Breaking Through with Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner (Powered by MomsRising)

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 Gun Violence, @bradybuzz, @KrisB_Brown, @bradyunited.org, @krisbrown.bradyunited.org.

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 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; Nadine Smith, Equality Florida, @equalityfl, @equalityfl.bsky.social‬; Maria Town, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), @AAPD, @aapd-disability.bsky.social‬; Dr. Jamila Taylor, Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR), @IWPResearch.

On the radio show this week we dive into the definition of fascism, its impact on immigrant families and our communities, and how YOU can protect students in your community. We hear about the One Big, Betrayal Budget Bill and its harmful effects on public education through harmful voucher proposals Republicans have snuck in as yet another benefit for the wealthiest families. Next, we cover the devastating consequences of voucher programs in Florida, showing how they undermine public schools and why we don’t want to follow Florida’s lead as a nation. We close celebrating Pride Month and discussing the ongoing challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, particularly regarding health care access. Special Guests include: Beatriz Beckford, MomsRising and MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamásConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Liz King, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, @civilrightsorg, @civilrights.org; Damaris Allen, Families for Strong Public School (Florida), @Strongflschools, @Strongflschools; Shannon Minter, National Center for LGBTQ Rights (NCLR), @NCLRights @ShannonMinter5, @nclrights.bsky.social‬

On the radio show this week, we dive into wins for Paid Family Medical Leave at the state level, as well as the decades-long fight for a national paid family medical leave program and recent legislative wins like the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the PUMP Act. We hear about the economic impact of unpaid care work, with mothers contributing an estimated $450 billion in unpaid labor annually and facing significant wage gaps and workplace discrimination, particularly mothers of color. We cover the challenges of family separation, the lack of legal representation for unaccompanied minors, and the cruel Trump practices that are unfairly terrorizing immigrant families and communities. We discuss strategies to close the wage gap between men and women (and between moms and dads), and how closing the wage gap would boost the overall economy. SPECIAL GUESTS: Sharita Gruberg, National Partnership for Women and Families, @npfw; Kate Bond, Institute for Women's Policy Research, @IWPRResearch; Jennifer Hojaiban, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), @supportKIND, @supportkind.org; Deborah Vagins, Equal Rights Advocates & Equal Pay Today, @debvagins, @EqualRightsAdv, @EqualPay2dayOrg

On the radio show this week, we dive into the attacks on Planned Parenthood and how the Republican budget could close 200 health centers and impact over a million people's access to reproductive health care. We hear about the unprecedented emergency happening right now to our democracy and how the SAVE Act could disenfranchise 69 million women voters and threaten fundamental voting rights. We cover the expanding wage gap for moms and the economic implications, and how Republican budget cuts could further harm economic opportunities for women and families. We discuss the devastating cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and more in the Big, Bad Betrayal Bill, exposing how the Republican budget could eliminate health care for 16 million Americans and potentially cause 51,000 deaths annually. SPECIAL GUESTS: Alexis McGill Johnson, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, @PPFA, @ppfa.org; Celina Stewart, League of Women Voters, @LWV, @lwvus.bsky.social‬; Jocelyn Samuels, Former EEOC Commissioner, @JSamuelsEEOC; Alex Lawson, Social Security Works, @SSWorks, ‪@socialsecurityworks.org

On the radio show this week, we discuss how the wage gap that moms experience impacts our families and our economy, with May marking not just Mother’s Day, but also Moms Equal Pay Day. We talk about how the Trump administration is using our tax dollars for human rights abuses against immigrant families, and how you can speak up to your members of Congress and support mixed-status families in your community. We also dive into the rural mental health crisis, especially for rural moms experiencing isolation and barriers to treatment, and why the proposed cuts to Medicaid would make this even worse. We close the show with an inside discussion about what's happening in Washington, DC right now with the Republican proposed budget, and why you need to call your U.S. Representative right away and tell them to protect Medicaid, SNAP, child care and more. SPECIAL GUESTS: Taylor Austin, MomsRising, @MomsRising, @momsrising.org; Wendy Cervantes, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), @CLASP_DC, @clasp.org; Chuck Strand, Rural Minds, @ruralminds; Elyssa Schmier, MomsRising, @MomsRising, @momsrising.org

On the radio show this week, we dive into the overwhelming attacks on democratic institutions coming out of this White House and DOGE, and local actions you can take to protect democracy that really make a difference nationally. We discuss the huge economic benefits of Medicaid, including job creation for care workers and coverage of essential services for aging and disability care, so you can call your representatives and tell them to protect Medicaid! Next, we cover the devastating economic and moral impacts of mass human rights abuses, and how to provide support in your community for immigrant families. Finally, we talk about the loss of expertise and resources at the U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration, and how to fight back against further attacks. SPECIAL GUESTS: Skye Perryman, Democracy Forward, @DemocracyFwd, @democracyforward.org; Ai-jen Poo, National Domestic Workers Alliance & Caring Across Generations, @domesticworkers, @caringacrossgen, @domesticworkers.bsky.social; Lisette Engel, UnidosUS, @weareunidosus, @weareunidosus.bsky.social; Denise Forte, EdTrust, @EdTrus, @edtrust.bsky.social

On the radio show this week, we dive into Donald Trump's latest round of harmful, destructive executive orders and outlandish ideas, like medals for motherhood and classes about menstrual cycles to increase the birth rate — instead of policies that moms, families, businesses, and our economy really need to thrive! We also discuss the rise in discriminatory policies affecting LGBTQ youth and the misrepresentation of civil rights law. Next, we hear about how parents and teachers living abroad on military bases are handling this onslaught of attacks on public education. Finally, we cover how community support and advocacy can help children caught up in our inhumane immigration system receive the legal representation they need and deserve. SPECIAL GUESTS: Monifa Bandele, MomsRising, @MomsRising, @momsrising.org; Brian Dittmeier, GLSEN, @glsen, @glsen.bsky.social; Kristen Smith, European Parent Teacher Association; Elinor Jordan, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, @Michimmigrant