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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 option if your company doesn’t already have one.
3. Take advantage of your company’s matching donations.
4. Participate in paid volunteer days
5. Hire vendors with your mission and values in mind.

Links from today’s episode:

The Enduring Grip of the Gender Pay Gap | Pew Research

https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/03/01/the-enduring-grip-of-the-gender-pay-gap/

Gender pay gap in U.S. hasn’t changed much in two decades | Pew Research

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/03/01/gender-pay-gap-facts/ 

ICYMI another episode you might enjoy:

Episode#42 Pay Transparency for Allies (recorded before the 2024 rebranding of this show)

Episode #9 When your company doesn’t offer a socially responsible 401K (recorded before the 2024 rebranding of this show)

Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:

Website https://www.progressivepockets.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts 

Work With Me:

Email [email protected] for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.

Easy Ways to Support the Show

1. Send this episode to someone you know! Word of mouth is how podcasts grow!

2. Buy me a coffee (or a soundproof panel!) https://buymeacoffee.com/progressivepockets 

3. Leave a 5 star rating and review for the show!

//NO AI TRAINING: Any use of this podcast episode transcript or associated show notes or blog posts to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as this content. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models//

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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 countries that went from socialism to capitalism. 

Her big thesis in this book is that capitalism isn't all it is cracked up to be. That it turns out we, as a society can't really have it all, and she zeroes in on women in particular. Based on her research, she believes that women will have more economic freedom and work life balance under socialism, whereas capitalism has reinforced gendered stereotypes and roles, a gender wage gap and a situation where women work second shifts as caretakers. 

Tune in to the episode to learn more!

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/making-sense/read-an-excerpt-from-why-women-have-better-sex-under-socialism

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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 just one year??) while also examining the pressures, uncertainties, and desire for more intentional giving that many of us feel.

Whether you say “yes” or “no” at the register, this episode will help you reflect on your own values and boundaries around generosity. 

Links from today’s episode:

That spare change you donate at checkout is adding up to millions for charities | NPR March 10, 2024

https://www.npr.org/2024/03/10/1236458377/charity-roundup-donations-stores-fundraising#:~:text=That%20spare%20change%20you%20donate,up%20to%20millions%20for%20charities&text=Norton%20for%20NPR-,So%2Dcalled%20point%2Dof%2Dsale%20donations%20have%20sharply%20increased,charity%20have%20really%20taken%20off.&text=We%27ve%20all%20been%20there,giving%20actually%20dropped%20that%20year. 

ICYMI another episode you might enjoy:

Episode#164 Three Ways to Be More Generous This Year

Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf:

https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets 

As an affiliate of Bookshop.org, Progressive Pockets will earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:

Website https://www.progressivepockets.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts 

Work With Me:

Email [email protected] for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.

Easy Ways to Support the Show

1. Send this episode to someone you know! Word of mouth is how podcasts grow!

2. Buy me a coffee (or a soundproof panel!) https://buymeacoffee.com/progressivepockets 

3. Leave a 5 star rating and review for the show!

//NO AI TRAINING: Any use of this podcast episode transcript or associated show notes or blog posts to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as this content. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models//

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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 episode you might enjoy:

Episode#123 The Poor People’s Campaign

Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf:

https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets 

As an affiliate of Bookshop.org, Progressive Pockets will earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:

Website https://www.progressivepockets.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts 

Work With Me:

Email [email protected] for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.

Easy Ways to Support the Show

1. Send this episode to someone you know! Word of mouth is how podcasts grow!

2. Buy me a coffee (or a soundproof panel!) https://buymeacoffee.com/progressivepockets 

3. Leave a 5 star rating and review for the show!

//NO AI TRAINING: Any use of this podcast episode transcript or associated show notes or blog posts to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as this content. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models//

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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/37911384-bac3-4a5c-8c3d-8ddafd21f928/four-pathways-to-greater-giving-no-appendix.pdf?ext=.pdf 

Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf:

https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets 

As an affiliate of Bookshop.org, Progressive Pockets will earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:

Website https://www.progressivepockets.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts 

Work With Me:

Email [email protected] for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.

Easy Ways to Support the Show

1. Send this episode to someone you know! Word of mouth is how podcasts grow!

2. Buy me a coffee (or a soundproof panel!) https://buymeacoffee.com/progressivepockets 

3. Leave a 5 star rating and review for the show!

//NO AI TRAINING: Any use of this podcast episode transcript or associated show notes or blog posts to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as this content. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models//

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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 rebranding of this show)

Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf:

https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets 

As an affiliate of Bookshop.org, Progressive Pockets will earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:

Website https://www.progressivepockets.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts 

Work With Me:

Email [email protected] for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.

Easy Ways to Support the Show

1. Send this episode to someone you know! Word of mouth is how podcasts grow!

2. Buy me a coffee (or a soundproof panel!) https://buymeacoffee.com/progressivepockets 

3. Leave a 5 star rating and review for the show!

//NO AI TRAINING: Any use of this podcast episode transcript or associated show notes or blog posts to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as this content. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models//

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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 diamonds.

Links from today’s episode:

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/metals-and-mining/our-insights/the-diamond-industry-is-at-an-inflection-point

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/21/world/europe/amid-war-in-ukraine-some-western-countries-consider-labeling-russia-an-exporter-of-conflict-diamonds.html

https://time.com/blood-diamonds/

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/world/africa/diamonds-mining-exploitation.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/opinion/valentines-day-diamond-abuse.html

ICYMI another episode you might enjoy:

Episode#136 Where does Dolly Parton donate her money?

Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf:

https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets 

As an affiliate of Bookshop.org, Progressive Pockets will earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:

Website https://www.progressivepockets.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts 

Work With Me:

Email [email protected] for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.

Easy Ways to Support the Show

1. Send this episode to someone you know! Word of mouth is how podcasts grow!

2. Buy me a coffee (or a soundproof panel!) https://buymeacoffee.com/progressivepockets 

3. Leave a 5 star rating and review for the show!

//NO AI TRAINING: Any use of this podcast episode transcript or associated show notes or blog posts to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as this content. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models//

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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 doesn’t cost much and can boost retention. Most importantly, the nonprofits in your community will benefit from your support in doing their good work. 

And who knows, after you convince your job to offer matching donations, maybe you’ll be ready to convince them to sign an environmental pledge or offer socially responsible 401(k) or 403(b) options?

Links from today’s episode:

Employee Match Programs | Charity Navigator

https://www.charitynavigator.org/donor-basics/giving-101/employee-match-programs/ 

ICYMI another episode you might enjoy:

Episode#117 1% for the Planet (recorded before the 2024 rebranding of this show)

Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf:

https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets 

As an affiliate of Bookshop.org, Progressive Pockets will earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:

Website https://www.progressivepockets.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts 

Work With Me:

Email [email protected] for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.

Easy Ways to Support the Show

1. Send this episode to someone you know! Word of mouth is how podcasts grow!

2. Buy me a coffee (or a soundproof panel!) https://buymeacoffee.com/progressivepockets 

3. Leave a 5 star rating and review for the show!

//NO AI TRAINING: Any use of this podcast episode transcript or associated show notes or blog posts to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as this content. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models//

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Ever notice how almost everyone in America calls themselves “middle class”? But what does that really mean? Do you see yourself that way? Let’s talk about the technical definition and the messier, lived experience of being middle class today—and why getting clear on this matters if we want to build communities that truly understand and support one another.

Links from today’s episode:

Are you in the American middle class? Find out with our income calculator | Pew Research Center | September 2024

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/16/are-you-in-the-american-middle-class/ 

ICYMI another episode you might enjoy:

Episode#134 Five ways to be a financial ally at work

Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf:

https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets 

As an affiliate of Bookshop.org, Progressive Pockets will earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:

Website https://www.progressivepockets.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts 

Work With Me:

Email [email protected] for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.

Easy Ways to Support the Show

1. Send this episode to someone you know! Word of mouth is how podcasts grow!

2. Buy me a coffee (or a soundproof panel!) https://buymeacoffee.com/progressivepockets 

3. Leave a 5 star rating and review for the show!

//NO AI TRAINING: Any use of this podcast episode transcript or associated show notes or blog posts to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as this content. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models//

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This week let’s chat about all of the reasons why some shoppers have decided to take a break from Amazon. Whether the environmental impact makes you uneasy, the treatment of their workers, or just the ease of impulse shopping- whatever rubs you the wrong way, you might be looking for ways to reduce your reliance on Amazon.

Today let’s talk about a baby step you may have never considered before- buying your books on Bookshop.org. Thousands of independent bookstores have signed up to sell books through this website and in 5 short years, almost $40 million has been raised to support independent bookstores in the US and the UK.

Reconsidering your relationship with some of the big online retailers? Learn more in today’s episode.

Links from today’s episode:

Bookshop https://bookshop.org/ 

ICYMI another episode you might enjoy:

Episode#166 The Financial Activist Playbook by Jasmine Rashid Book Review

Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf:

https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets 

As an affiliate of Bookshop.org, Progressive Pockets will earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:

Website https://www.progressivepockets.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts 

Work With Me:

Email [email protected] for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.

Easy Ways to Support the Show

1. Send this episode to someone you know! Word of mouth is how podcasts grow!

2. Buy me a coffee (or a soundproof panel!) https://buymeacoffee.com/progressivepockets 

3. Leave a 5 star rating and review for the show!

//NO AI TRAINING: Any use of this podcast episode transcript or associated show notes or blog posts to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as this content. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models//

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