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

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

US Represntative Jimmy Gomez, chair and founder of the Congressal Dads Causus Fatima Goss Graves- National Women's Law Center (NWLC) Sondra Goldshein, - Campaign For a Family Friendly Economy (CFFE) Dawn Hucklebridge - Paid leave for all Nicole Jorwic, Caring Across Generations and Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, MomsRising

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. SPECIAL GUESTS: Nadine Smith, Color of Change & Equality Florida, @ColorOfChange, @EqualityFL; Felicia Burnett, & Lauren Hipp, MomsRising / MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Dr. Kim Pickney, National Education Association, @NEAToday, @neatoday.bsky.social

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 Institute, @Urban_Inst, @urbaninstitute.bsky.social

On the radio show this week, we dive into Trumpflation and this administration's devastating immigration policies with U.S. Representative Pramila. 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, @mamasconpoder.org; Ellen Teller, Food Research Action Center, @fractweets, @fracposts.bsky.social; Ai-jen Poo, Caring Across Generations & National Domestic Workers Alliance, @domesticworkers, @caringacrossgen, @domesticworkers.bsky.social, @caringacross.org.

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, MomsRising & MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org; Joel Ryan, Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program

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.social

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, Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, @CECMembership, @cecmembership.bsky.social