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 [email protected] 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 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

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!

Art Date with Sarah Thibault (Substack)

Panel Talk on Unblocking Creativity with The Side Woo Live @ the ICA SF November 5, 3-5pm PT 

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.

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.

🎙️ 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 episodes. Find us on your favorite streaming platforms or visit our website for the full archive. We're here to provide valuable information, empowering stories, and actionable steps to navigate the complex landscape of student debt.

We'll be back to continue our journey towards a future where student debt is no longer a barrier to a fulfilling life. Thank you for listening! 

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 millions face as payments resume. But that’s not all! Discover how Thomas, Luke, and the Debt Collective are fighting against this injustice. Learn about their strategies, successes, and how you can get involved. Let’s unite, reach out to local politicians, and join the movement for debt cancellation. Together, we can pave the way for an equitable education system. Don’t miss out on this eye-opening episode with our incredible guests!

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 information. The Republicans are attempting to kill the payment pause and cancellation through the Congressional Review Act, which could also increase account balances and revoke public service loan forgiveness. Thomas emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and urges listeners to contact their representatives and the White House to express concerns. The Department of Education’s proposed restart date of June 30th is seen as confusing and raises questions about political-strategic motives. Thomas also discusses a 14-page report that challenges the legal standing of the lawsuit against student debt relief, highlighting flawed claims made by MOHELA, a student loan servicer. The report questions the lack of verification and basic levels of discovery in the lawsuit’s progression.

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. Furthermore, we discuss the positive changes she has experienced since becoming debt-free, including waking up with a smile on her face. Lastly, we highlight upcoming events for listeners to participate in and share some of our current sources of joy.

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 miss out on this informative and enjoyable episode. Tune in now!

Conservative Author Totally Freezes Up When Pressed to Define ‘Woke’ (Daily Beast)

As Supreme Court Considers Student Loan Forgiveness, States May Expand Their Programs (PEW)

Q&A: The New Student Loan Income-Driven Repayment Waiver (Nerd Wallet)

SoFi Bank sues to block Biden’s student loan payment pause (AP)