NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast Creators & Guests

Radio and podcast veteran Cody Gough was the executive producer and co-host of Discovery's Curiosity Daily podcast from 2017-2022. His background includes more than a decade in on-air and production roles with Chicago’s 720 WGN Radio and The GonnaGeek Network and on-camera roles as a commercial actor and cooking show host. Currently, Cody produces and co-hosts the video podcast Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer. Cody has worked as a growth strategist and creative consultant for B2B and consumer-facing podcasts affiliated with several notable brands, including Warner Bros. Discovery, NerdWallet, and Harvard Business Publishing.

Chris Browning is the creator and host of the award-winning, short-form podcast Popcorn Finance & the call in money advice show This is Awkward. Chris began producing podcasts in 2017 when he created Popcorn Finance, a podcast discussing finance in about the time it takes to make a bag of popcorn. Through podcasting, Chris has reached thousands of listeners with over 1 million total podcast downloads. His passion for personal finance began in college where he earned his degree in Finance. After taking just one finance class, Chris realized just how little he actually knew about managing his own money. He knew he couldn't be the only one who felt this way. Chis has spent over a decade working as a financial analyst & bookkeeper and over 5 years podcasting. He has received numerous honors including the Consumer Excellence Award in Media in 2021 and best new podcast from the Plutus Awards in 2018. Chris has been featured by and contributed to CNBC, PBS, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and Forbes. You can also find Chris providing personal finance advice in his weekly segment on NBCLX.Chris also the Host and Producer of the short form series Money Burst presented by Truliant Federal Credit Union.

Jaren Merrell is professionally known as Shea Couleé. She is a drag queen and musician known for competing on Season 9 of RuPaul's Drag Race.