Podcasts about ACA

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Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 91:57 Transcription Available

Episode 239: This week we close KAIJUARY with a Norwegian Found Footage film in 2010's Troll Hunter. Did we end on a bang or a wimper? Tune in to find out.Make sure to join us next week for the beginning of our Women in Horror Month, with the 2024 Zoë Kravitz film Blink Twice.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-cut-above-horror-review--6354278/support.

State of the Union Healthcare Policy Breakdown

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Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 10:17

Health Affairs' Jeff Byers welcomes Senior Editor Margaret Winchester to the pod to discuss Trump's recent State of the Union Address and unpacking its health care and health policy talking points, including most-favored nation drug pricing, health savings accounts, and if there's a path toward codification for either.On March 24th, join us for our upcoming Insider exclusive event focusing on pharmacy benefit manager reform with Harvard Medical School's Benjamin Rome.Related Articles:National Health Care Spending Increased 7.2 Percent In 2024 As Utilization Remained Elevated (Health Affairs)Trump's State of the Union trumpets healthcare greatest hits, but no new policies (Healthcare Dive)

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Why Healthcare Before Medicare Shouldn't Stop You From Retiring Early

Stay Wealthy

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 27:00

Health insurance is keeping millions of Americans stuck in jobs they'd otherwise leave. In fact, 1 in 5 workers ages 50–64 say they're staying put because of their employer health coverage. And with recent changes to the ACA, that pressure is only growing. In this episode, I cover: → Why healthcare before Medicare has become a psychological roadblock to early retirement → Why the real cost of waiting until 65 may not be what you think → The options many people overlook and the tradeoffs worth understanding Because for most people, the healthcare challenge does have a solution. And the worst thing you can do is never explore your options at all. ***

S8, Ep 15: The Beginner's Mindset: Mac Brown on Embracing Continuous Learning in Fly Fishing

The Articulate Fly

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 11:55 Transcription Available

Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with Master Casting Instructor Mac Brown for another installment of Casting Angles — a wide-ranging conversation on the philosophy of continuous improvement in fly fishing and fly casting. Recorded just before the Lancaster Fly Fishing Show, the episode centers on one of the most practical yet underappreciated principles in skill development: approaching your craft with a beginner's mind, no matter how many years you've been on the water. Mac draws on feedback from students at recent west coast events — including anglers with 30 to 40 years of experience who received their first structured casting instruction — to illustrate how long-held assumptions can silently ceiling growth. The conversation touches on Mac's "four stages of learning" framework, the infinite circle of knowledge and the parallels between fly casting mastery and elite performance in any discipline. Practical spring fishing news also surfaces in the second half: listeners get actionable intel on early-season Quill Gordon dry fly hatches on wild Appalachian freestone streams, the ideal nymph sizing window as hatches begin (sizes 12–16) and emerging activity of little black stones and blue winged olives on Tennessee tailwaters. Mac and Marvin also preview their respective Lancaster show appearances and detail upcoming guide schools and casting classes at macbrownflyfish.com for anglers planning their spring season.Key TakeawaysHow adopting a beginner's mindset — staying open to new information regardless of experience level — is the single most reliable driver of improvement in fly casting and fishing.Why intermediate anglers stagnate: the false belief that years of time on the water equates to skill development, which shuts down active learning before it can happen.How Mac's four stages of learning framework maps the path from novice to expert, and why most anglers get stuck at stage two.When Quill Gordon dry fly hatches arrive on wild Appalachian freestone streams, they represent one of the season's best dry fly windows because the adult floats for 15–20 minutes while hardening its wings.Why early-season nymphs (sizes 12–14) are as large as they'll be all year, making this the optimal window to fish bigger nymph patterns before successive hatches progressively reduce insect size.How structured instruction — rather than YouTube, books or show demos alone — accelerates skill acquisition in ways self-directed learning rarely can.Techniques & Gear CoveredThe episode is primarily instructional and conceptual rather than gear-heavy, but several practical fishing frameworks emerge. Mac references his own book Casting Angles — a fly casting handbook endorsed by the ACA and FFI — as the source material for the four stages of learning discussion, and directs listeners to the article on his website for a deeper read. The conversation touches on the comparative limitations of self-directed learning via YouTube and books versus structured in-person instruction, particularly for developing proper casting mechanics. On the dry fly fishing side, Mac recommends dry fly presentations targeting Quill Gordons on freestone streams in size 12, with the extended float window (15–20 minutes) making these hatches unusually productive for surface takes. Marvin notes that pairing size 14 and 16 nymphs during this same early-season window takes advantage of the year's largest nymph profiles before they diminish through the season. Mac also promotes two-day casting schools through macbrownflyfish.com as the highest-value instructional investment for anglers who want to advance their skills heading into spring.Locations & SpeciesThe episode references wild freestone streams in the Western North Carolina / Great Smoky Mountains region — Mac's home water around Bryson City — as the primary context for the early Quill Gordon hatch discussion, with these streams producing active trout as water temperatures begin to rise. Tennessee tailwaters are also noted as waters where little black stoneflies and blue winged olives are already appearing, signaling the beginning of productive surface-feeding windows. The target species throughout is wild trout, with Mac's commentary on Quill Gordon hatches specifically framed around waking large fish that have been dormant through winter. The seasonal framing is early spring, a transition period characterized by warming daytime temperatures, emerging hatches and increasingly active trout — one of the most productive dry fly windows of the year in the Southern Appalachians.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow does a beginner's mindset improve fly casting and fishing skills?Beginners enter instruction with no preconceptions to dismantle, which makes them highly receptive to new technique and feedback. Mac argues that anglers who believe they are already proficient — after years of fishing without formal instruction — unknowingly stop absorbing new information, effectively stalling their development at the intermediate stage.What are the four stages of learning in fly casting?Mac's framework progresses from stage one (open absorption of fundamentals) through stage two (recognizing a problem exists but not knowing how to fix it — where most intermediate anglers stall) to stages three and four, where skills become internalized and self-correcting. He recommends reading the full article on his website for a detailed breakdown of each stage.When is the Quill Gordon hatch and why is it such a good dry fly opportunity?The Quill Gordon is an early-season mayfly that emerges on wild Appalachian freestone streams, typically before most other major hatches of the year. The adults float on the surface for 15–20 minutes while hardening their wings — an unusually long window that gives trout ample time to key on them and gives anglers sustained dry fly fishing action. Size 12 patterns are appropriate at peak emergence.Why should anglers fish larger nymph patterns in early spring?Nymph size follows a seasonal arc: early in the year, aquatic insects are at or near maximum size before the first hatches reduce their populations and successive generations emerge progressively smaller. Sizes 14 and 16 are particularly effective in this early window, as they match the naturals more accurately than the smaller patterns that will dominate later in the season.What does Mac Brown recommend for anglers who want to improve most efficiently?Mac consistently points to in-person structured instruction — particularly his two-day casting school — as the highest-leverage investment for improvement. He contrasts this with YouTube and book-based learning, which lack the real-time feedback loop required to correct ingrained errors and build proper mechanics into muscle memory.Related ContentS7, Ep 16 - Simplifying Complexity: Effective Teaching Strategies in Fly Fishing with Mac BrownS7, Ep 20 - Practice Makes Perfect: Mac Brown on Mastering Casting TechniquesS7, Ep 28 - Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac BrownS6, Ep 10 - Casting Angles with Mac BrownS6, Ep 141 - Mastering Cold Weather Fly Fishing with Mac BrownConnect with Our GuestFollow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram,

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E238: The Host (2006)

ACA Adult Children Voices Across America Speaker Meeting

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 144:31 Transcription Available

Episode 238: Our third week of KAIJUARY brings with it a force of natue, in our guest Kory of The World is My Burrito Podcast. Here to shed some light on the Korean Kaiju film The Host from 2006.Make sure to stick with us next week, as we conclude Kaijuary with 2010's Troll Hunter.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-cut-above-horror-review--6354278/support.

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Eduardo

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 23:13

Eduardo shares his experience, strength, and hope about recovering from growing up in an alcoholic / dysfunctional home using the 12 steps of ACA.

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How To Fix Big Med: Halle Tecco and Robin Blackstone on American Healthcare and its Discontents

Keen On Democracy

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 67:37

“We should all be able to look at the numbers and agree that this is not sustainable and that whatever we've been doing is not working. Democrats have had their chance, and Republicans have had their chance, and it's only gotten worse.” — Halle TeccoWarren Buffett called America's healthcare costs “a hungry tapeworm on the American economy.” That tapeworm now devours nearly a fifth of the nation's GDP—and the patient, as always, is on the table. We dedicate today's show to this most perennial of all America's problems, with two guests and two new books that approach the tragi-comedy from different angles.Self-styled innovation wonk Halle Tecco—founder of Rock Health, investor in over fifty digital health companies, professor at Columbia Business School—argues in Massively Better Healthcare that the system is both excessively public and excessively private, a Kafkaesque bureaucracy in which verticalized health plans now own the PBMs, the pharmacies, and increasingly the doctors. The result is monopoly medicine on a scale that would have appalled the original trust-busters.This is ultimately an antitrust story. As we've discussed on the show with Tim Wu, Biden's chief antitrust enforcer, the concentration of corporate power is the great unfinished business of American democracy. Tecco makes the case that Big Med is where the trust busters should go next after Big Tech. UnitedHealth is now one of the largest employers of doctors in the country. So it wasn't exactly shocking when the UnitedHealth CEO was assassinated two years ago. The system isn't broken, Tecco suggests. It's working exactly as designed—just not for patients.Surgeon Robin Blackstone, MD, author of Doctor AI: Reimagining Health. Rebuilding Trust. Delivering Health 4.0, joins us in the second half of the show to offer a view from the front lines. After 30 years as a surgeon, Blackstone confirms everything Tecco diagnoses—and adds a chilling detail of her own: the system is priced entirely for fixing illness, not preventing it. Her prescription is a “triangle of trust” between patient, physician, and AI—with the patient finally owning their own data.Both agree on one thing: every dollar spent on public health saves $14.30 in medical and societal costs. We are all already paying for all the waste. We just need to fix Big Med. But who's going to do it? Tecco says that America is ready for another round of Obamacare politics. But I'm not so sure. Five Takeaways• Healthcare Is a Tale of Two Civilizations: If you're wealthy, you go to UCSF and get the best care in the world. If you're not, you're one of the 100 million Americans without a regular primary care provider. Healthcare debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy. A person earning $30,000 in a rural county can expect to live a full decade less than someone earning $100,000 in an affluent suburb.• The Real Winners Are Monopoly Medicine: Verticalized health plans now own the PBMs, the pharmacies, and increasingly the providers. The ACA's profit cap forced them to grow the pie instead of getting more efficient. United is now one of the largest employers of doctors in the country. Independent pharmacies are closing at the rate of one per day. Rite Aid is bankrupt—the only major chain not owned by a health plan.• Every $1 in Public Health Saves $14.30: We're already paying for the crisis—in emergency room visits, lost productivity, and disability. We just need to move the safety net upstream. Public health is the only part of the system designed for prevention, yet its share of total health spending has dropped 25% in two decades. The economic case is overwhelming. The political will is not.• AI Could Break the Information Asymmetry: Patients are already using ChatGPT to diagnose themselves—and sometimes it's saving their lives. One woman caught her own pneumonia because her doctor couldn't see her for a week. But some doctors want to keep the paternalism: one AI tool built on medical journals is restricted to clinicians only because making it available to patients would “piss off the doctors.”• The System Is Priced for Rescue, Not Health: Everything is loaded to the moment your gallbladder goes bad or your heart gets a blockage. Prevention doesn't get paid for. Both guests agree: we need a massive re-pricing that rewards keeping people healthy, not just treating them when they're sick. That means paying doctors to prevent strokes, not just to fix them. About the GuestsHalle Tecco is the founder of the venture fund Rock Health and an investor in more than fifty digital health companies. She is an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School and a course director at Harvard Medical School. Her new book is Massively Better Healthcare: The Innovator's Guide to Tackling Healthcare's Biggest Challenges (Columbia University Press).Robin Blackstone, MD, is a physician, health systems architect, and founder of Blackstone Health. A surgeon by training with 30 years of clinical experience, she is the author of Doctor AI: Reimagining Health. Rebuilding Trust. Delivering Health 4.0.ReferencesPrevious Keen On episodes and authors mentioned:• Robert Pearl on how AI will be monetized in the healthcare industry• Tim Wu on the extractive economics of platform capitalism• Zeke Emanuel on which country has the world's best healthcare• Warren Buffett on healthcare costs as “a hungry tapeworm on the American economy”About Keen On AmericaNobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States—hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 2,800 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting.WebsiteSubstackYouTubeApple Podcasts

Premium Tax Credit: What It Is and Who Qualifies

Purposeful Planning with Aspen Wealth Management

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 4:23

Health insurance costs are rising for many Americans following the expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies at the end of 2025. In this episode of Purposeful Planning, we explore how the Premium Tax Credit works, who qualifies, and the options available to those who no longer receive enhanced subsidies. Whether you're self-employed, in early retirement, or simply looking for affordable coverage, understanding these changes is crucial for managing your healthcare costs in 2026. Sources: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/premium-tax-credit-ptc-overview#:~:text=The%20premium%20tax%20credit%20%E2%80%93%20also%20known,with%20Form%208962%2C%20Premium%20Tax%20Credit%20(PTC). https://openenrollment.healthcare/insurance-marketplace-healthcare-quotes/ https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/outreach-and-education/health-savings-account.pdf https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/high-deductible-health-plan/ https://www.aspenwealthmgmt.com/ https://www.aspenwealthmgmt.com/financial-planning https://www.aspenwealthmgmt.com/blog/webinars/from-countdown-to-confidence-your-retirement-transition-checklist https://www.aspenwealthmgmt.com/resource-center/tax/understanding-the-premium-tax-credit-are-you-eligible The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate and is intended merely for educational purposes, not as advice. Aspen Wealth Management is a registered investment advisor with the SEC. This recorded posting utilizes AI generated voiceovers. While the Firm strictly prohibits the use of AI for advisory activities constituting investment advice, financial plans, portfolio analysis and management, and reporting, the use of AI for other purposes, such as voiceovers, is permitted and utilized for the firm's recordings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Congressional Candidate Conversations | Ryan Crosswell | PA-07 (2026)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 14:02

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. Mark Pinsley is not included because he dropped out. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie's office and did not receive a response. In this episode, we speak with Ryan Crosswell. Crosswell describes his background in public service, including serving in the Marine Corps after graduating from Duke Law School, and later working as a federal prosecutor. He also discusses why he decided to run for Congress now. Campaign: https://ryancrosswell.com/ Day to day financial stressCrosswell says people are feeling higher costs across the board, and he mentions grocery costs rising in Pennsylvania. He says the biggest day to day stress he hears most often is healthcare costs, and he argues that cuts to Medicare and ACA subsidies destabilize care providers and make the system worse for everyone, including people who already have insurance. He says he is talking to residents who are losing insurance or are uninsured. Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsCrosswell says he supports extending the ACA premium tax credits for as long as needed to keep premiums down. He adds that long term he wants a public healthcare option, described as a government regulated healthcare option, and argues that broader access would also drive down costs for people who keep private plans. Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationCrosswell says he served as a federal prosecutor in San Diego and prosecuted immigration related offenses, including drug smuggling, illegal entry, and human smuggling. He says he supports a strong border, and also says he prosecuted law enforcement officers who broke the law, including a Border Patrol agent. He then focuses on internal enforcement by ICE, calling it disturbing and saying it violates Fourth Amendment rights through actions like entering homes without search warrants and detaining people without adequate cause. He argues Congress should rein ICE in, including by using funding leverage, and he supports requiring federal agents to remove masks and display identification. He also calls for accountability when due process is bypassed. He says his law firm is filing lawsuits on behalf of people he says were detained illegally by ICE. Warehouses and data centersCrosswell starts with data centers and says a major concern is energy use and the risk of higher energy prices. He says data centers should provide their own energy so local residents are not left paying more. He also raises concerns about environmental impact and water consumption, and says builders should be required to power facilities with renewable energy sources. He also says there should be requirements tied to water, including investment in desalination. He says he is uncomfortable with how quickly data centers are being rushed into the area without deeper cost benefit analysis and without clearer answers on environmental impact, energy impact, and job creation. He also connects warehouse growth to the loss of green space and says projects should be evaluated case by case based on what the community gets in return. HomelessnessCrosswell highlights local nonprofit work and then focuses on federal steps. He says he supports passing the ROAD to Housing Act, which he describes as bipartisan and currently stuck in Congress, and says it would provide funding for more affordable housing and cut red tape so building can move faster. He also supports grants or low interest loans to developers who build affordable housing in areas with abandoned buildings and businesses, as long as it can be done safely, and he frames that as a way to add housing while protecting green space. He also calls for reducing large institutional home buying by Wall Street buyers, including cutting tax incentives that he says encourage that behavior and drive up housing costs. Third place in the Lehigh ValleyCrosswell says his third place is Nowhere Coffee near where he lives. He says it is often where he meets with people in the community to talk about local issues, and he also describes it as a place that helps him reset and reconnect with routines he had before the campaign. Sign up for our Newsletter! Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Navigating Health Insurance | With Cody Garrett | Ep 588

ChooseFI

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 59:02

Cody Garrett provides an in-depth analysis of the changing landscape of health insurance in the U.S., focusing on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and adjustments to premium tax credits. He emphasizes the critical role that zip codes play in determining healthcare costs and highlights the importance of understanding the 400% federal poverty level cliff, which poses financial risks for many families. Various health insurance options are discussed, including COBRA, retiree coverage, health sharing ministries, and private insurance, equipping listeners with vital insights for making informed healthcare decisions. Listeners will learn actionable strategies for tax planning related to health insurance, including how to maximize benefits and minimize costs while navigating available healthcare options effectively. Key Tactical Takeaways Understand Income Levels: Monitor your income to avoid going over the 400% federal poverty level, which can eliminate premium tax credit eligibility. Evaluate COBRA Costs: Review code DD on your W-2 to understand total health insurance premiums and assess whether continuing with COBRA is financially wise. Explore Health Sharing Ministries: These may have lower premiums but lack the legal protections of traditional insurance; evaluate carefully. Use HSA Contributions: Contribute to Health Savings Accounts to lower taxable income and potentially maintain premium tax credits; you can contribute even without earned income. Utilize Marketplace Resources: Access healthcare.gov to determine premium tax credits based on your specific circumstances, including zip code and household income. Be Cautious with Tax Planning: Adjust advanced premium tax credits based on estimated income cautiously to avoid unexpected tax liabilities. Core Rules & Formulas Rule/Formula Description 400% Poverty Level Threshold Know the household income limits that could affect premium tax credits. COBRA Cost Calculation Employee + Employer Premium (W-2 code DD x 102%) = COBRA Costs. HSA Contribution Can lower modified adjusted gross income; contribute by April 15 without earned income requirements. Premium Tax Credit Calculation Estimated Credit = Based on adjusted gross income, household size, and the second lowest-cost silver plan. Adjust Premium Tax Credits You can change the advanced credit amount month-to-month via healthcare.gov. Tools, Accounts, or Strategies Mentioned Tool/Strategy Description healthcare.gov Website for ACA marketplace and health insurance options. Health Savings Account (HSA) Account for saving for healthcare costs that reduces taxable income. COBRA Coverage Allows continuation of employer health insurance post-employment. Health Sharing Ministries Group healthcare cost-sharing options that offer lower premiums but higher risk. Private Insurance Individual insurance plans that require medical underwriting. Resources & References Tax Planning to and Through Early Retirement Cody's Website What Next? Review your income and health insurance options during open enrollment. Assess your COBRA costs by checking your W-2 for current premium data. Explore HSA contributions to manage your taxable income prudently. Adjust advanced premium tax credits through healthcare.gov based on changes in your financial situation. For further clarity on health insurance strategies, consider consulting a financial planner to avoid potential costly mistakes.

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Congressional Candidate Conversations | Lamont McClure | PA-07 (2026)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 12:54

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. Mark Pinsley is not included because he dropped out. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie's office and did not receive a response. In this episode, we speak with Lamont McClure, who says he recently completed his second term as Northampton County Executive and announced his run for Congress last February. He describes his candidacy as a response to what he calls growing national chaos, and he ties his platform to affordability, healthcare, and public safety. Campaign: https://mcclureforpa.com/ Day to day financial stressMcClure says the biggest day to day financial stress he hears about is housing affordability. He argues that tariffs are limiting the ability of home builders to build homes, which limits supply and contributes to rising costs and homelessness. He says national solutions should include incentivizing affordable housing builders so more housing gets built at every level of the market. He also argues that rolling back tariffs would help control affordability, saying tariffs have raised prices, raised taxes people pay, and are killing jobs. Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsMcClure says he supports extending Affordable Care Act benefits, especially the premium tax credits, and says he supports making them permanent. He criticizes Congressman Ryan McKenzie's actions around the tax credits, arguing McKenzie had opportunities to leverage his vote to secure an extension but did not. He frames his own approach as using his vote to make sure constituents are taken care of, and he links the ACA tax credits to the stability of small businesses and self employed people in the district. Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationMcClure says the country needs secure borders and says violent criminals who are in the country without documentation should be deported. He then focuses on what he describes as his record pushing back on ICE actions in Northampton County. He describes an incident where ICE arrested someone in a courthouse hallway, and says he researched the law and issued an executive order preventing ICE from making arrests in his courthouse. He says that policy remains in place under his successor. He also emphasizes that he has taken on MAGA aligned opponents electorally, and frames that as proof he can win in a politically mixed county. Warehouses and data centersAsked about warehouses and data centers and what makes a project worth it for the region, McClure points to his record combating warehouse proliferation in Northampton County. He cites land preservation work, including preserving 20,000 acres of farmland and 3,800 acres of open space, creating four new county parks, and preserving environmentally sensitive land that contains rare species. He also says he fought warehouse proliferation “to the tune of over twenty five million dollars” in Northampton County. He frames his approach as protecting a green future for the district. HomelessnessMcClure calls homelessness a multifactorial problem and says it is not the same for everybody, so solutions vary. He says Northampton and Lehigh counties put millions of dollars a year into addressing homelessness and says he has been in that fight for years, including a focus on veteran homelessness. He also describes using money won from opioid manufacturers for efforts to fight the opioid crisis, including drug and alcohol treatment, and he references a suicide prevention task force that focused on lowering suicide rates, especially among veterans. He says he would work to ensure federal law and policy help combat homelessness, addiction, and support veterans. Third place in the Lehigh ValleyMcClure says his third place is Minsi Lake, describing it as a serene place that helps him decompress. He also mentions other places he enjoys, including Leaser Lake Park near his home, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, and going to his native Carbon County in the fall. Sign up for our Newsletter! Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

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Congressional Candidate Conversations | Bob Brooks | PA-07 (2026)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2026 14:26

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. Mark Pinsley is not included because he dropped out. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie's office and did not receive a response. In this episode, we speak with Bob Brooks, a career firefighter with the City of Bethlehem and a union leader. Brooks talks about affordability in the Lehigh Valley, what federal policy can do to expand housing supply, and how he thinks about public safety, healthcare, and local development. Campaign: https://brooksforcongress.com/ Day to day financial stressBrooks says the biggest day to day financial stresses he hears about are healthcare and housing, and he focuses first on housing. He argues the region needs to build a lot more housing quickly and says that requires cutting red tape, including permitting and zoning reforms. He supports first time home buyer help and talks about expanding programs similar to the HELPERS Act style loan concept. He also argues for cracking down on bulk home buying by private equity and corporate purchasers that he says distort the housing market. Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsBrooks says he supports extending the ACA premium tax credits and argues they should not be removed without a replacement plan. He warns that cutting help people rely on will raise costs, and he links paying for coverage support to tax policy changes. He argues for a minimum tax on billionaires and large corporations, saying that would fund major priorities. He also says making programs permanent will require negotiation and compromise, and he frames himself as a negotiator from his labor leadership experience. Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationBrooks frames the issue through public safety and argues enforcement efforts should focus on serious criminals, not everyday people. He says the purpose of ICE should be to target drug dealers and people committing violent crimes, and he argues the agency should be refocused. He also calls for streamlining the pathway to citizenship and supports adding more immigration judges to speed up the process, criticizing long wait times. Warehouses and data centersBrooks says he will side with workers, and evaluates projects based on whether they bring real jobs and benefits. He says he is concerned about data centers in particular because of infrastructure impacts, especially strain on the electric grid. He says federal involvement is limited compared to local government, but argues there is room for federal regulation related to electricity markets and for slowing or tightening approvals. He also argues data centers should be required to generate their own power rather than pulling heavily from the existing grid. HomelessnessBrooks argues federal action should expand housing options and help people afford them. He supports expanding Housing Choice Vouchers, but says vouchers are capped and that cap is linked to the lack of available housing. He argues the solution requires building more housing and increasing affordable and entry level housing. He also emphasizes mental health funding, saying mental health needs are a major factor in homelessness and that resources have not matched the scale of need. Third place in the Lehigh ValleyBrooks says his third place is a baseball field behind the Nazareth Intermediate School, where he coaches varsity baseball for Nazareth High School. He describes it as a place where he can put his phone away and focus on helping young people grow. Sign up for our Newsletter! Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

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Congressional Candidate Conversations | Carol Obando-Derstine | PA-07 (2026)

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2026 21:03

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie's office and did not receive a response. In this episode, we speak with Carol Obando-Derstine, who shares why she is running and what she is hearing from residents across PA-07. Campaign: https://www.carolforpa.com/ Day to day financial stressObando-Derstine says people are struggling to make ends meet and pay for the essentials of life, specifically naming housing, healthcare, groceries, utilities, and childcare. She cites the United Way ALICE report and says it shows 41 percent of district families are struggling to cover the essentials, which she describes as roughly 124,000 households. Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsObando-Derstine supports extending the ACA premium tax credits. She frames healthcare as personal, sharing stories of people she knew who could not afford care and how costs can financially devastate families. She argues that access to care helps families and also strengthens the economy because prevention and early treatment keep people healthier and working. In this conversation, she focuses on why the subsidies matter and does not detail a specific funding mechanism. Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationObando-Derstine says immigration policy is personal to her as an immigrant who came to the United States at age three with parents who fled violence in Colombia. She says the system needs fixing in a way that is legal, effective, and humane. She criticizes what she describes as cruelty, racial profiling, and unaccountable enforcement, and says fear is widespread in immigrant communities, including among documented Latinos. She also says she supports secure borders, but argues the current approach creates chaos and does not make communities safer. She calls for more immigration judges and support staff, modernizing immigration courts, speeding up asylum processing, and opening up DACA applications so people are not kept in limbo. Warehouses and data centersObando-Derstine notes that local governments make many of the key decisions, and she emphasizes a robust local stakeholder process so residents have meaningful input. Drawing on her background as an energy engineer, she describes work connecting projects to the electric grid, including warehouses. She argues against a top down approach that overrides state and local authority and says local voices should guide what gets built and how communities are impacted, especially when projects use significant resources and create limited jobs. HomelessnessObando-Derstine says she has direct experience with this issue through service on the Homeless Veterans Task Force for Lehigh County, volunteer work with North Penn Legal Services, and her work advocating for prevention programs to keep families off the streets. She calls for federal action that prevents unjust evictions and proposes establishing a federal Office of Tenant Rights so people understand their rights and landlords are accountable. She also points to the role of legal aid and says cuts to legal aid programs affect the ability to prevent evictions. She supports expanding and strengthening incentives for affordable housing, including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, and suggests reform to reduce bureaucracy and improve consistency in how states administer that federal credit. She also names local organizations doing the work, including New Bethany and the United Way. Third place in the Lehigh ValleyObando-Derstine says her third place is her church community, specifically the Spanish service at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which she attends with her parents. She describes it as a gathering place with a strong community focus and notes that it also hosts local meetings such as housing related committees. Sign up for our Newsletter! Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Congressional Candidate Conversations | Lewis Shupe | PA-07 (2026)

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 12:41

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. Mark Pinsley is not included because he dropped out. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie's office and did not receive a response. In this episode, we speak with Lewis Shupe of Allentown. Campaign: https://realchange.us/ Why he is running and his first term goalShupe says a key goal is to harness the power of registered voters to help compose and promote legislative initiatives led by citizens. Day to day financial stressShupe points to food insecurity and says demand at food banks is rising, including among working people. He argues wages and cost of living are pushing more households toward needing help with basics. Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsAsked about extending the ACA premium tax credits and making them permanent, Shupe focuses on restoring Medicare cuts he says were made in a major federal bill, and he says he would go further by supporting Medicare for All. Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationShupe argues that people already in the country should have a legal pathway to citizenship and says families should not be separated. He also claims recent border politics are being misrepresented and frames the issue as needing less drama and more workable solutions. Warehouses and data centersShupe responds to the region becoming “the land of warehouses” and data centers by describing tradeoffs. He says there are pluses and minuses to data centers and references a proposed facility in the western part of the region. His emphasis is on weighing local impacts rather than treating these projects as automatically good. HomelessnessAsked what the federal government can do about local homelessness, Shupe connects the issue to limited income and the gap between assistance and real costs. He references his own experience going on Social Security due to health issues and says that being on a limited income is not enough. Third place in the Lehigh ValleyWhen asked where he likes to spend time outside of work and home, Shupe points to Make Lehigh Valley! a “workshop for people who love to tinker.” Their members include engineers, woodworkers, programmers, artists, amateur radio enthusiasts, radio-controlled airplane flyers, and more. Check out their website https://makelehighvalley.com/ Sign up for our Newsletter! Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

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Breaking Down Trump's Healthcare Plan

Heartland Daily Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 43:58

The ideas are not new, and it's short on specifics, but will President Trump's “The Great Healthcare Plan” lead to serious health reform? AnneMarie Schieber, managing editor of Health Care News and Devon Herrick, of the Goodman Institute Health Blog discuss the pros and cons of the plan's “four pillars.” Will price transparency mean anything in a dysfunctional health care system where few people pay directly? Are Trump's drug price deals the kind of drug price reform patients need? Will proposed ACA rules lead to lower cost “indemnity” style health insurance? Also, Sen. Rand Paul wants to remove nationwide liability protections for vaccine makers, what about ending vaccine mandates, and Elon Musk and DOGE make it easy to “crowdsource” Medicaid fraud investigations. In The Tank broadcasts LIVE every Thursday at 12pm CT on on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Tune in to have your comments addressed live by the In The Tank Crew. Be sure to subscribe and never miss an episode. See you there!Climate Change Roundtable is LIVE every Friday at 12pm CT on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Have a topic you want addressed? Join the live show and leave a comment for our panelists and we'll cover it during the live show!

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Is Value-Based Payment Failing U.S. Healthcare? | Andrew Ryan

Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 19:58

Health Affairs' Jeff Byers welcomes Brown University's Andrew Ryan to the pod to discuss his recent Forefront article that explores whether value-based payment and managed care can lead to addressing the core drivers of spending.Related Links:Value-Based Payment And Managed Care Will Not Solve The Affordability Crisis (Health Affairs Forefront)“All I Do Is Win”: Why Beating Benchmarks Doesn't Mean That ACOs Are Reducing Costs (Health Affairs Forefront)

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Breaking Down Trump's Healthcare Plan

Health Care News Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 43:58

The ideas are not new, and it's short on specifics, but will President Trump's “The Great Healthcare Plan” lead to serious health reform? AnneMarie Schieber, managing editor of Health Care News and Devon Herrick, of the Goodman Institute Health Blog discuss the pros and cons of the plan's “four pillars.” Will price transparency mean anything in a dysfunctional health care system where few people pay directly? Are Trump's drug price deals the kind of drug price reform patients need? Will proposed ACA rules lead to lower cost “indemnity” style health insurance? Also, Sen. Rand Paul wants to remove nationwide liability protections for vaccine makers, what about ending vaccine mandates, and Elon Musk and DOGE make it easy to “crowdsource” Medicaid fraud investigations.

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Wellness Influencer

The Bob Cesca Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 60:32

The State of the Union was nightmarishly damaging. A word about crime and liberty. Donald's allegedly "roaring economy." The true story of Sage Blair. Why we can't abandon the trans community. New anti-trans law in Kansas. Donald stole another Democratic accomplishment and claimed it's his own. Hillary Clinton testified about Jeffrey Epstein. Jim Comer might subpoena Howard Lutnick. The Trump oligarchs are withholding Medicaid funds from Minnesota. Trump nominated a wellness influencer to be Surgeon General. Donald's latest scam to undermine the ACA and make healthcare more expensive. With Jody Hamilton, David Ferguson, music by Freekbass, Brother Dynamite, and more! Brought to you by Russ Rybicki, SharePower Responsible Investing. Support our new sponsor and get free shipping at Quince.com/bob ! Sign up for Buzz Burbank's Substack.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Jakob Emerson on Payer Policy Uncertainty and the Shifting Medicare Advantage Market

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 15:41

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, breaks down limited federal direction following the State of the Union, a potential drop in ACA exchange enrollment, Medicare Advantage surpassing 55 percent penetration, and how insurers and health systems are navigating a rapidly changing and increasingly strained payer landscape.

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Congressional Candidate Conversations | Aiden Gonzalez | PA-07 (2026)

Our birth control stories

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 11:22

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie's office and did not receive a response. In this episode, we speak with Aiden Gonzalez, a Bethlehem resident running in the Democratic primary for PA-07. Campaign: https://www.aidenforpa7.com/ Day to day financial stressGonzalez says healthcare is the biggest day to day financial stress he hears about. He also connects affordability to housing, saying his generation is far more likely to rent long term than to own a home. He adds that energy is a leading cause of inflation and ties that to investing in future technology. Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsGonzalez calls the ACA a great program but a half step, and says the country should move to single payer healthcare. He says more than a million people who were on the ACA last year are not on it this year because subsidies expired, and he connects that to rising premiums and costs. Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationGonzalez emphasizes due process and constitutional protections. He argues that the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments apply to everyone in the country, not only citizens. He also says the U.S. should encourage talented people to come here to work and contribute, and argues current approaches are driving people away. Warehouses and data centersGonzalez says data centers are not the kind of future focused investment he wants for the region. He argues they raise electricity and water costs and do not create many permanent jobs. He also says the region has enough warehouses and data centers and describes his preference for projects that create lasting jobs and contribute back to the community. HomelessnessGonzalez says immediate relief requires federal funding through Housing and Urban Development to build homes to house people experiencing homelessness. He says the longer term goal should be making home ownership achievable, and he mentions increasing first time home owner loans. He also argues for discouraging large scale corporate landlord practices, including a progressive tax on corporate landlords based on how many residences they buy. Third place in the Lehigh ValleyAsked where he likes to spend time outside of work and home, Gonzalez says he is a big gym person and names Powerhouse Gym in Bethlehem. Sign up for our Newsletter! Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Episode 103 | Spring Leadership Conference Preview: The Neurobiology of Belonging

CampWire

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 27:16

In this special preview episode for the Spring Leadership Conference (SLC), we sit down with keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Pfeiffer to explore what camp leaders need to understand about the brain, belonging, and trauma-informed leadership. If you're committed to building a camp environment rooted in compassion, connection, and practical leadership tools, this episode offers a meaningful glimpse of what's to come in Palm Springs. Join us at the SLC April 14-17, 2026, for powerful professional development, dynamic networking, and actionable strategies you can implement as soon as you return to camp. Show notes: Register for the Spring Leadership Conference Intricate Roots Education Suspended podcast The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

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Healthcare Before Medicare: Creating Your Own Action Plan

Retirement Answer Man

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 45:56

Roger Whitney wraps up the four-part series on navigating health care before Medicare by introducing a practical decision-making framework using the OODA Loop—observe, orient, decide, act—to help you avoid unforced errors and make a confident judgment call. He walks through organizing your retirement cash flow, estimating MAGI and ACA subsidy eligibility, evaluating COBRA, ACA, and private coverage options, and weighing tax optimization against simplicity and continuity of care. He's joined by Taylor Schulte of Define Financial to discuss how professionals navigate Roth conversions, Social Security timing, ACA cliffs, and the trade-offs between optimizing for subsidies versus long-term tax planning.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but have the confidence to lean in and rock it.(00:30) Roger introduces the final week of the health care before Medicare series and previews upcoming episodes with Harry Reese (co-author of How to Feel Loved) and retirement researcher Wade Pfau.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(02:30) Roger reviews the three “heads” that must be managed before Medicare- cost, continuity of care, and complexity.(03:30) Roger talks about avoiding unforced errors that could cost you money, disrupt care, or create unnecessary stress.(05:18) Roger introduces the OODA Loop—observe, orient, decide, act—as a practical way to think step by step about health coverage choices. (05:52) Observe: Build a 5-year retirement income and spending plan, estimate taxes and MAGI, identify where you fall relative to the ACA subsidy cliff, and review withdrawal sources (taxable, pre-tax, Roth) along with future RMD implications.(14:21) Orient: Clarify what matters most to help you make a decision.(20:00) Decide & Act: Choose a direction, document your reasoning, update your plan of record, and implement the distribution strategy that supports your choice.CONVERSATION WITH TAYLOR SCHULTE(22:25) Roger introduces Taylor Schulte from Define Financial(23:15) Why health care before Medicare shouldn't automatically delay retirement and how assumptions often go untested.(26:50) Evaluating alternatives beyond ACA, including COBRA as a short-term bridge and private plans.(31:50) The tension between Roth conversions and ACA subsidies, and how Social Security timing affects MAGI.(34:20) Avoiding the “optimization trap”: sometimes paying more for simplicity still results in a resilient retirement plan.(36:40) The key takeaway is that there's no perfect answer—retirees should explore options, make informed decisions without fear, and use healthcare planning as a tool rather than a barrier or excuse to delay retirement.SMART SPRINT(43:35) Set a reminder to review your health care strategy using a structured approach—especially if retirement or Medicare enrollment is approaching. The goal is to be intentional, not reactive.REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManKaiser Family Foundation (KFF)Healthcare.govDefine Financial- Taylor SchulteStay Wealthy Retirement Show- Taylor Schulte (podcast)

Episode 488: All Hail Queen Mary And Fairfax CASA, Gold vs Managed Futures, And A Short-Term Drawdown Portfolio

Risk Parity Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 54:25 Transcription Available

In this episode we respond to emails from Nick, Ginna, Ashley, Chris and Sara. In our Queen Mary segment where we are raising money for Fairfax CASA, we express our gratitude for the outpouring of listener support and tell Noah and Taylor's story of reunification. We then dive into two big portfolio questions: do managed futures replace gold, and how to fund an eight-year break without derailing long-term plans. We build a conservative drawdown portfolio, weigh taxes in taxable accounts, and explain why good portfolio construction beats market timing.Links:Fairfax CASA Donation Page: Donate - Fairfax CASAWilka's in NYC: Wilka's Sports Bar | Women's Sports Bar | New York, NY, USAChris's Portfolio Constructions: testfol.io/?s=lwnOaJGvzDjSara's Portfolio Analyses: testfol.io/?s=htNZVoZOZn4Breathless Unedited AI-Bot Summary:Start with purpose: a child's safety, a mother's grit, and a community that shows up. We open with a moving Fairfax CASA story—Noah and Taylor—that reminds us why steady advocacy and second chances matter. Listener donations pour in, and Mary shares how CASA pairs rigorous oversight with real compassion. From there, we pivot to the other kind of safety net: portfolios designed to fund real lives.A longtime listener asks if managed futures make gold redundant. We break down what trend-following actually captures, why gold's long history and different crisis behavior still earn it a seat, and how the two hedges fit together when you care about drawdowns, not bragging rights. Then we tackle Sarah's bold plan: an eight-year pause from work to care for family, spending about $90k per year from taxable savings before returning to the workforce. Rather than a classic risk-parity blend, we map a more conservative drawdown portfolio: roughly 30% equities with a large-cap value tilt and a sleeve of property-and-casualty insurers, 25% cash and short-term Treasuries for three years of runway, 25% intermediate Treasuries for recession insurance, and 20% in alternatives split between gold and managed futures. The goal isn't to win a backtest—it's to keep maximum drawdowns shallow and flexibility high.We also unpack taxes in the 0% capital gains band, why ordinary-income assets aren't the villain during low-income years, and how realizing gains strategically can preserve ACA subsidies. For long-horizon IRAs, we keep it simple: a 100% equity mix across large-cap growth or blend and small-cap value, with an optional tilt to international small-cap value for broader diversification. No crystal balls, no heroic timing—just construction that respects time frames and human needs.If this episode helps you think differently about money, advocacy, or how to buy time for what matters, share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a quick review so more DIY investors can find it.Support the show

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The Ultimate Guide to Decentering Men

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 30:30

Introduction“A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.” — Irina Dunn, 1970I heard about the movement of decentering men on TikTok. With zero expectations, I decided to try it out for a month. It was October 2025. I was sick of dating apps and about to publish my second book. I'd been single for three years, but this was something different. I'm here to tell you everything about it and share all the reasons why I'm never going back.I wrote this article to give us, women, a blueprint for how to be the main character in our own lives. Our mothers and grandmothers couldn't teach us this; they depended on men (financially) to survive, and had to center them accordingly. This article is not about hating men; it's about unlearning the ways that the patriarchy has trained us to prioritize making men happy. This pressure comes just as much from the women in our lives (aunties, influencers, our mother), as from men. After all, it was my mother who let my brother get away with never doing the dishes after dinner.Starting this process for the first time scared me. I was worried that if I stopped trying to date men, I was giving up on my dream of becoming a mother. Yet as I began to decenter men, I realized that my idea of motherhood was purely a fantasy. Facing the reality of motherhood, those statistics scared me much more. In this article, I will cover everything I've learned from the internet, economists, and my own experience, so that you can decide whether decentering men and trying it for a month to start is right for you. Let's begin!

PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - February 24, 2026

Public News Service

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 6:00

Trump's tariff goes into effect at 10 percent, not the 15 threatened; Virginia health advocates warn of tailpipe regulation rollback; Older, rural WV residents most affected by loss of ACA tax credits; Safety in solidarity: NYC group gives trainings for ICE confrontations.

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - February 24, 2026

Public News Service

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 6:00

Trump's tariff goes into effect at 10 percent, not the 15 threatened; Virginia health advocates warn of tailpipe regulation rollback; Older, rural WV residents most affected by loss of ACA tax credits; Safety in solidarity: NYC group gives trainings for ICE confrontations.

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Episode 199 - ACA Agency Sentenced By DOJ!

The Seven Figures Or Bust Podcast!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 56:57

Learn how to sponsor the Seven Figure Medicare Agent Summit:https://sevenfiguremedicareagentsummit.com/On this episode of the Seven Figures or Bust podcast, we break down the shocking news of an ACA agency being sentenced by the DOJ. We discuss what led to the case, what it means for agents in the health insurance space, and the compliance lessons everyone should be paying attention to. If you're in the industry, this is a wake-up call you can't afford to ignore.

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Democratic Ballot: Candidate Forum for the US House of Representatives District 13

Holly Springs Deep Dive

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 50:01 Transcription Available

Early voting is almost over, and many of you may still be weighing your options. To help, we recorded a full Democratic candidate forum for North Carolina's U.S. House District 13 so you can cut through the noise, hear real answers, and decide with confidence. This famously gerrymandered district stretches from Caswell and Person to Johnston, Lee, and southeast Wake—we also explain how to confirm your district and find your sample ballot using the State Board of Elections voter search.Two candidates took the stage: Paul Barringer and Frank Pierce. Paul draws on decades in health law and public policy, arguing Congress must reclaim its Article I role, strengthen constituent services, and protect ACA subsidies while rolling back new Medicaid barriers. Frank argues off-year wins come from doors, data, and early engagement, pointing to turnout gains, year-round organizing, and coalition building across Black voters, HBCUs, and Democratic caucuses.You'll hear contrasts—and overlap—on abortion rights, rural health access, paying for care, Ukraine, Taiwan, NATO, tariffs, and redistricting strategy.If District 13 is on your ballot and you're a Democrat or unaffiliated voter, this forum delivers substance flyers can't. Listen, compare, and choose. If this helped, subscribe, leave a quick review, and share it with one person who still needs to hear it. Your vote—and your voice—can move this district. Democratic Ballot: US House of Representatives District 13 CandidatesPaul Barringer: Facebook/Instagram/X/Bluesky/Paul@PaulBarringer.comFrank Pierce: Facebook/Instagram/X/TikTok/Pierce4Congress@outlook.comAlexander Nicholi: Facebook/X/Substack/SBENicholiFTW.comCampaign Finance Reports for Federal Candidate Committees2026 Voters' Guide for Southern Wake CountyVoter Information (Register, Am I Registered?, Election Information) Voter Info (Designated Polling Places, Sample Ballots, Registration Status, Voting Jurisdiction, Verify Address and Party Affiliation) Election Information (Absentee by Mail Voting, Early Voting, Election Day Voting)February 12-28: Closest Early Voting LocationsWE Hunt Recreation Center-Holly SpringsHilltop Needmore Town Park Clubhouse-Fuquay VarinaELECTION DAYTuesday, March 3 from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PMSupport the showAs always, if you are interested in being on or sponsoring the podcast or if you have any particular issues, thoughts, or questions you'd like explored on the podcast, please email NCDeepDive@gmail.com. Your contributions would be greatly appreciated.Now, let's dive in!

Episode 114: ACA 2027 Proposed Changes

Agent Boost Marketing Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 53:08

Proposed 2027 ACA Changes, Marketing Crackdowns, and Why Agents Need to Diversify | Agent Boost PodcastIn this episode of the Agent Boost Podcast, Dan sits down with ACA superstars Jeff Gaston and Heather Woody to break down the proposed 2027 ACA rule changes, what is actually likely to pass, and what agents should be doing right now to stay ahead.We cover the real-world state of the ACA market coming out of open enrollment, why carriers were shocked by new enrollments, and how the industry is tightening up around Special Enrollment Period verification, marketing compliance, and agency accountability.If you are an ACA agent, Medicare agent, or agency owner trying to build something that lasts, this episode is a must. The theme is clear, compression is happening, agents are getting squeezed out, and the winners are the ones who diversify, tighten operations, and stay compliant while still moving fast.

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Tom L

ACA Adult Children Voices Across America Speaker Meeting

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2026 37:06

Tom shares his experience, strength, and hope about recovering from growing up in an alcoholic / dysfunctional home using the 12 steps of ACA.

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1073: Coverage, Consequences, and the Leaders Shaping Public Health's Future

Public Health Review Morning Edition

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 15:37

What happens when health coverage becomes unaffordable, and who's stepping up to lead in moments like this? This episode connects two powerful public health stories.First, we break down the ACA enhanced premium tax credits: what they were, who they helped, and what's at stake now that they've expired. Catherine Jones, Senior Analyst Government Affairs at ASTHO will explain how these pandemic-era subsidies dramatically expanded access to marketplace coverage, helping middle-income families, older adults not yet eligible for Medicare, rural residents, gig workers, and others without employer-based insurance. With premiums now rising sharply, millions may lose coverage, leading to delayed care, skipped medications, more emergency room use, rising uncompensated care costs, and even potential hospital closures, especially in rural communities. We explore how insurance coverage isn't just a healthcare issue, but a population health issue tied to chronic disease management, maternal health, mental health services, vaccinations, and overall mortality. Then, we shift to leadership. James Bell III, Chief of Staff/Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and a Doctor of Social Work, reflects on his experience in the DELPH Leadership Program and how it reshaped how he shows up as a public health leader. From finding his voice in high-stakes rooms to practicing servant leadership, advocating for equity, and building authentic national networks, Bell describes how leadership development strengthens not just individuals, but the systems and communities they serve.ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits: Legislative Developments in 2025 and 2026 | ASTHODeveloping Executive Leaders in Public Health | ASTHOReducing Hypertension Through Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Programs | ASTHOAddressing Hypertension During Pregnancy Improves Maternal and Infant Health | ASTHO

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Healthcare Storytelling and Digital Health Investment Trends | Christina Farr

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 23:52

Health Affairs' Jeff Byers welcomes Christina Farr, CEO and editor-in-chief of Second Opinion Media, back to the pod to discuss her book, The Storyteller's Advantage: How Powerful Narratives Make Businesses Thrive. The conversation explores the value of storytelling in the health care and health policy space, how to invest in posting, the catch 22 of "spicy takes," recommendations for the reluctant poster, and Christina shares a quick look into what's interesting in the digital health investment space.

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364: Abdul El-Sayed: A Progressive Democrat Who Plays Offense

Left of Lansing

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 49:37

#podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #Election #Election2026 #DemocraticSocialism #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #EpsteinFiles #EpsteinClass #HealthCareForAll #HealthCare #WorkingClass #AbdulElSayed #Economy #Vaccines #RFK #Measles #JohnFetterman #HaleyStevens #ICE #ConcentrationCamps #Gaza #Israel #WealthInequality #Fascism #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftOfLansingHere's Episode #167 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-16:40: Measles Back/HaleyStevens' Pro-Israel PACsPat Johnston opens the show talking about how measles are making a comeback in the country thanks to RFK Jr.'s "leadership." Is that Making America Healthy Again? Then, Pat highlights how Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Haley Stevens collects pro-Israeli lobby cash in order to fund her campaign. And this week, Stevens visited an ICE concentration camp in Baldwin, MI, and sounded like she was impressed how that camp hired several female ICE agents. Stevens is the illustration of why Democratic base voters are frustrated with Democrats.16:41-38:30: Abdul El-Sayed InterviewMichigan Progressive Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed talks with Pat this week. They discuss the concerns and frustrations he's been hearing on the campaign trail, why Medicare For All is what we need in this country, his response to those critical of Democrats who oppose Israel's genocide of Palestinians, and how to fight for the working class while the billionaire Epstein Class plays by different rules. Visit AbdulForSenate.comDr. Abdul will appear with Progressive Democratic State Senator Carrie Rheingans for a "Health Care For All" Town Hall on Sunday, February 22.38:31-47:00: Last Call-What's Going On With Gen X?In this week's "Last Call," Pat asks what's happened with Gen X, which appears to be the generation that most supports The Trump Regime's authoritarianism. 47:01-49:37: Ending/Next Show PreviewPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!https://www.patreon.com/cw/LeftofLansingMusic provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardNOTES:Abdul For Senate Website"It's time for Democrats to play offense on healthcare." By Abdul El-Sayed in The Guardian "Michigan congresswomen get no answers on Baldwin ICE facility death during visit and tour." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance "Stevens' Michigan U.S. Senate bid gets a boost from pro-Israel political action committee." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Michigan nurse goes without health insurance as ACA costs double for 2026." By Justin P. Hicks of MLive.com "‘Show Up for Us': 13 Democratic Voters on Trump, ICE and Their Frustrations With the Democratic Party." By The New York Times "Where does Fetterman fit among Democrats? | The Conversation." By Dasha Burns of Politico "Primary Occupation." By Ryan Grim of The Intercept "RFK Jr.'s Anti-Vax Nonsense Has Helped Spread Measles to Mexico." By Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling of The New Republic

Healthcare Before Medicare: How to Lower Your Costs

Retirement Answer Man

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 52:46

Roger Whitney continues the four-part series on navigating health care before Medicare, focusing this week on controlling costs—both through everyday decisions and by understanding how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy system works now that the expanded credits have expired. He explains the return of the 400% federal poverty level “cliff,” walks through how modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) impacts premiums, shares listener experiences with inflation and subsidy loss, and explores the ethical tension around optimizing for government benefits.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but have the confidence to lean in and rock it.(00:30) Roger introduces week three of the four-part series on health care before Medicare, focusing on controlling health care costs and understanding ACA subsidies. He previews next week's structured decision framework and conversation with Taylor Schulte of Define Financial.PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT(02:35) Start with the fundamentals: staying or getting healthy through strength, cardio, mobility, screenings, and proactive chronic condition management to potentially reduce long-term costs.(04:58) Compare all available coverage options and use practical strategies like staying in-network, timing procedures, and shopping prescriptions to manage costs.UNDERSTANDING THE ACA SUBSIDY SCHEME (POST-2025 CHANGES)(08:48) Roger breaks down the Affordable Care Act's premium subsidy scheme, designed to make health care more affordable and protect coverage for preexisting conditions. He explains how subsidies are based on income relative to the federal poverty level (FPL) and how the rules have changed over time, including expansions under the American Rescue Plan and temporary extensions during COVID.(11:55) Roger explains how the premium tax credit works, including that eligibility is based on having income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, and that exceeding the threshold by even $1 eliminates any subsidies(14:00) Roger gives an example of a married couple comparing higher versus lower income, illustrating how managing income can significantly affect subsidies in the years before Medicare.(15:47) What counts toward Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and what does not count.(18:00) Reconciliation risk: estimating income during open enrollment and potentially repaying subsidies if actual income exceeds projections.(22:30) Strategic planning opportunities: building tax diversification before retirement (taxable, Roth, HSA) to create flexibility in managing MAGI and avoiding unforced errors like unexpected capital gain distributions, RSU vesting, or inherited IRA withdrawals.(26:40) Common pitfalls that can unexpectedly reduce your health care subsidies, and why keeping a buffer below the income cliff matters.LISTENER QUESTIONS & OBSERVATIONS(30:25) Joe reflects on retiring in his early 50s and how health care costs quickly became a major factor in his retirement planning.(35:35) Clarification on ACA navigators and where to find assistance through HealthCare.gov and research from Kaiser Family Foundation.(37:00) David shares his experience navigating insurance before Medicare, highlighting how exploring different options helped manage costs.(38:36) Gene asks about handling a gap in coverage before Medicare, and Roger shares strategies to manage costs and explore available options.(45:20) Philosophical discussion on whether it is appropriate to intentionally manage income to qualify for subsidies, and how each person must reconcile financial optimization with personal values.SMART SPRINT(51:30) Choose one area of spending this week—health care or otherwise—and apply intentional cost awareness to build the habit of conscious cost control.REFERENCESSubmit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer ManKaiser Family Foundation (KFF)Healthcare.gov

E237: Cloverfield (2008)

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 115:22 Transcription Available

Episode 237: Week two of our KAIJUARY month stomps into NYC with 2008's Cloverfield. A found footage take on the genre.Make sure to join us next week, when we cover 2006's The Host.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-cut-above-horror-review--6354278/support.

E236: Godzilla: Minus One (2023)

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 125:38 Transcription Available

Episode 236: This new year brings so many big things, starting with our KAIJU-ARY month. An entire month of large MONSTER movies!!! First up is the king of all monsters, Godzilla: Minus One from 2023, with special guest and Kaiju expert, Miles B.Make sure to stick with us next week, for a trip to NYC with 2008's Cloverfield.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-cut-above-horror-review--6354278/support.

Washington Update: Advocacy Partnerships and Policy Victories

Catholic Health USA Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 24:56

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 11 delivers an important Washington health policy update, as host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Paulo Pontemayor, CHA's Senior Director for Government Relations. Paulo breaks down the latest federal health care policy developments impacting Catholic health care, including the expiration of ACA premium tax credits, rising insurance costs, and ongoing coalition advocacy through Keep Americans Covered. The conversation also highlights key wins in recent appropriations bills, such as extensions for essential Medicare and Medicaid provisions, telehealth flexibilities, and delayed Medicaid DSH cuts. Looking ahead, Paulo previews 2026 priorities—Medicaid work requirements, maternal health initiatives, and immigration policies rooted in human dignity. As a pivotal election year shapes congressional action, listeners learn how CHA members and community partners can stay engaged through advocacy alerts, local outreach, and collaborative efforts that strengthen access to care and support whole‑person health across the country. Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeLearn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

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Sweeping Affordable Care Act Changes Proposed for 2027 (Katie Keith)