Reviews
I love Tiny Spark. Short, concise explorations of the moral and ethical issues in non-profit/development/charitable sectors.
Recidivist2018 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 12/27/21
Let’s listen to those experiencing the issues and problems we are trying to solve - and the experts studying them.
Gsx35 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/04/21
Absolutely the best podcast exploring critical topics in philanthropy and the non profit sector.
Learn&GrowTogether via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/07/21
great interviews and critical insight
Le Matrix via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/03/21
I’ve been loving this podcast and how it’s exploring social and racial inequity in the non-profit world. Always a pleasure to listen!
Lilly with 3 Ls via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/21/20
Thank you for not letting us settle, for pushing the conversation, exposing issues. I look forward to each episode.
rachelpjones via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/14/19
If you work in the non-profit sector, this pod should be required listening. Terrific insight, interviews, and topics that are incredibly relevant. Love the current batch of episodes re: race that are coming out! Keep up the awesome work Amy and Co.!
Music.Freak83 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/28/18
5 star reporting, digging into hard topics and uncovering interesting findings. Love this one!
ChiefStylist via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/21/18
I teach a course in nonprofit administration, specifically how to apply a critical mindset to established business practices in order to center equity. I regularly use this podcast to spur conversation and deep thought with my students. Thank you for this valuable resource!
Max and Toby via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/26/18
This is a great podcast for those whk want to learn, understand, and form an opinion about key issues affecting the world. They always have great guests and the production quality is top notch. Once you start listening its really hard to stop.
Kuda Mangwe via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 10/28/17
Reporting with insight & a heart. A valuable combination amongst a lot of sensationalism. Even if you don't agree, it should make you think.Read full review »
Ecuachick7 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/12/17
It takes a special person to look at good deeds and good intentions with a critical eye. Amy Costello is that person. I deeply appreciate the topics she analyzes and the tough love she shows to the people and organizations she discusses. I especially love that she comes from a place of truly...Read full review »
Shezebelle via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/06/17
I love this podcast! I learn something new every time and am challenged to reflect more on my own thoughts and understanding. Amy definitely gets my mind working.
Rachel E Vesta via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/06/17
This podcast delves into charities and non-profits in a way that is interesting, nuanced, and educational. I really appreciate the program and always look forward to the next episode.
MEG411 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/04/17
While I think Amy Costello could be a little more skeptical in get questioning sometimes, this is generally an interesting review of topics in development and humanitarian aid. It's a good, pretty light listen for the morning commute.Read full review »
Solmstea via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/31/17
Tiny Spark is concise and informative in exploring how rich people and non-profits can help make our society more egalitarian.
PraVasude via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/23/17
This is a great podcast for anyone who is interested in philanthropy but is also willing to turn a critical eye towards the field. Be prepared to have your mind opened to ideas you thought you would never entertain and also be prepared to thoroughly disagree with the guest sometimes. This is what...Read full review »
SSingh13 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/20/17
However many podcasts are in your "never miss" category, add this one to it. It's that important, it's that good. Who else is talking about charity vs social change and why there is poverty in the Silicon Valley or if you should donate to the Red Cross?Read full review »
IPCara via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/19/17
I listen to every episode. Consistently smart, concise and meaningful.
Narwhaleswagrollercoaster via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/19/17
The best podcast about non profit work and social change out there. Anyone who even even occasionally gives money or time to charity should listen. Thorough but also accessible.
Pavlova6433 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 01/06/17
This podcast has great interviews and unbiased reporting. I think more people need to be aware of charities and non-profts and that they might not be doing the amount good they promte, and can run a little wild with donors money. This podcast shines a light on the amount of "good" these...Read full review »
isspl via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/06/17
Tiny Spark shines a light on an area of our lives we all participate in at some time, in some way. We all hope our contributions, in whatever form, in the field make a difference. Yet few of us take the time to find out if they do and how they can be better. That is where Amy Costello brings her...Read full review »
Suzanne Ilgun via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/26/16
I recommend this podcast to anyone and everyone that cares about making the world a better place to live in
Jason E1 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/13/16
This is not a podcast for the faint of heart WEIRDos (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic - I count myself among them) as they may well find themselves having to ask difficult questions about their own lives, aspirations, paradigms and perceptions of the world around them. But...Read full review »
suziezed via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 09/05/16
As a fan for the last few years, this podcast stands hands-down one of the top in the aid and development space. Strongly recommended!
Matt Gillespie via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/28/16
Informative and insightful. The show shakes long held beliefs on foreign and local aid policies and humanitarian initiatives. Love it!
Fidy ras via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/09/16
As a person whose committed to giving, this podcast is AWESOME!
Kelly7552 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/19/16
Really got a lot out of the series on giving. Really makes you think about charity...local v global, heart v head. #thoughtprovoking #seriousjournalism
WorcesterDan via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/11/15
An independent news program about philanthropy, nonprofits, international aid and for-profit social good initiatives. Hosted by former NPR Africa correspondent Amy Costello, Tiny Spark stories have included an investigation into TOMS Shoes and exposed the harm caused by medical volunteers in...Read full review »
Mac Prichard via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/05/15
This podcast is second to none in digging deep into a topic that most people accept at face value..since it is focused on nonprofits and humanitarian aid, it always keeps discussions deep, and even provides multiple sides to every story..plus each episodes short length keeps the discussions meaty...Read full review »
A_PAT52 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/09/15
I think that the mission of Tiny Spark is very important. We need to understand which philanthropic projects work and which do not. And we need to know which ones work best. However, I don’t think that this podcast does either of those things. The episodes are, in my view, poorly researched...Read full review »
Mungo VanLowe via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/21/15
Amy Costello is performing an incredibly valuable public service by casting an intelligent (but skeptical) eye on philanthropy, international development, poverty programs, etc. I never miss it.
JSDC via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/16/15
A podcast that asks detailed, adult questions about the whole enterprise of aid with people who are doing it or on the receiving end of it.
runningdogyankee via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/10/15
Years ago, on my way to work I listened to NPR and always looked forward to Amy Costelo's reporting from the nook and crannies of Africa. Probably the best radio journalist I've known. Her current work with Tiny Spark is so essentoial to bringing accountability to the 'doing...Read full review »
umuaka via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/29/15
This is smart and refreshing. It’s so nice to know Tiny Spark focuses on creating spaces for conversations like this. Keep going!
Jeanne Stafford via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/13/15
I love that Amy with Tiny Spark is bringing things to light that need to be brought to light. I think the heart of people who want to help make the world a better place and help people in needto have better lives is commendable. But I also agree that it's important for there to be more...Read full review »
AustinAndy via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/12/15
I look forward to this podcast! Intelligent, insightful investigative reporting.
gingernmurphy via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/22/15
This podcast is waaaaayyyyy ahead of its time—at some point in the near future we’re all going to be talking about all the crazy stuff that happened while the rest of the world looked the other way, assuming that all done in the name of charity is good and laudable. I’m thrilled that Amy Costello...Read full review »
mrahfald via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/02/15
The production quality of this podcast is great, and the reporting is fantastic. They ask the right questions, and drill down deep to find answers. I wish that more radio journalism was like Tiny Spark and the team behind it, because that would make the world a better place.
JLemien via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/15/15
Fantastic podcast that investigates how aid is really working.
Huffenpuff007 via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 12/08/14
I liked this a lot at first but... I started with the Soccet story and listened to a several others, then became annoyed that there is often no a suggestion or an expert opinion offered as to how to improve or learn from the disastrous failures of charity attempts. Then came the Toms story......Read full review »
Soonergem via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/13/14
This is my favorite podcast. There is so much more to uncover that people who donate money tend not to think about. We all have the intention to do good, but what good does your contribution actually do? Listen to find out.
Carlosik via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/21/13
I stumbled upon this podcast just in time as I was debating where and to give next in my commitment to aid. At first I was fascinated with the millennium project in your podcast, 'one man's quest to end extreme poverty' as I had not heard of it. As I listened I realized how little we know about...Read full review »
Tazmin Shariff via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 10/13/13
Everybody seems to want non-profit stories to be fairy tales. I've worked in Africa, E. Europe & the US, and have seen the fairy tale but more often I've seen aid programs that are rife with unintended consequences & organizations fostering deliberate unquestioning loyalty to an...Read full review »
MikeBoulder via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/25/13
I love this podcast. It manages to be informative about the problems with non profits without being bleak. I feel educated, and empowered by it. I'm eagerly awaiting the next one.Read full review »
Listening Vacuum via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/07/13
Insightful, intelligent reporting on important topics. Amy is an excellent podcast host who is obviously passionate about investigative journalism. One of my favorites--wish episodes were more frequent.
WorldBiking via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/17/13
Also found out about this through How Sound. Terrific--I never write reviews, but I think this deserves some recognition. As a young person interested in pursuing radio, Tiny Spark sets a new standard of investigative reporting. Thanks, keep releasing new stuff.
gato anaranjado via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/24/13
Discovered this podcast through How Sound. Listening to the episode on Tom's Shoes made me feel a bit squirmy, but in the end I'm grateful to Tiny Spark for enlightening me and forcing me to think deeper about what's beneath the surface of seemingly good organizations.Read full review »
Jessikraut via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/13/13
I heard the piece that you did about Tom's Shoes on How Sound. Inspiring work & I think there really is a place for it in the media landscape! Keep it up & Best of luck.
Sishliva via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 01/27/13
An amazing new podcast that really sets the bar for what independent podcasts can be. Fantastic, in-depth coverage of topics that have a large impact. Thank you for the on-going, tremendously professional work.
Brian Cauley via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 01/25/13
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