This episode may contain explicit language.

Welcome to Karen Feeding, the show where we raise the next generation together.

I'm Elizabeth New Camp.

We took a break last week for the 4th of July but didn't want to leave

you empty-handed today. So we're sharing the full version of Jamila's

recent interview with author Ruby Russell about her new book, Doing It All, The Social Power of Single Motherhood.

When that interview first aired, most of what we cut for time was a discussion about paid

family leave overseas.

The US is the only industrialized nation without a paid family leave program.

And not having that option means that parents are at the mercy of their employers.

Under the Family Medical Leave Act, all we're guaranteed is that our jobs are protected for up to 12 weeks after childbirth.

Ruby Russell's experience was very different because she gave birth in Germany.

And even as a single mom, she's been able to thrive.

For the second year in a row, President Biden's budget proposal

for fiscal year 2025 includes creating a national paid family and medical leave program.

Just because he's proposed it doesn't mean it'll go anywhere, but still it's worth talking

about how we could reshape society to be more fair to all others.

All that to say, we're excited to share the full version

of Jamila's interview with Ruby Russell today.

So let's get to it right after a quick break. All right, so Ruby, I want to start with my entry point for the book.

I'm currently writing a book about Black Single Motherhood, and when I got the pitch for doing it all, I assume that you were black too.

And I sent it to my editor like, we have a comp, and for folks who are not familiar with publishing a cop is a book that's somehow similar to yours.

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