Friends With Money #250: Gold fever
Hosted By
Guests
Published
This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money magazine managing editor Vanessa Walker speaks with journalist Ryan Johnson on the story of gold, exploring why gold - an outer-space metal delivered by meteorites - became a durable, portable, and widely accepted form of money.
They discuss gold's key advantages over other elements, how much exists (about 219,000 tonnes ever mined), and its role in Australia's history from the 1851 gold rush through to the establishment of the Sydney and Perth mints and the Eureka Stockade.
They explore how currencies were once pegged to gold, why the link ended during the depression and why central banks still buy gold, including the RBA's 80 tonnes largely stored in London.
Episode timestamps
01:19 Why gold works
02:57 How much gold exists
03:35 Australia gold rush
05:01 Gold standard ends
06:21 Central Bank gold
07:53 Gold price outlook
09:00 Selling physical gold
10:41 Investing with ETFs
Listen to this episode of Friends With Money
Watch on YouTube for closed captions
Subscribe to Friends With Money
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
Friends With Money podcast FAQ
What is the Friends With Money podcast?
Friends With Money is a weekly personal finance podcast by Money magazine, offering expert insights on investing, budgeting, superannuation, property, and other money strategies for everyday Australians.
Where can I listen to the podcast?
You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube (with closed captions available).
Who hosts Friends With Money?
Episodes are hosted by Vanessa Walker and Tom Watson from Money magazine, featuring expert guests and real conversations about money.
Is the podcast suitable for beginners?
Yes! It's designed to be accessible for beginners while still offering valuable insights for seasoned investors.
What topics does the podcast cover?
The Friends With Money podcast covers topics including banking, property, budgeting, superannuation, investing, saving, insurance, employment, travel and more.
How often are new episodes released?
New episodes are released weekly, so you can stay up to date with the latest financial tips and trends.
Can I watch episodes with captions?
Yes, full episodes with closed captions are available on YouTube.
Why subscribe to the Friends With Money podcast?
Boost your financial literacy anytime, anywhere with the Friends With Money podcast from Money magazine. Whether you're commuting, working out, or relaxing at home, this weekly podcast makes it easy to grow your money knowledge on the go.
Each episode dives into real conversations about money - how it's earned, shared, saved, and grown - with tips and insights that make finance simple and relatable. Perfect for beginners and seasoned investors alike, it's your go-to guide for building better financial habits.
Get stories like this in our newsletters.



