Maternal health in the United States is in crisis — and improving maternal health must start with addressing the disparities facing Black mothers. Black maternal health outcomes remain significantly worse than those of other groups, with Black women experiencing higher maternal mortality rates and more severe complications. Postpartum depression, one of the most common complications of childbirth, is a critical and often overlooked part of this maternal health emergency.

In this episode, we explore how postpartum depression and maternal mental health directly influence maternal health outcomes from pregnancy through the first year after birth. Untreated postpartum depression doesn’t just affect mood — it impacts physical recovery, chronic stress, bonding, breastfeeding, and long-term maternal health. When maternal mental health is ignored, overall maternal health suffers.

Dr. Karen Sheffield-Abdullah, a maternal health researcher and co-investigator for the MomGenes study, shares how new research is advancing more personalized approaches to postpartum depression care. We discuss how genetics, lived experience, stress, and structural inequities intersect — especially in Black maternal health — and why culturally responsive research is essential to improving maternal health outcomes for all communities.

We break down what postpartum depression (PPD) is, how it differs from the “baby blues,” and the early warning signs to watch for in the first 2–6 weeks postpartum. We also examine how systemic barriers in screening, diagnosis, and access to care disproportionately affect Black maternal health and contribute to preventable maternal mortality in the United States.

You’ll gain practical, evidence-based tools to support maternal mental health, including stress regulation strategies, mindfulness practices, and actionable ways partners, families, doulas, and clinicians can better support maternal health during pregnancy and the fourth trimester.

If you care about reducing postpartum depression, strengthening maternal health, and advancing Black maternal health equity, this episode offers insight, solutions, and a clear call to improve outcomes for mothers across the United States.

Postpartum depression

• Maternal health

• Maternal mental health

• Black maternal health

• Maternal mortality United States

• Perinatal mental health

• Pregnancy mental health

• Postpartum recovery

• Fourth trimester

• Women’s health

  #BrookeShields

In this powerful episode, forgotten stories of women and communities impacted by World War II in the Pacific are brought to light. From the tragedy of Chinese comfort women and systemic sexual slavery to the horrors of Unit 731 and the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, the discussion explores hidden WWII Pacific war crimes that continue to shape the present.

Through the work of Jenny Chan, Director of Pacific Atrocities Education, more than one million pages of declassified documents from the U.S. National Archives have been carefully reviewed and scanned, uncovering new evidence about overlooked war crimes in the Pacific Theater of World War II. This extensive research has resulted in several books focused on underrepresented histories, including violence against women, human experimentation, and civilian suffering during WWII.

The episode examines why these untold narratives matter today, how historical memory influences modern conversations about justice and accountability, and what can be learned from survivors’ experiences. With experience hosting discussions featuring guests such as bestselling author James Bradley, this conversation highlights how thoughtful dialogue about World War II history can inspire education, awareness, and meaningful change.

Listeners interested in WWII history, Pacific Theater war crimes, women’s history, human rights, and historical justice will gain deeper insight into stories that demand to be remembered.

World War II

Pacific Theater

Pacific War Crimes

Comfort Women

Unit 731

Women in WWII

Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong

Human Rights History

WWII Atrocities

Meet Kimber Bishop-Yanke, founder of Kids Empowered on the Move. Kimber is taking action against homelessness and showing how everyday people—especially kids—can make a real difference in their own communities.

In this inspiring podcast episode, we talk about empowering youth, helping people experiencing homelessness, and building stronger, more compassionate communities—one act of kindness at a time. 🎧
Whether you’re a parent, educator, community leader, or someone looking to create positive change, this conversation will leave you motivated and ready to take action.

👉 Listen now and get inspired to lead with heart and purpose.

Kids Empowered on the Move, Kimber Bishop-Yanke, youth empowerment, kids helping the homeless, homelessness awareness, community impact, social good, nonprofit leadership, women founders, women rising, matriarchy, youth activism, helping the community, compassion in action, inspiring podcasts

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.

@goldcomedy, @lynn harris, #comedy, #intonya, @therealtonyaharding, #margotrobbie, @allisonjanney, @allisonbjanney, #Girls5eva, #badaxe, #badaxefilm, #hannahgadsbynanette #hannahgadsby #hannahgadsbydouglas @badaxefilm @zarnagarg @tinaamytour #Bechdel #FeministMondays #WomenInFilm #HeForShe, #MenTakeAS tand, #DontStandBy #AskHerMore #PressForProgress #WhatAboutUs #Makers #ForAllWomenAndGirls #AllMenCan, #thematriarchy