Episode 18: USAID Explained - How Soft Diplomacy and Foreign Aid Shape Global Influence
USAID is not charity—it saves lives and is essential to American safety and global security. In this episode, we feature an exclusive interview with a former USAID Foreign Service officer and explore how the U.S. Agency for International Development developed soft diplomacy to shape global affairs, promote stability, and counter rival powers.
From humanitarian relief and disaster response to health programs, education, economic development, and democracy promotion, discover how USAID strengthened international relationships, protected Americans, and prevented crises before they reached U.S. borders. Hear firsthand stories revealing the human impact, challenges, and realities of global development work—from fighting infectious diseases like Ebola and Zika to improving food security and fostering economic partnerships.
We also examine how the recent dismantling of USAID has not only compromised U.S. safety and security but been catastrophic for frontline workers, crippling assistance around the world. Learn how USAID once protected communities abroad, safeguarded Americans, supported U.S. businesses, countered misinformation, and built pro-American sentiment worldwide—and importantly, learn how you can help.
USAID:
Humanitarian Assistance: Disaster Relief: Provides immediate aid for natural and man-made disasters. Emergency Food Aid: Includes support for food security and nutrition in crises.
Health: Maternal and Child Health: Supports programs to improve health outcomes for mothers and children. Global Health: Focuses on combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Education: Global Health: Focuses on combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Basic Education: Provides funding for primary and secondary education programs.
Economic Development: Economic Growth: Promotes trade, investment, and private sector development. Infrastructure: Includes building roads, water systems, and energy facilities.
Governance and Democracy: Anti-Corruption: Aims to improve transparency and accountability in government. Rule of Law: Supports legal and judicial reforms
Security and Stabilization: Conflict Resolution: Includes support for peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Counterterrorism: Provides aid to support counterterrorism efforts.
Donate to Crisis In Care: We are a group of concerned global health professionals focused on filling the gap left by the global retreat of US support for HIV/AIDS care. The abrupt termination of USAID-supported HIV programs has created a devastating crisis for vulnerable communities around the world, leaving children, families, and at-risk populations without essential services. These programs were more than just support—they were lifelines. To fill the gap we partner with the Global Giving donation platform to directly support community organizations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Please consider donating today to support urgently needed lifesaving care.
Episode 17: The Inside Scoop- January 6, CNN, & How Stories Shape Our World
Author and Journalist Nora Neus has been at the forefront of major world events as a CNN reporter - from the Charlottesville riots to interviewing survivors of the tragic Uvalde school shooting to on the ground reporting in Ukraine. Her latest book, "24 Hours At The Capitol" is an oral history of the January 6th Insurrection, marking the five year anniversary. Join us for an unflinching look at current events and how stories shape history, and democracy, through ethical journalism - without sacrificing our humanity.
24 Hours At The Capitol: An Oral History of the January 6th Insurrection
24 Hours In Charlottsville: An Oral History of the Stand Against White Supremacy
Renegade Girls: A Queer Tale of Romance and Rabble-Rousing
Muhammad Najem, War Reporter: How One Boy Put the Spotlight on Syria
Podcasts:
Episode 16: What's On Our Mind - A Year of the Matriarchy
Join us for an insightful retrospective of our year of The Matriarchy! We have a lot on our minds to share with our audience - and some teasers about what to expect in the new year! The holidays can be both joyful and stressful. Here are our hot takes on how to make the most of this time while not sacrificing your own mental health.
Episode 15: Taking Charge & Making Change - Community Advocacy with Deanne Austin
In this episode with community activist Deanne Austin, we explore how transportation, education, and housing are deeply interconnected—and why equitable access to each is essential for thriving communities. We focus on how unreliable or limited transportation creates barriers to voting, schooling, employment, and basic services, making mobility not just a convenience but a basic civil right.
Detroit Future City, Sierra Club, Transportation Riders United,
MOSES MI, Mothering Justice, Register Her
Find Deanne Austin at: @Deanne4Detroit on Instagram and Deanne of Detroit on TikTok
Episode 14: The Power of Comedy with Lynn Harris from GOLD Comedy
Laughter may be the best medicine, but it also can be a catalyst for change. The patriarchy has long been entrenched, and reinforced, in our pop culture. Join us for a fascinating conversation about how to reframe - and shape - the world we want through comedy, tv, movies, and throughout the media.
Award-winning journalist and author Lynn Harris is the founder of the startup GOLD Comedy - a comedy school, creative network, and content studio centering women/non-binary folks - and the leading talent/content/power pipeline for funny women. You will even learn how YOU (yes, you!) and create a show of your own from that little seed you are carrying with you.
Sign up here for the Develop And Pitch Any Idea class - starts December 1st
Books: Death by Chicklet, Breakup Girl to the Rescue
Movies: I, Tonya with Margot Robbie and Allison Janney, Bad Axe (Documentary), The Princess Bride
TV: Grace and Frankie with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, Girls 5 Eva, Broad City, Insecure, Chit (web series) with Jay Renshaw, Hannah Gadsby: Nanette (Comedy special), The Pit (Web series), Zarna Garg: One in a Billion (Comedy special)
Audiobooks: Ten Steps to Nanette: A Memoir Situation by Hannah Gadsby, Yes Please by Amy Poehler, Born A Crime by Trevor Noah, Save Yourself by Cameron Esposito, Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult by Maria Bamford
Other: The Bechdel Test, Dudes Against Violence Against Women, Persisticon
Episode 13: SNAP Food Assistance with Rep. Brenda Carter and Julie Cassidy
Food assistance isn’t just a policy issue — it’s about community.
In Episode 13 of The Matriarchy Podcast, Rep. Brenda Carter and policy expert Julie Cassidy join us to explore how Michigan is supporting families amidst the food crisis created by cuts to SNAP benefits. We also dive into the powerful intersections between healthcare, food, and housing security.
Because The Matriarchy is about taking care of one another.
Episode 12: What’s On Our Mind:
The world can feel awfully heavy these days. The Matriarchy is taking a moment to reflect on what is on our mind - from the No Kings protests to the upcoming election to what the Matriarchy means to us now after a dozen episodes. So tell us, what's on your mind? Let us know in the comments.
Episode 11: A Girl Like Me with Tyra & Jajuan Moore
When Tyra Moore had a baby at age 14, she didn't expect this reaction: love and acceptance. She knew one day she would pay it forward. Along with her husband, Jajuan Moore, they founded A Girl Like Me Inc. and has helped thousands of young women not only in their community but around the country and across continents.
The world may be full of darkness, but Tyra and Jajuan shine brightly. Hear their inspirational, loving, and compassionate story. And welcome our first male guest! They embody The Matriarchy every day.
Episode 10: Return of the Hudson Bay Girls
They're back!! This is one conversation you won't want to miss. Listen to the adventures of four women who paddled through the Boundary Waters from Lake Superior to the Arctic Circle! Their inspiring journey garnered awareness for mining bans in the Boundary Waters. Welcome home, Hudson Bay Girls!
Protect the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore copper mining. | Save the Boundary Waters
Episode 9: A Spanish Connection with Elena Alvariño and Mónica Alvariño Blanes
The Matriarchy goes global! Meet Elena Alvariño and Mónica Alvariño Blanes and enjoy our dynamic, cross cultural conversation with our Spanish friends. We delve into the role women play in society, explore our different education systems, compare social structures, and laugh - a lot! No subject is off limits. Join us for a celebration of women from around the world!
Episode 8: Start School Later with Dr. Hanne Hoffman and Laura Humann
Our schools, and especially our school libraries, have been under attack. Meet one librarian who is fighting back and a researcher who helps us all of join the fight to stand up for the freedom to read.
Join The Matriarchy Podcast with Christine Beachler and Dr. Sara Hoeve and learn how to protect our First Amendment rights.
Rand Corporation Economic Study 2017
Op Ed: “Daylight Savings and Early School Start Times Hurt Students”
Episode 7: Banned Books with Christine Beachler and Dr. Sara Hoeve
Our schools, and especially our school libraries, have been under attack. Meet one librarian who is fighting back and a researcher who helps us all of join the fight to stand up for the freedom to read.
Join The Matriarchy Podcast with Christine Beachler and Dr. Sara Hoeve and learn how to protect our First Amendment rights.
Episode 6: Invest In MI Kids with Rachelle Crow-Hercher and Jamila Martin
It's no secret that schools have been underfunded for years, decades even, and especially in Michigan. Meet two women determined to change that.
Rachelle Crow-Hercher, Director of Michigan Education Justice Coalition (MEJC) and Jamila Martin, co-Chair of Fund MI Future are launching a ballot proposal called "Invest In MI Kids" to tax the rich and fund our schools. Learn all about how we got here, what this proposal entails, and how you can help this effort.
Podcast and Book: The Sum of Us by Heather McGee
Learn more at InvestInMIKids.org
Episode 5: Women’s Finance with Diane Young
As a society, we don't know how to talk about money. Many of us were actively discouraged, and were not even taught the basics about how to manage our personal finances. Joining us on this episode is Financial Planner Diane Young, AIF to help us navigate these sensitive conversations and helping us to explore our own relationship with money. Learn what women in particular need to know about our personal finances. You'll be surprised by the thoughtful, and often hilarious, advice!
Books: Start With No by Jim Camp, Behavioral Investor by Daniel Crosby, Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When The Stakes Are High
Learn more about Diane: (2) Diane Young, AIF® | LinkedIn
Episode 4: Mental Health with Harper West
We are living in divided, chaotic, and often anxious times. Joining us on this episode is Harper West, licensed psychotherapist and author. She helps us navigate with a focus on our mental health. It's an episode you won't want to miss. Share with your friends!
Books: The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee, The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump,
Learn more about Harper: Harper West, Psychology Expert and Media Commentator
Follow Rochester Pollinators on Facebook and on their website, RochesterPollinators.org.
The Pollinator Garden Guide is a fantastic resource on native plants and pollinators.
Check out the Rochester Pollinator Etsy Store for cute merch!
Books: Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard, The 5 Levels of Leadership by John Maxwell,
Learn more about Marilyn: (2) Marilyn Trent | LinkedIn
Follow Hudson Bay Girls on Facebook and Instagram!
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