American Dreams Podcast

Is this a case of being a criminal or being gay?

In this episode of American Dreams: Reproductive Justice we continue the conversation of incarceration and what can happen when women are incarcerated while pregnant. We want to introduce you to Sammy Werkheiser. A wife, mother, and former dance teacher in New York who loved working with children and lost everything after being accused of molesting her own daughter. She spent years in prison fighting for rights to be free and to be a mother. 

We later hear from Dr. Mike Koeings, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin Madison and Aaron HIcks, a formerly incarcerated man who is now a reentry coordinator, who are working together to change how mental health issues caused by incarceration are approached and studied. 

This episode discusses domestic and intimate partner violence and sexual assault. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call 1 800 799 SAFE. 

American Dreams: Reproductive Justice is hosted, created and executive produced by Erika Washington
Associate Producer Simone Endress
Edited by: Erika Washington, Simone Endress and Wil Black
Researcher: Simone Endress
Editing and Music Supervision by Wil Black for Black Gypsy Music
Graphic Design by Mingo Collaso
American Dreams courtesy of Flobots

Special thanks to KUNV 91.5 
This podcast is empowered by Make it Work Nevada, a Project of Tides Advocacy

For more information please visit Make It Work Nevada.org and find us on all the socials to learn more about our work to create a world we all can thrive in.

Creators & Guests

Producer
Erika F. Washington
Politically savvy mama, @MIWNV Executive Director on the hunt for new adjectives, social justice & red wine in fabulous Las Vegas. *These Tweets Is Mine
Producer
Erika F. Washington
Producer
Make It Work Nevada
Make It Work Nevada fights for economic security for women, men and families across Nevada. It’s time that all of us are able to #MakeItWork.
Composer
Wil Black
Wil Black is the principal of Black Gypsy Music TV......

What is American Dreams Podcast ?

American Dreams is a podcast that will explore exactly what Reproductive Justice means. Reproductive Justice was an idea birthed in 1994, by 12 Black women who felt unseen by the white establishment.
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The four principles of Reproductive Justice are:
1. The right to have a child
2. The right to not have a child (which includes sterilization, which many doctors won’t do)
3. The right to have a child in a healthy environment and then raise them safely
4. The right to bodily autonomy and sexuality

These principles are repeated throughout this podcast, as well as homages to the 12 founders who “gave birth” to the Reproductive Justice movement.
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​American Dreams: Reproductive Justice Season 2 is executive produced and hosted by Erika Washington, powered by Make It Work Nevada. The podcast is associate produced, written and edited by Simone Endress. Music by Wil Black for Black Gypsy Music. Graphic designs by Mingo Collaso. A special thanks to Flobots for the use of their song ‘American Dreams’.

Special thanks to KUNV 91.5

This podcast is empowered by Make it Work Nevada, a Project of Tides Advocacy

For more information please visit Make It Work Nevada.org and find us on all the socials to learn more about our work to create a world we all can thrive in.