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 deb...

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. Sara...

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...

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...

🎙️ 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 pre...

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 ...

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 in...

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. ...

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 ...

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 throug...

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 (https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-us-at-the-supreme-court) (Feb...

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...

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 the...

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 (https://www.rethinkeconomics.org/) Rethinking Economics on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/rethinkecon/?hl=en) R...

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 Bo...

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 ...

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 Williamso...

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 (https://twitter.com/StrikeDebt) Sparky Abraham Twitter (https://twitter.com/spar...

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 (http://www.ryancconnelly.com/) The Navy Band (https://www.navyband.navy.mil/) Ryan on Instagram (https://w...

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 (https://headgum.com/high-and-mighty) 101 Places to Party Before You Die (https://www.trutv.com/shows/101-places-to-party-before-you-die) Action Boyz (https://www.patreon.com/ActionBoyz) The Sweetzer Life (https://www....

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  (https://www.hagia.de/en/matriarchy/) Matriarchal Studies (https://matriarchalstudies.com) Reproducti...

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 (https://...

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 who...

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 (https://www.instagram.com/thedebtcollective/?hl=en) Debt Collective on Twitter (https://twitter.com/StrikeDebt?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5...

This week Shanna chats with the team from Debtless, a nonprofit organization that seeks to uplift the communities in need and create a debt cancellation structure that provides much-needed financial relief to people across the United States. Tina and Corei share their personal experiences with student debt and their journey to learning more about the insidious and predatory debt industry. Refe...

Former guest Ashley Strahm returns with big news — she is student debt free! After a viral LinkedIn announcement about paying the last of her student loans, Ashley sits down with Talia Molé to share how it feels to be debt free, why she still advocates for student debt cancellation and all of the possibilities ahead. References Episode 22: The American Dream (https://matteroflifeanddebt.com/e...

Public health researcher, recent PA Congressional candidate, and student debt cancellation advocate Alexandra Hunt speaks to host Shanna about the burden of student debt on many like herself. Alexandra spoke up about student debt and education reform during her recent political campaign. Listen to what she learned from her own experiences and her campaign! References Alexandra Hunt- Website (...

📣 Special episode! Shanna and Emma speak to comedian and writer River Butcher about the reality and loneliness of having student loans, making life and career decisions based on finances, and the power of the collective good to care 10% more about each other. They also discuss the impact of sharing about student loans on a public platform and the opportunity to build solidarity when student deb...

Shanna speaks with Debt Collective members Thomas Gokey (Debt Collective Co-Founder), Dr. Shamell Bell (Harvard lecturer) and Braxton Brewington (Debt Collective Press Secretary) about their foundational belief in the Rolling Jubilee. The group shares their work with Bennett College to abolish $1.7M in student debt.  References Rolling Jubilee Is a Spark—Not the Solution (https://www.thenatio...

This week Shanna speaks to a panel of economists to bust common myths perpetuated about student loan cancellation. Laura Beamer, Lead Researcher Higher Education Finance, Jain Family Institute, Jalil Bishop, Assistant Professor of Education at Villanova University, and Attorney Sparky Abraham clarify how cancellation would affect the economy, who benefits from cancellation, and why means testin...

Shanna talks to Jennifer Esteen, candidate for California Assembly District 20 about her platform unpinned by behavioral health care, affordable housing, and fully funded public education. Jennifer shares her personal experience with student debt and how she got some of her private student loans discharged through bankruptcy, a seemingly impossible feat!  References JenniferEsteen.com (https:...

After the April 4th Day of Action, President Biden announced another extension of the student loan pause. But what does this mean for student debtors? Host Shanna Bennett speaks to three members of the Debt Collective about what this means, how it's affecting student debtors, and what efforts will continue between now and August 31st. Note from the editor: It is currently disputed as to whethe...

Pick up the pen, Joe! 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, Briahna Joy Gray, Astra...

Three Debt Collective Working Group leaders Thomas Gokey, Jen Lezan, and Fred Bell speak to Shanna Bennet about their teams of volunteers and opportunities for impact in the fight for student debt cancellation. They also share details about the upcoming April 4th Day of Action in front of the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. Visit www.debtcollective.org (http://www.debtcollective.org...

Shanna Bennett speaks to three Debt Collective founders Laura Hannah, Thomas Gokey, and Andrew Ross about the formation of the Debt Collective and how far they’ve come. They also discuss the upcoming Pick Up the Pen, Joe: April 4th Day of Action to challenge the end of the student loan moratorium and demand student loan cancellation in front of the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. R...

This week new host Shanna Bennet speaks to Maddy Clifford about being an artist and entrepreneur who has student debt. Shanna and Maddy discuss the inequity of the student debt burden on black women and how it affects their career choices. Maddy also shares how she got involved with the Debt Collective and the student debt content she creates for TikTok. Read More (https://matteroflifeanddebt.c...

Welcome, Shanna Bennet, the new host of Matter of Life and Debt! Shanna kicks off her new hosting duties in a conversation with Kiyomi Kowalski, who is a diversity and inclusion educator, and a lifelong public servant. Kiyomi talks about why she signed up for the Marine Corps at age 17, paid education being the main motivation, and where she’s at today on her student debt journey.  Read More (...

Fred Bell, Programs and Operations Manager of The Debt Collective speaks with Nikki about how his perspective on debt has evolved since joining the organization. He talks about his passion for direct action and organizing to help communities disproportionately affected by the burden of all types of debt. Fred also shares The Debt Collective’s plans for direct action on April 4th to protest the ...

Political Scientist and public servant Jon Oberg speaks to Nikki about his decades of work investigating fraud in the student loan industry. He has filed suit against nine student loans lenders and studied student financial aid distributions over time. Jon is a panelist in the January 13th Scared to Debt documentary series discussion on How Government Guaranteed Loans Left Generations Drowning ...

Elizabeth Tandy Shermer, Associate Professor of History at Loyola University Chicago speaks with Nikki about her new book, Indentured Students: How Government-Guaranteed Loans Left Generations Drowning in College Debt. Elizabeth takes Nikki through the history of American education and housing reform during the New Deal that landed us in a crisis today. Read More (https://matteroflifeanddebt.co...

This week Carly McCarthy talks to Nikki about her experience navigating a for-profit education to the artist she is today. Carly shares the radically transparent story of the Parent Plus loans that are overwhelming her family and explains why student debt is specifically a queer issue.  Read More

This week Nikki speaks to meteorologist April Vogt about her decade-long journey to graduate from college with as little accumulated student debt as possible while also pursuing her career ambitions. April talks about her personal interest in meteorology and the importance of education to her personal and global goals. Read More (https://matteroflifeanddebt.com/episode-31-chasing-the-storm/)

Braxton Brewington, Press Secretary of the Debt Collective explains what we know about President Biden’s heavily redacted and unreleased student debt memo obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. He breaks down the Debt Collective’s position on the President’s legal authority to cancel student debt. Read More (https://matteroflifeanddebt.com/the-student-debt-cancellation-memo/)

Writer and product marketing manager Miranda speaks to Nikki about her evolving relationship with student debt and how it shaped her career choices. Miranda believes in transparency around money and conversations that help us increase financial confidence and wellness. She also shares an experience with student loan scammers and examines the vulnerability that exists when we imagine a future wi...

Life-long academic Kim Baker shares her experience navigating the Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness system and recently achieved student debt cancellation. Kim tells Nikki about listening to the experiences of others with student debt that inspired her to take action on her own. Kim’s years in academia are intrinsically tied to her student debt not only in the monetary cost but...

Musician and activist Reggie Harris uses his art to build community, share the burden of our challenges, and enact social change. He discusses the intersectionality of activism and the history of our country to exercise our rights as Americans. This week he shares his experience as a co-signer of a student loan that doesn’t even belong to him. Reggie is featured in the upcoming Scared to Debt d...

From Scared to Debt to Action, Nikki moderates a panel for Sallie Mae Not, the first episode of the Scared to Debt documentary series. Nikki asks panelists Alan Collinge, founder of Student Loan Justice, Reggie Harris, musician and educator, and Mike McGuirk, activist, and founder of Bliss Factory about their personal experiences as student debt borrowers. The panel discusses the current activi...

Nikki checks back in with Alisha from the “All Debt, No Degree” episode. Alisha has transformed her relationship with her loan repayment and tackled the student debt monster that previously controlled her life. Over the last two years, Alisha has faced the details of her loans head-on and refinanced her loans with a change of jobs and city. Alisha shares her reflections and lessons learned as ...

StudentLoanJustice.org founder Alan Collinge speaks to Nikki about the lack of consumer protections for student loan borrowers and the introduction of two bankruptcy bills that he believes are the first necessary step toward student loan cancellation. Alan explains how Congress and President Biden can work in tandem to reset a predatory lending system and reimagine a more equitable system for A...