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Death, Sex & Money, hosted by the inimitable Anna Sale, moved to Slate from its longtime home at WNYC a little over a year ago. After it landed here, one of the first DSM episodes to come out explored intuition, and Anna's own turn toward tarot and other "woo-woo" ideas and practices to help navigate a personal rough patch. To celebrate DSM's Slate birthday, and show our respect for unconventional tools to help navigate modern life, we've created a guide to DSM episodes based on the zodiac. Whether you're a roaring Leo like myself, or a perceptive Virgo like Anna, you can find your best episode matches on the topics of sex, death, or money right here. (And, of course, you can listen to any episode you want, regardless of sign!) We've also plucked out some of Anna's probing celebrity interviews by star sign (did you know Fran Lebowitz is a Scorpio?). Navigating 10-plus years of a podcast can be daunting, but perhaps the stars can tell you where to start? Personally, I want to listen to all of these (again). Happy listening! -- Hillary Frey, Slate editor in chief
Aquarians are known to be open-minded, independent, confident, and quirky. They like to solve problems, and are often described as the most humanitarian of all the signs.
Death: "My Father Planned His Death; I Didn't Stop Him" finds Jason Armstrong sharing the deeply personal story of his father's decision to end his life on his own terms. Aquarians value independence and progressive thinking, so this episode's exploration of autonomy in death resonates deeply with their love of challenging conventional norms.
Sex: "Sex Parties and Shakespeare With Carvell Wallace" is a rich, emotionally layered conversation about love, sex, trauma, consent, and personal transformation. Carvell -- co-host of Slate's How To! podcast -- shares how love became a healing force in his life, shaped by both intellectual depth and radical vulnerability. Aquarius listeners will find this episode inspiring and affirming, and reflective of their longing to love differently.
Money: "Who's Driving Your Uber?" explores the experiences of an immigrant Uber driver dealing with financial instability, culture shock, and interactions with a sometimes hostile public. This episode resonates because it isn't just about one man's hustle, but is a meditation on labor, identity, and survival in a broken system. It speaks to the Aquarian mind: analytical, principled, and quietly rebellious.
Celebrity interviews:
Pisces tend to be extremely loving, compassionate, and empathetic. As the dreamers and visionaries of the zodiac, they're guided by big imaginations and strong intuition.
Death: "Dead People Don't Have Any Secrets" follows Amanda as she uncovers her late husband Sam's many secrets after his death -- secrets that reshape her understanding of him and complicate her grieving process. Listeners with strong Pisces energy will appreciate the soulful, layered nature of this story where love, grief, mystery, and truth are entangled in a way that doesn't come with easy explanations or answers.
Sex: "Finding Love, and a Kidney, on Tinder" -- when "It's a match!" takes on a whole new meaning. A chance swipe on an app becomes a testament to human goodness and the capacity of love to transform lives. Pisces are guided by empathy and intuition, making this story of love's transformative power through unexpected connections especially poignant for them.
Money: "A New York City Mover Who Carries More Than Your Boxes." Adonis Williams isn't just moving boxes, he's absorbing the emotional weight of transitions, breakups, deaths, and new beginnings. This compassionate and empathetic story reflects Pisces' natural role as caretakers and visionaries. Like Pisces, Adonis intuits the unspoken feelings behind each transition and helps guide others through vulnerable moments. Even when it goes unnoticed.
Celebrity interviews:
Aries are the boldest of the bunch. They are confident and energetic natural leaders, and are always ready to take charge.
Death: "15 Years Later, An Iraq Veteran Looks Back" is a reflective conversation with Thom Tran, a veteran navigating trauma, identity, purpose, and healing long after his time in combat. This story captures Aries' fiery resilience and refusal to be defined by trauma, mirroring their instinct to confront challenges head-on and turn adversity into action. Aries' boldness and leadership come through in the veteran's reclaiming of identity and purpose.
Sex: "Leaving the Extreme Right, and a Marriage, Behind" features Tasha Adams' story of extricating herself from a high-stakes, deeply controlling marriage with Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers. The story's emphasis on reclaiming power and challenging a dominant partner reflects Aries' bold, self-liberating instincts. (Also, here is the update to this episode.)
Money: "A Father and Daughter Talk About Layoffs" goes deep into the emotional and practical implications of job loss, covering the vulnerability and complexity of familial relationships during times of financial uncertainty. This raw conversation challenges Aries to balance their natural decisiveness with vulnerability, while also pushing them to engage with the softer, more reflective side of resilience.
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Tauruses are as stubborn as the bull that represents them, but that stubbornness also makes them incredibly loyal, grounded, and steady. They love comfort, crave consistency, and stick by the people they trust.
Death: "Conversations With My Dead Mother" offers a deeply resonant emotional journey rooted in loyalty, love, and the quiet ache of unresolved tension. For Tauruses, who value stability and enduring connection, Rachel's determination to hold on to her bond with her mother through grief and frustration will feel especially true to their steadfast, devoted nature.
Sex: "The Weight of Love" explores how weight, body image, and physical changes intersect with intimacy, communication, self-worth, and love in romantic relationships. Listeners share stories of how navigating body size has influenced closeness, shame, resilience, and sometimes breakups. This episode taps into Tauruses' love for comfort, exploring how body image impacts intimacy, and highlighting their need for steady, accepting love.
Money: The two-part Death, Sex & Money series "Our Student Loan Secrets, Part 1" and "Part 2" dives into the emotional, relational, and psychological weight of student debt. Taurus craves financial security and predictability, and this series exposes the vulnerability and anxiety student debt brings, while also helping them see that they're not alone, and that there's strength in talking openly about money.
Celebrity interviews:
Though they sometimes get an unfair reputation for being two-faced, Geminis are sharp, curious, and highly adaptable. They thrive in new situations and are natural communicators who like to keep things interesting.
Death: "Laughing About Hard Things" finds Anna talking to comedians Guy Branum and Carl Tart, author Chanel Miller, and a veterinarian specializing in at-home euthanasia about the special kind of comedy born of something sad. This episode mirrors a Gemini's inner landscape: witty, layered, emotionally agile, and always looking to understand the world through words and laughter, even in the darkest moments.
Sex: "Secrets, Turn-Ons, and Fantasies: Your Stories About Porn" features listener stories about secret hard drives, fantasy plot lines, illegal downloads, titillating Tumblr feeds, and giving porn up completely. This episode's diverse stories mirror Gemini's restless curiosity and appreciation for multiple perspectives on desire and secrecy.
Money: "A Bitcoin Mogul Goes Broke" chronicles the rise and fall of Charlie Shrem, a cryptocurrency pioneer who made a fortune in Bitcoin, lost everything, and served time in prison -- all before turning 30. Gemini's adaptable and quick-thinking nature resonates with this tale of high-risk ambition, sudden downfall, and reinvention, embodying their love for unpredictable, fast-moving stories. For Geminis, it's an intellectual thrill ride.
Celebrity interviews:
Cancers are the natural caregivers of the zodiac. They're intuitive and sensitive, able to navigate their own emotions -- and others' -- with great care and understanding.
Death: "How to Say Goodbye to Your Pets" features listener stories of loving -- and losing -- your beloved animal companions. The episode's compassionate, practical approach to grieving beloved pets mirrors how Cancers process loss, with deep feeling, quiet strength, and a need for gentle, meaningful rituals that honor emotional bonds.
Sex: "The Movies That Taught Us What Sex Could Be" highlights listeners' stories about the movies they saw that taught them about sex. These emotionally rich, nostalgic reflections on formative movie moments echo Cancer's instinct to look to the past for emotional insight and understanding. It's an intimate, validating listen for a sign that finds meaning in memory.
Money: "I Did Surrogacy for Money and Now I'm Starting Over" features Sarah Short, who became a surrogate to pay off debt, navigated divorce, and is now rebuilding her life and business. Sarah's decision to become a surrogate isn't just about money, it's about using her body in service of another family while trying to stabilize her own. This episode affirms Cancers' caretaking nature, capturing the complexity of making decisions that are both personal and professional.
Celebrity interviews:
Leos are known for their bold confidence and strong presence. Fierce and loyal like lions, they also have big hearts and a surprisingly sensitive, playful side. They bring warmth, passion, and, yes, a bit of drama that inspires the people around them.
Death: "Four Interviews and a Funeral" features a Death, Sex & Money "memorial service" (which happened before the show made the move to join Slate, and we thought it would be appropriate to have somewhere on this guide). A "Podcast Memorial Service" functions not only as a farewell to a beloved show but as a tribute to the impact it had on people's lives. For Leo listeners, it's a celebration of what came before, and a reminder of the beauty in closure done with courage, heart, and flair.
Sex: "Babygirl Director Wants Women Not to Suppress Their Beast" is a conversation with Halina Reijn about her film Babygirl, the spicy age-gap romance starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson that explores power imbalances and primal urges. Halina Reijn's unapologetic storytelling, together with the erotic, theatrical energy of Babygirl, appeals to the Leo's love of provocative, stylish narratives that challenge norms.
Money: "This Elvis Impersonator Does It For Love ... and Money," about Las Vegas Elvis impersonator Brendan Paul, who marries up to 75 couples a day, embodies a unique blend of performance, tradition, and emotional connection. Leos are often drawn to professions where they can shine and feel pride in what they do. Paul's ability to turn a performance into a successful business mirrors how a Leo might approach work: Make it something you're proud to put your name on.
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Virgos take a systematic, thoughtful approach to life. They're detail-oriented, organized, and love bringing order to chaos. Practical and dependable, they find satisfaction in being useful and helping others solve problems.
Death: "When Breast Cancer Pauses Life at 35" features Kate Pickert's experience of being diagnosed with cancer at a young age. She reflects on her efforts to maintain normalcy during treatment, her decision not to tell her young daughter about her illness, and how her perspective on mortality has evolved. For Virgos, whose strengths lie in their ability to stay composed under pressure, to care deeply for others, and to navigate life with thoughtful precision, this episode offers a powerful emotional mirror.
Sex: "I Wanted to Be a 'Good Girl' " tells Andrea's story of growing up in a conservative evangelical community in Texas, navigating strict teachings about sex and purity, and reckoning with the consequences of defying those teachings. Andrea's story, told with thoughtful reflection on how her upbringing influenced her adult life, resonates with Virgos' tendency to dissect personal history in search of meaning and improvement.
Money: "My Eating Disorder Turned Into an Obsession With Money": This episode delves into Vivian's journey, where her battle with an eating disorder transformed into an obsession with budgeting and saving. Virgo listeners will relate to the way she tries to find comfort and control through routines, numbers, and structure, and also the challenge of learning to loosen the grip and let life flow a little more. This episode speaks to the tension between discipline and self-compassion that Virgos often navigate.
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Libras are the social butterflies of the zodiac, always seeking connection and harmony. They're known for being balanced, incredibly diplomatic, and naturally charming.
Death: "One Man's Meticulous Quest to Cure Grief" tells the story of Cody Delistraty, who lost his mother in his early 20s and responded by turning his grief into a research project centered on one question: Can grief be cured? He talks to Anna about the various remedies he tried, what worked, and what lessons he learned along the way. The episode explores the idea that healing isn't linear, and for Libras, it confirms that making space for both sorrow and understanding is not only possible, but often necessary.
Sex: "This Senator Saved My Love Life" is a charming and reflective story about a breakup that took an unexpected turn thanks to the intervention of Alan Simpson, a former U.S. senator. Following Simpson's wise and humorous advice, Anna herself reconsidered what she wanted in love and ultimately reunited with her partner. Alan Simpson's surprising role as a voice of perspective and harmony in a moment of romantic uncertainty reflects Libra's belief in diplomacy, second chances, and connection.
Money: "When 'Daddy Dates' Pay the Bills" features a candid conversation with a young woman who works as a sugar baby, dating older men in exchange for money, gifts, and support. She discusses the emotional and transactional boundaries of her relationships, and the societal taboos that come with them. This episode speaks to Libra's fascination with the complexities of love, power, and value in relationships, especially when those relationships upend societal norms.
Celebrity interviews:
Scorpios can be very intense, but this often manifests in positive traits like loyalty and passion. They feel things deeply and are known for having a strong sixth sense, giving them a natural intuition that guides their decisions.
Death: "Finding Meaning After My Husband's Public Death" features Terry reflecting on the devastating loss of his husband, David Buckel, who died by self-immolation as a form of protest against climate change. Scorpios will appreciate this episode's depth, its exploration of death as both an ending and a beginning, and its focus on navigating private grief within a larger societal narrative.
Sex: "Cut Loose: Your Breakup Stories" features a collection of listener-submitted breakup tales, encompassing experiences of being left, initiating the breakup, and navigating the ambiguous aftermath. Scorpios may find this episode particularly compelling; it spotlights their intrinsic understanding of the complexities of emotional bonds, passion, and the transformative power of letting go.
Money: "Your Inheritance Stories: When Death, Family, and Money Mix" dives into the emotional and ethical complexities surrounding inheritance and explores how money passed down after death can become a symbol of loyalty, power, guilt, or obligation. The episode echoes a deeply held Scorpio truth: Money is never just money when it's tied up with love, loss, and legacy.
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Sagittarians are natural travelers, always chasing their next adventure. They're lively, intelligent, and refreshingly honest, often speaking their minds with infectious enthusiasm (and no filter).
Death: "When Grief Looks Like ¯\_(ツ)_/¯" features Rachel Ward's frank account of navigating unexpected widowhood in her early 30s. Rachel's journey through grief, questioning societal expectations and seeking personal understanding, aligns with Sagittarius's philosophical nature; this episode encapsulates the sign's resilience, introspection, honesty, and ability to find meaning and humor amidst life's challenges.
Sex: "Your One-Night Stand Stories" is a compilation of candid, often humorous and tender stories of fleeting romantic encounters, connections that are intense, impulsive, and temporary. Sagittarians are seekers of adventure, truth, and new experiences; they're more interested in what was felt than what was promised. This episode celebrates exactly that -- the beauty of brief encounters.
Money: "Married With No Kids and a Ranching Business With No Heirs" features Albert and Sue Sommers, a couple who married in their 40s and manage a century-old family ranch in Wyoming. Facing the reality of having no heirs, they make the unconventional decision to pass their ranch to a non-family-member to preserve its legacy. Sagittarians value freedom and meaning over material gain, so this unconventional approach to legacy and financial stewardship speaks to their adventurous and principled spirit.
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Capricorns have a strong moral compass and like to follow the rules. They're also extremely practical and ambitious, always focused on reaching their goals.
Death: "An End-of-Life Doctor's Shocking Loss" focuses on Dr. Bonnie Chen, a palliative care physician who spent her career guiding patients and families through the process of dying. But when her 16-month-old son Benji died suddenly in 2022, she found herself on the other side of the medical system. Dr. Chen's grief, while emotionally devastating, is also processed through her role as a doctor -- she doesn't retreat from her work, but rather lets it evolve through loss. This resonates with Capricorn's instinct to rebuild meaning through action and purpose, even in the wake of devastation.
Sex: "How a Betrayed Spouse Became an Infidelity Expert" features Lauren LaRusso explaining how a betrayal in her own marriage led to a lot of reflection -- and a whole new career path. This episode, with its therapeutic lens and focus on understanding what causes infidelity, speaks to Capricorn's need to make sense of pain and turn it into something constructive.
Money: "A Former Debt Collector's Unpaid Bill" follows Angela's journey from working as a debt collector for 15 years to facing her own financial challenges after being banned from the industry. Angela's initial career in debt collection, and her subsequent financial struggles, highlight the importance of financial management, a core concern for Capricorns. They may find this episode particularly compelling as it echoes their intrinsic pull toward responsibility, resilience, and personal growth.