How To Fix America’s Maternal Health Crisis and Fight For Reproductive Freedom

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Abortion Bans Have Delayed Emergency Medical Care. In Georgia, Experts Say This Mother’s Death Was Preventable (ProPublica)
The19thNews.Org

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

about a year ago 50:11

MP3•एपिसोड होम

Giving birth in the United States can be dangerous – but it doesn’t have to be. Stacey talks to Representative Jennifer McClellan of Virginia about the disparities in maternal health outcomes in the U.S. and policies to expand access to reproductive healthcare and affordable childcare. Then, Stacey welcomes ProPublica reporter Kavitha Surana to discuss her story on the deadly impact new state abortion bans are already having on pregnant people – and the importance of sharing these stories.

We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Learn More:

The Only Doctor (PBS)

Black Maternal Health Caucus

The Momnibus

31 एपिसोडस

#Society #Crooked Medias

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

How To Fix America’s Maternal Health Crisis and Fight For Reproductive Freedom

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

171 subscribers

published about a year ago

साझा करें

MP3•एपिसोड होम

We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Learn More:

Abortion Bans Have Delayed Emergency Medical Care. In Georgia, Experts Say This Mother’s Death Was Preventable (ProPublica)
The19thNews.Org

The Only Doctor (PBS)

Black Maternal Health Caucus

The Momnibus

31 एपिसोडस

#Society #Crooked Medias

सभी एपिसोड

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
How John Legend Learned To Forgive His Mother (From Your Mama's Kitchen) 43:42

4 days ago43:42

43:42

Sharing another podcast we can’t get enough of: Your Mama’s Kitchen. It’s a show about cuisine and culture, ingredients and identities, and the meals and memories that make us who we are. Host Michele Norris talks to Michelle Obama, Glennon Doyle, Gayle King and so many other guests about the complexities of family life and how their earliest culinary experiences helped shape their personal and professional lives. And of course, each guest shares a recipe for a favorite dish from their youth so you can taste a bit of their story. In this episode, singer John Legend takes us back to his roots in Springfield, Ohio, where he was an academic overachiever and a musical prodigy. John opens up about his early rocky relationship with his mother and how, over time, they came together to nurture one beautiful family. Plus, we learn how to make his mama's special mac & cheese. Listen to Your Mama’s Kitchen wherever you get your podcasts. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
Why Trump’s Attack on Veterans Weakens America 59:50

11 days ago59:50

59:50

Our nation’s veterans are being disproportionately impacted by the Trump administration’s assault on government agencies, from cuts to the VA, to job and funding reductions across the board. Not only have Republicans turned their backs on those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, they are also doing damage to a constituency that was already underserved. Stacey is joined by Jason Kander, an Afghanistan Veteran and former Secretary of State of Missouri to talk through the needs of veterans on everything from healthcare to housing. Then Stacey speaks to Laila Ireland, a transgender Army veteran and member of SPARTA Pride, about how Trump’s dehumanizing attacks on LGBTQIA+ service members degrade the effectiveness of our military and erode our core values. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Learn & Do More: Check out or support organizations like Veterans Community Project , which builds tiny houses for veterans in need, and visit SPARTA pride which provides essential resources for transgender people who currently serve or have previously served in the military. If you’re a veteran or know a veteran who has recently been fired due to mass layoffs, check out The Public Service Alliance for support in fighting back or finding new employment. Keep up to date by reading trusted sources like the Associated Press, the New York Times, and visiting CNN’s handy resource to track cuts to the federal workforce.…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
Decoding Trump’s Address to Congress w/ Jen Psaki 1:03:21

18 days ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Trump’s speech to a joint chamber of Congress was the longest in history, clocking in at nearly 100 minutes. Instead of providing viable solutions to problems like our affordability crisis or the current trade war , he used his platform to push his ongoing dangerous narrative on immigration, crime, and transgender rights. Stacey is joined by Jen Psaki, Host of MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki” and the MSNBC original podcast “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki” to recap, respond, and strategize ways that Democrats, and average citizens can prepare for the additional chaos to come and push back. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Learn & Do More: Keep yourself informed. To understand what’s true and what’s not from Trump’s speech, visit politifact.com or the Associated Press . Make your voice heard. There’s a great toolkit for the week of Congressional recess at https://indivisible.org/muskorus Mutual aid remains an excellent way to "do good" in your community. As prices rise due to Trump's policies, making it even harder for families to make ends meet, consider visiting your local food bank or shelter and volunteering or making a donation.…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
Trump’s Crypto Presidency: What It Means For You 1:00:21

25 days ago1:00:21

1:00:21

President Trump’s affinity for crypto currency has emerged as another vehicle for profit and peddling influence. On today’s episode, we break down the basics of crypto and how the industry infiltrated Trump's world, unpacks the ways this administration is creating a friendly environment for this unregulated market in ways that might impact our economy more broadly, and questions its ethics. Stacey is joined by Zeke Faux, investigative reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek, and Annie Lowrey, staff writer at The Atlantic, to explore the good, the bad, and the gray areas of digital currency. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Learn & Do More: · If you want to learn more about cryptocurrency and its newly entwined relationship with our government, check out both Annie and Zeke’s work at Bloomberg and The Atlantic . · If you are considering, or know someone else who is thinking of investing in cryptocurrency or other high-risk assets, prioritize safety. Invest in what you understand—avoid following trends blindly. Always research companies, funds, or assets before committing your money—and encourage other people in your life, especially those who may be most vulnerable to financial losses, to do the same. · Start asking questions of your elected officials. Since we’re showing up in their inboxes and at their town halls, put them to the test. Ask about their positions on crypto and pay attention to how they respond. We have a number of urgent issues, but truly can’t afford to let this one escape our attention or theirs.…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
Don’t Let Trump’s Cuts Destroy the Government That Works For You 52:47

5 weeks ago52:47

52:47

Another week, another Trump admin scheme to cripple the government—this time by targeting the very workers who keep it running, from food inspectors to mail carriers to those serving in our military. On today’s episode, Stacey breaks down Trump’s mass firing of probationary government employees and how these layoffs could soon ripple across entire sectors. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, joins to break down who’s being affected and why the blunt force tool Republicans are using in the name of efficiency, will backfire. Stacey and Liz talk about why unions matter more than ever in a shaky labor market and how we all need to stand up for workforce protections. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Learn & Do More: If you have the time, read about labor history. One of Stacey’s favorites is: Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present, and Future of American Labor by Steven Greenhouse. You can also watch a classic film on labor like Norma Rae starring Sally Field. The reason unions exist is to advocate for workers and give them collective power. So if you’re aware of mistreatment at a workplace or people being taken advantage of, maybe it’s time to become an organizer—or simply help someone advocate for themselves. There is power in speaking up and helping others find support. To learn how to better lift up your voice, check out Unite & Win: The Workplace Organizer’s Handbook or visit workerorganizing.org . It’s designed for labor organizing, but the tips can help anyone. If you have been impacted by the workforce reduction, join the AFL-CIO’s new campaign for workers and share your story at deptofpeoplewhowork.org A special call to action: Visit VowForGirls.org to raise awareness, fund change, and help girls take control of their futures. Ending forced child marriages is an important but overlooked cause – this is a fate that 12 million girls across the world face every year.…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
How Trump Is Selling Out America to Elon Musk 56:14

6 weeks ago56:14

56:14

A league of unextraordinary gentlemen has taken over the White House. This week, Stacey breaks down how Donald Trump has allowed Elon Musk and his squad of young DOGE staffers to have unprecedented access to the federal government. Wired editor Leah Feiger joins Stacey to explain how she and her team of reporters uncovered how DOGE infiltrated the Treasury department, the potential security and privacy implications, and how AI fits into the equation. Then, Stacey sits down with University of Pennsylvania law professor and Strict Scrutiny co-host Kate Shaw to tackle the question on everyone’s mind: how is any of this legal? Also, be sure to listen for a special message from Stacey on how to manage our response to crisis—so we can stay informed, cut through disinformation, and fight back. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show. Learn & Do More: To stay informed about everything that’s going on with Doge, Musk, and Trump’s billionaire bandits, make sure to follow the reporting from Leah and her incredible team at Wired, as well as the other news sites she shouted out like 404 Media, Teen Vogue, and Rolling Stone. If you want to continue to learn about the questionable legality of the Trump administration’s actions, listen to Strict Scrutiny, co-hosted by our amazing guest Kate Shaw. A critical way to use your voice is to uplift stories like the ones we covered so they don’t get drowned out in the intentional chaos. If this resonated with you, tell someone—a friend, relative, colleague—even post it to your socials. Don’t let stories like this fade. Support organizations like Democracy Forward, State Democracy Defenders, and The Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection that are filing lawsuits to challenge Musk's unprecedented government takeover.…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
How To Fight Trump’s Anti-American Agenda on Immigration and Refugees 1:00:06

7 weeks ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Trump's immigration crackdown is in full force. Three weeks in, he’s signed 10 executive orders targeting everyone from migrants attempting to cross the border to refugees seeking asylum from their war-torn countries. This week, Stacey Abrams dives deep with two expert guests. Nayna Gupta, Director of Policy at the American Immigration Council, breaks down how immigrants already in the US are being affected, the rise in ICE raids, what a humane immigration system should look like, and how to empower those at risk by knowing our rights. Then, Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, explains why America’s stance on asylum and refugees is at the core of who we are as a country and how the world sees us. He debunks viral disinformation about federal aid, discusses the importance of saving USAID and refugee resettlement programs against attack, and shines a light on how polling confirms Americans are in fact welcoming to immigrants. Together, they explain why we should harness a shared vision for our country with immigration as a vital part. Stacey also answers a listener question about how people can form citizen action groups in their local areas. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show. Learn & Do More: To understand more about undocumented immigration, asylum seekers, refugees, and how to know your rights against ICE, visit organizations dedicated to each issue for further insight. This includes Refugees International’s Advocacy Lab , the American Immigration Council, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Cente r. The National Domestic Workers Alliance also has a helpful guide to know your rights and to prepare yourself. At a time of heightened anti-immigrant rhetoric influencing all members of Congress, it is even more important they know that you support your immigrant friends and neighbors - on both sides of the aisle. Write and call your members of Congress. The Congressional switchboard number is 202-224-3121. Give them your state & zip code and ask to be transferred to your representative and Senators. Please also contact your state and city government to advocate for better policies at the local level. If you want to help refugees resettle in the US, find an organization in your home state that does this work, like a local mutual aid group. Remember, these are families who have left everything behind. You can help with donations or by volunteering your time—whatever you have the capacity for.…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
Cory Booker On Winning the Messaging War Against Trump with Radical Empathy 54:35

8 weeks ago54:35

54:35

President Donald Trump’s first 100 days are well underway, implementing ruthless and legally questionable executive orders, eviscerating American political norms, and filling government positions with loyalists. This week, Stacey Abrams speaks to Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who speaks unabashedly about why Democrats must strive to reach more Americans, how he approaches working across the aisle on issues that matter, and what we can do to fight back and fight for all Americans. Together, Stacey and Sen. Booker give concrete suggestions on how to support elected officials and organizations doing the work that matters, how to speak up about Trump’s Cabinet nominations, and how even small steps like amplifying democrats through social media can help expose more people to critical information. They also answer a listener’s question about how to communicate effectively with your elected representative! For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show. Learn & Do More: The most effective letters from constituents to their elected officials are creative, heartfelt, and detailed. Don't underestimate your power -- organizing with like-minded individuals around a shared message does make an impact. Do a social media audit: who are you following? Are there elected officials you admire who you can add to the list? What are you sharing and posting? Could it be more positive, engaging, and helpful? Send $1 today to an organization working on an issue you care about.…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
Defeating Trump’s Chaos Playbook with Our New Age of Insistence 1:00:38

9 weeks ago1:00:38

1:00:38

Donald Trump has been inaugurated for a second term as President, and the “blitzkrieg” of orders, insults and rhetoric has already begun. Stacey Abrams speaks to Melissa Murray, host of Crooked’s legal podcast Strict Scrutiny and constitutional law professor at NYU, about how much Trump can actually do unilaterally and why his actions–like his order about TikTok–threaten the balance of power between the branches of government. They look at the true impact of using shock and chaos to govern–like his order about renaming Denali–and why we should be concerned about the new “broligarchy” that stood behind Trump at his inauguration. Stacey and Melissa explain the executive orders that run afoul of the 14th Amendment, like the end to birthright citizenship and new government policy on gender, and together, they showcase ways that we can continue to understand what’s coming so we can effectively speak out. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show. Learn & Do More: Listen to Crooked’s Strict Scrutiny Sign up for Sherrilyn Ifill’s Substack Get involved with local and state organizations working on an issue you care about Check in with friends and family…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
Why DEI Scares Trump and Project 2025 and Why It Should 56:02

10 weeks ago56:02

56:02

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is being weaponized by Donald Trump and Project 2025 and right-wing activists. That's because DEI has been around since the start of the country, opening doors of opportunity for millions of Americans, correcting past wrongs, and, crucially, benefiting everyone. In this episode, Stacey Abrams speaks with Kenji Yoshino, director of NYU’s Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and a constitutional law professor, about why we should clearly define, defend, and expand DEI. They explain who is covered, counter the misinformation about how DEI works, and advocate for DEI as a necessary tool for the future for the country. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show. Learn & Do More: Sign up for updates from American Pride Rises at aprnetwork.org Find risk assessment resources from the Meltzer Center at advancingdei.meltzercenter.org Check out Nicholas Confessore’s thorough reporting on DEI opposition for The New York Times…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
How to Save the Environment from Trump and Project 2025 48:51

11 weeks ago48:51

48:51

In his first term, Donald Trump pulled out of the global Paris Climate Accords and rolled back over 100 regulations impacting the safety of our air, water, and environment at large. As we prepare for Trump’s second term, Stacey Abrams speaks to Tik Root, Senior Staff Writer at Grist, about what protections and milestones are most at risk, which elements of the Inflation Reduction Act have bipartisan appeal, and how much Congress and the courts could play a role in slowing Trump’s fossil fuel agenda. They also discuss actionable ways that individuals can monitor their environmental safety and climate impact within their communities and homes. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show. Learn & Do More: Read Tik and his colleagues’ climate reporting at Grist.org Do research to identify climate and environmental issues that are impacting your community Look out for incentives like tax rebates to reduce your energy costs and upgrade your appliances…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
Do You See What I See? Building AI for All of Us 46:28

13 weeks ago46:28

46:28

In the face of unbridled AI development and incoming President Trump’s close advisors who happen to be big investors in AI, it’s more important than ever to raise the alarm about areas of concern. Stacey Abrams speaks to Joy Buolamwini, the AI researcher and artist who brought to national attention the way bias is coded into artificial intelligence, particularly in facial recognition technology – what Buolamwini coined the “coded gaze.” They discuss what we should know about the pitfalls and potentials of AI today, and Buolamwini invites listeners to join the ongoing mission of the Algorithmic Justice League to raise awareness about the impact of AI and how we can all contribute to a more equitable use of the technology. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show. Learn & Do More: Watch Coded Bias on Netflix Order Joy Buolamwini’s book Unmasking AI Join the Algorithmic Justice League…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
How to Combat Project 2025’s Dangerous Prescription for Public Health 52:16

14 weeks ago52:16

52:16

Stacey speaks to Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist, epidemiologist and editor at large for public health at KFF Health News, about the threats to public health with the incoming Trump Administration. They talk through Trump’s appointees for the nation’s top health and science agencies like RFK Jr., how to bring scientific thinking back to policy making, and how to differentiate between public health and individual healthcare. Then Stacey explains how to make change by “power-mapping” an issue, finding out who is responsible for the problem, who has jurisdiction over it, and who is already thinking and talking about solutions. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show. Learn & Do More: Check out KFF Health News to get health news and read about health policy research, and sign up for their newsletters at KFF.Org/Email Begin Power Mapping and researching the issue you care about most. Who is already thinking about this? Who is responsible for addressing it in your state or local government? Let’s get to work!…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
How to Stand Up to Project 2025 and Save Public Education 51:45

15 weeks ago51:45

51:45

Stacey talks to Kate Nazemi, a local education activist and parent, and Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution, about the future of public education during a second Trump Administration. They break down Project 2025’s education policy prescriptions, the threats to the Department of Education, and what changes a President can and cannot make. Then, they discuss how to best get involved at the local level to make change in your community – from attending local school board meetings, to writing to your local representatives. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show. Learn & Do More: Check out the work of Advocates For Inclusive Education @afiebucks on Instagram, or at their website Make a list of people in your network and community that are working to do good, or could be potential partners for good. Follow the work of Jon Valant and The Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution , or check out Chalkbeat , a nonprofit newsroom devoted to covering education across the United States.…

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1
How We Can Take Democracy Back with Ballot Initiatives 48:26

16 weeks ago48:26