Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin

From Kim Kardashian, J.Lo, and Ariana Grande, Chris Appleton has styled the biggest names in Hollywood, but his journey getting there was not easy. Today, Chris opens up about the hustle it took to go from a small-town salon in the UK to red carpets, and the bumps in the road along the way. Chris shares the financial trauma, internal battles, and deep personal work it took to get to the top—and stay there. He gets vulnerable about the struggles behind the success: coming out after being in a heterosexual relationship, the breakthrough moment with Christina Aguilera that allowed him to beat his imposter syndrome, and why the word “fine” isn’t in his vocabulary. Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources Find video clips from the pod on Money Rehab’s Instagram and Nicole Lapin’s Instagram Check Out Chris’ Book Your Roots Don’t Define You Find a Financial Advisor or Financial Coach from Nicole’s company Private Wealth Collective Here’s what Nicole talks about with Chris: 00:00 Money Rehab Presents: Chris Appleton 03:01 Childhood Struggles and Financial Trauma 06:53 Telling the Hater Inside to Quiet Down 10:54 Navigating a Scarcity Mindset 13:44 Chris’ Erewhon Smoothie 16:27 Chris’ Early Hustle Days and Evading Train Conductors 21:52 Moving to LA and Chris’ Big Break with Christina Aguilera 26:07 Chris’ Coming Out Story and Hitting Rock Bottom 32:05 Why “Fine” Isn’t Fine 34:52 Why the Hair Salon Feels Like Therapy 38:01 How Chris Built His Reputation and How to Sell the Sizzle 41:46 Lessons from Kim Kardashian 44:42 Chris’ Take on Marriage, Relationships and Self Love 45:01 The Importance of Self-Love and Selectivity 48:46 Chris’ Tip Listeners Can Take Straight to the Bank

Is kindness an asset or a liability in business? Daniel Lubetsky—founder of Kind Snacks—makes a strong case for kindness as a competitive edge. He joins Nicole to share the behind-the-scenes story of buying out a private equity firm for $220 million to preserve his direction, the difference between being nice and being kind, and why values-driven leadership isn’t just idealistic—it’s strategic. Plus, how he’s helping the next generation of founders build principled, profitable businesses through Camino Partners and Shark Tank. Keep up with Daniel on Instagram Learn more about Camino Partners Read Daniel's Op Ed

Today, Nicole rips the veil off one of the most costly mistakes you're probably making with your money—and no, it's not skipping some secret tax loophole. It's way more basic than that: leveraging how tax brackets work. And avoiding tax talk? It’s bleeding your paycheck dry. Nicole breaks down how the system really messes with you if you’re not paying attention, and how a few strategic (and totally legal) moves can stop the IRS from taking more than its fair share. Bottom line: this episode could be the difference between donating thousands to the government... or keeping it in your wallet.

Today, Jonathan Aguilera who we're calling the “Robinhood of life insurance”—pulls back the curtain on how certain life insurance policies, especially Indexed Universal Life (IUL), are often misunderstood, aggressively sold— or even predatory. Jonathan has gone viral for helping policyholders get refunds on problematic policies, and today, you get to be a fly on the wall during a live call with a policyholder and the insurer, as Nicole and Jonathan work to help this policyholder get back $100K.

Every New Year, the same tired money resolutions rear their heads: “Make a budget,” “Save more,” “Track spending.” While those tips aren’t wrong, they’re also not going to change your financial life unless they’re backed by a strategy that actually works with your brain—not against it. In this episode, Nicole cuts through the noise and shares three New Year’s money resolutions that are rooted in behavioral science, psychology, and real research on human behavior. These aren’t just feel-good goals—they’re practical, proven shifts that will help you create lasting financial change without relying on willpower alone.

Women report doing 64% of the domestic labor in their household and the 73% of the mental labor. Eve Rodsky, author of the book and movement Fair Play, has championed not only this research, but also strategies to level the playing field. Today, Nicole and Eve talk about how to make your relationship more fair— and the financial consequences if you don't. Click here to learn more about Eve's work, click here to find Fair Play resources.

Have you ever wondered how Warren Buffett came up with his investment strategy? Today, Nicole pulls back the curtain. In this episode, Nicole breaks down how the investing pros create their investing theses, how they stress-test their own ideas, and three famous real-world examples that paid off. Then, Nicole will explain how you can create your own strategy— and how to easily execute on it... today. Paid endorsement. Brokerage services provided by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Investing involves risk. Not investment advice. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool by Public Advisors. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. See disclosures at public.com/disclosures/ga. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and investment values may rise or fall. See terms of match program at https://public.com/disclosures/matchprogram. Matched funds must remain in your account for at least 5 years. Match rate and other terms are subject to change at any time.

Today, Nicole unpacks one of her hottest personal finance takes: buying a house is not always an investment. Today, she breaks down the numbers to show when renting makes more sense than buying.

Today, Nicole breaks down all stock market lingo you need to decode investments —like market cap, and P/E ratio—and shows you how they actually work in real-life trading, using a deep dive into a real example of a stock that got... weird. You'll learn how to spot a stock’s highs, lows, and everything in between… plus why relying on just one type of analysis (technical OR fundamental) is like trying to fly a plane with one wing. Check out Nicole's course The Money School and use promo code MONEYREHAB to secure the course for $99

Today Nicole sits down with celebrated journalist Daryn Kagan and her husband, Trent Swanson—though around here, we call him The Miles Husband. Daryn reflects on the highs of her career as a news anchor and what it felt like when CNN didn’t renew her contract. She shares how she navigated that turning point, what it taught her about financial security, and how she redefined success. Daryn also gives her strategy for creating the role you want and shares a message for anyone still waiting on their dream career, relationship, or family. Then, Trent breaks down how a little curiosity about credit card points turned into a full-on travel hacking strategy that now has the couple flying around the world in luxury for next to nothing... and how you can, too! Listen to Daryn’s episode Call Me Friend, and start with the episode where Daryn interviews Nicole Check out more from The Miles Husband

If you leave a job, you're probably focused on your next move, not tracking down that old 401(k). But those old 401(k)s are your money. And if you don’t find them, manage them, or move them where they can grow smarter and harder for you, you’re leaving cash on the table. Today, Nicole walks you through exactly how to track down a lost 401(k) and roll it over into a new retirement account — with all the details, step-by-step, so you don’t make expensive mistakes. Rollover your old 401(k) and earn a 1% boost at public.com/moneyrehab If your old employer went out of business, check the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits and the Department of Labor's Abandoned Plan Search Past Money Rehab episode on the difference between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions or investments. All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. As part of the IRA Match Program, Public Investing will fund a 1% match of: (a) all eligible IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers made to a Public IRA; and (b) all eligible contributions made to a Public IRA up to the account’s annual contribution limit. The matched funds must be kept in the account for at least 5 years to avoid an early removal fee. Match rate and other terms of the Match Program are subject to change at any time. See full terms here.

Pattie Ehsaei’s life may look picture-perfect now—she’s a financial exec, lawyer, and author—but it’s been shaped by unimaginable tragedy. Pattie grew up watching her mom depend entirely on her dad financially, a dynamic that turned toxic and ended in unimaginable tragedy. Later, Pattie found herself in a financially abusive relationship of her own, repeating painful patterns until she broke the cycle. Today, she shares the lessons she’s learned about love, money, and power—wisdom she’s also laid out in her book, Never Date a Broke Dude. Nicole and Pattie talk about why who you choose as a partner is the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make, how stay-at-home parents can protect their financial autonomy, and how to spot the money red flags that don’t always look like red flags. And yes—they also get into why Pattie says you should never date a broke dude. Today’s episode contains descriptions of intimate partner violence and suicide. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, or is struggling with their mental health, here are some resources: Relationship Abuse Hotline: 800.799.SAFE National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255)

Immigration is dominating headlines—but not just for political reasons. Today, Nicole breaks down the economic side of immigration, and the Trump administration’s strategy to monetize the American dream. From the new $100,000 fee for skilled foreign worker visas to the ultra-elite “Trump Gold Card” offering U.S. residency for $1 million, Nicole unpacks the numbers behind the policies. Could these controversial programs really generate $100 billion in revenue? Or are we pricing out the very talent and innovation that made America an economic powerhouse?

Heather Dubrow is back on Money Rehab and we could not be more excited, because Heather is the real deal; she’s built wealth, made mistakes, learned the hard way, and she’s not afraid to talk about any of it. Today, Nicole and Heather dive into the Dubrows' recent real estate wins and failures, how she and her husband divide financial roles, and how they rebuilt trust after being scammed out of $2 million. Plus, because Heather is the most hilarious, Nicole gets Heather's hot takes on viral money stories.

This episode gets personal. A new survey from U.S. Bank found that many Americans are making smart choices with their money, but many feel progress is elusive because the goals people care about (buying a home, retiring comfortably, building wealth), depend on economic forces beyond their control. Today, Nicole helps you learn the research-backed strategies to improve confidence and work towards your financial goals. To help unpack these strategies, Nicole is joined by U.S. Bank's Scott Ford, Head of Wealth Management at U.S. Bank, and Kate Phelan, California Regional Director of Strategic Wealth Planning and Advice. They cover how to prepare for buying a home, what to prioritize at different life stages, how to approach retirement in a world where it’s getting longer and less predictable, and what small money wins you can start today to build real momentum. They also talk about how to prepare for disaster, and Nicole opens up about rebuilding her life and studio after losing her home in the LA fires. Whether you’re rebuilding from life’s curveballs or just trying to get your financial footing, this episode is packed with real-world advice and heart. Read about U.S. Bank's findings Learn how U.S. Bank can help you with your financial goals All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions or investments.

Today, Nicole talks to Mimi Bouchard, the founder of the app ⁠Activations⁠, who’s built a practical, science-backed system for rewiring your brain to create real change in your life. Mimi shares hacks for productivity and confidence, the neuroscience behind manifestation, and how a quick audio pep-talk helped her get out of her own way and build real wealth.

Nicole has long said that everyone— not just celebrities or billionaires—should have a prenup, and to make that case, she’s joined by the GOAT of divorce law: Laura Wasser. Known for representing A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Johnny Depp, and Britney Spears, Laura brings more than just star power—she’s a fierce advocate for smarter, healthier relationships built on clear communication, especially around money. In their conversation, Nicole and Laura dive into everything from crypto and pet custody to embryos and outrageous prenup clauses—yes, including rumors like the alleged “addiction clause” in Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s agreement. Laura also shares some of the wildest prenup requests she’s encountered and offers a refreshingly honest take on why asking for a prenup (or postnup) isn't divorce planning, it's marriage planning.

Nicole breaks down the latest moves from three of the biggest names in investing—Bill Ackman, Cathie Wood, and Warren Buffett—and reveals what you can actually learn from watching the pros. Copying their portfolios might sound like a shortcut to success, but it’s not a cheat code—it’s homework. Nicole shows how studying their strategies can help you spot market themes, understand investor psychology, and fine-tune your own approach. From Ackman’s conviction bets to Cathie’s innovation plays to Buffett’s timeless discipline, you’ll walk away knowing how to learn from the best… while making your own money moves. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions or investments. All investing involves risk. Brokerage services for US listed securities, options and bonds in a self-directed brokerage account are offered by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Not investment advice. Availability of the Investment Plans tool on Public.com is not a recommendation or endorsement of the tool. Public.com does not provide investment, tax or legal advice. For additional disclosures about Investment Plans, go to public.com/disclosures.

If you only know Emma Hernan from Selling Sunset, buckle up—because that's just part of her story. Emma isn’t just a reality TV star and luxury real estate agent; she’s a self-made business powerhouse who started investing in her family company as a teen and went on to build a vertically integrated food empire from scratch. In this episode, Emma opens up what it’s really like running a family business, and why she believes in being her own rich boyfriend. Of course, we talk Selling Sunset too—how the show’s fame reshaped her life, the financial realities behind filming, and the drama that’s about to explode this season. Bonus: if you’re watching on Spotify or YouTube, you’ll spot her adorable dog trying (and succeeding) to steal the spotlight.

Today, Nicole shares the biggest headlines on Wall Street and how they will affect you and your wallet. In this episode, she unpacks the good news on student loan forgiveness, OpenAI's new video tech and backlash, and how Amazon broke the internet— but not their stock price. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions or investments. All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. As part of the IRA Match Program, Public Investing will fund a 1% match of: (a) all eligible IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers made to a Public IRA; and (b) all eligible contributions made to a Public IRA up to the account’s annual contribution limit. The matched funds must be kept in the account for at least 5 years to avoid an early removal fee. Match rate and other terms of the Match Program are subject to change at any time. See full terms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. *APY as of 6/30/25, offered by Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Rate subject to change. See terms of IRA Match Program here: public.com/disclosures/ira-match.