The Money:Mindshift podcast

What does it actually mean to be wealthy – and is it the same as being rich? In this episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, Dr Tom sits down with author Brian Portnoy and financial planner Shadi Kirk to explore ‘funded contentment’ – the idea that money should underwrite the life you want to live, not the endless search for more. Together, they unpack the difference between being rich and being wealthy, and why many of us are already wealthier than we think. Tune in to build your own version of wealth.
Considerations 
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. AI was used in the editing of this podcast. 
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple. 
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools.
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift.
Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education. 
Dr Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.'
Follow Dr Thomas Mathar on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Brian Portnoy and Shadi Kirk 
Brian Portnoy is the best-selling author of The Geometry of Wealth, and the founder of Shaping Wealth - a learning technology platform that's transforming the human experience of money. You can follow him on LinkedIn, or visit Shaping Wealth's website.
Shadi Kirk is a financial planner in Edinburgh and a co-founder of Transform - a financial planning service in Scotland. You can follow Shadi on LinkedIn, or visit her website.
 

What is happiness – and can you buy it? In this special festive episode, Dr. Tom is joined by positive psychologist, Jon Dunckley, and human skills expert, Angela Heise, to explore what happiness really means. Together they unpack the power of social connection, why food and emotions are so intertwined, and how to build joy that lasts – because happiness isn’t bought, it’s built. Tune in for practical tips and insights on how to make the holiday season (and beyond) more meaningful.
Considerations 
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. AI was used in the editing of this podcast. 
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple. 
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools.
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift.
Get to know Dr. Tom
Dr. Thomas Mathar (or Dr. Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education. 
Dr. Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.'
Follow Dr. Thomas Mathar on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Jon Dunckley and Angela Heise
Jon Dunckley is a positive psychologist and financial wellbeing expert. You can visit Jon’s website for more information, or follow him on LinkedIn.
Angela is an emotional productivity and human skills expert, based in Australia. You can follow Angela on LinkedIn, or visit her website for more.
Download and print our Christmas voucher to give the gift of social connection.
Reference
Research of 2,000 UK adults weighted to by nationally representative conducted by Opinium on behalf of Aegon, December 2025.

What’s the real price of parenthood – and can you really ‘have it all’? In this episode, host Dr. Tom joins family therapist, Ashley Quamme, and financial adviser, Martin Banerjee, to explore the true cost of parenting. Together (and as fellow parents) they share candid stories, unpack the motherhood tax and reveal how to manage money as a family – without sacrificing what matters most. Listen now and discover how to rewrite the rules for modern parenthood.
Considerations 
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. AI was used in the editing of this podcast. 
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple. 
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools.
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift.
Get to know Dr. Tom
Dr. Thomas Mathar (or Dr. Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education. 
Dr. Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.'
Follow Dr. Thomas Mathar on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Ashley Quamme and Martin Banerjee
Ashley Quamme is a marriage and family therapist, as well as a certified financial behaviour specialist. She’s the owner and founder of a company called Beyond the Plan. You can follow Ashley on LinkedIn.
Martin Banerjee is a chartered financial planner and leads a network of financial advisers in Scotland for National Advice firm, Origen. You can follow Martin on LinkedIn, or visit Origen’s website and LinkedIn page for more information.
Listen to Alain de Botton's TED talk: 'A kinder, gentler philosophy of success'.

Ever wondered why Black Friday makes us click ‘buy now’? In the first episode of series two, Dr. Tom is joined by behavioural finance expert, Greg Davies, and Emmy-winning stylist, David Zyla, to explore the emotional triggers behind shopping sprees. From creating pause points to avoid costly mistakes, and understanding why our feelings drive decisions, they share how to shop smarter (and win). Tune in and rethink how Black Friday isn't just about bargains, it's about behaviour.
Considerations 
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. AI was used in the editing of this podcast. 
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple. 
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools.
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift.
Get to know Dr. Tom
Dr. Thomas Mathar (or Dr. Tom) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education. 
Dr. Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.'
Follow Dr. Thomas Mathar on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Greg Davies and David Zyla
Greg Davies is a leading expert in behavioural finance, and the Head of Behavioural Finance at Oxford Risk. You can follow Greg Davies on LinkedIn.
David Zyla is an Emmy award-winning stylist, and best-selling author of: 'Color Your Style: How to wear your true colors', and 'How to Win at Shopping'. You can find out more on his website: davidzyla.com.

You might have been told never to talk about money while you’re on a date – but, why is that? With each partner, comes a different money story. Different money beliefs, myths and emotional reactions to finances. And yes, it could come with tensions of its own. Sometimes it does feel awkward when it comes to getting the bill, after all… In this episode, Dr. Tom chats to psychotherapist and financial coach, Emma Boardwell, about the impact that money has on couples, making it a powerful season finale. But the question still remains: should talking about cash be so taboo on a date?
Considerations 
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. 
AI was used in the editing of this podcast. 
Want to know more? 
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple. 
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools: aegon.co.uk/money-mindshift 
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift: linkedin.com/company/aegonuk
The podcast host – Dr. Tom 
Dr. Thomas Mathar (or Dr. Tom) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education. 
Dr. Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life. 
Follow Tom on LinkedIn. 
And thank you to our guest Emma Boardwell
Emma Boardwell is a psychotherapist and financial coach. You can follow Emma on LinkedIn, or visit her website: emotionalfinance.co.uk.
*Downloadable dinner party menu coming soon!*

It’s OK to indulge in joy and adventure – no matter how old you are. But how much does work get in the way? In this episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, Dr Tom hears from sabbatical coach, Lyndall Farley (who now has 12 sabbaticals under her belt!), about the importance of taking time off. Alongside Communications & Content Manager, Sarah Blinco – whose sabbaticals have been inspired by pet sitting across the world – they uncover what freedom and flexibility from the 9-5 looks like. Join us and discover not just what a sabbatical costs, but what the cost to yourself would be if you didn’t do one. 
Considerations  
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser.  
AI was used in the editing of this podcast.  
Statistics referenced by Tom have been taken from Opinium's 'Sabbaticals' report, commissioned by Aegon UK. Data was collected from 2,000 working UK adults in May 2025.
Want to know more?  
Subscribe to the Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple.  
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more tools and resources: aegon.co.uk/money-mindshift. 
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift: linkedin.com/company/aegonuk.
The podcast host – Dr. Tom  
Dr. Thomas Mathar (or Dr. Tom, for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education.  
Dr. Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.  
Follow Tom on LinkedIn.  
And thank you to our guests Lyndall Farley and Sarah Blinco 
Lyndall Farley is a sabbatical coach and co-founder of BreakSpace. You can follow her on LinkedIn, and visit gobreakspace.com. 
Sarah Blinco is a Communications & Content Manager, and you can follow her travels at travellivelearn.com. 

Money worries: we've probably all had them. Money and emotions are intrinsically interlinked, so it's natural to feel all sorts of feelings when it comes to finances. Emotions like shame, regret, or even fear. In this episode, Dr. Tom chats to financial coach and author, Catherine Morgan, about how to worry about money in a way that works for you - not how to worry less. Discover how understanding your own relationship with money could unlock your relationship with other parts of your life. 
Considerations 
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. 
AI was used in the editing of this podcast. 
Want to know more? 
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple. 
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools aegon.co.uk/money-mindshift 
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift: linkedin.com/company/aegonuk 
The podcast host – Dr. Tom 
Dr. Thomas Mathar (or Dr. Tom) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education. 
Dr. Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life. 
Follow Tom on LinkedIn. 
And thank you to our guest Catherine Morgan
Catherine Morgan is a financial coach, author and podcast host. Her mission is to reduce financial anxiety and increase financial empowerment for one million women globally. 
Follow Catherine on LinkedIn.

We're often told how to save money, but never how to spend it. Plus, what does spending money wisely even look like? In this episode, Dr. Tom is joined by author, financial planner and fellow podcast host, Dan Haylett, to try and answer just that. Join Dr. Tom and his guests as they challenge us to rethink what is really *worth* spending money on - and how joy, purpose and making memories should be at the forefront of it all. Not just material possessions. 
Considerations 
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. 
AI was used in the editing of this podcast. 
Want to know more? 
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple. 
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools aegon.co.uk/money-mindshift 
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift: linkedin.com/company/aegonuk 
The podcast host – Dr. Tom 
Dr. Thomas Mathar (or Dr. Tom) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education. 
Dr. Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life. 
Follow Tom on LinkedIn. 
And thank you to our guest Dan Haylett
Dan Haylett is an author, financial planner and retirement wellbeing coach. Dan is also the host of the Humans vs Retirement Podcast, where he tries to tackle both the emotional and financial challenges of retirement.
Follow Dan on LinkedIn, and visit humansvsretirement.com

In the fourth episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, host Dr. Tom Mathar delves into the challenges of comparison and the emotional rollercoaster it can trigger. Joined by behavioural expert, Neil Bage, the duo explores the intricacies of envy, social media's impact and the importance of focusing on personal values over superficial success. Discover how to redefine your benchmarks of success and embrace a fulfilling life that prioritises living well, over being well-off. Tune in to shift your perspective and unlock how to live a happier, more contented life.
Considerations
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser.
AI was used in the editing of this podcast.
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple.
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools aegon.co.uk/money-mindshift
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift: linkedin.com/company/aegonuk
The podcast host – Dr. Tom
Dr. Thomas Mathar (or Dr. Tom) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education.
Dr. Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.
Follow Tom on LinkedIn.
And thank you to our guest Neil Bage
Neil Bage is a respected expert in financial psychology and behavioural science, and is a co-founder of Shaping Wealth.
 
Follow Neil on LinkedIn.

There’s a chance that we could live until 100 – but how do we plan for that? Is there a rulebook? In this episode, Dr Tom is joined by Dr Anne Karpf, award-winning journalist and author of How to Age. Anne challenges us to rethink ageing, highlighting that it's not just about defying numbers or succumbing to stereotypes. Join us as we explore the possibility of living until 100, navigating the gender wealth gap, challenging the anti-ageing industry, and planning our futures both financially and emotionally. Tune in to imagine your future self not with fear, but with excitement and curiosity.
Considerations
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser.
AI was used in the editing of this podcast.
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple.
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools aegon.co.uk/money-mindshift
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift: linkedin.com/company/aegonuk
The podcast host – Dr. Tom
Dr. Thomas Mathar (or Dr. Tom) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education.
Dr. Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.
Follow Tom on LinkedIn.
And thank you to our guest Anne Karpf
Dr Anne Karpf is a sociologist, award-winning journalist and author of books including 'How to Age. She currently works at the London Metropolitan University as Professor of Life Writing and Culture.
Follow Anne on LinkedIn and X.