Rooted Cash Podcast

In this heartfelt episode, Kyla sits down with her big sister for a powerful, personal conversation about money, boundaries, sacrifice, and sisterhood. Listen in as two sisters connect across generations to talk money, mental health, and what it means to grow up without losing yourself.

Sponsored by the Rooted School Foundation as part of the $50 Study, the episode explores how financial experiences shape each sister’s path—one juggling motherhood, grad school, and teaching, and the other finishing high school and dreaming big.
Together, they reflect on the lessons they’ve learned, the pressure to provide, and the importance of choosing yourself without guilt. It’s a raw, honest, and loving exchange that reminds us how family can be both a mirror and a map.

About the $50 Study:
Led by the Rooted School Foundation, this initiative gives young people $50 a week to explore budgeting, responsibility, and the real impact of financial access. Follow @50dollarstudy on Instagram and visit rootedschoolfoundation.org to learn more about the program and how it’s supporting youth across New Orleans.


What is Rooted Cash Podcast?

During the 2020-2021 school year, a small group of seniors at the Rooted School in New Orleans were given a set amount of 50 dollars every single week for a whole year. No tax, no strings attached, just cold hard cash. Two participating seniors became fascinated with this pilot- so fascinated that they decided to make a podcast about it. In partnership with Be Loud Studios, they interviewed experts and reflected potential impact of earned income and the positives that come from giving young people the money needed to live, work, create, and learn.

Season 3 introduces Kyla, an ambitious graduating senior who brings heart, humor, and honesty to conversations about youth, money, and independence. Through personal stories and interviews, she explores the impact of The $50 Study — a direct cash transfer program giving high school students in New Orleans $50 a week to spend as they choose.

From budgeting for prom to helping her family and dreaming big about her future, Kyla shares what financial freedom means to her and her peers — and why trusting young people with money just makes sense.

If you want to follow us on social media, follow us @the50dollarstudy on Instagram. There we will be sharing pictures, videos, and reflections on this study from the Rooted Community.