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

Send us Fan Mail This week, I will share the simple process I used to move my investments to a more socially responsible index fund including the steps I followed and the mistakes that I made! Links from today’s episode: How to choose the best index fund | Forbes https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/how-to-choose-the-best-index-fund/   ICYMI another episode you might enjoy: Episode 76 The Surp...

Send us Fan Mail It's the perfect time of year to start thinking about summer travel. This episode covers some suggestions on how to plan a great vacation that respects local cultures and prioritizes environmental sustainability.  Discover practical tips for engaging with communities, understanding local customs, and avoiding cultural faux pas. We'll also discuss sustainable travel pract...

Send us Fan Mail How are you feeling today? Are you one of many Americans who are feeling stressed and on the verge of current events burnout? Today’s episode is about self care for times like these. Pour a mug of something warm and grab a notebook. The work of building a better world is challenging, and requires that we find opportunities for rest, joy, pleasure, and community.  Links from today’...

Send us Fan Mail This week let’s review the ACLU’s Know Your Rights printable guide (linked below). Knowing this information can protect you, your loved ones, and the members of your community. We are never powerless and today’s episode proves that. Links from today’s episode: ACLU Know Your Rights printable download https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights-share-your-rights-immigrants-rights   ICYMI...

Send us Fan Mail This week let’s chat about how we can support Minnesota’s immigrants right now. Whether you have funds to spare, extra food in your pantry or DFDF, there are lots of opportunities to help. Stay tuned for next week’s episode about ways to help all immigrants and your own non-immigrant friends and families. Links from today’s episode: Ways to Support Minnesota’s Immigrant Communitie...

Send us Fan Mail Too often, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy has been simplified to a few memorable phrases from his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. But did you know that Dr. King held some pretty radical money beliefs? Dr. King advocated for social justice and economic equality for all Americans and his ideas still resonate today. This is one of the most popular episodes of...

Send us Fan Mail Did you know there's a tool that has been created if you have money to donate (and want the tax write-off this year) but you haven't quite decided where to donate yet? Whether you are new to Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) or you already have one and have gotten stuck on how to use it, this episode will provide some tips so your money can help as much as possible. Links from...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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.co...

Send us Fan Mail 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-wri...

Send us Fan Mail 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,...

Send us Fan Mail 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 f...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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, supportin...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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.nyti...

Send us Fan Mail 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 philanthrop...

Send us Fan Mail 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 econom...

Send us Fan Mail 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. Practice salary...

Send us Fan Mail 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 P...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ov...

Send us Fan Mail 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.rad...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ht...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Pr...