Death, Sex & Money

Anna Sale explores the big questions and hard choices that are often left out of polite conversation.

About the Show

Anna Sale explores the big questions and hard choices that are often left out of polite conversation.

Host

  • Anna Sale is the creator and host of Death, Sex & Money, the podcast about “the things we think about a lot and need to talk about more.” After debuting at the top of the iTunes chart in 2014, Death, Sex & Money was named the #1 podcast of the year by New York Magazine in 2015. Anna won a Gracie for best podcast host in 2016 and the show won the 2018 Webby and 2021 Ambie for best interview show.

A Court Settlement Made Me a Millionaire. I’ve Barely Touched the Money.

A listener we’re calling Natalie received over a million dollars in one of the largest abuse settlements in American history.

A Career Change? In This Economy?

Advice from three people who know how to pivot.

How to Cope When You Lose a Job You Love

After government cuts to foreign aid, a USAID worker reflects on the calling he cherished.

AI Confessions: A Chatbot Ended My Marriage

Your stories about how AI is impacting your mental health, decision-making, and relationships.

AI Confessions: A Chatbot Saved My Life

Your stories about how AI is impacting your mental health, decision-making, and relationships.

 AI Confessions: I Feel Like a Hypocrite, But I Keep Going Back

You told us you’re using chatbots for medical advice, to help deliver bad news, and make hard decisions.

After Two Wars and PTSD, He Became an Oyster Farmer. Why is He Running for Senate?

Anna talks to Graham Platner, the outsider Dem aiming to replace GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

Not Wanting Kids Cost Me My Marriage

Helena de Groot loved her husband. She just didn’t want what he wanted most.

The TikTok Channel Telling Male Athletes to Love Each Other

Lessons from Heated Rivalry in IRL sports culture.

Becoming A Parent Of Six, At 25

In her mid twenties, Yesi Ortiz was starting an exciting career as a radio host. At home, she was the new legal guardian of her six nieces and nephews.

Local News Cuts Keep Breaking Our Hearts. Here’s A Bright Spot.

Our Slate colleague David Plotz discusses recent cuts at the Washington Post and a plan to help fill the gap.

The Women Who Made George Saunders A Wife Guy

Celebrated author George Saunders on the karmic relationship that was essential to his writing success.

What I Learned From a Month-Long Creativity Challenge

Artist Sharon Mashihi returns to the show to discuss Anna’s 30-day project.

Maria Bamford Isn’t Ready to Joke About Her Divorce

The comedian talks about the wildfires that destroyed her Altadena neighborhood, separating from her husband after a decade of marriage, and being documentary-ized by Judd Apatow in a new film.

Roald Dahl and the Giant Complicated Legacy

Writer Aaron Tracy shares jaw-dropping facts, both flattering and not, about the beloved children’s author.

A 101-Year-Old Rediscovers a Love Lost to War

Jonathan Goldstein of the podcast ‘Heavyweight’ joins Anna to introduce us to a centenarian grandmother whose life turns upset down thanks to a box of WWII era love letters.

Why Autopsies Are in Decline and Why it Matters

A doctor and a novelist on the life-changing power of post-mortem investigations.

My Chronic Pain Was All in My Head

Science journalist Isobel Whitcomb spent a decade with debilitating chronic pain before discovering a treatment that worked by changing how they thought about it.

Stories About Death, Sex and Money to Start the New Year

 Short stories read by your favorite comedians and actors, including Phoebe Robinson, Peter Francis James, and Amy Ryan.

The Family Drama of Inheritance

You told us about when inheritance was a surprise, when it felt like a control tactic, or an expression of love.

The Chaste Sexiness and Fantasy of Hallmark Holiday Rom-Coms

A writer behind numerous feel-good Christmas movies (including Netflix’s Hot Frosty) breaks down his recipe for cozy G-rated romance.

 Bonus: A Low-Stakes 30-Day Creativity Challenge

Want to make art but find the process daunting and scary? Artist Sharon Mashihi has a plan for you.

Samin Nosrat’s Recipe for Self-Compassion

Samin Nosrat’s first book was a smashing success. So why did she feel so depressed?

What Hearing Aids and Anger Management Still Miss

British poet Raymond Antrobus explains how miscommunication has informed his upbringing, his love life, and the way he manages his emotions.

Bonus: Ask Anna Anything

You asked, Anna answered.

When Your Famous Dad Can Charm Anyone But Can’t Pay the Bills

Wally “Famous” Amos built a cookie empire and discovered Simon and Garfunkel. His daughter Sarah grew up in the chaos of his success and downfall.

“The Lord Is My Shepherd and He Knows I’m Gay”

In the 1960s, the Metropolitan Community Church was one of the first gay-positive churches. When AIDS hit, it became a refuge.

Bonus: The Financial Loophole That Gave AIDS Patients Their Dignity Back

A new film investigates whether “viatical settlements” were good or ghoulish.

Tig Notaro’s Documentary About Her Friend’s Death Is Also Really Funny

When poet Andrea Gibson’s cancer became incurable, Tig helped organize a film crew to document her final days. Some scenes will have you crying… with laughter.