.
05:36 – Why I didn’t use the term jealousy in the title of this episode?
08:52 – Why envy feels more devious than jealousy?
14:37 – How society has conditioned women to put their desires as secondary.
22:30 – What is contentment?
27:41 – Why I implemented a gratitude practice during the worst year of my life?
_______________________________________________________________

The Good Money Revolution with Derrick Kinney (Ep. 56)

The Good Money Revolution with Derrick Kinney (Ep. 56)

What does it feel like to give back and still thrive financially?

In this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach Christine Luken chats with Derrick Kinney, author of the bestseller “Good Money Revolution.” Derrick’s journey from running a top financial advisory firm to spearheading a movement where money meets meaning is both inspiring and revolutionary. Discover why he believes that money isn’t bad and how good people can leverage it to make a great impact. Derrick shares insights about connecting cash with causes, diversifying your giving strategy, and his infectious philosophy that more money equals more good.

Christine and Derrick dive into: 

  • (02:02) Why Derrick sold his successful business at its peak to pursue a passion-driven career
  • (09:35) The concept of the “Good Money Revolution” and its impact on financial success
  • (14:28) How connecting cash to a cause increases happiness and purpose
  • (16:57) Practical ways to start giving, even when funds feel tight
  • (35:24) Investing in relationships for long-term growth and fulfillment
  • (38:45) How setbacks have paved the way for Derrick’s triumphs
  • And more!

Resources:

📖✨ My NEW Book is Now Available!

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Derrick Kinney:

About Our Guest: 

Derrick Kinney is dedicated to helping anyone who feels left behind build the wealth and life they deserve. Coming from a lower to middle-class family, Derrick didn’t start with much and had to carve his own path. Despite the odds being stacked against him, Derrick set clear goals, worked hard, and reached millionaire status at 37. From there, Derrick built one of the top financial planning firms in the country, helping countless individuals achieve their own millionaire dreams with a plan that truly works. Today, Derrick is known as “America’s Financial Educator.” He takes that role seriously because he understands what it’s like to start from scratch. Derrick gets it—the frustrations, worries, and uncertainty about financial futures—and is here to help others overcome those challenges with a proven plan.