The Mr MoneyJar Show

Rotimi Merriman-Johnson

Welcome to the Mr MoneyJar Show, a weekly podcast hosted by Rotimi Merriman-Johnson.

  1. Jul 23

    Is Having A Boyfriend (Still) Embarrassing Now? - Chanté Joseph

    In this incredible episode, host Rotimi Merriman-Johnson sits down with award-winning columnist, founder, and journalist Chanté Joseph. Chanté unpacks the cultural explosion behind her viral article, "Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now," diving deep into modern relationship vertigo, right-wing tradwife trends, and the global relationship recession driving down birth rates. The conversation explores the systemic rise of online misogyny, navigating corporate journalism as a Black British woman, the unique realities of living with inattentive ADHD, and how financial survival in the creative industries directly impacts modern Black wealth. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 00:40 - Origin of the viral "Embarrassing Boyfriends" column 01:29 - Navigating journalism as a Black British woman 02:51 - Growing up in a Black British Caribbean household 04:23 - The reality of political tension and right-wing resurgence 07:36 - Dissecting the systemic manipulation of modern policing statistics 08:21 - Why modern straight relationships feel embarrassing for women 09:40 - Deconstructing the political right's fixation on tradwives 11:21 - Connecting the relationship recession to low birth rates 12:23 - PocketSmith ad 13:08 - How global dating app ecosystems altered adult milestones 13:51 - Holding men accountable to challenge pervasive online misogyny 15:45 - The dangerous rise of fatalistic romantic nihilism online 17:34 - Why women are shifting toward political celibacy trends 18:46 - Seeking healthy masculine spaces beyond internet echo chambers 19:58 - Addressing the economic hyper-evaluation of modern dating culture 22:06 - Demanding better representations of Black British long-term coupledom 23:44 - Internal community dynamics vs superficial media representation benchmarks 25:45 - How housing scarcity completely dictates adult relationship structures 27:10 - Applying low-stakes "date zero" guidelines to meet equals 28:58 - Pinpointing hidden inattentive ADHD symptoms across adult women 30:12 - Energy management frameworks for neurodivergent career survival 31:46 - Financial strategies for self-employed creative industry workers 32:19 - Protecting independent incomes from shifting state platform legislation 33:13 - Shifting perspectives on SIPPs and long-term retirement planning 34:09 - Vital career advice for independent creative industry rookies 35:10 - Exploring childhood gaming subcultures and multi-generational console obsessions 38:17 - Final thoughts - What wealth means for creative legacy space FOLLOW The Mr MoneyJar Show Instagram: instagram.com/themrmoneyjarshow Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mr-moneyjar-show/id1559725838 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iO5j7VoYYkEemyleLnu00 TikTok: tiktok.com/@themrmoneyjarshow X: x.com/themrmoneyjarshow YouTube: youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow Website: https://mrmoneyjar.com If you enjoyed this week's episode, please SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow Thank you to this week's sponsor PocketSmith! To get 50% OFF your first two months of PocketSmith's Foundation or Flourish plans, go to: http://www.pocketsmith.com/mrmoneyjar

  2. Jul 16

    Why 45% Of UK Adults Are Saving Zero For Retirement - UK Pensions Minister: Torsten Bell MP

    Thank you to this week's sponsor PocketSmith! To get 50% OFF your first two months of PocketSmith’s Foundation or Flourish plans, go to: http://www.pocketsmith.com/mrmoneyjar In this episode, host Rotimi Merriman-Johnson sits down with Torsten Bell, the UK Pensions Minister, to discuss the future of retirement savings in Britain. Moving beyond political talking points, Torsten explains how the State Pension and private pension systems work, and whether today's younger generations can expect the State Pension to be there when they retire. The conversation also explores the UK's biggest pension challenges, including the gender pension gap, wealth disparities across different ethnic groups, the success of automatic enrolment, and what more needs to be done to support self-employed workers. Torsten also explains the power of compound interest, how pensions have evolved over time, and why long-term saving remains one of the most effective ways to build financial security. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro01:10 - Explaining the role of the UK Pensions Minister01:40 - The history of State and private pensions02:45 - Qualifying for the full new State Pension03:42 - Will the State Pension survive for younger generations?05:07 - Future changes to the State Pension age07:14 - How the Triple Lock works09:10 - The history of pensioner poverty in the UK10:43 - Long-term sustainability and an ageing population13:00 - Debunking retirement income myths14:17 - The power of compound interest15:27 - Pension contribution rates across income levels17:44 - The success of automatic enrolment19:19 - Why the Pension Commission has returned20:37 - The self-employed pension crisis21:33 - Defined Benefit vs Defined Contribution pensions23:31 - Investing pension funds in UK assets25:03 - Wealth gaps across ethnic groups26:55 - Reducing inequality through pension policy28:50 - The UK's 50% private gender pension gap30:28 - How childcare affects retirement wealth31:40 - Junior SIPPs explained33:03 - Why you shouldn't rely on AI chatbots for financial advice34:46 - Managing concentration risk in technology investments36:23 - Accessing private pensions before State Pension age39:05 - Rebuilding trust in the pension system Follow The Mr MoneyJar Show Instagram: https://instagram.com/themrmoneyjarshowApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mr-moneyjar-show/id1559725838Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iO5j7VoYYkEemyleLnu00TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@themrmoneyjarshowX: https://x.com/themrmoneyjarshowYouTube: https://youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshowWebsite: https://mrmoneyjar.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new conversation. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow

  3. Jul 9

    I Built A £196,000 Investment Portfolio In 7 Years. Here's How You Can Do It Too - Ryan King

    Thank you to this week's sponsor PocketSmith!To get 50% OFF your first two months of PocketSmith’s Foundation or Flourish plans, go to http://www.pocketsmith.com/mrmoneyjar In this high-value episode, host Rotimi Merriman-Johnson sits down with chartered accountant and personal finance educator Ryan King, the creator of Making Money Simple. Ryan pulls back the curtain on how he built a stock market portfolio of nearly £200,000 before turning 30. The conversation serves as a comprehensive beginner's guide to passive investing, breaking down the three-step blueprint: Picking a platform Selecting a tax wrapper Choosing low-cost global index funds or ETFs Ryan also critiques the upcoming 2027 UK ISA changes, explains how to invest for children, and reveals why consistency beats trying to time the market. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 01:29 - Ryan's journey from economics to accounting 02:39 - Getting auto-enrolled into a workplace pension 04:44 - Top tips for beginner investors on the fence 05:52 - Overcoming behavioral pitfalls and panic selling 07:28 - The 3-step blueprint to passive investing 10:03 - Choosing low-cost DIY platforms vs high-fee options 13:16 - Earmarking investment accounts for junior portfolios 13:53 - Defined benefit vs defined contribution pensions 15:43 - Comparing stocks and shares ISAs with pensions 17:05 - The 2027 22% tax on uninvested cash 18:47 - Scrapping the Lifetime ISA for first-time buyers 23:47 - Understanding individual stocks vs market indices 26:38 - Why passive index funds beat the professionals 29:38 - Capitalist endeavors and Elon Musk's trillionaire status 31:24 - Diamond standard global index fund ticker symbols 34:20 - Is the stock market currently overvalued? 36:19 - Ignoring media noise during market crashes 39:28 - Final advice: Earning more and compounding wealth 40:31 - Earmarking adult ISA allowances for future children 41:36 - Junior ISAs vs Junior SIPPs breakdown 43:14 - Final thoughts: True freedom and generational wealth FOLLOW The Mr MoneyJar Show Instagram:instagram.com/themrmoneyjarshow Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mr-moneyjar-show/id1559725838 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4iO5j7VoYYkEemyleLnu00 TikTok:tiktok.com/@themrmoneyjarshow X:x.com/themrmoneyjarshow YouTube:youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow Website:https://mrmoneyjar.com If you enjoyed this week's episode, please SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow

  4. Jun 29

    Why EVERY Woman Needs A Prenup, Navigating Divorce & Starting Over - TEDx Speaker: Aja McClanahan

    In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, host Rotimi Merriman-Johnson welcomes his first American guest, TEDx speaker and personal finance writer Aja McClanahan. Aja shares her incredible financial journey—from using Dave Ramsey's frameworks to eliminate over $120,000 in consumer debt, to making the radical decision to walk away from all her assets during an unwanted divorce to preserve her peace and family custody. Going off-script, Rotimi and Aja dive into a fascinating comparison of racial identity and class dynamics between the US and the UK, the real purpose of a prenuptial agreement for women, and why a strong sense of self and community is the ultimate foundation for building true generation-spanning wealth. 00:00 - Intro01:32 - Aja's background and TEDx talk04:13 - Financial conversations with teenage daughters06:22 - Eliminating $120,000 of marriage debt09:23 - Rebuilding after an unwanted divorce13:46 - The progressive case for prenups18:50 - Racial identity: US vs UK22:24 - Exploring British timeline immigration waves24:33 - Why discussing race feels taboo26:55 - Black and British historical insights28:54 - African American cultural perception gaps32:58 - The ongoing digital extraction revolution35:43 - Shifting beyond harmful diaspora infighting37:11 - Demographics of UK mixed-race populations43:53 - Comparing US vs African statehood45:26 - Identity as an core component47:48 - Final thoughts: What wealth means The Mr MoneyJar ShowInstagram: instagram.com/themrmoneyjarshowApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mr-moneyjar-show/id1559725838Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iO5j7VoYYkEemyleLnu00TikTok: tiktok.com/@themrmoneyjarshowX: x.com/themrmoneyjarshowYouTube: youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshowWebsite: https://mrmoneyjar.com If you enjoyed this week's episode, please SUBSCRIBE:https://www.youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow TIMESTAMPSFOLLOW

  5. Jun 22

    Is Afro-Caribbean Food Healthy? Food Colonialism & Capitalism vs Our Health - Belinda Lartey

    In this deeply illuminating episode, host Rotimi Merriman-Johnson sits down with qualified nutritional therapist and holistic health advocate, Belinda Lahti. Moving far beyond standard calorie counting, Belinda unpacks the unseen connection between our diets, our environments, and our nervous systems. The conversation covers the social determinants of health affecting Black British and migrant communities, the biological realities of lactose intolerance, and the hidden psychological impact of "food colonialism." Belinda delivers a powerful masterclass on using traditional ingredients to optimize wellness, mastering sleep hygiene, and recognizing why reclaiming our physical and mental health is the ultimate form of self-sustained wealth. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 01:31 - Nutritional therapy vs standard nutrition 02:52 - Social psychology of cultural food 04:20 - Breaking down social determinants health 06:34 - How chronic stress dysregulates biology 08:40 - Mindful habits vs systemic stressors 10:46 - Blue Zones holistic longevity secrets 12:26 - Navigating traditional Afro-Caribbean cuisine safely 14:53 - Inflammatory hidden processing in oils 16:59 - Quality variations in global food 19:58 - Hidden body impacts of discrimination 21:24 - Addressing widespread global lactose intolerance 24:16 - Explaining hidden history food colonialism 27:17 - Local market sourcing benefits explained 29:56 - Deconstructing commercialized cultural food trends 35:15 - Gut health links to immunity 37:07 - Reconnecting intentionally with natural spaces 39:01 - Essential dietary nutrients for stress 41:48 - Group therapy benefits for communities 44:37 - Longevity impacts of sleep hygiene 45:42 - Maximizing reproductive fertility health naturally 49:57 - Perfect plates guidelines for wellness 50:53 - Final thoughts: What wealth means FOLLOW The Mr MoneyJar Show Instagram: instagram.com/themrmoneyjarshow Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mr-moneyjar-show/id1559725838 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iO5j7VoYYkEemyleLnu00 TikTok: tiktok.com/@themrmoneyjarshow X: x.com/themrmoneyjarshow YouTube: youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow Website: https://mrmoneyjar.com If you enjoyed this week's episode, please SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow

  6. Jun 22

    Why Are Black Men Twice As Likely To Get Prostate Cancer? - Dr Derek Adu

    In this eye-opening episode, host Rotimi Merriman-Johnson is joined by Dr Derek, a medical professional and healthcare equality advocate. Moving beyond basic symptoms, Dr Derek unpacks the unseen structural barriers and systemic biases that heavily impact the Black British and migrant communities within the NHS. The discussion addresses deep-seated disparities, from unequal maternal outcomes and mental health diagnostic biases to postcode redlining in healthcare access and treatment options. Dr Derek delivers a powerful, urgent message on why representation, lived-experience data collection, and independent health advocacy are vital to building a fairer system where everyone can survive.TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro00:58 - Meeting Dr Derek01:21 - Explaining medical system failures02:34 - Migrant barriers to healthcare04:41 - Cultural capital in medicine05:38 - Systemic diagnostic profiling flaws07:30 - Lived experience in healthcare09:21 - Spotting clinical warning signs10:17 - Patient advocacy under stress11:35 - Building patient-doctor trust12:57 - Rotimi’s childhood hospital experience14:51 - Disparities in specialist funding16:36 - Lived experience medical design17:46 - Economic sense of equality18:33 - Historical contexts of medicine20:15 - Institutional bias and awards23:24 - Addressing severe maternal outcomes27:04 - Postcode redlining in treatment28:07 - Geographical profiling and denials29:35 - History of medical exclusion31:32 - Biased metrics in diagnostics32:50 - Challenging institutional excuses directly34:37 - Vision for UK healthcare35:16 - Developing inclusive wellbeing frameworks37:37 - Nurturing true institutional equality40:15 - Reinvesting in community wellness41:04 - Final thoughts: Black wealthFOLLOWThe Mr MoneyJar ShowInstagram: instagram.com/themrmoneyjarshowApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mr-moneyjar-show/id1559725838Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iO5j7VoYYkEemyleLnu00TikTok: tiktok.com/@themrmoneyjarshowX: x.com/themrmoneyjarshowYouTube: youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshowWebsite: https://mrmoneyjar.comIf you enjoyed this week's episode, please SUBSCRIBE:https://www.youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow

  7. Jun 5

    Financial Justice CEO: Why Systems Exclude Us - Jerry During MBE | EP 149

    In this deeply impactful conversation, host Rotimi Merriman-Johnson sits down with Jerry During MBE, the co-founder and CEO of Money A&E. Drawing from his own lived experiences growing up in Newham, Jerry breaks down how modern financial institutions systematically exclude Black households and migrant communities. The discussion dives into critical structural barriers, including high unbanked rates, credit profiling limitations, postcode redlining, and steep disparities in business finance. Jerry presents a visionary case for institutional representation, policy reform, and an inclusive economy where social justice dictates that everyone can win.TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro00:58 - Meeting Jerry During MBE01:22 - Overview of Money A&E02:35 - Why Black households are unbanked04:42 - Hostile financial barriers for migrants05:39 - Credit profiling and cultural capital07:31 - How financial institutions lose out09:22 - Advice for those facing debt10:18 - Spotting signs of crisis debt11:36 - Trust through shared lived experiences12:58 - Rotimi’s university student credit journey14:52 - Disparities in accessing business finance16:37 - Lived experience design in banking17:47 - Playing devil's advocate on inclusion18:34 - The economic sense of equality20:16 - Historical wealth extraction and Empire23:25 - Black leaders and MBE awards27:05 - Disparities in mortgage applicant data28:08 - Postcode profiling and mortgage denial29:36 - US historical policy of redlining31:33 - Biased data metrics in insurance32:51 - Exploding institutional excuses with data34:38 - Jerry’s financial vision for UK35:17 - Building comprehensive financial wellbeing frameworks37:38 - Mirroring the dream of equality40:16 - Reinvesting in self-sustained community wealth41:05 - Final thoughts: What Black wealth meansFOLLOW - The Mr MoneyJar Show Instagram: instagram.com/themrmoneyjarshowApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mr-moneyjar-show/id1559725838Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iO5j7VoYYkEemyleLnu00TikTok: tiktok.com/@themrmoneyjarshowX: x.com/themrmoneyjarshowYouTube: youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshowWebsite: https://mrmoneyjar.com If you enjoyed this week's episode, please SUBSCRIBE:https://www.youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow

  8. May 20

    Why Do So Many Of Us Struggle With Maths? - National Numeracy Day Special ft. Susan Okereke | EP 148

    This week's episode is in celebration of National Numeracy Day 2026, which is on Wednesday 20 May. A huge thank you to this week's sponsor, UK maths charity, National Numeracy.To find out more about National Numeracy Day, to take the National Numeracy Challenge, and for more resources visit:https://bit.ly/nationalnumeracyday2026 In this special episode celebrating National Numeracy Day, host Rotimi Merriman-Johnson sits down with maths teacher, podcaster, and National Numeracy Ambassador Susan Okereke. Susan shares her journey from studying maths and business to producing for BBC Radio 1Xtra, and ultimately finding her purpose in education. The conversation addresses why nearly half of working-age adults have primary school numeracy levels, the deep-seated emotional anxiety connected to maths, and how to overcome a low number confidence mindset. Susan and Rotimi explore real-world mathematical applications, outline quick calculation hacks, and explain why maths is a vital, empowering tool for everyday life. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 01:34 - Finding the virtuous cycle in maths 02:40 - Transitioning from student radio to teaching 03:45 - Producing for BBC Radio 1Xtra 04:51 - Launching the Maths Appeal podcast 06:38 - Writing a financial literacy workbook 08:32 - Why adults lack numeracy confidence 09:52 - Tackling emotional maths anxiety issues 10:59 - The primary to secondary school dip 12:35 - Cultural taboos around number skills 13:39 - Are current GCSE exams fit purpose? 16:53 - Essential math skills for real life 19:40 - Tracking time using mathematical frameworks 20:50 - Should numeracy be its own subject? 22:06 - Rethinking the GCSE resit structure 24:24 - Tips for parents helping with homework 26:22 - Attainment vs capability in school setting 28:20 - Challenges of teaching mixed attainment classes 29:25 - Free adult numeracy training tools 30:59 - How parenting influences classroom teaching 33:57 - Crucial human skills for AI era 36:56 - Extrapolating technology decades into future 41:46 - Speed multiplying by eleven hack 43:55 - Training routines of Countdown mathematicians 45:59 - National Numeracy Day school plans 48:12 - Final thoughts: What community means FOLLOW The Mr MoneyJar Show Instagram: instagram.com/themrmoneyjarshow Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mr-moneyjar-show/id1559725838 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iO5j7VoYYkEemyleLnu00 TikTok: tiktok.com/@themrmoneyjarshow X: x.com/themrmoneyjarshow YouTube: youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow Website: https://mrmoneyjar.com If you enjoyed this week's episode, please SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@themrmoneyjarshow

    Why Do So Many Of Us Struggle With Maths? - National Numeracy Day Special ft. Susan Okereke | EP 148
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About

Welcome to the Mr MoneyJar Show, a weekly podcast hosted by Rotimi Merriman-Johnson.

Information

  • Creator
    Rotimi Merriman-Johnson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    155
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rotimi Merriman-Johnson
  • Show Website
    The Mr MoneyJar Show

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