Episodes

  • Temporary Hiatus

    Temporary Hiatus
    Jan 5 2024
    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.
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    1 min
  • 70: Debt Constrained

    70: Debt Constrained
    Dec 7 2023
    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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    52 mins
  • 69: Three Years!

    69: Three Years!
    Nov 2 2023
    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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    54 mins
  • 68: Inside the Debt Release Tool

    68: Inside the Debt Release Tool
    Oct 5 2023
    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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    34 mins
  • 67: Higher Ed For All Coalition

    67: Higher Ed For All Coalition
    Aug 31 2023
    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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    57 mins
  • 67: We will be back soon!

    67: We will be back soon!
    Jul 11 2023
    🎙️ 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! 
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    1 min
  • 66: Unmasking the Student Loan Crisis

    66: Unmasking the Student Loan Crisis
    Jun 9 2023
    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!

    • SCHOLARS FOR A NEW DEAL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
    • Luke Herrine
    • Student Debt Update Call Jun 15, 2023 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm EDT
    • Debt Collective Events
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    49 mins
  • 65: Flawed Legal Arguments

    65: Flawed Legal Arguments
    May 25 2023
    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.

    References:
    • The Willow Project Promises a Worse Future for Alaska—And for Earth
    • House votes to repeal Biden’s student debt relief plan
    • The Suit Against Student Debt Relief Doesn’t Add Up: Flawed Claims of Legal Standing in Biden v. Nebraska
    • Join the Debt Collective
    • Debt Collective Events
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    35 mins