Renegade Capital

In our season finale, we sit down with Danielle Steer, Managing Partner of Tundra Ventures, to explore the explosive growth of women’s sports and the business ecosystem behind it. We dig into what intentional investment looks like, how to build governance that truly supports athletes, and why this moment is redefining impact in real time.  It’s an energizing, thoughtful conversation. And the perfe...

This week on Renegade Capital, we’re joined by Osahon Okundaye, finance and securities attorney and professor, to explore the powerful and often overlooked connection between law and finance. We dig into how legal structures are created, how they influence access to capital, and why financial professionals need to understand the law to better serve their communities. A sharp, insightful conversati...

On this episode of Renegade Capital, Anna Smukowski joins us to honor the incredible impact of CDFIs and the people who make them thrive. She shares stories of their successes, the challenges they face, and how we can help strengthen these vital institutions that drive economic justice and community resilience nationwide. Support the show Love the podcast? Subscribe and follow to never miss an epi...

What happens when we start thinking about our organization’s end game—not as a failure, but as a strategy for lasting impact? In this episode of Renegade Capital, we sit down with Sara Razavi to talk about mergers, acquisitions, and exit plans—not in the scary corporate way, but as powerful tools for sustainability and longevity. Sara breaks down why every mission-driven organization should know w...

In this episode of Renegade Capital, we talk with Julianne Zimmerman of Adasina Social Capital about what it means to keep moving forward in moments of uncertainty and fear. Together we explore how courage, curiosity, and a willingness to act despite discomfort can shape the path toward meaningful change. Julianne also shares how joining forces and working in partnership can amplify our impact and...

We’re hitting pause on our Starfish Stories to talk about what’s making headlines right now — the federal government shutdown. It’s not just political drama in DC; it’s already having real consequences. The staff of the CDFI Fund has been laid off, and that’s sending shockwaves through the community development finance world. In this episode, we unpack what’s happening, what it means for CDFIs and...

We said we wanted to hear your starfish stories… but first, we’re sharing ours!  In this fun, feel-good episode, Andrea, Leah, and Ebony open up about the everyday ways they’ve made a difference — at work, at home, and in their communities. From leadership moments to tiny acts of kindness, each story shows how small actions can spark real change. Big or small, every ripple matters. Listen in, get...

We’re launching something new — and it’s all about you. In this short episode, we introduce our new Starfish Stories series, inspired by the well-known parable of the person walking along the beach, tossing stranded starfish back into the sea — one by one. When told they couldn’t possibly save them all, they replied, “It made a difference to that one.” That’s the heart of this series. We want to h...

This week, we sit down with Curtis Peterson who works closely with healthcare-focused foundations and startups. Curtis shares practical tools for navigating leadership priorities, making the business case for your work, and finding alignment in times of change. From start-ups to nonprofits and beyond, Curtis’s tips apply across industries: 1. How to speak the language of impact—both human and fina...

What does it mean to liberate wealth? In this episode, we chat with Lora Smith of Justice Funders about reimagining philanthropy, moving money with creativity and courage, and using capital as a force for justice. If you’re ready to think bigger about what your dollars can do, this one’s for you. Justice Funders: Powering Philanthropic Transformation Support the show Love the podcast? Subscribe an...

After four decades of transforming how America thinks about community investment, Donna Gambrell is entering a new chapter. As she prepares to step down as CEO of Appalachian Community Capital at year's end, we explore the remarkable legacy of the woman who rewrote the rules of community finance. From her groundbreaking tenure as the first African American woman to lead the Treasury's CD...

The activists are back for another season of asking the big questions that matter most. Renegade Capital Season 5 returns this fall with Andrea Longton, Ebony Perkins, and Leah Fremouw diving deeper into the intersection of finance, social justice, and community impact—at a moment when everything is on the line. This is a defining moment for our communities, our economy, and our planet. The pressu...

15 years ago, some of the world’s wealthiest promised to give away at least half their fortunes through the Giving Pledge. Over a decade later, how much have they really given? In this episode, we unpack a recent update on the pledge, explore why many billionaires fell short, and discuss why real change can’t wait for the ultra-rich. Instead, we share how communities and everyday people can drive...

Artificial intelligence is reshaping our world—but at what cost to our planet? In this episode, we dig into the overlooked environmental footprint of AI and the massive energy demands of data centers in vulnerable communities. We explore why sustainability needs to be baked into AI development from the start, and how environmental justice must be part of the conversation. If we don’t plan responsi...

As federal funding continues to shrink, many mission-driven organizations are under pressure to grow fast and do more. But is scaling always the right move—and at what cost? In this episode, we explore whether it’s possible to scale impact without losing your core mission and values. With guest Amir Ali, the Founder and Principal of Clarity Impact Finance, a boutique consulting firm that partners...

In this episode, we sit down with Maggie Kulyk, seasoned financial advisor and the founder of Chicory Wealth, to explore what it really means to invest with your values in mind. While the capital markets don’t allow for “perfect” ethical investing, there are practical steps we can take to reduce harm and make more mindful choices with our money. We discuss strategies, mindsets, and real-world advi...

In this episode, we unpack the far-reaching implications of what’s been called “The Big, Beautiful Bill” — and what it means for environmental efforts, green jobs, and especially the CDFI industry. As funding gets pulled back and priorities shift, the communities we serve are feeling the strain. We take a hard look at how this legislation is impacting the momentum we've built, the investments...

 We know—it sounds like one of those topics: boring, scary, or just plain overwhelming. But in this episode, we flip the script on estate planning. In a world where so much feels out of our control, this is one area where we do have agency. We're breaking the taboo and talking about it—openly, honestly, and with a little levity. You’ll learn why estate planning matters (even if you're no...

A recent Wall Street Journal article reveals a surprising trend: more and more people are letting their political beliefs guide their short-term financial decisions. In this episode, we unpack why investors are reacting to headlines and election seasons with their wallets—and what that could mean for your portfolio. Are you unintentionally letting political bias shape your money strategy? And more...

By 2048, women are projected to inherit a staggering $48 trillion from their spouses as part of the Great Wealth Transfer. Yet, many financial professionals are still failing to plan with women in mind. What's up with that?!?  In this episode, we unpack the overlooked role of women in wealth planning, the consequences of excluding them, and the critical steps advisors and families must take t...

This episode explores how Realize Impact empowers donors to turn capital from donor-advised funds (DAF) into real-world change through impact investing. Discover how you can use your DAF to support innovative solutions and why Realize Impact calls itself the "easy button" for philanthropists. Whether you're new to impact investing or looking to amplify your giving, this conversation...

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), when used as intended, can help create a better world. Although they are commonly used to provide traditional grants to nonprofits, they can also be a form of impact investing. But how? In this episode, the first of a 2-part series, we discuss how you can use your DAF to invest in impact and social businesses around the world. Piper Bonacquist and Matt Eldridge join us...

At a time when nonprofits are feeling attacked and experiencing funding cuts, The Gates Foundation is demonstrating how philanthropy can lead. They recently announced that they will spend down their $200 billion endowment over the next 20 years and close the organization by 2045. This episode discusses this huge announcement and how other philanthropists and donor-advised fundholders (DAFs) can fo...

* Crickets* Have you noticed that the impact industry has gone silent about all things green? In this episode, the co-hosts also discuss the recent cancellation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grants and how this change will impact rural and low- income communities. Ebony also discusses her passion for the planet and how climate is contributing to an increasing number of natural disasters. Li...

Are you or your organization struggling with how to talk about your work, considering recent government funding regulations? You’re not alone. In this episode, the co-hosts share how they are adjusting to the new funding requirements while remaining true to her organization's mission and the communities they serve. Leah also shares how a renegade responds during these critical times. Below, a...