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Deep Cuts

by Eric Smith

Government News

Season 1

Public Health and a Lost Future with Siham Ahmed (Payne Fellowship)

When a Federal Agency disappears, so do the futures it was trying to build. This episode features Siham Ahmed, a 2024 Payne Fellow who was halfway through her graduate program on public health - funded by USAID - when her scholarship and future as a Foreign Service Officer was cut short. Join me as I speak with Siham about the importance of representation, community, public health, and her hopes for a bright future.

Humanitarian Assistance and Food Aid with Luis Figueroa (USAID)

Humanitarian Aid expert Luis Figueroa tells us about coordinating the fight against hunger on the world stage, his journey working for vulnerable communities in several countries, and what the future of aid looks like. Tune in the learn more about what makes humanitarian assistance work and how USAID was the leader in global food aid.

LGBTQI+ Rights Around the World with Jessica Morrison (USAID)

Learn about the ways USAID Foreign Service Officer Jessica Morrison and the LGBTQI+ team at USAID supported queer communities around the globe and represented the United States as a beacon of hope in a world of uncertainty for marginalized populations. This episode delves into the story of one of the many members of the Foreign Service who dedicate their lives to fostering understanding between peoples and how America's place in and impact on the world should not be taken for granted.

Promoting Democracy in Belarus with Dayan Reynolds (IRI)

Dayan Reynolds, an expert on Eastern European democracy and lead for Belarus at the International Republican Institute, speaks with me about about how USAID implementing partners like IRI work with locals in Belarus to foster democracy in an authoritarian regime; background on geopolitics and culture in Eastern Europe; America's relationship with democracy as a global concept; and what people get wrong about American support for democratic activism abroad. Tune in to learn more about an often overlooked part of Europe and Putin's only ally in the region. Special thank to Open Gov Hub in Washington, DC for providing the studio for us to record in!

Democracy, Rights, and Governance with Taly Lind (USAID)

USAID Foreign Service Officer Taly Lind shares her story promoting democracy and human rights; preventing violent extremism; fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and her plan to continue helping people in need here in the United States in a post-USAID world. Listen in to hear about the merits of spreading democracy through peace and learn more about how USAID promoted positive values across the world.

Policy and Inclusive Development with Lauren Baker (USAID)

USAID Policy Analyst Lauren Baker talks about her time shaping international development policy as a subject matter expert; promoting indigenous rights in the aid and development process; the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in policymaking; and her hopes for the future of aid in a time of tumult. Tune in to learn more about one of the many dedicated civil servants who chose helping others as the guiding light in their career path. Special thanks to Open Gov Hub in Washington, DC for providing the studio space for recording!

Maternal and Public Health in the Sahel with Liz Noznesky (CARE)

Former Program Manager at the NGO and USAID implementing partner CARE, Liz Noznesky, shares the story of her work helping provide maternal care and public health in Chad and civil war-torn Sudan, her career path, and what she hopes to see in the future. Join us to learn more about what USAID actually did, how the United States helped people in need around the world, and who actually helped drive America's international development programming.

Introducing Deep Cuts

In February of 2025, the White House unilaterally decreed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) would cease to exist as the world knew it. This pivotal event was the start of a series of sweeping and chaotic cuts that continue to deeply impact the government – and people – of the United States. I was just one of thousands of people who lost their jobs as a result of these deep cuts, and sadly I’m far from the last. While most Americans only learn about these developments through brief coverage on the news or social media, living in Washington, DC and being at the center of the slash and burn campaign has given me a personal perspective on how impactful - and harmful - these cuts are. Please join me, Eric Smith, in listening to the stories of people who worked with or for the government in pursuit of public service, only to be cut off by a whim. Upcoming guests include a foreign service officer committed to ending violence, a civil servant who shaped key policies, and a foreign service national bringing life changing opportunities to local communities.