Mara Kardas-Nelson, an independent journalist and author, sheds light on her book about microfinance's complex reality, especially for impoverished women in West Africa. Laurie Styron, CEO of CharityWatch, discusses the challenges of transparency in charity donations. They explore harrowing stories of women jailed for unpaid microloans and question the sustainability of high-interest models. The conversation also emphasizes responsible charitable giving and alternative solutions to poverty, urging a more thoughtful approach to philanthropy.