Afleveringen
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We've heard Sophie talk about money on this podcast hundreds of times. But this episode? This is different. For the first time, Emily (Podcast Producer) and Lucy (Social Media Manager) here at The Curve sat down with Soph to go deep, from stealing as a six-year-old, to blowing her dad's credit card after the Christchurch earthquake, to arriving in Italy with literally no money despite having 24k in investments. We also hear from Sophie's actual parents (yes, we went there), get the full story on her relationship with money inside a relationship, and land somewhere that honestly made us a little emotional. This one's for the long-time listeners and the brand new ones alike. We hope you love it!
The episode with Vic & Soph’s dads: https://youtu.be/xS75WsX9huo?si=iSl7Q0G_bs4lLbQh
Credits:
Hosts: Emily Rigby & Lucy Munro
Guest: Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â (https://thecurveplatform.com/pages/the-curve-hotline)
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â (https://thecurveplatform.com/)
â â Instagramâ â (https://www.instagram.com/thecurveplatform/)â â â
â YouTubeâ â (https://youtube.com/@thecurveplatform?si=nlCWqqqySWOzYlj3)
â TikTokâ â (https://www.tiktok.com/@thecurveplatform)â â â
â Newsletterâ â (https://thecurve.co.nz/pages/sign-up-to-the-curve-weekly)
Substack (https://thecurveplatform.substack.com/)
Chapters
00:00:00 Episode preview…
00:01:05 Welcoming our guest, Sophie Hallwright
00:02:22 How The Curve went from a fictional idea to a real business
00:06:50 Sophie's relationship with money today
00:09:40 The first money memories Sophie has never shared before
00:15:39 Her message from Soph's dad
00:19:28 The Christchurch earthquake, a credit card, and a spiral
00:23:59 How competitive gymnastics shaped everything that came after
00:26:43 A message from Soph's mum
00:28:03 The Italy story: 24k in investments and no money for a bus ticket
00:32:01 The moment everything finally clicked
00:35:08 How she bought two investment properties
00:36:28 Sophie's latest acquisition… a boyfriend
00:42:11 What she'd tell her younger self
00:42:49 Where to from here
00:49:12 Thank you for listening!
00:49:39 Financial disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
A Harvard study of 50,000 people across 25 countries has revealed something surprising about working mothers, and the data is hard to ignore. Soph and Vic unpack the findings, why they're still so relevant in 2025, and what it means for the way we think about work, family, and money. They also get into the lab-grown vs natural diamond debate (it's more divisive than you'd think), and break down the biggest IPO pipeline in history: SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI are all going public within months of each other, adding a combined $3.6 trillion to the US stock market, and Vic gives her honest take on whether retail investors should pay attention or sit this one out.
đ Getting married, been married, or just been to a lot of weddings? We want to hear from you, fill in our anonymous wedding cost survey here (https://form.typeform.com/to/TUGcMgSC).
Submit your money and morals question to The Ethical Hotline: https://form.typeform.com/to/BZHujjGM and if you want to check out any of the questions we've already answered you can find them here! (https://pathfinder.kiwi/pathfinder-x-the-curve/)
The views expressed by Pathfinder via the Ethical Hotline are of a general nature and are not specific to Pathfinder's product, to learn more about Pathfinder and what they do, please visit their website at www.pathfinder.kiwi
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Valuation – What people agree a company is worth. Not always rational.
NASDAQ – A US stock exchange. Where the big tech companies live.
ASX – The Australian stock exchange.
Retail Investor – Everyday people investing their own money. Hi, that's you.
Capital – Money used to grow a business. When companies "raise capital," they need cash.
Motherhood Penalty – The hit women take to their career and earnings after having kids.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer: Emily Rigby
Editor: Kate Callaghan
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â (https://thecurveplatform.com/)
â â Instagramâ â (https://www.instagram.com/thecurveplatform/)â â â
â YouTubeâ â (https://youtube.com/@thecurveplatform?si=nlCWqqqySWOzYlj3)
â TikTokâ â (https://www.tiktok.com/@thecurveplatform)â â â
â Newsletterâ â (https://thecurve.co.nz/pages/sign-up-to-the-curve-weekly)
Substack (https://thecurveplatform.substack.com/)
Chapters
00:00:00 Coming up in this episode…
00:01:29 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:01:55 The lab-grown vs natural diamond debate
00:08:46 What a Harvard study revealed about working mothers
00:18:21 Why Chemist Warehouse wants to buy Boots
00:32:31 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:33:14 OpenAI's IPO - hype or opportunity?
00:49:42 Your ethical hotline question answered
00:56:48 On Raising The Curve this week…
00:59:14 Thank you for listening!
00:59:52 Financial disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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CONTENT WARNING This episode touches on fertility struggles and the emotional weight of balancing family planning with career ambitions. If this is a sensitive topic for you, please take care of yourself, it's okay to come back to this one when you're ready.
What if the tension between your career and your personal life isn't a you problem, it's a system problem? In this episode, Soph sits down with Dr. Ellen Joan Ford: leadership expert, solo mum, army veteran, and author of Work School Hours. They get into the big, messy, deeply personal question of how we're supposed to build careers we care about while also having a life, and why the way we currently work is making it nearly impossible.
From the motherhood penalty and egg freezing to output vs. hours and why your boss's 8:30am meeting might be ruining someone's morning, this one is full of honest conversation, real research, and genuinely actionable ideas. Whether you're a parent, thinking about becoming one, or just someone who's ever felt like work and life are constantly at war with each other, this episode is for you.
Ellen's free resources + book: ellenjoanford.com Use code TODAY00 at checkout to get the e-book for free!
Credits:
Host: Sophie Hallwright
Guest: Ellen Joan Ford
Editor: Lana Byrne
Producer: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â (https://thecurveplatform.com/pages/the-curve-hotline)
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â (https://thecurveplatform.com/)
â â Instagramâ â (https://www.instagram.com/thecurveplatform/)â â â
â YouTubeâ â (https://youtube.com/@thecurveplatform?si=nlCWqqqySWOzYlj3)
â TikTokâ â (https://www.tiktok.com/@thecurveplatform)â â â
â Newsletterâ â (https://thecurve.co.nz/pages/sign-up-to-the-curve-weekly)
Substack (https://thecurveplatform.substack.com/)
Chapters
00:00:00 Content Note
00:00:14 Leaving Yourself at the Door: Why "Being Professional" Got It Wrong
00:04:03 The Career vs. Family Dilemma Nobody Prepares You For
00:07:54 This Isn't a Personal Problem — It's a Collective One
00:11:12 Still Ambitious After Kids: Ellen's Story
00:13:11 The Three Uncomfortable Boxes Parents Get Pushed Into
00:16:42 What Egg Freezing Really Says About Your Company
00:21:02 The Motherhood Penalty, Explained
00:24:35 From the Army to Afghanistan to Changing How We Work
00:26:37 Why Investing in Your People Is Never a Waste of Time
00:33:12 Hours Don't Equal Output (And We Need to Stop Pretending They Do)
00:39:39 A Fairer Way to Think About Efficiency at Work
00:41:42 What #WorkSchoolHours Actually Means
00:47:55 Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
00:54:13 The One Thing That Will Make You Better at Work and Life
00:55:17 Where to Find Ellen
00:56:53 Thank you for listening to Raising The Curve!
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
Everyone's talking about Anthropic (the AI company behind Claude), and it’s plans to go public at a valuation of nearly a trillion dollars. But is this the dawn of a new era, or are we living through dot-com déjà vu? We break down what Anthropic's IPO actually means for everyday investors, why a company that's only just turning profitable could be worth that much, and whether we should all be very, very nervous. We also dig into Warren Buffett's successor making his first big moves at Berkshire Hathaway, including a $10 billion bet on Alphabet (Google) and what that signals about AI's staying power. Plus, Jay Shetty has just signed a $100 million deal with both Spotify and Netflix simultaneously, and Sophie reports back from South by Southwest London on what it means for the future of podcasting.
Submit your money and morals question to The Ethical Hotline: https://form.typeform.com/to/BZHujjGM and if you want to check out any of the questions we've already answered you can find them here! (https://pathfinder.kiwi/pathfinder-x-the-curve/)
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â (https://thecurveplatform.com/)
â â Instagramâ â (https://www.instagram.com/thecurveplatform/)â â â
â YouTubeâ â (https://youtube.com/@thecurveplatform?si=nlCWqqqySWOzYlj3)
â TikTokâ â (https://www.tiktok.com/@thecurveplatform)â â â
â Newsletterâ â (https://thecurve.co.nz/pages/sign-up-to-the-curve-weekly)
Substack (https://thecurveplatform.substack.com/)
Chapters
00:00:00 Coming up in this episode…
00:01:29 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:02:00 Did you see us on TV?!
00:03:56 The Trillion Dollar Anthropic IPO
00:26:26 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:27:19 Berkshire Hathaway’s making it rain!
00:36:47 Netflix & Spotify purchase a new podcast
00:43:56 This week on Raising The Curve...
00:45:37 Thank you for listening!
00:46:15 Financial Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
Hannah Koumakis (aka the internet’s favourite budgeting girl) is joining us for the next three episodes of IOU (Some Money Education), taking over from Lucy Blakiston, and she’s about to change the way you think about money. We start with Hannah’s story, from learning how to manage money at just seven years old to nannying for billionaire families in London - an experience that completely shifted her perspective on wealth, spending, and what actually matters. Then we get into the good stuff: her step-by-step method for splitting your money across multiple bank accounts so budgeting finally feels clear, organised, and actually doable. You’ll learn how to set up your own categories, understand where your money is really going, and give every dollar a job, without feeling restricted. If you’ve ever avoided your banking app or felt like budgeting just isn’t your thing, this episode might be the one that finally makes it click.
Hannah’s Links
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hannahkoumakis/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahkoumakis)
deartheseries.com
dearcommunity.co.nz
Seven Content & Dear Brides (http://sevencontentstudio.com)
Check out IOU (The Practical Lessons) here: https://thecurveplatform.com/
We’re proud to be partnering with BNZ. There’s an art to starting something new, and like any art form, you need the right tools to make it work. Whether you’re flatting, saving to travel, or making a career move, BNZ has the tools to help you master your money from the get-go.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer: Emily Rigby
Editor: Isabella Reeve
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Welcome to IOU (Some Money Education)!
00:00:28 Coming up in this episode…
00:01:13 BNZ x The Curve
00:01:39 Welcoming Hannah
00:06:20 Hannah’s Money Story
00:14:10 When Hannah’s relationship with money changed
00:19:03 How to Unpack Your Relationship with Money
00:20:19 In the Red or the Green?
00:22:02 Why Budgeting Actually Matters
00:23:09 Hannah’s 16 Accounts Explained
00:26:00 How to Put This into Practice
00:30:08 What to Do with Extra Money
00:31:44 What to Do When You’ve Hit Your Limit
00:32:54 Managing Money Without a Card for Every Account
00:33:52 Cash and Burn
00:36:57 Extra Credit
00:39:45 Wrapping Up
00:40:26 Thank you for joining us for IOU (Some Money Education)
00:40:59 Thank you BNZ!
00:41:23 Financial Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
Spotify's stock jumped 18% in one day and we're breaking down exactly why, plus what it means for artists, your playlist, and the music industry at large. We also get into why birth rates are falling globally and the one reason researchers are pointing to that nobody was expecting, Victoria's Secret's unlikely comeback (up 200% in a year and yes, there's a female CEO involved), and quick updates on the SpaceX IPO that could be the biggest in history, the Lululemon founder drama, and what's going on at BP. Oh, and we answer a listener question on capital gains tax that's probably simpler than you think!
Wondering whether an investment actually lines up with your values?
đ Submit your money and morals question to The Ethical Hotline: https://form.typeform.com/to/BZHujjGM
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
IPO — when a private company sells shares to the public for the first time
ETF — a basket of shares you buy as one thing instead of picking individual companies
Index — a list of top companies grouped together, like the NASDAQ 100
Ticker symbol — a short code that identifies a company on the stock market
Activist investor — someone who buys shares specifically to push for changes in a company
Capital gains tax — tax on the profit you make when you sell an investment
The glass cliff — when women or minorities are given leadership roles mainly during a crisis, when failure is most likely
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â (https://thecurveplatform.com/)
â â Instagramâ â (https://www.instagram.com/thecurveplatform/)â â â
â YouTubeâ â (https://youtube.com/@thecurveplatform?si=nlCWqqqySWOzYlj3)
â TikTokâ â (https://www.tiktok.com/@thecurveplatform)â â â
â Newsletterâ â (https://thecurve.co.nz/pages/sign-up-to-the-curve-weekly)
Substack (https://thecurveplatform.substack.com/)
Chapters
00:00:00 Coming up in this episode…
00:01:12 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:01:38 Quick catch up
00:05:42 A quick update on Space X IPO, Lululemon and BP
00:19:58 Spotify jumps 18% in one day
00:24:18 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:25:07 The new culprit of declining birthrates
00:36:10 VSXY
00:42:34 Community Question
00:45:08 Wrap Up
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
Most money advice tells you to spend less and save more. But what if the real answer is just spending better? This week Sophie sits down with Fran (aka Martha Stewish), chartered accountant and personal finance creator you're going to want to follow, to talk through one of the most practical frameworks we've covered on the show. We dig into how to figure out your authentic spending code: the personal values that should be driving every financial decision you make, and why ignoring them is probably why you feel stuck.
We also get into why deprivation always backfires, how she saves 35% of her salary without feeling restricted, and the simple habit shifts that actually move the needle, whatever you're earning. This one will make you look at your bank statement completely differently.
Fran’s links:
Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@martha30s)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martha.stewish/)
Substack (https://marthastewish.substack.com/)
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@martha.stewish)
Credits:
Host: Sophie Hallwright
Guest: Martha Stewish
Producer: Emily Rigby
Editor: Isabella Reeve
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Intro & Who is Fran (aka Martha)?
00:00:52 The Gap in Personal Finance Content
00:03:47 How Fran Thinks About Building Wealth
00:05:12 Growing Up With Frugal Fraser
00:06:24 What Is Your Authentic Spending Code?
00:08:49 Fran's Four Spending Pillars
00:12:44 Emotional Spending & Money Guilt
00:17:58 How Fran Balances Saving & Living
00:20:27 Blocking Out the Noise & The Rich Girl Wish List
00:27:34 Where Do You Start?
00:32:02 Quick Fire Questions
00:38:00 Thank You For Listening
00:38:24 Financial Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
This week Vic's flying solo (miss you Soph!!), and she's brought the big stories. SpaceX has officially filed to go public, and it could be the largest IPO in history at a $2 trillion valuation. But is the hype justified? Vic breaks down what SpaceX actually is, what you'd be buying, and how everyday investors can get involved. Plus, Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI gets thrown out of court in under two hours, and the reason why is more embarrassing than the loss itself. Shakira just won a €55 million tax battle with the Spanish government, and there are some surprisingly practical takeaways for anyone who spends time across different countries. And finally, the latest US jobs data tells a more complicated story than the headlines suggest, and what it really means for your career in the age of AI.
Back to regular programming next week!
We're hiring a junior podcast editor based in London, if that's you (or someone you know), check out the full job description here. (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/thecur...)
Wondering whether an investment actually lines up with your values?
đ Submit your money and morals question to The Ethical Hotline: (https://form.typeform.com/to/BZHujjGM)
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
NASDAQ – A US stock exchange. Basically where all the big tech companies live.
Retail Investors – Everyday investors. You and me.
Valuation – What people think a company is worth.
Revenue – Money coming in. Not the same as profit.
Statute of Limitations – Waited too long to sue? Case dismissed.
Tax Resident – The country that gets to tax you.
Dividends – Getting paid just for owning shares.
The 4% Rule – Withdraw 4% a year in retirement and your money should last 30 years.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Coming up in this episode...
00:01:05 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:01:35 The Space X IPO
00:12:06 Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI: case closed
00:15:29 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:16:28 How Shakira beat a €55 million tax bill
00:20:19 Is AI actually killing jobs? The truth is complicated
00:25:39 Community question: Can you really retire on dividends alone?
00:28:27 Thank you for listening!
00:29:06 Financial Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
This episode is, quite frankly, unhinged. Sophie sits down with Holly to hear one of the wildest relationship-and-money stories we’ve ever had on the podcast, involving property, trust, legal drama, a cancelled wedding, and the kind of plot twists that make you want to scream into a cushion. Without giving too much away, it’s a story about what can happen when love, money and home ownership get tangled together… and why protecting yourself financially isn’t unromantic, it’s essential. Juicy? Extremely. Educational? Absolutely. Please keep snacks nearby.
We’re proud to be partnering with BNZ, who know that home ownership isn’t a straight line. Sometimes life throws curveballs, and BNZ is all about supporting you through the hard stuff, not just the highlights. Whether you’re planning ahead or needing a bit more support right now, BNZ’s home loan experts have the tools and people ready to help you find a way.
đ To learn more, head here: http://bnz.co.nz/home-loan-partners-apple-ep13
BNZ home loans are subject to BNZ’s lending criteria (including minimum equity requirements), terms and fees. An establishment fee of up to $150 may apply.
Credits:
Host: Sophie Hallwright
Guest: Holly Egerton
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
Lime is everywhere. A billion rides across 29 countries and 230 cities, and yet they're about to go public not because they're crushing it, but because they need the money. We break down what's really going on under the hood, what it means for investors, and whether this is a business worth backing.
We also cover:
- GameStop vs eBay: the board said no, but the CEO is going directly to shareholders. Is this actually going to happen?
- Oil & Inflation: the numbers are starting to come through and they're not pretty. What the latest figures mean for your cost of living.
- Prediction Markets: the fastest growing space in finance right now. From hair dryers near airport sensors to a US soldier using classified intel to win $400k, the stories are wild. Plus, is this gambling or investing?
- Australia's Capital Gains Tax Change: a major shift that every investor needs to understand, whether you're based in Australia or not. We break it down simply and compare it to the UK and New Zealand.
- Community Question: hedged vs unhedged ETFs. What does it actually mean and should you even care?
đ The wardrobe app we mentioned: Whering (https://whering.co)
đłď¸ Should we do a full episode on hedged vs unhedged ETFs?Let us know here (https://form.typeform.com/to/jrwHNDPu)
Wondering whether an investment actually lines up with your values? đ Submit your money and morals question to The Ethical Hotline:https://form.typeform.com/to/BZHujjGM
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Capital Gains Tax — Tax on profit you make from an investment.
Free Cash Flow — Money a business has left after paying its bills.
Hedged ETF — Protected from currency swings. Unhedged? You take what comes.
Prediction Markets — Betting on whether something will happen. Like gambling but make it finance.
Meme Stock — A stock driven by viral hype, not actual performance.
Shareholder Meeting — When investors get together to make big company decisions.
Stake — How much of a company you own.
Commodity — Raw materials like oil or gold that are traded on markets.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Coming up in this episode...
00:01:05 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:01:31 Soph's confession and Vic's new app
00:05:24 GameStop vs eBay: the takeover that won't die
00:09:05 Oil crisis: the numbers are in and they're not pretty
00:11:29 Prediction markets: genius, wild, and barely legal
00:16:48 Lime IPO: the business that looks like it's killing it
00:27:10 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:27:54 Australia's budget: the tax change every investor needs to know
00:39:57 Hedged vs unhedged ETFs: what does it actually mean?
00:46:42 Episode preview: The Property Breakup From Hell
00:48:53 Thank you for listening!
00:49:31 Financial Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
We recorded an episode this week, edited it, and were ready to publish, then realised we hadn't done the topic justice. This is a short explanation of why we paused, and an open invitation to share your experience so we can cover this topic properly.
If you'd like to share your experience or perspective, please feel free to leave a comment wherever youre listening or watching, you can email us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), leave a voice note on the Curve Hotline (https://thecurveplatform.com/pages/the-curve-hotline?srsltid=AfmBOopCf5wEepE-DTLGLkXkjbftJnk4kAfWjqM8BwMJV2KGhPeDEEoq), or DM us on any of our socials.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
Over 300,000 jobs have gone in the US alone in the first four months of 2026, up 30% on last year. The people losing them are disproportionately women in white collar roles. The people profiting? Anyone with money in the stock market. This week we get into the real AI story: not just who's at risk, but how AI is quietly making the wealth divide wider. Plus: fuel reserves in Australia and New Zealand are down to about 38 days - what actually happens if we run out? A meme stock just made a $60 billion hostile bid to buy eBay at four times its own size. And Uber quietly reported results that show it's becoming so much more than a taxi app…
We mentioned this episode from Shameless Media on AI and why you can't afford to ignore it, click to listen. (https://open.spotify.com/episode/0uxRRZHvLgX2pRRx9wgnUR?si=bcd4a9cfc6a443da)
We're hiring a junior podcast editor based in London, if that's you (or someone you know), check out the full job description here. (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/thecurveplatform_job-description-activity-7458168667277733888-GW2Z?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADhXtnMBLOOxJqfuLwCDBajV9VKw09qFvkc)
Want to know exactly how much you should have in your emergency fund and where to put it? We did a whole episode on it, listen here. (https://youtu.be/aVKxGY3DeUw?si=sijFE23CtGuJYTNE)
Wondering whether an investment actually lines up with your values? đ Submit your money and morals question to The Ethical Hotline: https://form.typeform.com/to/BZHujjGM
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Hostile Takeover - When one company tries to buy another without asking nicely first. Very awkward. Very public.
Meme Stock - A share that goes viral on the internet, not because the company is doing well, but because people collectively decide to make it go up.
Short Selling - Betting a share price will go down and making money when it does. The hedge funds doing this to GameStop got burned badly.
Market Cap - The total value of a company. GameStop's is $12 billion. eBay's is $45 billion. One of these is trying to buy the other.
Reporting Season - When companies publicly share how much money they made or lost. Like a school report card, but the whole world is watching.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Coming up in the episode...
00:00:00 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:01:23 We're running out of fuel. Seriously.
00:12:38 The meme stock trying to buy eBay
00:27:19 Pathfinder x The Curve
00:28:01 The richer you are, the more you love AI
00:41:18 Uber is becoming the app for everything
00:50:01 "Should I move my emergency fund?"
00:54:09 Thanks for being here!
00:54:47 Financial Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
This week, Soph sits down with Lily from Pathfinder (https://pathfinder.kiwi/) to untangle the delightfully messy world of ethical investing aka, what happens when your money wants to grow, but your conscience would also like a word. Lily shares her own money story, from growing up in a household where “ordinary” was basically a swear word, to becoming the main earner in her family, to realising that financial independence is about so much more than just having cash in the bank. Together, they unpack why women are so drawn to values-led investing, why “good” and “profitable” don’t have to be mortal enemies, and how to think critically about tricky investing dilemmas like Tesla, tech companies, weapons, climate, conflict and greenwashing. It’s thoughtful, nuanced, occasionally existential, and proof that money and morals can sit at the same table, even if they argue over the bill.
đ Got a money-and-morals dilemma? Submit your ethical investing question to our Ethical Hotline for Lily to unpack (https://form.typeform.com/to/BZHujjGM).
Credits:
Host: Sophie Hallwright
Guest: Lily Richards
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction to the episode
00:01:51 Meet Lily from Pathfinder
00:05:37 Lily’s personal money story
00:12:31 Lily’s career journey
00:16:31 The moment things clicked
00:20:54 What financial independence really means
00:23:14 Lily’s unique family setup
00:27:37 How ethics shaped Lily’s life
00:30:26 Why ethical investing feels so complicated
00:36:19 When an investment no longer feels right
00:39:30 Primary vs secondary markets, explained
00:42:42 How to decide if an investment aligns with your values
00:47:48 Simple ways to reflect on your values
00:52:33 Submit your money and morals questions
00:57:07 Thank you for listening!
00:57:32 Financial disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
This week, we’re doing what any normal finance podcast would do after seeing Olivia Dean live: immediately investigating her business model. From billion-stream hits to sold-out O2 shows, merch, brand deals and the very juicy question of who actually makes the money behind your favourite artist, we unpack how pop stardom turns into serious cash. We also look at the London Marathon’s massive boost to the UK economy, why the UK’s financial glow-up is looking… less glow-y, what reporting season is telling us about AI, Amazon, Google and Microsoft, and the Lululemon boardroom drama that proves even leggings can come with corporate chaos. Plus, we answer a community question on what to do when you want to start investing but your bank account is giving “absolutely not x”.
đ Want us to do a deeper dive on the economics of having fewer babies? Vote in the poll. (https://form.typeform.com/to/MaWNoNfz)
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Royalties – Money paid when music gets used. Tiny stream, tiny coin.
Streaming revenue – Money made from Spotify, Apple Music etc. Billions of plays = actual cash.
Record label – The company behind an artist’s music, marketing and distribution. Also: slice-taker.
Endorsements – When brands pay famous people to make us want stuff.
Shareholder – Someone who owns a bit of a company.
Stock / Share – A tiny piece of company ownership.
Fiscal drag – A sneaky tax rise via frozen tax brackets.
Tax bracket – The income bucket that decides your tax rate.
National Insurance – A UK tax for things like pensions and public services.
Reporting season – Company report card time.
B2B – Businesses selling to other businesses.
Market cap – What the stock market thinks a company is worth.
S&P 500 – 500 big US companies.
FTSE 100 – 100 big UK companies.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Coming up in this episode…
00:01:38 The business of Olivia Dean
00:13:23 Is the UK in a death spiral?
00:29:17 Big Tech’s report card
00:37:13 Lululemon’s identity crisis
00:44:36 The economics of having fewer babies
00:47:26 How to start investing when money feels tight
00:52:55 Thank you for listening!
00:53:33 Financial disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
In this episode of IOU (Some Money Education), we’re talking all about emergency funds - what they are, why they matter, and how much you might want to have set aside. Lucy, Soph and Vic unpack the role an emergency fund can play when life throws something unexpected your way, whether that’s a sudden medical bill, needing to leave a living situation quickly, or covering an essential expense without relying on debt. They also chat through where to keep your emergency fund, how to start building one, and why having that financial buffer can make you feel more in control. Along the way, there are also some memorable listener stories that show just how unpredictable “emergencies” can be.
Check out IOU (The Practical Lessons) here: https://thecurveplatform.com/
We’re proud to be partnering with BNZ. There’s an art to starting something new, and like any art form, you need the right tools to make it work. Whether you’re flatting, saving to travel, or making a career move, BNZ has the tools to help you master your money from the get-go.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Guest: Lucy Blakiston
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Welcome to IOU (Some Money Education)!
00:00:40 Coming up in this episode…
00:01:42 BNZ x The Curve
00:02:09 In the Red or Green?
00:09:59 What is an emergency fund & how much do you need?
00:13:36 Where you should keep your emergency fund?
00:14:36 IOU an Answer
00:23:09 Cash & Burn
00:33:37 Extra Credit
00:37:59 Thank you for joining us for IOU (Some Money Education)
00:38:22 Thank you BNZ!
00:38:52 Financial Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
Claude Design just disrupted an entire industry, and markets reacted instantly. We break down what this AI launch actually means, why companies like Adobe and Figma took a hit, and where the opportunity could be for investors as money starts shifting fast. But first… The Curve has had a full rebrand (yes, we’re obsessed, yes we read every comment). Then we get into the oil situation that’s quietly escalating, prices doubling, supply uncertainty, and why this could tip the global economy toward a recession (and what that means for your portfolio). Next: Apple. Tim Cook is stepping down after 15 years, so what happens to one of the world’s most valuable companies now? Is this a risk moment for investors, or the start of a new growth phase? We also unpack why Primark is being spun off into its own company (and how that can unlock value for investors), before ending on Vic’s chaotic comedy night story… which proves not all risks are financial (but equally painful).
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Whipsaw Market – Prices going up and down fast. Chaotic energy.
Global Recession – When the whole world’s economy slows down. Not ideal.
Commodity – Raw stuff like oil or gold that gets traded globally.
Supply Chain – How things get made and delivered. When it breaks = delays + higher prices.
Share Price – The cost of owning a piece of a company.
Market Cap – Total value of a company. Big number = big company.
IPO – When a company hits the stock market for the first time.
Valuation – What a company is believed to be worth.
Spin-Off – When a company splits into two separate businesses.
Subsidy – Government help to lower costs (you pay for it later in taxes).
Recurring Revenue – Money a company earns on repeat (subscriptions etc). Investors = obsessed.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
Frances Cook knows a ridiculous amount about money, but in this episode, she proves that knowing the rules and living them perfectly are two very different things. We get into the real stuff: the money habits shaped by childhood, the scarcity mindset that lingers long after your bank balance changes, why financial independence matters so much in relationships, and how she actually manages her money behind the scenes. There’s talk of KiwiSaver revelations, index funds, business risks, “enough” numbers, and the fact that sometimes even the finance gurus are just out here winging it with a direct debit and a dream. If you’ve ever felt like you should be better with money by now, this is the reset: it’s not about perfection, it’s about direction.
Frances’ Links
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/)
Website (https://www.francescook.co.nz/)
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@MakingCentsPod/videos)
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2xL5BpCt2pKJDlPN0SgbCc)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz)
Substack (https://substack.com/@francescooknz)
Credits:
Host: Sophie Hallwright
Guest: Frances Cook
Editor: Lana Byrne
Producer: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Coming up in this episode…
00:00:56 Welcoming Frances
00:03:21 Frances’ money story
00:11:11 The moment pay rises stopped feeling enough
00:13:28 The KiwiSaver switch that changed everything
00:17:13 Why money mindset matters more than people think
00:20:00 How Frances thinks about splitting her money
00:24:32 How she manages money with her husband
00:32:16 Frances’ investing strategy explained
00:39:29 Why she avoids crypto
00:43:19 What “enough” looks like for Frances
00:50:51 The reality of building a business with her husband
00:54:28 Frances’ quick-fire money advice
00:55:13 Where to follow Frances
00:55:27 Thank you for listening
00:55:52 Financial disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
This week, we kick things off with a 9am tequila shot for Lucy’s probation pass (completely normal workplace behaviour, obviously), before diving headfirst into the business of Coachella, where Justin Bieber’s payday, festival profits, and the money machine behind live music all get unpacked. We also get into the truly bizarre Allbirds plot twist as the struggling sneaker brand pivots into AI, plus what the rise in women-owned businesses says about work, wealth, and why more women are deciding to back themselves instead.
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Monopoly – One company dominates the market.
Convertible Loan – A loan that can turn into shares.
Share Price – Cost of one share.
Market Cap – Total value of a company.
Sell-Off – Lots of people selling shares fast.
Scalping – Buying tickets to resell for more.
Monetisation – How a business makes money.
Equity – Ownership in a company.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Coming up in this episode…
00:00:56 A 9am tequila shot
00:07:29 Bieberchella and the business of Coachella
00:25:04 Allbirds’ wild pivot to AI
00:34:54 Why more women are backing themselves
00:43:20 A listener call-out (and our response)
00:52:09 Thank you for listening!
00:52:47 Financial Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
Soph is back with property guru, Peter West to break down the story behind her second investment property, and how she managed to buy it without putting down a brand-new deposit. In this episode, they walk through what actually happened after the first renovation: how the house was revalued, how equity can be released through refinancing, and how that money can be used to help fund the next property. They also unpack key concepts like gross yield, cash flow, and why buying well in the first place makes such a big difference to the outcome of a project. Along the way, Soph shares what surprised her most about going again so quickly, why the second renovation was a little more complicated than the first, and how the numbers ended up stacking up in the end. Peter also explains how they evaluate locations, what they look for in a property with renovation potential, and why buying in the right market at the right time can create opportunities to repeat the process again. If you’ve ever wondered how investors climb the property ladder, how equity actually works in practice, or what it takes to turn one property into two, this episode breaks down the process step by step.
Interested in working with Peter? If you’d like to explore investing in property with Pete’s help, email us at [email protected] and our team will point you in the right direction.
Watch the first episode with Peter West (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzO2l0TCHj0&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Watch part two of the conversation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFSjDzI1Tmw&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
We’ve partnered with BNZ because buying a home isn’t the same for everyone. Their Home Loan Partners can help you understand your options, including the TotalMoney home loan – which lets you use money in connected BNZ TotalMoney transactional accounts (parents can even link their own TotalMoney accounts to their children’s loan) to offset your mortgage and help you get mortgage free faster, while still keeping your money accessible. Whether you’ve got extra help or you’re going it alone, BNZ’s team is there to guide you from search to settlement.
đ To learn more, head here. (https://www.bnz.co.nz/personal-banking/home-loans/mobile-mortgage-managers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=spotify&utm_campaign=thecurve&utm_content=ep12)
Account opening and lending criteria (including minimum equity requirements), terms and fees apply. A low equity premium and an establishment fee of up to $150 may apply. BNZ standard and TotalMoney T&Cs apply to TotalMoney transaction accounts. Details of our fees can be found in our Personal account, service, and facility fees brochure. You can connect up to 50 TotalMoney transaction accounts to one group.
Credits:
Host: Sophie Hallwright
Guest: Peter West
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Coming up in this episode…
00:02:59 BNZ x The Curve
00:03:55 Recap: The First Property
00:15:10 How Refinancing Works
00:22:10 Buying Again: The Second Property
00:28:26 The Pros and Cons of Property Two
00:38:20 The Numbers Explained
00:41:28 Could There Be a Third Property?
00:45:14 Real Stories from Pete’s Clients
00:48:46 Your Questions Answered
00:52:31 Final Thoughts
00:53:53 Thank you for listening to The Property Podcast!
00:55:31 Financial Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. -
We start this episode with a public apology… and that’s all we’re saying on that for now. Once we’ve addressed the situation, Vic and Soph get into what’s actually moving markets this week: oil prices swinging wildly as ceasefire hopes creep in, why airline stocks are suddenly perking up, and the slightly chaotic world of prediction markets (aka: investing or betting… still unclear). They also break down why Universal Music is catching takeover attention (turns out owning Taylor Swift’s back catalogue is a pretty nice business), how weight loss pills could send the GLP-1 trend into overdrive (and boost a whole bunch of unexpected industries along the way), and why Elon Musk vs OpenAI is shaping up to be the courtroom drama no one asked for but everyone will watch…. strap on in!
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Stagflation – High prices + low growth. Economy = struggling.
Prediction Markets – Betting (sorry… “investing”) on future outcomes.
Insider Trading – Making money from secret info. Very illegal.
Takeover – One company buying another. Big money moves.
Shareholder – Someone who owns a piece of a company.
Royalty Revenue – Earn money every time something’s used (like a song).
Hedge Fund – High-risk investing aiming for big returns.
Long / Short – Long = wins if it goes up. Short = wins if it goes down.
GLP-1 Drugs – Weight loss drugs turned investing trend.
Forward-Looking Markets – Markets move on future expectations, not now.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
â â Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline đâď¸â â
For more from The Curve:â â â â
â â Websiteâ â
â â Instagramâ â â â â
â YouTubeâ â â â â
â TikTokâ â â â â
â Newsletterâ â
Chapters
00:00:00 Coming up in this episode...
00:01:12 We Need to Apologise…
00:04:14 Watch us on YouTube!
00:06:01 War, Oil & What It Means for Markets
00:20:22 Why Universal Music Is in Play
00:33:05 The GLP-1 Boom Just Got Bigger
00:40:13 Musk vs OpenAI Begins
00:43:51 We’ve Decided the New Schedule!
00:45:05 Thanks for Listening!
00:45:43 Financial Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice. - Laat meer zien
