Episode 162:
How Storytelling Builds Financial Trust
Download the transcript or watch on Youtube!
What if better financial outcomes started with better conversations?
In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Colin Ryan, award-winning keynote speaker, author, and expert in money psychology, to explore the human side of financial well-being.
Financial decisions aren’t always driven by logic. Emotions, personal experiences, fear, and shame often shape how people approach money. So how can financial professionals move beyond the numbers to build meaningful relationships with the people they serve?
Colin shares why listening is one of the most powerful tools in financial counseling, how professionals can create safe spaces for vulnerable conversations, and why storytelling can make financial concepts more relatable and actionable. He also explores the role of shame in financial decision-making, the importance of sharing personal experiences, and how everyday victories can become powerful stories of change.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why emotions often drive financial decisions more than logic.
How to recognize and navigate financial shame without judgment.
Why asking second and third questions can transform client relationships.
How personal storytelling builds trust and makes financial concepts easier to understand.
Why everyday experiences can become powerful stories of financial success.
Whether you’re a financial counselor, educator, planner, or someone passionate about improving financial well-being, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful change begins when people feel heard, understood, and supported.
Because financial well-being is about more than the numbers. It’s about the people behind them.
Show Notes:
00:00 – Welcome & 2026 AFCPE Symposium Sponsors
00:52 – Meet Colin Ryan: The Human Side of Financial Well-Being
02:35 – Building Trust Through Financial Conversations
03:41 – Why Emotions Drive Financial Decisions
06:08 – Navigating Client Emotions While Staying in Your Professional Scope
09:15 – Recognizing Financial Shame and a Lack of Trust
10:45 – The Power of Listening: Ask Second and Third Questions
13:53 – How to Recognize and Address Financial Shame
18:01 – Creating Safe Spaces for Financial Conversations
18:30 – The Power of Meeting People Where They Are
19:55 – Using Storytelling to Make Financial Concepts Accessible
20:21 – Why Financial Professionals Should Share Their Own Stories
24:25 – Turning Financial Information Into Compelling Stories
26:15 – Finding Powerful Stories in Everyday Experiences
26:35 – Building Your Own Story Bank
29:20 – Learning to Laugh at Yourself
30:00 – Connecting With Colin Ryan
32:19 – Brandy & Rachael’s Key Takeaways
Connect With Our Guest
Reach out directly via email: colin@colinryanspeaks.com
Connect on social media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/colinryanspeaks/home/ https://www.youtube.com/@colinryanspeaks/videos
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About the Real Money, Real Experts Podcast
Brought to you by AFCPE®, this podcast supports, educates, and connects financial professionals with actionable insights to advance their careers and better serve their communities.
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