Carrie Joy Grimes on How to Break Free from Financial Insecurity | EP 585

03/14/25 • 33 min

Financial security isn't just about numbers—it’s about emotions, security, and having control over your future. In this episode of Passion Struck, I bring you an insightful conversation from the Systems Catalyst podcast, featuring Carrie Joy Grimes (CJ), the founder of WorkMoney, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Americans save money, increase their financial stability, and build a better life.

With over 8.1 million members, WorkMoney is using collective strength to challenge economic insecurity and make financial well-being accessible for all. CJ shares why so many Americans are struggling to afford even a $1,000 emergency expense, what’s driving this crisis, and how we can take back control of our financial futures—without waiting for someone else to save us.

Full Shownotes here: https://passionstruck.com/cj-grimes-break-free-from-financial-insecurity/

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why financial well-being is about more than just money—it’s about emotions, security, and control.
The $1,000 emergency dilemma: Why half of U.S. adults are financially vulnerable.
How WorkMoney is changing lives through personalized financial tools and community-driven solutions.
The power of listening: Why understanding people’s real needs is key to making meaningful change.
How to break free from financial insecurity and start making decisions that empower you.

Sponsors:

Factor Meals: http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF”
Rosetta Stone: Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”
Prolon: Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”
Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”
Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit.
Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION

Next on Passion Struck:
In the next episode of Passion Struck, John sits down with Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Indistractable and Hooked. They dive into the science of focus, why we get distracted, and how mastering your attention is the key to living an intentional life. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on breaking free from digital addictions and reclaiming your time.

For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.

Join the Passion Struck Community!
Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up here.

Speaking Engagements & Workshops
Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.

Episode Starter Packs
With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.

Catch More of Passion Struck:

Check my interview with Jeffrey C. Walker On The Criticality of Collaboration in Systems Change

Full Shownotes here: https://passionstruck.com/cj-grimes-break-free-from-financial-insecurity/

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why financial well-being is about more than just money—it’s about emotions, security, and control.
The $1,000 emergency dilemma: Why half of U.S. adults are financially vulnerable.
How WorkMoney is changing lives through personalized financial tools and community-driven solutions.
The power of listening: Why understanding people’s real needs is key to making meaningful change.
How to break free from financial insecurity and start making decisions that empower you.

Sponsors:

Factor Meals: http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF”
Rosetta Stone: Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”
Prolon: Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”
Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”
Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit.
Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION

For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.

Catch More of Passion Struck:

Check my interview with Jeffrey C. Walker On The Criticality of Collaboration in Systems Change

Previous Episode

Bryant Wood on How to Unlock Healing with Spiritual Biohacking | EP 584

In this enlightening episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Bryant Wood, a renowned breathwork coach, healer, and expert in spiritual biohacking, to explore the profound intersection of mind, body, and spirit in personal transformation.

Bryant shares his deeply personal journey—from a childhood rooted in faith to losing his spiritual connection, battling addiction, and ultimately finding healing through breathwork, mindfulness, and self-discovery. He introduces spiritual biohacking as a powerful approach to rewiring the mind, healing emotional wounds, and reclaiming inner peace.

Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/bryant-wood-spiritual-biohacking/

Key takeaways:

Healing Inner Wounds: How suppressed emotions manifest as physical pain and how to address them through breathwork and energy work.
The Disease of Disconnection: Why many people feel lost in today's world and how to reclaim a sense of belonging and purpose.
Spiritual Biohacking: How to activate your energy centers and break free from limiting beliefs for greater vitality and clarity.
Breathwork for Transformation: The science behind breathwork and how it regulates the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and enhances focus.
Reclaiming Masculinity with Compassion: Bryant’s insights on redefining strength and embracing vulnerability as a pathway to true power.
Technology and Mindfulness: How virtual reality and modern tools are shaping the future of meditation, healing, and human connection.

Connect with Bryant Wood: https://learn.spiritualbiohacks.com/bryant-wood-spiritual-biohacking

Sponsors:

Factor Meals: http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF
Rosetta Stone: Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”
Prolon: Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”
Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”
Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit.
Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION

Next on Passion Struck:
In the next episode of Passion Struck, John sits down with Dr Samuel Wilkinson, YALE professor and author of the book "Purpose.". In this discussion, we go over why, for generations, we've been told that evolution suggests that life has no deeper meaning, that we're simply the result of molecular accidents.

For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.

Join the Passion Struck Community! Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up here.

Speaking Engagements & Workshops Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.

Episode Starter Packs With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at

Next Episode

Nir Eyal on How to Win Back Your Time and Attention | EP 586

In this episode of Passion Struck, John welcomes Nir Eyal, a behavioral designer and author known for his insights into human behavior and technology's impact on our lives. Eyal shares his journey into understanding distraction, rooted in his childhood experiences with obesity and emotional eating. He emphasizes that the real challenge today is not the abundance of information but the ability to focus our attention and turn that information into wisdom.

Eyal discusses the concept of becoming "indistractable," highlighting that most distractions stem from internal triggers—emotional states like boredom, loneliness, and anxiety—rather than external ones. He argues that understanding these internal triggers is crucial for managing our attention and breaking free from distractions.

Full Shownotes here: https://passionstruck.com/nir-eyal-how-to-win-back-your-time-and-attention/

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Mastering Internal Triggers: Recognizing the emotional discomfort that leads to distraction is essential for regaining control over our time and attention.
The Importance of Curiosity-Driven Learning: Eyal advocates for teaching children to be autodidacts, emphasizing the need for skills that will remain relevant in an ever-changing world.
Turning Values into Time: Eyal explains that to align our lives with our values, we must intentionally allocate time for activities that reflect who we want to become, rather than allowing distractions to dictate our schedules.
Creating Healthy Relationships with Technology: Eyal suggests that parents can help their children manage technology use by modeling indistractable behavior themselves and providing opportunities for free play and social interaction.
Reimagining Boredom and Negativity Bias: Eyal encourages listeners to embrace boredom as a catalyst for personal growth and to be aware of the negativity bias that can lead to compulsive media consumption.

For more information on Nir Eyal: https://www.nirandfar.com/

Sponsors:

Factor Meals: http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF”
Rosetta Stone: Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”
Prolon: Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”
Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”
Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit.
Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION

Next on Passion Struck:
In the next episode of Passion Struck, John sits down with Anne Marie Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, sports journalist, and leadership expert. Anne Marie has spent years breaking barriers in sports media, navigating high-stakes environments, and coaching top athletes and executives on leadership, resilience, and communication. In our conversation, we'll dive into the mental frameworks of high performers, the art of storytelling, and how to build confidence in any field.

For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.

Episode Starter Packs
With over 500 episodes, i...