Matter of Life and Debt

Matter of Life and Debt announces a temporary hiatus for January, during which the podcast is regrouping to redefine its broader goals. We invite listeners to share their ideas and feedback via email at Matter of Life and Debt@gmail.com or by leaving a voicemail at 510-479-0323. The podcast aims to return soon with updates.

This episode of the Matter of Life and Debt podcast features a follow-up interview with Bri Franklin, founder of The Prosp(a)rity Project, a non-profit focused on eliminating student debt for Black women. Bri discusses the organization’s growth over the past 3 years, including new initiatives around financial literacy and policy advocacy. She also opens up about the personal toll of student debt o...

Co-host Shanna and Talia are joined by Nikki as they celebrate the 3-year anniversary of Matter of Life and Debt! In this special episode, they look back on how the podcast has created community and helped destigmatize student debt over the years. For the spotlight section, Nikki interviews Sarah Thibault, an artist, writer, and podcaster who was one of the earliest guests on the podcast. Sarah re...

In this podcast episode, Talia and Nikki discuss The Debt Collective Zine -In The Red: Out of the Darkness. In our spotlight section, Talia chats with Eleni Schirmer and Thomas Gokey about the Debt Collective’s student debt release tool. The conversation also touches on the significance of building collective power to address the student debt crisis effectively. References The Debt Collective Zine...

We kick off this episode by discussing the Debt Collectives, “B**** Better Have Our Money” tool, which leverages the legal authority of the 1965 Higher Education Act to demand the Department of Education to cancel student debt and create a more equitable system for all. In our Spotlight section Talia talks with Stephanie Marcotte, Joanna Goncalves, and Ian Rodewald, three incredible individuals un...

🎙️ Update: The world of student debt is buzzing, and we can't wait to share what's in store after the Supreme Court decision. Your support means the world to us! Get ready for new episodes coming soon, featuring a chat with the Debt Collective. They have some crucial plans for student debt relief, and we'll share them later in July. Stay tuned! While we take a short break, catch up on our previous...

We’re thrilled to announce the release of a bonus episode featuring special guests Thomas Gokey and Luke Herrine, co-founders of the Debt Collective. Join us as we discuss the broken student loan system. In this episode, we delve deep into the impending crisis, exposing the flaws within the Department of Education. From incorrect loan balances to bureaucratic hurdles, we uncover the challenges mil...

In this episode, host Nikki Nolan welcomes back Thomas Gokey, co-founder of the Debt Collective, to discuss the challenges and effects of reinstating the student loan payment system. Thomas believes it is impractical to resume payments and urges for an extension instead. He criticizes the Department of Education’s inability to implement the restart due to broken systems and incorrect payment infor...

During this episode, our focus is on the latest updates related to student debt. In our spotlight section, we feature Christina Hammond, the creator of the ITT Tech Warriors Facebook group. Our conversation with her revolves around the impact of attending ITT Tech on her mental health and finances. She shares how she has made herself financially invisible to avoid losing her hard-earned money. Fur...

Today's episode features Shanna, Talia, and Nikki delving into the latest student debt news. Our spotlight segment features Alicia Davis and Theresa Sweet, the named plaintiffs in the Sweet v. Cardona case (previously known as Sweet v. DeVos), who provide us with an update on the proceedings. Additionally, we highlight upcoming events for April and share what brings us joy at the moment. Don't mis...

In this episode, we discuss the current news surrounding student debt. Our new spotlight section explores theater activism in-depth with Talia Molé, Dr. Shamell Bell, Alÿcia Bacon, and Todd Squitieri. They delve into the planning and execution of a March 1st day of action that is both in person and virtual. And that’s not all: we’ll also take a closer look at the various events occurring throughou...

Exciting news, we will experiment with the podcast in 2023! And we want your input! Call (510) 479-0323 and leave a voicemail with your story or ideas. They may be featured on our show. Our next episode drops on Feb 23rd. Can't wait to hear from you! References:  Protest at the Supreme Court to defend student debt cancellation (Feb 28th)

We are excited to have Maddy MADlines Clifford back on the show to share her journey as the Deputy Press Secretary for the Debt Collective. She discusses how her art informs her activism and provides helpful tips for managing activist burnout. Tune in for an enlightening conversation with the accomplished Maddy! References:  Biden Can Still Cancel Student Debt — Not Just Up to $20,000, But All of...

In this week’s episode, we sit with some of the Debt Collective’s 50 Over 50 Strikers, along with Nick Marcil (organizer for the Debt Collective), to challenge the misconception that student debt solely affects society’s youth. Listen on as Laura Hill, Dave Kalmikoff, and Susan Laws share their heartfelt experiences regarding the genuine struggle of living with student debt burden well into their...

This week producer Talia Molé and host Shanna Bennett speak with Abigail Acheson, an organizer with Rethinking Economics USA. They discuss new approaches to higher education and economics that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet.  References Rethinking Economics Rethinking Economics on Instagram Rethinking Economics Twitter Economics is Failing US College Students Center for Economi...

This week’s guests, Alicia Davis and Theresa Sweet are named plaintiffs in the case titled Sweet v. Cardona (formerly Sweet v DeVos ). They celebrate the lawsuit victory that affects 264,000 borrowers who had pending borrower defense applications as of June 22, 2022. They discuss their activism, the support groups they have started, and what this victory means for them. References Apply for Borrow...

Kelly Danvers, a member of Local 2110 UAW and the HarperCollins Union, joins Emma and Shanna to discuss the current HarperCollins strike happening in NYC. She shares what it’s like to strike as a student debtor and the financial considerations of participating in a strike. Kelly also details the objectives of the strike and why she believes in the strength of collective bargaining.  References Loc...

Extend the Pause, Joe! In a re-release episode Matter of Life and Debt producers Emma and Nikki, and host Shanna are on the scene at the Debt Collective’s April 4th Day of Action in Washington, D.C. Protestors from all over the country turned out to demand that Joe Biden sign an Executive Order to cancel student debt. Hear from student debt cancellation advocates Nina Turner, Marianne Williamson,...

What’s happening with Biden’s Student Debt Cancellation Plan? Shanna Bennett and Talia Molé check in with Sparky Abraham, Legal Strategist for the Debt Collective to find out what’s holding up relief and how we can support each other in the continued push for full cancellation.  References Debt Collective Twitter Sparky Abraham Twitter Debt Collective  All the Legal Threats to Student Loan Debt Re...

This week producer Emma Klauber solo hosts with guest Ryan Connelly, a former opera singer, and current Navy musician. Ryan shares the impact of student loans on his music career and his unique intersection of the arts, the Navy, and student loan forgiveness.  References Ryan C. Connelly The Navy Band Ryan on Instagram

Comedian, podcaster, and travel show host Jon Gabrus joins producer Emma Klauber and host Shanna Bennett to cathartically scream about student loans.  References High and Mighty 101 Places to Party Before You Die Action Boyz The Sweetzer Life Read Transcript 

Producer Talia Molé joins Shanna for an interview about her student debt experience and how her Ph. D. studies on matriarchies helped her envision a society where education prepares us to be thoughtful community members rather than future workers, among other imaginings. References Matriarchy  Matriarchal Studies Reproductive Justice - An Introduction by Loretta Ross and Rickie Solenger Ecoversiti...

Comedian River Butcher returns to talk about Biden’s student loan cancellation plan! He talks to Nikki Nolan, Shanna Bennett, and Emma Klauber about how he is personally affected by the announcement and why it’s great, but not good enough. We also dive into matrilineal society structures and communalism that could inform our path forward in education reform. References River Butcher Matriarchy Mat...

President Biden announced a student loan debt cancellation of $10K for borrowers making less than $125,000 a year, along with a final extension on the student loan payment pause through December 2022. How are student loan debtors responding to the news? Host Shanna Bennett discusses with Talia Molé, Justine Hecht & Nikki Nolan the contradictory feeling of celebrating this moment for the few wh...

This week we’re talking about the power of unions in dealing with debt! Ian Rhodewalt, Eleni Schirmer & Jason Wozniak of the Debt Collective speak to host Shanna about bargaining for the collective good.  Reference Debt Collective on IG Debt Collective on Twitter Eleni Schrimer on Twitter Debt Collective - Join Our Union Stacy Davis Gates Won’t Back Down Amazon union Starbucks Workers United ...