{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Bodacious Optimist","title":"U.S. Representative Becca Balint on Gender, Politics, + Maternal Health","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2239,"description":"In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, Sascha Mayer interviews Representative Becca Balint of Vermont, the first woman and openly LGBTQ+ person to represent the state in Congress. Balint discusses her journey from being a middle school teacher to a congresswoman, her experience in Vermont and on Capitol Hill, and her priorities including maternal health and reproductive rights. She highlights the significance of organizations like Emerge Vermont in training women for political roles and shares personal stories about balancing family life with public service. They also discuss the challenges of the current Congress, the importance of authenticity in politics, and ongoing legislative efforts such as the Momnibus Act. Balint emphasizes the need for systemic change and maintaining optimism in the human spirit.\n00:00 Introduction to Representative Becca Balint\n02:20 Early Career and Vermont Representation\n02:52 Challenges and Priorities in Vermont\n06:41 Reproductive Rights and Legislative Efforts\n09:05 Empowering Women in Politics\n12:03 Personal Insights and Authenticity\n17:11 Maternal Health and Legislative Challenges\n22:59 Balancing Family and Public Service\n33:06 Optimism and Future Goals\nMentioned in the episode:\nEmerge Vermont\nThe Momnibus Act\nAmanda Ripley author of High Conflict\nDonna Hicks author of Dignity and Leading with Dignity","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/tgbcOgaO3yUdfEVD1XdJmYFgBzOdzaNoxqKFCweaIGo/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzUwOTEwLzE3MTA1/MzQ5NTMtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}