Progressive Pockets: a podcast about the untapped power of our wallets to build the world we want

Progressive Pockets: a podcast about the untapped power of our wallets to build the world we want

A podcast at the intersection of social impact and personal finance that covers questions of how we might spend, donate, and invest more in line with our values. Hosted by Genet "GG" Gimja Formerly known as the Spend Donate Invest Podcast

Episodes

November 18, 2025 14 mins

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This week let’s chat about some practical suggestions for hosting a Thanksgiving that’s just a little more sustainable. From planning the meal to polling guests before they show up, you’re sure to leave today’s episode with at least one idea you hadn’t considered before!

Links from today’s episode:
Time Magazine: Thanksgiving Food Waste Is Nothing To Celebrate. But There Are Ways To Combat It
https://...

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This week we're exploring the topic of learning from Indigenous American chefs on how to use ingredients that are more authentic and historically accurate for our Thanksgiving celebrations.

Links from today's discussion:

Chef Sean Sherman Interview and Projects
https://www.npr.org/2022/10/24/1131051237/the-sioux-chef-sean-sherman
https://owamni.com/
https://sioux-chef.com/
<...

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The family that gives together grows together! Figuring out how to get everyone involved in your family's giving can be a great exercise for the holidays. Tune in this week to learn more!

Links from today's episode:
https://hbr.org/2020/08/whats-your-familys-mission-statement

https://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/02/want-to-give-your-family-value-and-purpose-write-a-mission-sta...

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Did you know there are membership organizations for people of means who want to use their money in greater alignment with their values? Whether you are looking for a group to join or looking for free resources online to DIY your own journey towards greater alignment between your money and your values, tune in this week to learn more about: Toniic, Women Donors Network, Solidaire, Resource Generation, and Thousand Curr...

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This week, let’s chat about how to make your money work for both you and the world. From environmental sustainability to gender equality, learn how to screen out harmful companies and support those actively solving societal issues. Let’s also talk about how to leverage your shareholder voice to drive positive change. Tune in for actionable tips on making your investments a force for good while still keeping an eye on ...

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September 24, 2025 12 mins

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Wondering how to figure out which charities are actually making a real impact and which are just paying lip service? This episode breaks down a simple, practical way to vet charities so your donations truly matter. 

You’ll learn how to spot organizations with clear, focused goals, why it’s important to dig into their leadership and origins, and how to read their financial reports to see where the money really goes. Plu...

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Did you know that private prisons could be hiding in our retirement investments? In this eye-opening episode, let's explore how major corporations and Wall Street firms are making billions by operating prisons and exploiting incarcerated workers.

You’ll learn how to use the free Prison Free Funds tool to easily check if your 401(k), IRA or other investment funds are invested in private prisons and related companie...

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This week let’s chat about Mariah Carey’s giving. This episode goes beyond this powerhouse’s incredible music to explore her decades of heartfelt philanthropy. From co-founding Camp Mariah with the Fresh Air Fund to granting wishes for critically ill children and raising millions through benefit performances, today’s episode highlights her commitment to empowering youth, supporting health causes, and providing hope to...

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It seems like we’ll never know enough about the late musician Prince. If you’ve ever been curious about what he did with his money, tune in to this week’s episode.

Prince quietly gave millions through his Love 4 One Another foundation, supporting education, youth programs, disaster relief, the arts, and social justice, often keeping his role completely hidden. Through stories and examples, today’s episode reveals how h...

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Tune in this week to find out where former President Bill Clinton donates his money. We’ll look at how his giving through the Clinton Foundation and other efforts has supported causes like global health, disaster relief, education, and women’s empowerment.


Links from today’s episode:

Clinton, Impresario of Philanthropy, Gets a Progress Update | New York Times 2006

https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/01/world/clinton-imp...

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It’s time for the celebrity giving series! Whether you love celebrity gossip or you want to be inspired to shake up your own giving, it can be so much fun to learn where celebrities donate their money.

This week let’s chat about Serena Williams! Her giving has evolved over time and gives a sneak peek into the causes she cares most about.


Links from today’s episode:

The philanthropic ventures of Serena Williams | Aug...

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In this episode of Progressive Pockets, let's explore the topic of conscious travel, focusing on how to respect local cultures while prioritizing environmental sustainability. 

Discover practical tips for engaging with communities, understanding local customs, and avoiding cultural faux pas.

We'll also discuss sustainable travel practices, such as supporting local economies, reducing waste, and choosing eco-fr...

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Usually on this show we talk about the power of our wallets to build the world we want. This week, let’s talk about how we can extend our power just a little bit further, to our places of work.

There are lots of ways to serve as a financial ally to the planet and to our community. This week, we’ll talk about five ways that are probably easier than you might think.

  1. Practice salary transparency.
  2. Propose a green 401K op...
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Today's episode is a short book summary, on a book called Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism: And Other Arguments for Economic Independence by Kristen Ghodsee. This book was written for young Americans who were pissed off and energized by the election of Trump.

The author, Dr. Kristen Ghodsee is a professor of Russian and Eastern European Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She studies coun...

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Have you ever felt a twinge of guilt or pride or suspicion when asked to donate a dollar at the checkout counter? You’re not alone. 

In this candid conversation, we’ll dive into the real emotions, questions, and choices shoppers face when confronted with checkout charity requests. We’ll unpack the convenience and collective impact of small donations (did you know Americans gave over $749 million at checkout counters in...

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This week let’s chat about Radfund, a group of friends in Brooklyn that decided to pool their money to donate together in 2015. Ten years later, the group is still going strong and they’ve learned a lot about the pros and cons of donating together. This week’s episode is about their lessons learned and what it has been like.


Links from today’s episode:

Rad Fund NYC

https://www.radfundnyc.com/ 


ICYMI another epis...

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June 25, 2025 20 mins

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There’s rich and then there’s ultra wealthy. Did you know that thousands of Americans have over $500 million in assets? Many of these Americans say they want to donate more of their money than they actually do, but they keep getting stuck.

Today’s episode outlines the reasons why.


Links from today’s episode:

Four Pathways to Greater Giving | The Bridgespan Group | November 2018

https://www.bridgespan.org/getmedia/379...

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It’s tough to know how much to donate! In the past, religion made that decision easy, with lots of guidelines about various types of giving.

But in our modern lives, many of us are not particularly religious. So this week’s episode has five different ways you might make that decision for yourself.


ICYMI another episode you might enjoy:

Episode#119 Investing According to Islamic Principles (recorded before the 2024 r...

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This week let’s talk diamonds! Did you see the movie Blood Diamonds in 2006? The movie ended in a dramatic scene where world leaders gathered together to try to do better.

Did it work? What’s the latest with buying diamonds these days? Are there options that are better for the planet and our people?

Tune in this week to talk through the growing trend in buying lab-grown diamonds, certified diamonds, and recycled diamond...

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This week let’s chat about how you might convince your job to start an employee donation matching program so that your charitable giving can go twice as far. 

You’ll learn a simple three step plan to find a couple of allies, figure out who the decider is, and how to pitch your idea. Your colleagues will be thrilled that their donations will go farther, and your organization will be glad to have an employee perk that do...

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