The Defenders

Oct 10 2024 18 ep. 33 mins 126
The Defenders Podcast artwork

The 2024 election is just around the corner, and the stakes are high for reproductive justice. From abortion ballot measures in Arizona and Florida, to flipping state legislatures, we’ll explore the future of reproductive freedom and what it means for our democracy. In Season Two of The Defenders, host Gloria Riviera talks to activists, organizers, and experts to equip you with everything you need to defend abortion rights at the polls.

This series is supported by Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Levi Strauss Foundation. Coming 9/12.

  Society & Culture
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Defending Democracy Boldy and Defiantly

Oct 10 2024 30 mins  
Across the country, reproductive freedom is popular – 63 percent of Americans say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. So why don’t our laws reflect the will of the people? As the Executive Director of Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity (URGE), Kimberly Inez McGuire breaks down how opponents of abortion access have targeted voting rights and democracy to advan

Why State Supreme Courts Matter

Oct 03 2024 35 mins  
State Supreme Courts are crucial to abortion rights, yet most people have no idea what these courts do. Or that in many states we actually vote for these judges. Thirty-three states will have supreme court seats on the ballot this November. Alicia Bannon of State Court Report tells us why these courts matter to abortion rights and how to be better informed going to the ballot box.

The Power of Down Ballot Voting

Sep 26 2024 29 mins  
Since the Dobbs decision, activists, organizers, and leaders are turning to state legislatures to protect and expand reproductive rights. This November, 44 states will hold legislative elections, and these races are often won or lost by tiny margins. Two champions of state power, Gaby Goldstein from Sister District and Jennifer Driver from the State Innovation Exchange, share what�

Reversing Florida’s 6-week Abortion Ban

Sep 19 2024 27 mins  
In May 2024, a six-week abortion ban went into effect in Florida, dramatically limiting access for women across the South. While Floridians are living with this new reality, they’re also gearing up to change it. Gloria talks with Lauren Brenzel, campaign director for Floridians Protecting Freedom / Yes on 4, who is fighting for the November ballot measure that would protect abort

What’s At Stake in Arizona

Sep 12 2024 33 mins  
We start Season 2 of The Defenders in Arizona, where abortion rights have been in turmoil since the overturn of Roe. Now, a citizen-led effort is trying to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution through a ballot measure. November’s election may not only change the fate of abortion in this crucial swing state; it could also flip the state legislature and impact control

The Defenders Season 2 (Teaser)

Jul 25 2024 2 mins  
The Defenders is back. This season, all roads lead to Nov. 5, because abortion is on the ballot this Election Day and the stakes are higher than ever. Host Gloria Riviera interviews organizers, activists, and experts from Arizona to Florida to Texas – the people on the front lines of this fight. From building state power to voting for judges, we’ll arm you with everything you n

Bonus: The Online Abortion Resource Squad

Jan 31 2024 25 mins  
When it comes to abortion, finding answers in a world of misinformation and changing laws can be hard. Especially when the places to turn to for care are diminishing. On this bonus episode, Gloria talks to Ariella Messing, the founder of the Online Abortion Resource Squad, or OARS. They moderate the r/abortion subreddit, a group on Reddit that is dedicated to answering questions ab

Anyone Can Be A Defender

Jan 10 2024 31 mins  
In the final episode of our series, we’re hitting the streets of Manhattan to join up with Nix Rao, a young activist dedicated to expanding reproductive health access in New York. Fueled by their motto, “legality does not equal access,” we’ll follow Nix as they lead the charge to bring abortion pills to college campuses. To learn more about all the organizations featured in

The 84 Year Old Defender

Jan 03 2024 20 mins  
Today, we’re bringing you part one of our series finale. Dr. Warren Hern is one of the few remaining physicians performing abortions later in pregnancy. After decades in this fight - and serious threats to his safety - nothing is stopping him from this important work. Learn more about the Boulder Abortion Clinic: https://www.drhern.com/ To learn more about all the organizations

Everyone Loves Someone Who's Had an Abortion

Dec 20 2023 42 mins  
While the majority of the country supports abortion, much of the mainstream media has a long way to go to represent abortion accurately and ethically. This week, Sam talks to journalist Jessica Valenti and abortion activist Renee Bracey Sherman about how we can “arm the choir” with in-depth and more impactful storytelling. Plus, tips on how you can talk about abortion with your