In episode 119, we talk with Cameron Hilaker, who was recently fried from his job at USAID as part of DOGE cuts. Tune in to hear his story and how he’s turned into a fierce advocate for other fired federal employees.

Cameron worked at USAID as an Emergency Manager responding to domestic and international crises. As a leader of the Readiness Team, his role was to ensure that as a crisis developed, USAID was able to keep its people and families safe and continue the crucial life saving assistance. He has supported over 20 responses, including evacuations, disruptions, and ordered departures.

Before Cameron’s time at USAID, he served as a peace corps volunteer in South Africa for three years working to combat HIV/AIDS where he met his wife Catharine. They are expecting their first child in June.

Resources:

* What’s being lost with the DOGE cuts? These fired employees can tell you (Washington Post)

* Cameron as Congressman Hank Johnson’s Guest to Joint Address to Congress on March 4th, 2025

* Judge Rules DOGE’s Dismantling of USAID Unconstitutional

* The implications of a USAID shutdown (Brookings)

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

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In episode 118, we talk about super fun and light-hearted things…like fascism!! Our guest, Craig Johnson, is a researcher and educator focused on stopping the rise of the extreme right-wing. He’s the host of Fifteen Minutes of Fascism podcast, runs a YouTube series celebrating the deaths of right-wing figures throughout history, and is the author of How to Talk to Your Son about Fascism, a guide for parents and educators on keeping young men out of the right-wing.

Craig’s Book: How to Talk to Your Son About Fascism

Craig’s Podcast: Fifteen Minutes of Fascism

* Listen on Apple

* Watch on YouTube

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

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In episode 117, Amanda Becker, author and The 19th News’ Washington correspondent, joins us to talk about how we should still be paying close attention to reproductive and abortion rights in this country - even if your state has protections.

Her first book, “You Must Stand Up: The Fight for Abortion Rights in Post-Dobbs America,” was published by Bloomsbury in September 2024.

Becker has been on the beat for nearly two decades, covering the White House, the Supreme Court, Congress, multiple presidential elections, and scores of House and Senate campaigns. Before joining The 19th in April 2020, Becker spent nearly eight years at Reuters, where she was embedded with Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, and several before that at CQ Roll Call, where she covered lobbying and influence.

Becker was a 2023 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. Her byline has also appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times and USA Today, among other publications.

Becker grew up in Ohio and recently moved back. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science with honors from Indiana University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.

Resources:

* Amanda Becker - The 19th News

* You Must Stand Up: The Fight for Abortion Rights in Post-Dobbs America (Amanda Becker’s Book)

* The 19th News

* Abortion Fund of Ohio

* Ohio Women’s Alliance

* Abortion Finder (Ohio)

Connect with USS:

* Substack

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

* Instagram