In episode 119, we talk with Cameron Hilaker, who was recently fried from his job at USAID as part of DOGE cuts. Tune in to hear his story and how he’s turned into a fierce advocate for other fired federal employees.

Cameron worked at USAID as an Emergency Manager responding to domestic and international crises. As a leader of the Readiness Team, his role was to ensure that as a crisis developed, USAID was able to keep its people and families safe and continue the crucial life saving assistance. He has supported over 20 responses, including evacuations, disruptions, and ordered departures.

Before Cameron’s time at USAID, he served as a peace corps volunteer in South Africa for three years working to combat HIV/AIDS where he met his wife Catharine. They are expecting their first child in June.

Resources:

* What’s being lost with the DOGE cuts? These fired employees can tell you (Washington Post)

* Cameron as Congressman Hank Johnson’s Guest to Joint Address to Congress on March 4th, 2025

* Judge Rules DOGE’s Dismantling of USAID Unconstitutional

* The implications of a USAID shutdown (Brookings)

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

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In episode 118, we talk about super fun and light-hearted things…like fascism!! Our guest, Craig Johnson, is a researcher and educator focused on stopping the rise of the extreme right-wing. He’s the host of Fifteen Minutes of Fascism podcast, runs a YouTube series celebrating the deaths of right-wing figures throughout history, and is the author of How to Talk to Your Son about Fascism, a guide for parents and educators on keeping young men out of the right-wing.

Craig’s Book: How to Talk to Your Son About Fascism

Craig’s Podcast: Fifteen Minutes of Fascism

* Listen on Apple

* Watch on YouTube

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

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In episode 117, Amanda Becker, author and The 19th News’ Washington correspondent, joins us to talk about how we should still be paying close attention to reproductive and abortion rights in this country - even if your state has protections.

Her first book, “You Must Stand Up: The Fight for Abortion Rights in Post-Dobbs America,” was published by Bloomsbury in September 2024.

Becker has been on the beat for nearly two decades, covering the White House, the Supreme Court, Congress, multiple presidential elections, and scores of House and Senate campaigns. Before joining The 19th in April 2020, Becker spent nearly eight years at Reuters, where she was embedded with Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, and several before that at CQ Roll Call, where she covered lobbying and influence.

Becker was a 2023 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. Her byline has also appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times and USA Today, among other publications.

Becker grew up in Ohio and recently moved back. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science with honors from Indiana University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.

Resources:

* Amanda Becker - The 19th News

* You Must Stand Up: The Fight for Abortion Rights in Post-Dobbs America (Amanda Becker’s Book)

* The 19th News

* Abortion Fund of Ohio

* Ohio Women’s Alliance

* Abortion Finder (Ohio)

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

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In episode 116, we talk about how the oligarchy owns the media in the U.S. and if that makes the press truly “free”.

References

* It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism a book by Senator Bernie Sanders and John Nichols - Bookshop.org US

* Free press: definition and role in democracy I liberties.eu | liberties.eu

* Overview of Freedom of the Press | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

* Public Media Can Improve Our ‘Flawed’ Democracy | Annenberg

* About Public Media | CPB

* Democracy Index 2024 - Economist Intelligence Unit

* Index | RSF

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

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In episode 115, we sit down with Eloisa Perard, CEO and President of Gracelight Community Health in Los Angeles, to talk about all things healthcare advocacy and federally qualified health centers. Don’t know what those are? No worries, we didn’t either! Listen to this episode to learn more about the amazing work they do.

Gracelight Community Health is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Community Health Center organization. In partnership with the executive management team, Ms. Perard creates strategies in support of the organization’s mission and goals while accelerating and deploying technologies that improve patient care and operational efficiency.

A long-time resident of Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Perard holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Leadership and a Master of Science in Organizational Psychology. She serves on the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee for Health Care L.A., an Independent Physician Association. Additionally, she is a member of the Chicago School Board of Trustees and serves on the Board of Directors for the California Primary Care Association.

Resources:

* Eloisa’s LinkedIn

* Gracelight Community Health

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

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In episode 114, we talk about the Learning Space. Have you ever been in that frustrating place where you want to understand something, but you just… don’t? Where your brain is stuck between “not knowing” and “knowing,” and all you want to do is quit? Well, according to Dr. Becky Kennedy, that frustration isn’t a sign that you’re failing—it’s a sign that you’re learning. And today, we’re talking about why that matters—not just for personal growth, but for politics, society, and the way we navigate tough conversations.

Resources

* Dr. Becky’s Original Post

* Good Inside - Dr. Becky Kennedy

* Wikipedia - Becky Kennedy

* Sharon McMahon’s Post About The Learning Space

* ‫Overcoming Guilt & Building Tenacity with Kids & Adults | Dr. Becky Kennedy

* (2:46:00 - 3:03:00)

* The Messy, Beautiful Truth About Resilience with Dr. Becky Kennedy

* The art of political persuasion — Harvard Gazette

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

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In episode 113, we sit down with author, historian, and founder and co-host of the Hashtag History podcast, Rachel Lee Perez. She was kind enough to give us a history lesson on the Reconstruction Era and how it compares to what’s happening in the world today.

Resources:

* Hashtag History Website

* Remedial Herstory Project

* The Hashtag History episode mentioned: Episode 117: The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

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In episode 112, we spend some time chatting with Anderson Clayton who serves as the current chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. We talk through what she’s currently fighting in NC, how to be a successful democrat in the state, and more.

Elected at 25 years old, Clayton is the youngest chair of a state democratic party. Chair Clayton grew up in Roxboro, North Carolina and graduated from Appalachian State University. She worked on Congresswoman Kathy Manning’s congressional campaign, in Iowa as a field organizer for the presidential campaigns of Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, and then for the Senate campaign of Amy McGrath. Prior to her election as Chair of North Carolina Democratic Party, Chair Clayton served as a chair of the Person County Democratic Party, her hometown county. Chair Clayton resides in Roxboro, NC.

Resources:

* Clayton for Carolina Website

* Instagram

* Bluesky

* North Carolina Democratic Party Website

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

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