Advertise on podcast: Breaking Through with Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner (Powered by MomsRising)

On the radio show this week, we start out talking about the importance of having the freedom to read age-appropriate educational materials and how to push back against harmful book bans across the country. After that, we touch base on the beauty and power of "purple places" in the United States, exploring the unique role these areas play as epicenters of local organizing and democracy. Following that segment, we dive into Black Maternal Health Week, discussing the urgent need for maternal health equity and the specific policy solutions that support Black moms and families. Finally, we close the show talking about the student loan crisis families are facing across America, the impact of new repayment rules, and how to take action to abolish student debt. SPECIAL GUESTS: McKenna Samson, PEN America, @penamerica; Beatriz Beckford, MomsRising, @MomsRising, @MamásConPoder; Tina Sherman, MomsRising, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @TinaShermanNC; Julia Barnard, Debt Collective, @StrikeDebt, @debtcollective. On the radio show this week, we start out talking about the importance of having the freedom to read age-appropriate educational materials and how to push back against harmful book bans across the country. After that, we touch base on the beauty and power of "purple places" in the United States, exploring the unique role these areas play as epicenters of local organizing and democracy. Following that segment, we dive into Black Maternal Health Week, discussing the urgent need for maternal health equity and the specific policy solutions that support Black moms and families. Finally, we close the show talking about the student loan crisis families are facing across America, the impact of new repayment rules, and how to take action to abolish student debt. SPECIAL GUESTS: McKenna Samson, PEN America, @penamerica; Beatriz Beckford, MomsRising, @MomsRising, @MamásConPoder; Tina Sherman, MomsRising, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @TinaShermanNC; Julia Barnard, Debt Collective, @StrikeDebt, @debtcollective.

On the radio show this week, we have a powerful health care takeover – and hear from experts, advocates, and leaders about the attacks on health care that are happening right now despite the fact that everyone gets sick, and everyone needs a chance to get better. The situation is an emergency: Trump's proposed budget plans to cut billions from Americans' health care to supersize spending on the military at a time when health care premiums are skyrocketing and 15 million Americans already risk losing health care coverage completely. On the show this week, we find out what you can do to help protect (and expand) health care access.    *Special guests include: Adam Hoyer, Protect Our Care, @ProtectOurCare; Natalie Kean, Justice in Aging, @KeanNatalie; Reggie Hubbard, Active Peace LLC, @oreggieglobal; Donna Norton, MomsRising, @MomsRising @MamásConPoder

On the radio show this week, we dive into the dangerous voter suppression that would happen with the SAVE Act, and how sharing our stories with members of Congress can protect our democracy. We hear about the horrific conditions for children detained in Dilley, Texas and the urgent movement to close family detention facilities and to free detained kids. We cover why marching matters—from the massive "No Kings" actions to everyday civic engagement—and how Trump's out-of-touch child care comments ignore the nationwide affordability crisis facing families. We also discuss America's aging and failing water infrastructure and what we must do at every level of government to ensure safe, clean water for all; plus, how climate change is driving flooding, drought, and water contamination.    SPECIAL GUESTS: U.S. Representative Luz Rivas, Democratic Women's Caucus, @RepLuzRivas, @DemWomenCaucus, @demwomencaucus.bsky.social; Alida Garcia, Director, Care Can't Wait Action; Lauren Hipp, MomsRising & MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Radhika Fox, Principal @ North Star Strategy  

Tune in to the opening panel of the National Summit on the Caregiving Crisis, recorded live at the the US Library of Congress in Washington, DC.  We learn how Representative Jimmy Gomez started the Congressional Dads Caucus. Next, we dive into how care candidates and care policies are winning at the state and local level. We discuss how the paid and unpaid work of care is both individual and invisible and why we should treat is as a core public good.  Then, we hear about the importance of connecting caregiving to family budgets and the impact of care on multiple generations. We also discuss the importance of public demand in driving policy change and the need for elected officials who reflect and respect our contributions and needs. Special Guests include: US Representative Jimmy Gomez, @RepJimmyGomez, @gomez.house.gov; Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, MomsRising, MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Fatima Goss Graves, National Women's Law Center, @nwlc.org; Nicole Jorwic, Caring Across Generations, @caringacrossgen, @caringacross.org; Dawn Hucklebridge, Paid Leave for All, @PaidLeaveforAll, @paidleaveforall.bsky.social‬; Sondra Goldshein, Campaign For a Family Friendly Economy, @FamFriendlyEcon, @cffe.bsky.social  

On the radio show this week, we dive into why radio still matters, especially for telling the full truth amid Trump's Iran escalation, the Epstein files, and the SAVE Act. Next, we cover Women's (un)Equal Pay Day, the growing wage gaps for women—especially women of color and moms—and the key fixes that would actually close those gaps. Then, we discuss how New Hampshire moms are organizing, running for office, and winning elections and big policy victories—including the state's Momnibus 2.0 maternal health and workplace justice package—in an extremely difficult political climate. Finally, we cover how vouchers and Moms-for-Liberty-style politics are dismantling public schools, why school board races are now frontline democracy battles, and what parents can do to fight back.    SPECIAL GUESTS: Matt McNeil, AM 950, @mattmcneilshow.bsky.social; Jocelyn Frye, National Partnership for Women & Families, @npwf, @npwf.bsky.social; MacKenzie Nicholson & Nancy Glynn, MomsRising / MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Karla Hernandez-Mats, Educated We Stand, @educatedwestand; 

DESCRIPTION: On the radio show this week, we dive into America's child care crisis—why costs are skyrocketing, educators are underpaid, and how states like New Mexico and New York are charting a better path. Next, we hear about SNAP cuts and food affordability, how rollbacks are hurting families and state budgets, and simple steps you can take to push Congress to restore benefits. Then, we cover glyphosate and chemicals in our food, why a new Trump Executive Order to expand production alarms health and environmental advocates, and how pesticide overuse is harming biodiversity and communities. Finally, we discuss book bans, literacy, and how reading builds critical thinking, joy, and understanding across our differences. SPECIAL GUESTS: Julie Kashen, The Century Foundation, @TCFdotorg, @tcfdotorg.bsky.social; Gina Plata-Nino, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), @fractweets, @fracposts.bsky.social;  Brett Hartl, Center for Biological Diversity, @CenterForBioDiv, @biologicaldiversity.org; Jill Miller, Elementary School Librarian 

On the radio show this week, we dive into the SAVE Act, a voter suppression bill requiring expensive documents like passports for voter registration, potentially disenfranchising millions. We also hear about the negative national economic impact of rising costs and job losses on women, and particularly Black women. Next, we cover the dire state of maternal health in the U.S., exacerbated by reproductive rights restrictions and funding cuts to health care. Finally, we discuss the importance of engaging pro-choice men in advocacy to support reproductive freedom.   SPECIAL GUESTS: Alison Gill, National Women's Law Center, @nwlc.org;  Kate Bahn, Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR), @IWPResearch; Monifa Bandele, MomsRising / MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Aaron Bos-Lun, Men4Choice, @Men_4_Choice

 On the radio show this week, we dive into the importance of protecting democracy from voter suppression efforts. We also hear about the powerful representation and joy we experienced at this year's Winter Olympics -- and how narrative power can shift societal views for women, moms, and our families. Next, we cover the state of OUR union when it comes to maternal health, and the Trump administration's cuts to crucial programs that are worsening the crisis. Finally, we discuss New York state and New York City's historic investments in child care, how you can make victories like that happen where you live.  SPECIAL GUESTS: Rebekah Caruthers, Fair Elections Center, @fairerelections; Jenny Byer & Tina Sherman, MomsRising / MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Dede Hill, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, @SchuylerCenter

On the radio show this week, we dive into the SAVE Act, a voter suppression bill requiring expensive documents like passports for voter registration, potentially disenfranchising millions. We also hear about the negative national economic impact of rising costs and job losses on women, and particularly Black women. Next, we cover the dire state of maternal health in the U.S., exacerbated by reproductive rights restrictions and funding cuts to health care. Finally, we discuss the importance of engaging pro-choice men in advocacy to support reproductive freedom.   SPECIAL GUESTS: Alison Gill, National Women's Law Center, @nwlc.org;  Kate Bahn, Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR), @IWPResearch; Monifa Bandele, MomsRising / MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Aaron Bos-Lun, Men4Choice, @Men_4_Choice

On the radio show this week, we dive into the need for the US Senate to place much-needed accountability measures on ICE with their expanded DHS funding. We also cover why the Save Act would undermine the rights of married women voters; and how to protect voting rights in this era of voter  suppression. Next, we celebrate two major moments of joy: New York's huge child care win and Bad Bunny's incredible Super Bowl halftime show. Then, we cover how the pressure campaign stop the lawless and out-of-control ICE surge in Minnesota is prevailing; as well as the importance of protecting sensitive locations, such as schools, healthcare, and child care centers. Finally, we discuss the importance of women running for office to shape the future for the next generation — and how turning out women voters, and supporting women candidates, to make that happen is both powerful and critical.  SPECIAL GUESTS: Barbara Arnwine, Transformative Justice Coalition, @TJC_DC; Diana Limongi & Donna Norton, MomsRising / MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; A'shanti Gholar, Emerge America, @EmergeAmerica  

On the radio show this week we dive into the negative impact of ICE's presence on Minnesota students and their ability to show up to learn. Then we hear about the No Kid Hungry campaign, the importance of SNAP for 14 million food-insecure children, and the need to protect it from funding cuts. We also cover the effectiveness and safety of vaccines, including the HPV vaccine. In closing we discuss the power and importance of storytelling in advocating for health care and disability rights.  SPECIAL GUESTS: Kristen Sinicariello, Columbia Heights, Minnesota School District; Anne Filipic, Share Our Strength, @sharestrength; Dr. Angela Ulrich, Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, @cidrap, @cidrap.bsky.social; Elena Hung, Little Lobbyists, @LittleLobbyists, @littlelobbyists.com; 

On the radio show this week we dive into the "Mothers of Massive Resistance" in Minneapolis, the impact of the ICE surge on local residents, and the on-the-ground organizing and mutual aid efforts. We also hear about the need for more women to run for office and the importance of political parity. Then we cover the importance of resilience, action, and rebuilding trust in democracy in 2026 with award-winning author and national leader Stacey Abrams. After that, we close the show discussing the high number of women being pushed out of the labor force; how the wage gap is unfairly widening with Black women experiencing a disproportionately negative impact; and what solutions are possible.   SPECIAL GUESTS: Beth Hawkins, the 74 Million, @The74, @bethhawkins.bsky.social, @the74.bsky.social; Erin Vilardi, Vote Run Lead Action, @VoteRunLeadAction, @vrlaction.bsky.social; Stacey Abrams, @staceyabrams, @staceyabrams.com; Emily Martin, National Women's Law Center, @nwlc.org

On the radio show this week we dive into the importance of bodily autonomy and access to contraception and the full suite of reproductive healthcare, at home and abroad, with U.S. Representative Grace Meng. Then, we hear about Ultraviolet's campaign against Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, which generates sexualized images without consent, and how to protect women and children online. After that, we cover the impact of the Dobbs decision and the ensuing abortion restrictions, bans, and preventable deaths. Finally, we discuss the Trump Administration's coordinated attack on child care, using many unfounded claims of fraud to justify cuts and restrictions.   SPECIAL GUESTS:  U.S. Representative Grace Meng, @RepGraceMeng, @meng.house.gov; Jenna Sherman, Ultraviolet, @ultraviolet.bsky.social; Tina Sherman & Nina Perez, MomsRising / MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org.

On the radio show this week we dive into the importance of coming together ahead of the midterms, drawing parallels to historical examples of resistance and resilience. We hear about the devastating impact of Republican cuts on health care, and a hopeful moment in the ongoing fight to lower costs. We also cover inclusive education and embracing the fullness of humanity in the classroom, and why we need to protect the education programs that make this happen. Finally, we discuss how the far-right is launching a culture war against child care that led the Trump Administration to freeze funding to blue states.    Nadine Smith, Color of Change & Equality Florida, @ColorOfChange, @EqualityFL; Felicia Burnett & Lauren Hipp, MomsRising / MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Dr. Kim Pinckney, KP Solutions & Consulting LLC.   

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