Mike Pierce

Join Mike Pierce, the Executive Director and co-founder of the Student Borrower Protection Center, and Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, a national higher education reporter for The Washington Post. They dive into the resumption of federal student loan payments affecting over five million borrowers. The duo discusses the impact of looming collections, including potential garnishments of Social Security and tax refunds. They also tackle the complexities of repayment options, staffing shortages in support centers, and the broader implications of student debt on the economy.

This discussion features Ryann Liebenthal, a writer focused on student debt, along with Chenjerai Kumanyika, a journalism professor and audio documentarian, and Mike Pierce, director of the Student Borrower Protection Center. They dive into the alarming rise of student debt, which now surpasses $1.8 trillion, and argue for systemic reforms including free college. The conversation also tackles the predatory nature of for-profit colleges, the emotional toll of debt, and the importance of collective action to challenge the current financial landscape of higher education.

Astra Taylor hosts a thought-provoking discussion with Ryann Liebenthal, a passionate advocate on student debt, Chenjerai Kumanyika, a seasoned journalist and professor, and Mike Pierce, the executive director tackling predatory lending. They delve into the origins and transformation of student debt in the U.S. and critique the shortcomings of current political responses. The conversation sheds light on the emotional toll of debt, the failures of for-profit colleges, and emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reforms and collective action to reshape higher education.