Veteran journalist Gloria Riviera explains if universal childcare is the key to a better world

May 13, 2022

Veteran journalist and podcast host Gloria Riviera joined Podsauce to explain America’s childcare crisis as detailed in the series, “No One is Coming to Save Us.” Gloria told us why the American system is particularly bad, and how the country can plan and chart an effective course for childhood education and care moving forward.

Start the series in any order with average episode running less than 45 minutes long. Season 1 asks how America’s childcare system arrived at this point, and the podcast has released over 15 episodes so far.

When Gloria was transferred to Beijing, China, she struggled to find a childcare solution that worked for her family and said she was privileged in that her mom was willing and able to come help out in China. This started her journey of learning more about other people’s issues around childcare in different countries from every walk of life.

When people listen to “No One Is Coming to Save Us,” Gloria wants parents to realize they’re not alone, and many parents are getting proactive in finding solutions for childcare. In previous years, no one was talking about childcare. In President Biden’s State of the Union address, he mentioned plans to make childcare more affordable for American families, and it’s an important topic to bring awareness to.

“No One is Coming to Save Us” episodes also discuss childcare throughout American history. Alesha and Dax shared what they learned from “The Fight for Childcare Starts at Home” episode featuring Eve Rodsky, the author of Fair Play.

Gloria told Podsauce that early childhood educators are still struggling in the post-pandemic world and are leaving the field in record numbers. Gloria shared some statistics about the labor shortage including educators and childcare workers who have not returned to work due to factors like poor wages and little-to-no benefits.

Gloria had some great recommendations for investigative, interview, and mental health podcasts. She finds “WTF with Marc Maron” hilarious and loves hearing true stories shared on “The Moth.” Gloria tunes into the series “Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris” and listened to Sara Bareilles’ episode about anxiety, anger, and art.

There are a bunch of Lemonada Media shows she recommends including “Last Day” and “The Cost of Care.” Gloria just started listening to “Canary: The Washington Post Investigates,” a podcast about sexual assault cases in Washington D.C.

For all parents out there and as a mother of 3, Gloria recommends “Smash Boom Best” for kids – a podcast filled with amazingly fun debate topics like ghosts vs. zombies and basketball vs. baseball.