Top Friends With Money podcast episodes of 2025
Looking for the best Friends With Money podcast episodes of 2025?
We asked five members of the Money team to share their favourite episodes from this year and why they stood out.
From game-changing insights on how AI will disrupt banking to practical tips on home electrification and retirement planning, these episodes deliver expert advice and actionable strategies for Australians who want to make smarter financial decisions.
Vanessa Walker, managing editor
Favourite episode #214: AI is about to disrupt how you bank
This year I've discovered how much more conversational podcasts are and how, as a journalist, I'm often learning at the same time as the podcast is being recorded. This was most evident when I hosted Paolo Sironi from the IBM Institute for Business Value. He's one of those gloriously named 'global thought leaders', and we talked about how AI would disrupt banking.
His insights were terrific including how small and medium-sized businesses - and remember Australian SMEs generate more than 50% of our entire GDP - will benefit from AI. SMEs are traditionally underserviced by banks because they're so diverse: they exist across different industries, they collect different data points, there is a lot of regulation and compliance, so they cost a lot to service. But AI is going to change all that, and he explained how using the deep foresight you can only get from an expert.
Tom Watson, senior journalist
Favourite episode #219: Electrify your life with Saul Griffith
I've had the privilege of interviewing so many interesting, insightful guests this year. One episode that really sticks in my mind though is Friends With Money 219: Electrify your life with Saul Griffith.
The conversation focuses on the topic of home electrification, including the five man areas households can look at (heating, cooking, hot water etc.) and the costs and payback periods associated with them.
Saul's passion and personality should be enough of an incentive for anyone to track down the episode if they haven't listened to it already, but what really stood out for me was how practical the takeaways were and how transformative they can be for Australian households.
Michael Lynch, multimedia manager
Favourite episode #196: Navigating retirement: Common pitfalls
Amongst the standout topics and memorable guests in 2025, Vita Palestrant's Navigating retirement: Common pitfalls truly resonated.
Vita, one of my favourite guests, shared practical insights and actionable takeaways that empower our listeners. She breaks down complex topics in a clear, concise manner that left a lasting impact on me.
Michelle Baltazar, editor-in-chief
Favourite episode #227: What are franking credits?
I'd like to think that Friends with Money is a modern-day Excalibur that can help more people vanquish their fear of finance jargon, including the uniquely Australian concept called 'franking credits'.
This is an enjoyable and easy-on-the-ears episode for any beginner investor.
Ryan Johnson, senior journalist
Favourite episode #192: Welcome to the future
Here's my pick for the best podcast of the year. It captures how tech is transforming everything - from the gadgets in our homes to the way we invest and own assets.
AI in property, fractional trading, tokenisation, even green crypto - Vanessa and Tom make the future of finance feel exciting and real.
Which Friends With Money episode inspired you most? Share your thoughts below!
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