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.

Keywords: USAID, US foreign aid, humanitarian assistance, soft diplomacy, global influence, health programs, economic development, democracy promotion, disaster relief, national security, international development, USAID workforce, foreign policy, international aid, global health, development programs, Matriarchy

Enjoy an exclusive bonus - the director's cut of author and journalist Nora Neus' origin story! Hear the full story of how opportunity meets preparation with her incredible story behind how she landed an internship with CNN at the mere age of 20 and launched a career at the forefront of modern history through ethical journalism.

#CNN #AndersonCooper #NoraNeus #ethicaljournalism #TheMatriarchy

Journalist and author Nora Neus joins the podcast to discuss frontline reporting, democracy, and ethical journalism. A former CNN reporter, Neus has covered major world events including the January 6th Insurrection, the Charlottesville riots, the Uvalde school shooting, and on-the-ground reporting in Ukraine. Her new book, 24 Hours At The Capitol, is an oral history marking the five-year anniversary of January 6. Tune in for a powerful conversation on current events, media responsibility, and telling the truth without losing our humanity.

#NoraNeus #Longformlab #January 6 #CapitolInsurrection #AmericanDemocracy #EthicalJournalism #TheMatriarchy