MONEY MATTERS with Christopher Hensley

Christopher Hensley

Money Matters has been airing for over a decade, providing important money management education to the Houston community. Originally launching in 2013, the show has evolved to cover a wide range of financial topics beyond just budgeting and saving. From investing and retirement planning the show explores every aspect of personal finance. With an engaging interview format, host Christopher Hensley talks candidly with both financial experts and everyday community members about their experiences with money. By sharing real-life stories and actionable advice, the show makes financial literacy accessible and interesting to a broad audience. Popular episodes over the years have addressed things like getting out of debt, affording college, planning for retirement, and teaching kids about money. Now approaching its 10th anniversary, the show continues to be a vital educational resource for Houstonians looking to take control of their finances. Stream episodes on demand at www.moneymatterspodcast.com With the Money Matters show, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to achieve your financial goals.

  1. Jul 23

    Brain Fog, Weight Gain, and Mood Changes? It Could Be Perimenopause

    Brain fog, weight gain, mood changes, disrupted sleep, and a fading sense of feeling like yourself can all become part of the perimenopause experience. But why do these changes happen—and why are so many women still struggling to find informed care? In Episode 347 of Money Matters, Christopher Hensley, RICP, CES, speaks with Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith, a nationally recognized OB-GYN, certified menopause practitioner, author, and founder of Complete Midlife Wellness Center. Dr. Hardwick-Smith explains the hormonal transition from the fertile years through perimenopause and menopause, including how changing estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone levels may affect the brain, sleep, metabolism, muscle, mood, and sexual wellness. She also discusses the continuing debate around menopausal hormone therapy, why specialized menopause training matters, and how women can begin planning for a longer health span. In this conversation What perimenopause is and why symptoms vary Brain fog, mood, memory, and sleep changes Metabolism, insulin resistance, and midlife muscle loss Sexual wellness and the role hormones may play Questions surrounding the 2002 Women's Health Initiative reporting How to find a qualified menopause practitioner Practical steps women can begin taking in their 40s and 50s Chapters 00:00 Compliance disclosures and show introduction 00:38 Cold open: hormones and brain function 01:04 Welcome and episode introduction 02:46 The three hormonal phases of a woman's life 04:35 How perimenopause may affect the brain 06:14 Why symptoms vary from woman to woman 08:19 Hormone therapy and the 2002 WHI debate 13:03 Metabolism, muscle loss, and midlife weight changes 15:57 Sexual wellness, desire, and testosterone 19:13 Who may benefit from treatment and finding informed care 21:29 Advocating for yourself in the medical system 23:17 Why Complete Midlife Wellness Center was created 24:46 Create Her and planning for a longer health span 27:11 Three practical steps for women in midlife Resources mentioned Complete Midlife Wellness Center The Menopause Society practitioner directory Create Her: Aging Into the Healthiest Version of Yourself by Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith — book details and preorder information (publishes February 2, 2027) Subscribe to Money Matters for practical conversations about the financial, physical, and personal decisions that shape a well-planned life. This episode is for educational purposes and is not personal medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional. Medical interpretations and treatment perspectives expressed in the conversation belong to the guest.

  2. Jun 27

    Money Matters Episode 346- The Working Budget: Budgeting, Kaizen, and Better Money Habits W/Jabez Roberts

    In this episode of Money Matters, Chris Hensley welcomes Jabez Roberts, host of The Working Budget and The Boardroom Podcast. Jabez shares the story behind launching The Working Budget, a new podcast focused on practical financial education, money management, and helping everyday people understand how money moves through their personal economy. Chris and Jabez discuss the connection between Kaizen and compound interest, showing how small, consistent improvements can create meaningful long-term growth. They also explore why budgeting is often misunderstood, why money decisions are emotional, and how a working budget can help people prepare for emergencies, save for the future, and spend with more intention. Jabez also shares the books that shaped his view of money, including The Richest Man in Babylon, Rich Dad Poor Dad, and One Up On Wall Street. The conversation touches on entrepreneurship, stewardship, financial education, and Jabez's mission to build a media-first education platform for Caribbean nationals and beyond. Whether you are new to budgeting or looking to improve your financial habits, this episode offers a practical reminder: budgeting is not about restriction. It is about creating a roadmap for your money and your future self. In This Episode Chris and Jabez discuss: The launch of The Working Budget Why budgeting is a roadmap to financial success How Kaizen connects with compound interest Why small daily improvements matter The difference between saving and investing Why money is emotional How impulse spending affects long-term goals Emergency funds and financial resilience The importance of practical financial education Books that shaped Jabez's approach to money The future of Zeilhan, The Boardroom Podcast, and The Working Budget Guest Jabez Roberts Host of The Working Budget and The Boardroom Podcast Website: media.zeilhan.com

  3. Jun 24

    Money Matters Episode 345- Books4Guys: Saving Critical Thinking in a Distracted World W/ Chris Clinard

    Episode Description In this episode of Money Matters, Chris Hensley welcomes Chris Clinard, host of the Books4Guys podcast and founder of the Books4Guys community. Chris shares the story behind Books4Guys, a platform built to encourage more men and young people to read, explore new ideas, and build lifelong learning habits. The conversation covers why men are reading less, how books can shape critical thinking, the surprising value of fiction, and why reading is more than just a hobby — it is a tool for personal growth, leadership, and better decision-making. Chris also discusses the Books4Guys book giveaway program, which supports authors while getting books into the hands of students, athletes, and communities. From high school football programs to conversations with authors, athletes, doctors, and leaders, Chris explains how books can open doors to new perspectives and long-term impact. Whether you are already an avid reader or looking for a reason to pick up your next book, this episode is a reminder that curiosity, learning, and growth can start with just one page. Topics Covered Why men are reading less — and why it matters How reading builds critical thinking and curiosity The importance of fiction for creativity and development The mission behind Books4Guys Supporting authors through book giveaways Getting books into the hands of young men and students Lifelong learning, leadership, and personal growth Avoiding distraction and replacing doom scrolling with deeper learning Guest Chris Clinard Host of Books4Guys Website: Books4Guys.com

    Money Matters Episode 345- Books4Guys: Saving Critical Thinking in a Distracted World W/ Chris Clinard

  4. May 22

    Money Matters Episode 344- Slow Down to Go Faster with Ralph Simone

    What if the reason you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and constantly behind is because you've been taught that faster always means better? In this episode of Money Matters, Christopher Hensley sits down with executive coach and author Ralph Simone to discuss the ideas behind his book Slow Down to Go Faster. Together, they explore burnout, hustle culture, leadership, productivity, and the importance of intentional pauses in both business and life. Ralph shares lessons from decades of coaching leaders and entrepreneurs, explaining why many high achievers struggle to disconnect, recharge, and think strategically. From martial arts philosophy and business leadership to stress management and sustainable success, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone trying to perform at a high level without burning out. Topics discussed include: Burnout and overwhelm in modern work culture Why slowing down can improve productivity Leadership and intentional decision-making Strategic pauses and better performance Building resilience and long-term success Work-life balance for entrepreneurs and executives The hidden cost of nonstop hustle Why being busy isn't always being effective If you're a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or professional looking for a healthier and more sustainable path to success, this episode is for you. Guest: Ralph Simone Book: Slow Down to Go Faster

    Money Matters Episode 344- Slow Down to Go Faster with Ralph Simone

  5. Apr 1

    Money Matters Episode 343-Why Men Get Perimenopause Completely Wrong (And What to Do Instead) w/ Sam Anderson

    Most men get perimenopause completely wrong. Not because they don't care— …but because no one ever taught them what's actually happening. On the latest episode of the Money Matters Podcast, I sat down with Sam Anderson (tag him here), author of Perimenopause: The A–Z Guide for Us Idiots—and one thing stood out: 👉 The biggest mistake men make? They try to fix it. When in reality… ✔️ It's not something to fix ✔️ It's something to understand ✔️ And something couples need to navigate together We talked about: • Why men take symptoms personally (and why that backfires) • What real support actually looks like day-to-day • How small changes can completely shift a relationship • And why this conversation needs to happen more in workplaces One line that stuck with me: "It's not you vs her—it's both of you vs the problem." Big thanks to Sam Anderson (tag) for coming on the show and opening up this conversation—this is one more people need to hear.

  6. Mar 31

    Money Matters Episode 342-Back Office Burnout & AI: What Advisors Must Know W/ Ryan George

    What if the real reason advisory firms struggle to scale… isn't growth? It's what happens after the client says yes. In this episode, Christopher Hensley sits down with Ryan George (CMO at Docupace) to talk about the unsung "back office heroes" who keep advisory firms running—and why burnout, invisible operations, and misunderstood AI adoption can quietly become your biggest growth bottleneck This isn't another "AI will write your blog posts" conversation. Ryan breaks down the difference between automation vs. intelligent automation, why financial services is an exception-laden business, and why the safest bet for the near future is still human-in-the-loop decisioning—especially when risk can scale instantly You'll also hear why Ryan believes "most-in-one beats all-in-one," how firms should think about AI note takers vs. workflow automation, and what "self-healing workflows" could look like as platforms learn from years of operational data One of the most memorable moments is Ryan's personal story about a doctor who pushed the computer away, made eye contact, and simply showed up as a human—a reminder that the advisor's real moat isn't tech. It's presence. If you're an RIA, broker-dealer leader, ops manager, or advisor trying to make sense of AI beyond the hype—this conversation will help you think clearer, deploy smarter, and protect what matters most: trust.

  7. Feb 19

    Money Matters Episode 341-Public Radio, AI, and the Future of Audio Storytelling W/ Ernesto Aguilar

    Public radio helped define trust in audio. Now AI is reshaping how audio gets made. In this episode, I sit down with Ernesto Aguilar — public radio executive, author, and the person who gave me my first big break at KPFT in Houston more than a decade ago. That opportunity launched what has now become one of the longest-running financial planning podcasts in the space. We talk about how public radio built credibility over decades, why audiences still turn to trusted voices for deeper context, and how AI is changing production without replacing the human responsibility behind the microphone. Ernesto shares practical insights on: Why listeners may discover news on social media but seek out public radio for the fuller story How AI tools can help small teams scale responsibly Where creators should draw the line when automating What it really takes to pitch a show to public radio The foundational skills broadcasters need today Why supporting public media still matters This conversation isn't just about broadcasting. It's about trust, long-term thinking, and how to use technology without losing the human elements that build credibility. If you're a podcaster, media professional, entrepreneur, or leader thinking about AI and trust in your industry, this episode will challenge and sharpen your perspective. Listen in.

  8. Jan 13

    Money Matters Episode 340-From Note-Takers to AI Assistants: The New Standard for Financial Advisors W/ Matt Halloran

    Will AI replace financial advisors—or make the best ones better? In this episode of Money Matters, Christopher Hensley sits down with Matt Halloran, author of Shut the F Up and Listen and Chief Evangelist at Zocks, to continue a conversation that began with one core idea: great advice starts with great listening. Now, that philosophy is colliding with a new reality—AI assistants. Matt explains why AI assistants won't replace financial advisors, but will raise the standard for what clients expect. From AI note-taking to tools that capture emotional cues, automate follow-ups, and turn conversations into actionable client intelligence, this episode breaks down what's actually changing—and what still belongs squarely in the human domain. You'll hear why AI assistants are helping advisors reclaim 10+ hours per week, how better recall builds deeper trust and referrals, and why the real risk isn't AI itself—but ignoring it while other advisors move ahead. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why AI note-takers are just the beginning How AI assistants capture details advisors miss during meetings The difference between generic AI tools and purpose-built advisor platforms Why better listening leads to stronger trust and referrals How advisors should reinvest the time AI gives back Why AI can actually help advisors become more human, not less Key Takeaway: AI won't replace financial advisors. Advisors who use AI well will replace those who don't. About the Guest Matt Halloran is the Chief Evangelist at Zocks and the author of Shut the F Up and Listen. With over two decades in financial services, Matt is known for helping advisors improve communication, client experience, and practice growth by blending behavioral insights with modern technology. Connect & Learn More Learn more about Matt & Zocks: https://zocks.io Follow Christopher Hensley for more conversations on advice, AI, and the future of financial services

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4.7
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Money Matters has been airing for over a decade, providing important money management education to the Houston community. Originally launching in 2013, the show has evolved to cover a wide range of financial topics beyond just budgeting and saving. From investing and retirement planning the show explores every aspect of personal finance. With an engaging interview format, host Christopher Hensley talks candidly with both financial experts and everyday community members about their experiences with money. By sharing real-life stories and actionable advice, the show makes financial literacy accessible and interesting to a broad audience. Popular episodes over the years have addressed things like getting out of debt, affording college, planning for retirement, and teaching kids about money. Now approaching its 10th anniversary, the show continues to be a vital educational resource for Houstonians looking to take control of their finances. Stream episodes on demand at www.moneymatterspodcast.com With the Money Matters show, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to achieve your financial goals.

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