Ep # 8 - A rare voice on wealth and privilege | David Roberts
It's not often you meet someone willing to write about their own privilege with honesty. David Roberts does exactly that through his Substack newsletter "Sparks from Culture.”
At 62, David spent four decades in finance before retiring to write full-time. He shares an insider's perspective on wealth. What stands out is his courage to examine his own life without the usual defensiveness or justifications you might expect. He writes about the isolation that can come with privilege to the moral responsibilities he feels toward his community.
In our conversation, David reflects on how writing has helped him see beyond what he calls his "blinkers" - the narrow worldview that can develop from living in what he describes as a "wealthy bubble." We explore his genuine concerns about growing inequality in America, his thoughts on reforming rather than dismantling capitalism, and why he believes people with privilege need to honestly examine their role in society.
What struck me most about David was his devotion to family. Married for 39 years with three adult children who all chose to stay in New York City, he and his wife Debbie made deliberate choices about raising kids with privilege. Instead of credit cards, their children had allowances they had to negotiate. Instead of over-scheduling, they prioritized family dinners and simply being present.
"We always tried to make ourselves available for them," David explains. "You could never tell when you were going to have a moment with your kid."
This intentionality around parenting runs through everything David does. Even now, with his children grown, they remain central to his life. They attend his Substack events, providing honest feedback on his writing, and they make him laugh.
Perhaps most refreshingly, David doesn't just talk about social responsibility - he acts on it. All revenue from paid subscriptions to his newsletter goes directly to the Robin Hood Foundation, which fights poverty in New York City.
"I think both from a wanting people to be happy point of view and from a selfish point of view," he says about inequality, "the pendulum could swing very hard, very fast in the other direction, and that wouldn't be good for people who do have privilege."
David's writing has earned him thousands of subscribers and recognition as a featured Substack publication, but more importantly, it's opened up conversations that desperately need to happen. In a time when discussions about wealth often devolve into either defensiveness or demonization, David offers something rarer: authentic self-reflection from someone actually living with significant privilege.
Whether you're interested in discussions about inequality, intentional parenting, or simply honest conversations about money and society, this conversation offers insights you won't find elsewhere. David proves that examining privilege doesn't require shame or apology - just honesty and a willingness to do better.
Listen to my full conversation with David Roberts below.
Listen on Apple Podcast | Spotify
Takeaways
David writes about wealth and privilege from an honest perspective.
Self-discovery through writing has been eye-opening for David.
Inequality poses a significant threat to societal stability.
Reforming capitalism is essential for a more equitable society.
Happiness is subjective and varies from person to person.
Parenting in a wealthy bubble can lead to disconnection.
Access to healthcare is heavily influenced by wealth.
Social media exacerbates self-image issues for all demographics.
Family engagement is crucial for children's development.
Preventative healthcare is often neglected in discussions about health.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:30 Exploring Wealth and Privilege
04:57 Self-Discovery Through Writing
07:41 Concerns About Inequality
10:00 The Pursuit of Happiness
12:24 The Impact of AI on Jobs
15:09 Social Media and Comparison Culture
17:49 Isolation and Community
20:24 Family Dynamics and Privilege
25:15 The Balance of Parenting: Presence vs. Over-Involvement
33:29 Wealth, Privilege, and Health: A Deep Dive
42:27 Cultural Pressures: Beauty Standards and Mental Health
51:02 The Importance of Family Engagement and Presence
Show notes
Connect with David Roberts
Credits and support
Thank The Team: To all those who help me. Gwendolyn Christian for the scheduling and Oliver Kiker for the theme music.
Diana, it was a pleasure talking to you. I love that I've gotten to know you as both a Substack and IRL friend. Thanks for having me on your podcast.