Caregiving is essential. So why does it feel so impossible to afford?

In this episode, we’re joined by Sondra Goldschein, Executive Director of the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, for a conversation that blends personal experience with the bigger picture of caregiving policy in the U.S.

We dive into childcare costs, paid family leave, and why the U.S. still doesn’t have a guaranteed federal policy in place. In our “Make It Make Sense” spirit, we unpack how policy, economics, and everyday life collide for families trying to balance it all.

We explore the rising cost of childcare often comparable to major household expenses and the challenges behind it, from childcare deserts to workforce dynamics. Sondra also shares her own experiences with caregiving, offering a personal lens on issues many families are navigating today.

What will it take to move these conversations forward both in everyday life and at the policy level and make caregiving a bigger part of the national conversation?

New York Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000010708448/vermont-affordable-childcare-act-76.html?smid=url-share

Family Friendly Economy: https://familyfriendlyeconomy.org/

(0:00) - Intro

(0:41) - Weekly life updates

(3:16) - Pop culture: Oscars & new TV shows

(6:02) - Costco offering affordable fertility treatments

(7:52) - Kristi Noem fired / New DHS pick

(10:55) - Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales scandal

(14:15) - Pardon My Reaction clips

(19:42) - Women's History Month: Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler

(22:58) - Guest: Sandra Goldin on the family economy crisis

(44:30) - DGAF segment: Unfiltered mom talk

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 year old daughter, husband, and their rescue pets. Her hobbies include crosswords, mezcal tasting, and trying to find people to talk to about Traitors.

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

YouTube: @momarchy

Substack: @momarchy

Instagram: @momarchypodcast

TikTok: @momarchypodcast

Email: momarchypodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The State of the Union makes big promises. We’re here to talk about what they actually mean.

In this episode of Momarchy, we react to Trump’s second State of the Union of the term and break down the themes and claims that stood out most. In our “Make It Make Sense” segment, we walk through five key takeaways from the speech, starting with the administration’s optimistic economic messaging and how it compares to what many families are experiencing right now with affordability challenges, layoffs, and tariffs.

We also discuss the speech’s focus on immigration and crime, looking at how statistics and rhetoric shape the broader political conversation. From there, we unpack proposals around prescription drug pricing and why the plan raised questions about how it would realistically move forward without clear support from Congress. The conversation also touches on the “Delilah law” and how cases like this are being used to frame the narrative around undocumented immigrants.

Another major topic is the SAVE Act, which we examine through the lens of voter access and the potential complications it could create—particularly for married women whose legal documents may not match after name changes. We also discuss escalating tensions with Iran and concerns about U.S. military planning.

To close the episode, we highlight a story for Women’s History Month: Mary Surratt, a Washington, D.C., boardinghouse owner who was convicted of participating in the conspiracy that led to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. She became the first woman executed by the U.S. federal government. Surratt maintained her innocence until her death, and historians continue to debate how much she actually knew about the plot.

(0:00) Intro

(1:50) Pop Culture Updates

(1:57) The Traitors Finale & Rob's Win

(4:08) Connor Bedard Hosts SNL / Women's Hockey

(6:23) Ashley Tisdale's Toxic Mom Group Article

(12:04) Iran & Pete Hegseth

(15:50) Shoutouts & Subscribe

(16:21) Make It Make Sense: State of the Union Edition

(34:18) Pardon My Politics: Reactions to the SOTU

(37:34) Women's History: Mary Surratt

(40:52) Hot or Not: Millennial Mom Edition

(45:08) Closing & Outro

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 year old daughter, husband, and their rescue pets. Her hobbies include crosswords, mezcal tasting, and trying to find people to talk to about Traitors.

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

YouTube: @momarchy

Substack: @momarchy

Instagram: @momarchypodcast

TikTok: @momarchypodcast

Email: momarchypodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The State of the Union was long, but when the applause fades, what actually changes for families?

In this episode, we’re joined by Oregon Congresswoman Rep. Janelle Bynum, mom of four, small business owner, and former state legislator, for a conversation that moves beyond political theater and into real life. Janelle shares why she first ran for office in 2016 to fight for fully funded school years, and how she balances serving in Congress with running a family restaurant and raising four kids.

We talk about governing in what can feel like two different Americas, and why she believes Democrats need to drop “purity tests” and refocus on kitchen-table economics: housing, childcare, groceries, gas, and healthcare. She reflects on Trump’s first year back in office, supports bipartisan efforts like drug pricing transparency, and recounts an unexpected moment of common ground with a MAGA hat wearing colleague on expanding homeownership.

Janelle’s advice for voters is simple: choose one issue that truly matters to you and start there. And she explains why a growing wave of young people stepping into the political process gives her real hope for 2026.

(0:00) Introduction

(0:42) State of the Union Reaction

(2:37) US Men's Hockey Team Controversy

(11:13) Women's Olympic History

(16:42) Interview: Congresswoman Janelle Bynum

(26:18) Winning Swing Districts

(29:49) Economic Justice & The Two Americas

(34:02) Talking Politics With Your Kids

(44:58) DGAF Mom: Hot or Not

(50:50) Hope for 2026

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 year old daughter, husband, and their rescue pets. Her hobbies include crosswords, mezcal tasting, and trying to find people to talk to about Traitors.

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

YouTube: @momarchy

Substack: @momarchy

Instagram: @momarchypodcast

TikTok: @momarchypodcast

Email: momarchypodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.