Marriage and Martinis: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Walter English's Mission To Illuminate Black Ancestry
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Hosts: Danielle & Adam
Guest: Carrie Rinehart

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Marriage and Martinis, hosts Danielle and Adam take a poignant detour from their usual discussions on marriage and parenting to shed light on a critical environmental issue through the harrowing story of Carrie Rinehart. Carrie’s journey from a concerned mother to a relentless environmental activist underscores the profound impact that chemical contamination can have on a community.

Carrie Rinehart’s Story

Danielle introduces Carrie Rinehart, a devoted mother from Franklin, Indiana, whose life was irrevocably changed by environmental contamination. Carrie shares her personal experiences living in Johnson County, Indiana, where her family's groundwater was contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE), a known carcinogen.

[08:00] Carrie Rinehart: "I was trying to do all the right things. I breastfed her, I got her vaccines on schedule. She went to the doctor on schedule. I was just happy because I was in love with her and being a mom."

Carrie's daughter, Emma, developed a severe brain tumor linked to TCE exposure, leading to Emma's untimely passing. This tragedy propelled Carrie into activism, fighting tirelessly to prevent further contamination and protect other families.

Understanding TCE and Its Impact

A significant portion of the episode delves into what TCE is and its detrimental effects on health and the environment. Carrie provides a detailed explanation of the chemical and its persistence in the environment.

[09:39] Carrie Rinehart: "Trichloroethylene, or TCE, is a degreaser used often in manufacturing. Once it's in the ground, it sticks to soil forever until someone removes it. It breaks down and becomes even worse over time, turning into vinyl chloride, which is definitively linked to brain tumors."

Carrie emphasizes the long-term dangers of TCE, highlighting how it contaminates groundwater and poses significant health risks, particularly to children.

The Fight Against Environmental Contamination

Carrie recounts her collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and her efforts to bring the issue to the forefront of legislative attention. She describes how her advocacy led her to Washington, D.C., where she met with lawmakers to discuss the urgent need to address TCE contamination.

[17:39] Carrie Rinehart: "In 2014, my 13-year-old daughter had been getting nauseous and throwing up. She was diagnosed with papilledema, indicative of brain swelling. Standing there with her in the MRI room, I knew instantly that Emma had a tumor."

Carrie's firsthand experience with her daughter's illness galvanized her mission to advocate for stricter environmental protections and better regulatory measures against harmful chemicals.

Public Response and Challenges

The episode explores the mixed public reactions Carrie faced in her community. While many supported her cause, others were resistant, citing concerns over property values and skepticism about the severity of the contamination.

[32:26] Carrie Rinehart: "This is not an opinion. My opinion is we should not poison our kids. Our kids are not the effing canaries in the coal mine."

Carrie discusses the emotional and social challenges of advocating against entrenched interests and the skepticism of long-term residents who underestimated the dangers of TCE exposure.

Current State and Future Efforts

Despite initial victories, Carrie highlights the ongoing threats to environmental regulations, particularly the efforts to deregulate and allow continued use of harmful chemicals like TCE.

[35:14] Carrie Rinehart: "They’re pulling back the regulations already and they're talking about passing something to try to make it so that TCE doesn't get banned and that Congress can never vote on it again."

Carrie warns that the fight against chemical contamination is far from over and underscores the need for sustained activism to protect public health.

How to Help and Get Involved

Carrie offers actionable advice for listeners who wish to support environmental causes. She emphasizes the importance of contacting representatives, engaging in social media activism, and staying informed through trusted organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund.

[37:03] Carrie Rinehart: "The most important thing that people can do is contacting your representatives, up and down. That has by far been the most effective means of advocacy."

She also encourages community members to share information, participate in petitions, and maintain pressure on lawmakers to uphold and strengthen environmental protections.

Conclusion

Danielle wraps up the episode by expressing deep gratitude to Carrie for sharing her heart-wrenching story and inspiring listeners to take action. She reinforces the importance of community support and collective effort in combating environmental injustices.

[47:16] Carrie Rinehart: "I'm so excited about it. Enjoy this episode and thank you again, Carrie."

The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role individuals play in advocating for a healthier, safer environment for future generations.

Key Takeaways

• Awareness: Understanding the harmful effects of chemicals like TCE is crucial for community health.
• Advocacy: Persistent and informed activism can lead to significant policy changes.
• Community Support: Building a supportive network amplifies the impact of individual efforts.
• Actionable Steps: Contacting representatives and leveraging social media are effective ways to influence environmental policies.

Resources Mentioned

• Environmental Defense Fund: [Show Notes Link]
• 3am Uprising Community: [Show Notes Link]
• Petition Sign-Up: [Show Notes Link]

Listeners are encouraged to explore these resources to further educate themselves and contribute to ongoing environmental advocacy efforts.