Exploring the shady side of charity organizations episode artwork

EPISODE · May 13, 2026 · 28 MIN

Exploring the shady side of charity organizations

from Bookends with Mattea Roach

Charity organizations are all about doing good. What could possibly go wrong? Sharon Bala’s new novel, Good Guys, is all about how philanthropy operates in a world that runs on money. The book stars a fictional charity called Children of the World. It’s an international aid organization founded by a former rock star with some questionable motives. Moving between its headquarters in Toronto and its compound in Central America, the story follows the rise and fall of the charity and the characters’ complicated attempts at redemption. This week, Sharon tells Mattea about the dark side of NGOs, the connection between charity and faith and the complex desire to be a good person. Liked this conversation? Keep listening:A fictional ad agency — and its very real ghosts Yes, tuberculosis is still a thing — John Green tells us why Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 13, 2026

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Exploring the shady side of charity organizations

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