Mara Kardas-Nelson, an independent journalist focused on international development, dives into the tangled history of microfinance. She shares intimate stories from Sierra Leone, revealing how high-interest loans often hinder rather than help women. Kardas-Nelson critiques the simplistic narratives surrounding microfinance, urging a reevaluation of its impact and the realities facing borrowers. She also reflects on her personal journey in documenting these experiences, highlighting the complex interplay between international aid and local economic challenges.

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.

Deepa Fernandes, a journalist known for her insightful interviews, talks with Melissa Jacoby, a law professor who critiques the U.S. bankruptcy system's racial and economic biases. They discuss how bankruptcy often overrides individual needs to favor corporations. Mara Kardas-Nelson, a journalist focusing on women’s experiences in Sierra Leone, shares her findings on the pitfalls of microcredit, revealing how it has trapped borrowers in a cycle of debt rather than providing relief. Together, they explore essential reforms needed in both systems.