What happens when federal policy changes land squarely on the doorstep of local government? In this episode of Momarchy, we sit down with Julie Duran-Mullica, Adams County Commissioner and mom of three, to break down the recent Medicaid changes that are about to impact millions of families across the country.

We explore what these policy shifts actually mean in plain English, why your county commissioner might be more important than you think, and how extreme politics at every level is making it harder to have basic conversations about healthcare. Julie also explains why reaching out to your local officials really does make a difference.

Julie Duran-Mullica has spent years in public health and local leadership as an Adams County Commissioner. She's a fierce advocate for affordable housing, childcare, and community safety who believes in the power of regional partnerships and storytelling to drive policy change.

We Discuss:

00:59 - Rapid fire questions: from bookworm kid to Taylor Swift campaign songs

07:38 - What a county commissioner actually does (and why it matters)

11:35 - Breaking down the Medicaid changes in mom-speak

14:30 - New work requirements and what they mean for families

16:47 - How these changes affect pregnant women and new moms

18:40 - What families should do right now to prepare

20:35 - How extreme politics led us to cutting healthcare for millions

23:22 - Your first step to getting politically involved (hint: it starts with coffee)

28:46 - Success stories of community members creating real change

33:11 - Ask a Millennial Mom: Hair rules, screen time balance, and TikTok parenting hacks

45:13 - Finding positivity and ways to help in your own community

Learn more about:

Tanya Nathan is a political campaign and communications strategist with over a decade of experience in progressive campaigns and advocacy. Currently a Principal at a nationally-based grasstops consulting firm, she's a Denver native living with her 8-month-old daughter, husband, and their rescue pets. Her hobbies include crosswords, mezcal tasting, and trying to sleuth out who's going to be on Love is Blind Denver.

Sarah Andrews is a political strategist living in rural Colorado with her husband and two young kids. When she's not managing campaigns or chasing toddlers, she's passionate about women's rights, childcare policy, and creating space for honest political conversations that don't end in shouting matches.

Website: momarchypodcast.com

Substack: https://substack.com/@momarchy

Instagram: @themomarchypodcast

TikTok: @momarchypod

Email: [email protected]

Find more from Julie Duran Mullica:

Website: https://www.juliemullica.com/