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

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 our hot takes on how to make the most of this time while not sacrificing your own mental health.

Stay tuned for more adventures with The Matriarchy! Cheers to a year full of peace and happiness.

After 9/11, the world was fragile and bleak. Days went by where time stood still. We did not know how to react. And then the satire site The Onion did the unthinkable - made us laugh again. A small return to normal, or at least a "new normal". Our guest Lynn Harris recounts her experiences - and her interview with The Onion's writers.

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.

Our conversation highlights practical, community-driven actions that anyone can take, like how to speak up for better transit options, and getting involved in local planning meetings so decisions truly reflect residents’ needs.

Listeners will leave not only understanding how transportation, education, and housing shape one another, but also feeling empowered to organize, vote, show up, and push for changes that make movement, learning, and living accessible for all.

#TransitEquity #TransportationJustice #CivicEngagement #VoteDetroit #EquityInAction #CommunityPower #MobilityIsARight #Matriarchy #ModernMatriarch #MatriarchMindset #WomenWhoLead #MatriarchMovement #WomenUpliftingWomen #SheLeads #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen #LeadLikeAWoman

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.

#Girls5eva #hannahgadsbynanette #hannahgadsby #hannahgadsbydouglas @badaxefilm @zarnagarg @tinaamytour #Bechdel #FeministMondays #WomenInFilm #HeForShe, #MenTakeAS tand, #DontStandBy #AskHerMore #PressForProgress #WhatAboutUs #Makers #ForAllWomenAndGirls #AllMenCan

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.

Subscribe now and join the conversation.#thematriarchypodcast #SNAPBenefits #foodaccessforall #communitymatters