13 Podcasts to End Poverty

"You have GOT to hear this!"

Podcasts are a stimulating, hands-free way to engage with new ideas, learn about people and places you’d otherwise never encounter, and do it all at your own pace! Check out these 13 podcasts we think are well worth a listen (then let us know what you thought of them!).

1. The Ending Poverty Together Podcast! 

We would be remiss if we didn’t highlight FH Canada’s very own podcast! Every third week, host Shelaine Strom interviews an expert to talk about how they’re engaged in overcoming poverty, both internationally and here in our own backyard. It’s a space to talk about real causes and real solutions, and the beautiful, messy attempts people all over Canada are making to help. And what steps you can take toward thriving for all. Catch the most recent episode here!

2. Poverty Unpacked 

All too often, discussions about poverty are focused on lack of income and material deprivation. Rarely do we hear about the stigma associated with living in poverty, about the stress of making ends meet or about how policies that aim to reduce poverty can actually make matters worse. This podcast and blog explores how poverty affects the mind and emotions, human connections and the wider society, and what can be done to change this. 

Wondering where to start? Try Episode #21: A fair chance in life for everyone – UN Special Rapporteur Olivier de Schutter 


3. Rethinking Development

This podcast is dedicated to the art of conversation and facilitating long-form, personal discussions on the problematic ethical issues that practitioners confront in their daily work. They promote the practice of "passing the mic" and taking the time to really listen to what others have to say. You can listen, too, right here. 





4. Business Fights Poverty

With a focus on equitability and resilience, Business Fights Poverty, like FH Canada, “believes in the power of business to help improve the lives, livelihoods, and learning opportunities of the most vulnerable people and communities.” By bringing companies into purposeful collaboration, they help their partners unlock new opportunities for business and social impact. If you’re passionate about business and entrepreneurship as well as ending poverty, you’re sure to be inspired by this podcast. 

Try this interview about regenerative agriculture or explore what it means to decelerate in order to get ahead of the climate crisis. 


5. Healthy Cities in the SDG Era 

Did you know that over half of the world’s population lives in cities, and that number is expected to double by 2050? In fact, here in Canada and the United States, 80 per cent of the population live in urban centres. Learn more about the application of the Sustainable Development Goals to cities in the Canadian context with this relevant podcast. With research coming out of our very own University of Toronto, this 10-episode series interacts with experts to break down cutting-edge research into understandable conversations. 


6. Refugee Realities

From students at the London School of Economics, this 11 episode podcast series explores the complex realities refugees face, from national and international refugee policy to the personal experiences and stories of refugees themselves. 

According to the UN Refugee Agency, 82.4 million people across the globe have been forcibly displaced by persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, or events seriously disturbing public order. Over 20 million of those displaced are refugees—people who have fled war, violence, conflict, or persecution and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country. Without the protections of their homes and communities, these families are often thrust into poverty. 


7. Global Development Podcast: Gender Equality 

Gender inequality remains one of the top development challenges of the 21st century. Women and girls continue to fare worse across many development indicators—from poverty and health to education and political participation. But what's holding back progress on gender equality? And what can be done to make the world a better place for women and girls? This episode discusses why women are increasingly seen as the solution to many of the world’s problems. 



8. World in Progress 

Technically a radio show, this journalistic style podcast touches on topics from around the world,  honing in on regional stories and issues. The many interviews and soundbytes they offer from real people living in the scenarios they explore brings it home. Tune in for half an hour to broaden your global perspective while learning something new. Listen here for easy access.





9. Beyond the Blue Badge 

This group of Microsoft “alumni” are out to change the world! In the episode Ending Poverty through Entrepreneurship, you’ll hear about Dianne Calvi’s work with Village Enterprise, a nonprofit working in sub-Saharan Africa that aims to alleviate poverty through entrepreneurship and innovation. Dianne worked across multiple sectors—including an 11-year stint at Microsoft—before joining Village Enterprise in 2010. Host Paul Shoemaker talks with Dianne about how she’s scaling Village Enterprise and why she’s rooted in empathy. They also dive into how tech, data, and partnerships are crucial in the fight to alleviate poverty. 


10. Transforming the World for Girls

This three-part podcast series comes to us from the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and explores how harmful gendered norms affect the lives of girls in developing countries. Two of the four countries—Uganda and Ethiopia—focused on in this series are FH Canada partner countries! 


11. From Poverty to Power 

This podcast is a great way to stay on top of current global events and hot topics from an educated, development perspective. The host, Duncan Green, is a strategic adviser for Oxfam GB, author of ‘How Change Happens’, and Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics. Admittedly a bit more of an analytical, “heady” listen, each round-up is wrapped up in just 20 minutes! Let's get started. 



12. Smart Women, Smart Power 

A podcast of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the Smart Women, Smart Power biweekly podcast features powerful, in-depth conversations with women leaders from around the globe who are experts in foreign policy, national security, international business, and international development. It ranks among the top non-profit and government podcasts. 

Check out this episode on gender equality featuring a diverse panel discussion that looks at progress being made toward achieving gender equality in developing countries and the challenges women and girls still face. 


13. Development Unplugged 

Hosted by Nicolas Moyer, President/CEO of Cooperation Canada, this podcast is a platform for cutting-edge thinking and debate about global issues and international cooperation. This episode will help you dig into the complexity of the intersectionality of Canada’s aid, trade, diplomacy, and security—all of which significantly impact those living in poverty.