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Money, Meet Meaning

Money, Meet Meaning

Written by: Interfaith America and Tom Levinson
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About this listen

 How do we find meaning in our life with money? In a culture where money shapes nearly everything we do—yet remains taboo to discuss—Money, Meet Meaning explores how faith and wisdom traditions have long grappled with wealth, possessions, and purpose. This award-winning podcast features candid conversations, practical insights, and centuries-old teachings brought into today's world. The podcast was created by Interfaith America and Tom Levinson and co-sponsored by Apella Wealth, in partnership with the Religion News Service and Princeton University’s Faith and Work Initiative. From spending and generosity to technology and consumerism, each episode illuminates timeless guidance for navigating our financial lives—whether you’re religious, spiritual, or simply searching for meaning in money. Season 1 was named Best Religion Podcast by the Religion News Association and received an Award of Excellence from the Religion Communicators Council (Wilbur Awards).© 2024 Economics Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • How Much Should We Give?

    How Much Should We Give?
    Apr 28 2026
    After their conversation with philanthropists Kim Duchossois and Jessica Swoyer Green, Amber and Tom return to explore one of the thorniest questions in generosity: If you have more, should you give more? What unfolds is a candid, thoughtful look at the tension between purpose and self-preservation – between the call to give and the instinct to save. Drawing on wisdom from Jewish teaching, Christian scripture, and behavioral science, Amber and Tom dig into why giving is hard to do – yet why it feels so good – and how to know how much giving is “enough.” They wrestle with questions about timing, limits, legacy, and control: Is it better to give now or later? How much should we direct our gifts? And what do we owe our children – security or the opportunity to struggle and grow? It’s a warm and honest conversation about generosity, trust, and the values that guide us when the stakes are high. For more episodes and info, visit Money, Meet Meaning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • What We Pass Down

    What We Pass Down
    Apr 21 2026
    What does it mean to leave a legacy? In this episode, hosts Amber Hacker and Tom Levinson sit down with Kim Duchossois and Jessica Swoyer Green, a mother-duo from one of Chicago’s most community-minded philanthropic families, to explore what gets passed down through generations besides wealth. Kim and Jess share how their family shifted from transactional to transformational giving, the rising influence of women in philanthropy, and why values like integrity, empathy, and connection can matter more than a balance sheet. Together, they look honestly at the challenges of raising children with grounded values, navigating generational transitions, and choosing service over status. Whether you’re thinking about your own family’s story, what you hope to hand down, or how generosity can reshape a community, this conversation offers a rare window into a legacy built not on money but on meaning. About Kim Duchossois & Jessica Swoyer Green: Kim Duchossois and Jessica Swoyer Green are a prominent philanthropic mother-daughter duo redefining generosity across generations. For more episodes and info, visit Money, Meet Meaning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ethical Spending Without Losing Your Mind

    Ethical Spending Without Losing Your Mind
    Apr 14 2026
    After talking with Harvard Business School’s Nien-Hê Hsieh about moral gray zones in leadership, Tom and Amber zoom in on the everyday gray zones most of us face: What do you do when ethical clothing costs twice as much? Should you switch banks if yours funds fossil fuels? How much label-scanning is too much? From private school garage sales as a surprisingly ethical hack to choosing a local community bank over a national giant, they explore creative “third ways” that move beyond cynicism or naïveté. Tom introduces the idea of a spending “shot clock” – a time limit to keep values-driven decisions from turning into analysis paralysis. Grounded in listener questions and ancient wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita, this episode offers practical guidance for the conscious consumer – and helps us let go of the illusion that any purchase can ever be perfect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 mins
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