On this episode of Lock and Key, we sit down with nurse, community advocate, and congressional candidate Paige Beauchemin for a wide-ranging conversation about poverty, addiction, incarceration, healthcare, and the policies that impact everyday people.

Paige shares her journey growing up in New Hampshire while experiencing housing insecurity, watching addiction affect those closest to her, and finding her calling through nursing and public health. Her work has placed her on the front lines of some of society's most difficult challenges, including maternal health, homelessness, mental health, substance use, and caring for incarcerated mothers.

Together, we discuss the emotional realities faced by women who give birth while incarcerated, the cycle of addiction and incarceration, barriers to housing and healthcare, and the importance of treating people with dignity rather than simply punishing them.

The conversation also explores civic engagement, political representation, and why Paige believes working-class voices need a stronger seat at the table.

Whether you agree with her politics or not, this episode is ultimately about people, second chances, and the systems that shape our lives.

Topics Include:
• Incarcerated mothers and childbirth
• Addiction and recovery
• Poverty and housing insecurity
• Mental health and public health
• Criminal justice reform
• Civic engagement and voting
• Running for Congress as a working-class candidate

Listen, share, and join the conversation.