In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss the challenges and triumphs of working at the NIH with Chelsey's Aunt Vicky, particularly focusing on the journey of a woman who rose from an administrative assistant to a grant funding specialist. They explore themes of gender discrimination, the importance of science funding, and the impact of political changes on public health initiatives. The discussion also touches on personal stories, the challenges of navigating the workplace, and the significance of trust in science, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges of navigating illness in a work culture that often prioritizes attendance over health. They reflect on the contributions of women in science, the historical lack of representation in education, and the importance of mentorship and leadership in scientific fields. The impact of political climate on scientific integrity and public health communication is also explored, particularly during the Trump era. The speakers emphasize the significance of funding in scientific research and share personal reflections on their careers, offering advice for future generations considering public service.

📝 “Dear America, I’m a mom and I…”
Finish the sentence. Send us your voice memo or tag us on social:

📧 momsagainstthemachinepod@gmail.com
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July 2025: "Concentration Camps, Classroom Chaos, and Christian Nationalist Blueprints"

Welcome to your July solo news drop — where we pull back the curtain on what the GOP and Trump administration are doing while everyone’s distracted by sunglasses and soundbites. In this episode, we break down:

• Alligator Alcatraz – the Everglades-based migrant concentration camp that flooded on its second day open. No plumbing, no oversight, no humanity. With eyewitness accounts, whistleblower reports, and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz demanding a federal investigation.
• School Funding Freeze – the Trump administration is illegally withholding $7 billion in education money already approved by Congress. We cover Rep. Terri Sewell’s July 11 letter, districts hit hardest (Alabama, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Missouri), and DeSantis’ Orwellian push to let political allies accredit colleges.
• Project 2025 – the Heritage Foundation’s fascist roadmap is no longer a warning—it’s a playbook in motion. From gutting the Department of Education to legalizing mass deportation and firing career scientists, we connect the dots from the headlines to the handbook.
• Measles Outbreak Cover-Up – how HHS is scrambling behind the scenes to keep a lid on rising measles cases, with vaccine distribution stalled and states reporting spikes in preventable illnesses.
• NIH and Science Under Attack – UMass Chan faces a $94M NIH funding shortfall. Research is halted, jobs slashed, and pediatric brain cancer trials frozen. The Trump budget calls scientists wasteful and dangerous — and it's costing lives and leadership.
• DeSantis’ Fake Accreditation Program – in his bid to MAGA-fy academia, the Florida governor wants political operatives to greenlight colleges. Because apparently facts now require loyalty oaths.

This episode isn’t about headlines — it’s about the hostile architecture being built underneath them. And if you're waiting for someone to sound the alarm, congratulations. You just pressed play.

📝 “Dear America, I’m a mom and I…”
Finish the sentence. Send us your voice memo or tag us on social:

📧 momsagainstthemachinepod@gmail.com
📸 Insta @MomsAgainstTheMachine
🎥 TikTok: @momsandmachines

In this episode, Chelsey & Jenn discuss their personal updates, community engagement strategies, and the restructuring of their podcast to focus on fewer topics for deeper discussions. They highlight the contributions of women in science and politics, emphasizing the importance of representation and activism. The conversation also touches on current events, the political climate, and the historical significance of women's roles in shaping public health and policy. In this conversation, Chelsey Hockett and Jennifer Wisniewski discuss the alarming spread of misinformation in public health, particularly regarding vaccines and scientific integrity. They explore the consequences of recent cuts to health agencies and the impact on research, emphasizing the need for clarity and expertise in public health. The discussion also touches on the importance of community building and the future of public health amidst these challenges.

📝 “Dear America, I’m a mom and I…”
Finish the sentence. Send us your voice memo or tag us on social:

📧 momsagainstthemachinepod@gmail.com
📸 Insta @MomsAgainstTheMachine
🎥 TikTok: @momsandmachines