Chasing Financial Equality

What happens when you take a 48-day global tour to meet the world’s most radical thinkers in finance and systems change? In this special live episode, Kirstin Hunter, CEO of Birchal, sits down with Maslow CEO Kane Jackson to unpack the frontline insights from his whirlwind global research trip—spanning the U.S., U.K., Canada, Barbados, and beyond.

From sharing meals with systems thinkers to witnessing the cultural disconnects that stop capital from flowing where it’s needed, Kane reflects on what it really takes to fund and build a survivable future.

You’ll hear:

Why most "impact capital" avoids funding systemic change

How the finance system became extractive by design—and how Maslow plans to flip it

What 180 systems leaders said at the Systemic Investing Summit in London

The difference between talking systems change and actually doing it

Why philanthropic foundations may be perpetuating the very problems they aim to solve

What compost, Guernsey, and collective ownership have in common

The emotional toll of facing collapse—and how people in this space still find hope

This is not a conversation about tweaks. It’s a call to rebuild finance as infrastructure for life—not extraction.

In this groundbreaking episode of Chasing Financial Equality, host Kane Jackson sits down with Vicki Saunders, the transformative founder of Coralus (formerly SheEO), who has circulated over $19 million to 190 ventures through a radical new approach to funding. From her roots on a Canadian farm where she learned to dream and experiment without fear of failure, to leading what she calls a "400-year turning point in economic thinking," Vicki shares her vision for replacing extractive financial systems with models based on radical generosity and community support.

The conversation explores how Coralus uses zero percent interest loans and network-based support to back ventures led by women, non-binary individuals, and marginalised communities - achieving a remarkable 95% loan repayment rate. Vicki challenges fundamental economic assumptions, from Adam Smith to modern venture capital, while painting a picture of what's possible when we design financial systems that heal rather than extract. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in how distributed networks, localised solutions, and relationship-based economics can create systemic change.

Vicki describes growing up on the family farm, learning resilience, dreaming without fear of failure, and creating through collective work parties - foundations that shaped her approach to community-driven solutions.

The transformative experience of being in Berlin when the wall fell, surrounded by people dreaming about what they would do with newfound freedom, which became an organising principle for Vicki's life work.

From academic aspirations to European entrepreneurship, through incubators in Canada to visualisation engines, culminating in the creation of Coralus as a new economic model.

Explanation of the Coralus model: zero percent interest loans, collective pooling of capital, simple application process, and the power of network support beyond just financial capital.

Discussion of how we're at the end of a 400-year cycle of economic thinking, where monetisation of everything has created multiple crises, requiring entirely new value systems.

Analysis of how current economic models serve only a few, the problems with toll roads owned by tech giants, and why sustainable small business models are under threat.

Vicki's perspective on current societal collapse due to inequality, environmental crises, and how collapse creates opportunities for redesign and consciousness raising.

Practical approaches to shifting from scarcity to abundance thinking, designing from gifts rather than deficits, and the power of radical generosity in communities.

The rationale behind funding ventures led by women and marginalised groups - addressing the imbalance where 98% of capital goes to half the population, missing diverse perspectives crucial for healthy ecosystems.

Case study of Better Packaging Co. in New Zealand, demonstrating how funded ventures create healing business models that solve problems rather than just maximise returns.

Vicki's view on intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation, why most founders are driven by dreams rather than financial success, and the importance of meaning and contribution.

Coralus's exciting pivot to funding transformation exclusively, paying founders for creating social impact, and completely reversing the extractive finance model.

In this compelling episode of Chasing Financial Equality, host Kane Jackson speaks with Fiona Patten, a trailblazing two-term parliamentarian who has become a powerful voice for equality, sustainability, and personal freedom in Australian politics. From her unique journey - beginning as a fashion designer, briefly working in the sex industry, then becoming a passionate advocate for sex workers' rights during the HIV/AIDS epidemic - Fiona shares how decades of lobbying led her to establish the Australian Sex Party and ultimately enter Victorian state politics.

With remarkable candor, Fiona discusses overcoming her third battle with cancer while discovering the benefits of medicinal cannabis, her successful championing of reforms others thought impossible (from decriminalising sex work to legalising supervised injecting rooms and voluntary assisted dying), and her current campaign as the lead Senate candidate for Legalise Cannabis Australia. This conversation offers invaluable insights into creating systemic change, building coalitions across ideological divides, and the importance of authenticity in public life - particularly as rising authoritarianism and wealth concentration threaten our democratic foundations.

Fiona explains how frustration with the disconnect between community attitudes and government policies led her to enter politics, highlighting the need for evidence-based policy making.

Discussion of her unplanned entry into sex work, the freedom of having her "closet door open," and why she chooses to share her authentic self publicly despite judgment.

Examination of misogyny in politics, comparisons with Georgie Purcell's experiences, and how colleagues and the public responded to her openness about sex work, including her famous maiden speech line.

Personal reflection on battling cancer three times, discovering medicinal cannabis during chemotherapy, and how illness shaped her approach to health policy and prevention.

Discussion of society's relationship with drugs, the historical medical use of cannabis, and the need for evidence-based approaches to drug policy free from stigma.

Insights on transitioning from lobbyist to parliamentarian, the importance of parliament despite its archaic nature, and how little her advocacy strategies changed once inside.

Frank discussion about the humanity and limitations of politicians, the problem of absenteeism, and the need for stronger codes of conduct in parliament.

Personal costs of pursuing progressive reforms, strategies for making big ideas palatable, and dealing with opposition from conservative and religious groups.

Analysis of how stigma and law create barriers for marginalised communities, particularly focusing on sex workers and cannabis users.

The importance of compassion in society, addressing loneliness and social isolation, and the need for more human connection in an increasingly digital world.

Discussion of how businesses can drive social change, the importance of engaging with local representatives, and pushing back against anti-diversity rhetoric.

Details about her Senate run with Legalize Cannabis Australia, and her vision for compulsory voting globally as a way to improve democratic participation and diversity.

Join Kane Jackson in this episode of Chasing Financial Equality as he delves into the journey of Pete Ceglinski, founder of Seabin. Hear firsthand about the challenges faced by social impact startups, the hurdles with traditional investors, and the innovative solutions to environmental pollution.

In this episode of Chasing Financial Equality, host Kane Jackson delves deep into the story of Lacey Filipich, Head of Financial Wellness at Maslow and renowned financial educator.

Content note: this episode includes a brief discussion of suicide and the mental health conditions that contribute to suicidal ideation. 

Join us for this compelling episode as we dive into the incredible journey of Cindy Gallop, founder of Make Love Not Porn. Cindy shares her unique trajectory from growing up in Brunei to becoming a titan in the advertising world and an advocate for healthy sex. Discover how Cindy's platform disrupts the traditional porn industry by promoting real-world sex education and learn about the the challenges she faces in securing venture funding. Hear firsthand how Cindy's innovative approach and relentless drive is changing lives, promoting healthy sexuality, and paving the way for the business models of the future. This is an inspiring conversation that highlights the importance of collective action and breaking societal taboos. A must listen for anyone who loathes the status quo. Language warning - best not listen with young kids around. 

In this interview, Adam Verwey, the former founder of Future Super, discusses his background, experiences, and new venture, SIX - which seeks to give ordinary investors the same influence as wealthy individuals.

The Exposed Truth of Startup Greed | Melanie Rieback Explores Financial Extraction in Tech.

Join us on a deep dive as Dr. Melanie Rieback, renowned post-growth Entrepreneur and Academic, lifts the veil on the destructive pattern of our finance industry, specifically focusing on the role of venture capital.

Dissecting the exponential growth model in startups, Melanie exposes how wealth is systematically funnelled from the masses to the select few while leaving a trail of financial vulnerabilities within our economy.

Covering everything from Silicon Valley's monopoly to systemic looting from our public funds, this episode serves as a wake-up call to investors, business owners, and consumers alike. Are our startups turning into financial black holes? 

This stirring episode of Chasing Financial Equality delves into a discomforting reality: How the tech industry, fuelled by late-stage capitalism and male dominance, is scripting a future that sidelines women and marginalised voices.

In this episode, Kane Jackson is joined by journalist Joan Westenberg to discuss the problems with capitalism and the need for systemic change. They explore the limitations of impact investing, the lack of diversity in the startup industry, and the extractive nature, and accompanying delusion, of venture capital. The conversation touches on the importance of addressing economic inequalities and the potential for a universal basic income. Overall, the episode offers a critical perspective on the finance industry and calls for a shift towards a more equitable and sustainable system.