Breaking Through With Kristin Rowe-finkbeiner (powered By Momsrising)

On the radio show this week we dive into the political landscape in 2025 with Stacey Abrams and we cover the need for resilience, action, and rebuilding trust in democracy in 2026. We also hear about the severe Medicaid cuts in the Big Bad Betrayal Bill, and what this means for children's health care and long-term care. After that we cover the power of storytelling to shift public policy and public opinion, and how to share your story effectively. Then we close the show with a look back at 2025 and some of our hard-fought victories in health care, child care, and more -- and how we'll continue the fight in 2026.    SPECIAL GUESTS:   Stacey Abrams, @staceyabrams, @staceyabrams.com; Joan Alker, Georgetown Center for Children and Families, @JoanAlker1, @georgetownccf, @joanalker1.bsky.social; Felicia Burnett & Donna Norton, MomsRising / MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org

On the radio show this week, we dive into the economic benefits of investing in the care economy —including child care, paid family & medical leave, and aging & disability care — and how these policies boost productivity, reduce stress, and make life more affordable. We hear about the need to protect public education, particularly the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), from political attacks. We cover where parents can find trustworthy information on vaccines, and why your personal story is so important to defeating disinformation. Finally, we discuss the impending health care crises if enhanced ACA subsidies expire, particularly affecting parents and children in states that did not expand Medicaid.    SPECIAL GUESTS: Julie Kashen, The Century Foundation, @tcfdotorg, @tcfdotorg.bsky.social; Moira Kaleida, Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, @reclaimourschls;  Tina Sherman, MomsRising, MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Jennifer Haley, Urban I

 On the radio show this week, we dive into Trumpflation and this administration's devastating immigration policies with U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal. We also hear about protecting democracy under the lawlessness of the White House. Then we cover the role of the U.S. Department of Education in leveling the playing field for children -- and why we must fight to keep the Department intact. We close the show discussing the defunding of Planned Parenthood and how we fight back.    SPECIAL GUESTS: U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, @PramilaJayapal, @jayapal.house.gov; Fatima Goss Graves, National Women's Law Center, @nwlc, @nwlc.org; Kuna Tavalin,Council for Exceptional Children, @CECMembership, @cecmembership.bsky.social; Angela Vasquez-Giroux, Planned Parenthood Federation of America/Planned Parenthood Action, @PPFA, @PPact, @ppfa.org

 On the radio show this week we dive into the ongoing fight over the release of the Epstein files, their political implications, and the push for survivor justice. We also hear about the historic results and inspiring turnout from the recent November 2025 elections, particularly the transformative mayoral race in New York City and the importance of bold, people-centered agendas. After that, we cover the controversy and consequences of President Trump's opposition to SNAP (food stamps), a program with long-standing bipartisan support, and discuss how food access and nutrition are being impacted at the national level. Finally, we discuss National Caregivers Month, examining the importance, challenges, and future of the care workforce in America, as well as the need for better pay, benefits, and recognition for care workers.   SPECIAL GUESTS:  Shaunna Thomas, UltraViolet, @WeAreUltraViolet, @ultraviolet.bsky.social; Monifa Bandele, MomsRising & MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @ma

On the radio show this week we dive into the freedom of speech, the constitutional crisis we find ourselves in, and the role of public schools in defending our democracy. We hear about the rising costs of afterschool care and how to advocate for these programs to your lawmakers. We cover the current political climate and the impact on families, federal workers, and public services. Finally, we discuss the economic and social benefits of Head Start, and how to fight back against recent attacks. Following that segment, we look into hearing the inside scoop from someone who is inside the beltway, what is actually happening and why, and then we close the show, looking into Head Start, SNAP, health care, how those programs are under attack, and how we can really work together to stop the cuts and to build a better nation with a better tomorrow.  SPECIAL GUESTS:  Eric Fiske, National Educators Association, @NEAToday, @neatoday.bsky.social; Jodi Grant, Afterschool Alliance, @afterschool4all; Ruth Martin, MomsRisin

On the radio show this week, we dive into the attack on SNAP by Republican leaders and hear from a visionary state leader about the lawsuit fighting the unlawful withholding of these critical funds. Next, we examine the ongoing crisis in voting rights in America and how people can ensure their vote counts. Following that segment, we celebrate major state victories for paid family medical leave, including landmark legislation in California (SB 590), which updates leave to include chosen or extended family members and boosts state economies. Then we close the show with an expert detailing the dangerous "pro-natalist agenda" and the fight for reproductive justice, choice, and freedom.    SPECIAL GUESTS: Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, @MassAGO, @massago.bsky.social; Judith Browne Dianis, Advancement Project, @Advancementproject.org; Katie Duberg, California Work & Family Coalition, @workfamilyca; Nourbese Flint, All* Above All, @AllAboveAll, @allaboveall.bsky.so

On the radio show this week we dive into the chaos in Washington, D.C., from the Big Bad Betrayal Law, the government shutdown, and the secrecy of the Epstein Files. We hear about the highly successful Rx Kids program in Michigan, which provides a financial foundation to mothers and babies, improving health outcomes, and boosting the economy. We cover Trump's impact on democracy, including the destruction of the White House, cuts to health care, and human rights abuses. We close the show discussing the negative consequences of Donald Trump defunding the Department of Education and Special Education when it comes to early childhood education, particularly for little ones with disabilities.    SPECIAL GUESTS: Jocelyn Frye, National Partnership for Women & Families, @NPWF; Dr. Mona Hanna, Rx Kids, Michigan State University College, @MonaHannaA, @monahanna.bsky.social; Donna Norton, MomsRising & MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Peggy Kemp & Shameka Brown

On the radio show this week we dive into cuts to special education, hearing directly from an educator about how these cuts impact students. We hear about Latina Equal Pay Day and the policies that would help close the wage gap, including paid family & medical leave, funding for child care, and fair pay. We cover the national impact of Virginia's upcoming elections and what it could mean for the 2026 midterms. Finally, we discuss what's happening in Chicago.   SPECIAL GUESTS: Laura MacCleery, UnidosUs, @weareunidosus; Hala Ayala, @HalaAyala, @Halaayala.bsky.social; Senator Graciela Guzmán, Illinois State Senator, @graciela4senate, @senatorguzman.bsky.social;  Amy Harrison, National Educators Association, @NEAToday, @neatoday.bsky.social  

On the radio show this week we dive into Trump’s Health Care Shutdown, with Republicans refusing to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits that make health insurance affordable for millions of families. We also hear about Head Start, and what recent attacks, delayed grants, and reduced staff means for this vital early education program. Then we cover recent disinformation about Portland, Oregon and the importance of relying on local news sources for accurate information. Finally, we discuss the need for gun safety policies, including background checks and a ban on military-style assault weapons, plus we hear breaking news on a recent $60 million jury verdict against a ghost gun manufacturer.   SPECIAL GUESTS:  Sarah Bolton, Raben Public Affairs & Organizational Consulting, @raben_us; Katie Hamm, Erikson Institute, Graduate School in Early Childhood, @EriksonInst; Lauren Hipp, MomsRising & MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Kris Brown, Brady United Against

On the radio show this week we dive into the downright dangerous misinformation the President is spreading about Tylenol and autism, and unpack some of the many ways his administration is undermining public health. We also hear about how cuts to the Department of Education are impacting our classrooms, and how parents and teachers can unite to fight back. Then we cover how the Trump Administration is undermining worker protections in one of the fastest growing industries, and the implication for the broader economy. Finally, we discuss how care policies benefit both workers and employers, and a recent legal victory for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.  SPECIAL GUESTS:  Aryn Backus, National Public Health Coalition, @firedbutfighting.bsky.social; Becky Pringle, National Education Association, @NEAToday, @neatoday.bsky.social, @neapresident.bsky.social; Mimi Whittaker, National Employment Law Project (NELP), @nelp.org; Elizabeth Gedmark, A Better Balance, @abetterbalance, @abetterbalance.org

DESCRIPTION: On the radio show this week, we dive into Dr. Jack Turban’s new book Free To Be and how to bust the myths and disinformation about the trans community. Then we hear about what is happening with the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program WIC — and how you can help make sure that does not sunset. After that we cover what is happening with the economy and rising costs due to #Trumpflation. Finally, we discuss Republican attacks on reproductive health care, from defunding Planned Parenthood to literally burning contraception.  SPECIAL GUESTS:   Dr. Jack Turban, Author, @jack_turban, @turban.bsky.social‬; Nell Menefee-Libey,National WIC Association, @natwicassoc, @natwicassoc; Kathryn Anne Edwards, @keds_economist, @kedseconomist.com‬; Gina Arias, MomsRising & MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org.  

On the radio show this week we dive into Trump's inconsistent policies on child care, which exacerbate the child care crisis by creating uncertainty and underfunding programs. We discuss the role of humor and storytelling in breaking partisan divides and fostering empathy. We hear about the harmful conspiracy theories of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly his toxic anti-vaccine stance, and the huge risks coming from Medicaid cuts that he won’t even acknowledge.    SPECIAL GUESTS: Julie Kashen, The Century Foundation, @tcfdotorg, @tcfdotorg.bsky.social; Mary Catherine Starr, MomLife Comics, @momlife_comics; Tina Sherman, MomsRising, MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Nicole Jorwic, Caring Across Generations, @caringacrossgen, @caringacross.org. 

 On the radio show this week we cover the urgent importance of advancing gun safety policies. We cover tips for talking across political points of disagreement, building trust, overcoming polarization, and how these efforts can help strengthen democracy. We hear from an economist about why the prices that matter most to you are rising. We discuss a new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers, and how communities can organize and fight back to protect public schools and critical thinking.    SPECIAL GUESTS: Po Murray, Newtown Action Alliance, @NewtownAction, @newtownaction.org‬; Joan Blades, Living Room Conversations, MomsRising, MoveOn, @LivingRoomConvo, @MoveOn, @moveon.org‬; Kathryn Anne Edwards, keds_economist, @kedseconomist.com‬; Randi Weingarten, AFT, @AFTUnion, @aft.org. 

On the radio show this week, we cover the cuts to our health care pushed through by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress, with many of the most harmful cuts delayed until after the midterms. We dive into Trump’s cuts to public education -- and tips on fighting school funding cuts and privatization efforts. We discuss the militarization of policing and the use of false crime narratives for political repression, and how the care infrastructure counter these trends. We close the show covering National Breastfeeding Month, and why lactation support and paid family/medical leave can help families bond and heal and help our economy thrive.    SPECIAL GUESTS: Natasha Murphy, Center for American Progress, @amprogress, @americanprogress.bsky.social‬; Ameshia Cross, EdTrust, @EdTrust, @edtrust.bsky.social‬; Monifa Bandele & Tina Sherman, MomsRising,  MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org

This week the show comes to you directly from Netroots Nation in New Orleans where rising and visionary leaders come together to help build a better world.

On the radio show this week, we cover justice for Epstein survivors, and why we must believe women. We dive into how catastrophic health care cuts will hurt moms, seniors, and hardworking families to line the pockets of billionaires — and what you can do about it.  We discuss how art can save lives, and the importance of performance and creativity in social justice. We hear about the legislative timeline and ongoing congressional budget battles and where we need to raise our voices in the coming days.  SPECIAL GUESTS: Nicole Regalado, Ultraviolet, ‪@ultraviolet, @ultraviolet.bsky.social‬; Joi Chaney & Vaishu Jawahar, Protect Our Care, @ProtectOurCare, @protectourcare.org; Claudia Alick, Calling Up Justice, @callingupjustice.bsky.social‬; Amy Matsui, National Women's Law Center Action Fund, @nwlcaf, @Nwlcactionfund.org‬ 

On the radio show this week, we dive into the power of Pride and its roots in protest, plus get tips on how to continue to learn and grow as an LGBTQIA+ ally. We also hear about the massive economic value of unpaid care work, totaling $1.1 trillion annually. We cover how you can be a part of the nationwide FamiliesFirstNow.org activations on July 26, the first day members of Congress are home on recess after the disastrous Big Bad Betrayal Bill was signed into law with its huge cuts to Medicaid and other key programs. And we discuss the transformative power of personal storytelling in creating social change, and how to find the courage to tell your own story.    *Special Guests include:    Preston Mitchum, PDM Consulting, @prestonmitchum; Kate Robbins & Jessica Mason, National Partnership for Women and Families, @npwf; Alida Garcia, Twin Impact, @leedsgarcia; Hailey Adkisson, Growing Juniper and Simply Complex Stories.

On the radio show this week, we cover the negative repercussions from gutting healthcare through the passage of the Trump and Republican leadership’s recent reconciliation bill; we cover what happened in Washington DC this last week and how it impacts you; we dive into Black Women’s Equal Pay Day; and we close the show lifting up the momentum that the push to pass Paid Family/Medical Leave is gaining.    *Special guests include:  Nicole Jorwic, Chief Program Officer @ Caring Across Generations, @CaringAcrossGen. @‪caringacross.org: Elyssa Schmier, MomsRising, @MomsRising @MamásConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Monifa Bandele, MomsRising, @MomsRising @MamásConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Dawn Huckelbridge, Paid Leave for All, @PaidLeaveforAll, @paidleaveforall.bsky.social‬

  DESCRIPTION:  On the radio show this week, we highlight a buzzing bee activation at the US Capitol where parents and kids protested the "Big Bad Betrayal Bill," a Republican budget proposal which could kick 16 million people off healthcare and lead to an estimated tens of thousands more deaths per year. We celebrate Pride Month with "Parenting with Pride," a new resource offering support against hostile school environments and book bans for LGBTQ+ families. The show also details the disastrous impact of proposed Medicaid cuts on people with disabilities. Finally, we hear from the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) about how data provides a crucial reality check against misinformation, as well as about the $64 billion annual economic cost of abortion restrictions and persistent wage gaps, underscoring the vital role of storytelling and data in these ongoing fights.   SPECIAL GUESTS:  Felicia Burnett, MomsRising and MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamásConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Nad