Matter of Life and Debt

• Temporary Hiatus

  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 [email protected] or by leaving a voicemail at 510-479-0323. The podcast aims to return soon with updates.

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• 70: Debt Constrained

  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 on her life, relationships, and plans for the future. While still carrying student loans herself, Bri remains committed to expanding the organization’s impact through avenues like a new podcast, conference events, a financial literacy app for kids, and more. Despite ongoing challenges, she aims to help millions of debt-burdened individuals and drive systemic change in predatory lending practices. Trigger warning: we briefly discuss suicide, sexual assault, and sexual violence References  The Prosp(a)rity Project UnDEBTfeated Episode 12: The Prosp(A)rity Project Alex Kearns

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• 69: Three Years!

  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 reflects on how her views on her student loans have changed, especially now that the art school she attended has declared bankruptcy. She discusses taking a more spiritual approach to considering what she actually owes. After the insightful interview, Talia, Shanna, and Nikki discuss how Sarah’s perspective uniquely highlights the complexity of people’s relationships with student debt. To close out the celebratory episode, the hosts share what brings them joy right now - improved health, upcoming events, fall weather, and the community built over the podcast’s 3-year journey. Join them for a thoughtful and uplifting conversation! References: Education Department punishes student loan servicer for billing mistakes Theatre Activism Troupe: Art Activism Festival Overview Debt Collective Events Sarah's Instagram Sarah's Podcast The Side Woo Art Date with Sarah Thibault (Substack) Panel Talk on Unblocking Creativity with The Side Woo Live @ the ICA SF November 5, 3-5pm PT  Student Debt Release Tool

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• 68: Inside the Debt Release Tool

  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 -In The Red: Out of the Darkness Thousands of Borrowers File Appeals as Student Loan Payments Loom How the Government Cancelled Betty Ann’s Debts The Aging Student Debtors of America B**** Better Have Our Money

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• 67: Higher Ed For All Coalition

  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 united by a common cause – promoting accessibility and affordability in higher education. Join us for an engaging conversation that takes you deep into their journey and the inspiring work of the Higher Ed For All Coalition in Massachusetts. Discover how this coalition is advocating for debt-free public higher education, aiming to make a transformative impact on students, faculty, and the community as a whole. You’ll gain insights into the passion and dedication fueling this movement. Learn how their initiatives are not only shaping the future of education in Massachusetts but also paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive system across the country. References How the Government Cancelled Betty Ann’s Debts The Aging Student Debtors of America B**** Better Have Our Money The Fair Share Amendment Is Working (Budget) Community College in MA now free for 25 and older MA residents Elizabeth Warren and Ayanna Pressley’s letter along with close to 90 other Congressional Dems to Biden calling for swift and broader action on student debt relief The Western Mass Area Labor Federation’s rally last weekend calling for full student debt relief

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