Shows
Powers at PlayRising Voices: Juven Jacob's Anthem for Economic DignityIn this episode of Powers at Play, host Mandie Rae Kijinski sits down with former Biden-Harris presidential appointee Juven Jacob to explore how smart policy and bold advocacy can bridge America's widening economic gaps.From Houston to Washington: Juven traces his path to the White House and explains how lived experience shapes his fight for affordable housing and economic mobility.Taxation & Inequality: The pair dissect how current tax structures fuel wealth divides—and what lasting reform might look like.Social Media's Double-Edged Sword: Why the very platforms that amplify advocacy can also distort public discourse.Colla...2025-06-2640 min
Powers at PlayThe Emotional Truth Behind Women's ADHDIn this conversation, Dr. Gilly Kahn discusses her journey as a psychologist and author focusing on ADHD, particularly in women and girls. She highlights the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD, including emotional dysregulation and the impact of societal biases in research and diagnosis. The discussion delves into the neurological aspects of ADHD, the differences in brain functionality between genders, and the relationship between ADHD and anxiety. Dr. Kahn emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics to better support women with ADHD. In this conversation, Mandie Rae Kijinski and Dr. Gilly Kahn explore the complexities of OCD and...2025-06-1240 min
Powers at PlayJunie’s Story: Amanda’s Fight for Stillbirth PreventionThis week’s Powers at Play episode is raw, real, and life-saving.Amanda, known as @OrangeAFMama, walks us through the heartbreak of losing her daughter Juniper at 38 weeks, and what she’s learned about how the medical system fails pregnant people in ways that are as preventable as they are devastating.We talk about measuring placentas, tracking fetal movement, and how cultural pressure to be “low maintenance” during pregnancy has deadly consequences. Amanda doesn’t just share her grief, she shares solutions.Because stillbirth doesn’t ju...2025-05-0147 min
Powers at PlayFrom Indoctrinated to Influencer: Mercedes Chandler’s Journey to @CampCallOutThis episode of Powers at Play is one I’ve been counting down for , and trust me, it delivers.I’m joined by the ever-radiant, wildly brilliant, and truth-seeking Mercedes Chandler, better known online as @CampCallOut across all social platforms. Her story is jaw-dropping, deeply personal, and absolutely essential listening.Mercedes opens up about her upbringing in a hyper-conservative, religious environment, complete with “No Sex Before Marriage” contract signings at age 13 and Bible studies as school curriculum, and walks us through the transformative journey that led her from conservative punditry to b...2025-04-101h 01
Powers at PlayRhythms of Resilience: Todd Zack Jr's Music, His Father's Incarceration, and His Path to SuccessIn this powerful episode of Powers at Play, Mandie sits down with the incredibly talented Todd Zack Jr., an R&B artist whose music is deeply shaped by his personal journey. Todd shares what it was like growing up with his father incarcerated, how that experience shaped his worldview, and how he channels those emotions into his art—turning pain, resilience, and reflection into something transformative.Todd and Mandie actually grew up in the same town and attended the same high school, a single large public school that brought everyone together—regardless of socioeconomic status at home. Thei...2025-03-141h 02
Powers at PlayAddressing the Childcare Crisis in the United States with Dr. Megan PriorMandie K is joined by Dr. Megan Prior, a pediatrician and dedicated mother, to tackle the pressing childcare crisis affecting families across the United States. Drawing on Dr. Prior's medical expertise and personal experiences, the conversation explores the challenges faced by working parents, the long-term impact of childcare inequities on child development, and actionable solutions to create a more equitable system.
From addressing speech delays and cognitive development to discussing the societal benefits of childcare subsidies, Mandie and Dr. Prior highlight the need for bipartisan collaboration to support young families. They emphasize practical, data-driven approaches that b...2025-02-2051 min
Powers at PlaySupporting Communities in Crisis: The Mission of the American Red CrossIn this episode, Mandie K is joined by Jim McIntyre, Regional Communications Director, and Christy Peters, Regional Manager, of the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio. Together, they delve into the incredible mission of the Red Cross—preventing and alleviating human suffering through disaster response, blood donation, and community initiatives.
The discussion uncovers the far-reaching impact of the Red Cross, from responding to natural disasters and installing free smoke alarms to addressing the constant need for blood donations. Jim and Christy share actionable ways listeners can get involved, whether it’s through volunteering, donating blood, or simply spre...2025-01-1637 minPowers at PlayGuns & Common Ground: Navigating a Divisive DebateMandie, with no personal experience with firearms, sits down with Ian Oskins, a military veteran and Army Ranger, for an open and honest conversation about what needs to change. The conversation highlights the need for progress and open dialogue to address the root causes of gun violence, including the importance of addressing mental health, and improving gun safety. The speakers discuss their ideal worlds, with one advocating for a world without guns and the other emphasizing the importance of personal protection. They touch on the polarizing nature of the topic and recent gun control initiatives in different states, highlighting...2025-01-0345 min
Powers at PlayEmpowering Youth: How Believe in Dreams Nurtures Resilience and Changes LivesIn this Powers at Play episode, Mandie Kijinski interviews Joe Postwaite, BID Young Professional Volunteer, and Katie Eichenauer, Executive Director of Believe in Dreams, a Northeast Ohio nonprofit that empowers youth who have faced poverty and non-medical hardship or trauma. Through customized dream packages, they provide access to opportunity, connection to community and hope for the future. Joe and Katie discuss the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on youth, highlighting the importance of community involvement and mental health. Learn how you can contribute by nominating a child, volunteering, or donating to help transform lives.2024-12-1247 min
Powers at PlaySpecial Edition - Live Episode: Anthony 'Goodie' Heygood and Mandie—Opposing Views, Different Votes, and a Bipartisan Conversation on Facts, Freedom, and Common GroundAnthony "Goodie" Heygood and Mandie Kijinski recently sat down to discuss a wide range of political and social issues, despite their differing political views.
Their conversation exemplified how two people from opposite sides of the political spectrum can discuss complex topics openly, respectfully, and with a focus on finding common ground.
They started by underscoring the importance of relying on factual sources, emphasizing the need to consult primary documents and legislation directly rather than relying on potentially biased interpretations.
Goodie and Mandie practiced civil discourse by engaging each other’s perspectives with empathy, fo...2024-11-101h 39
Powers at PlayBeyond Barriers: Creating ConnectionsIn this episode, Mandie K interviews Gloria Blevins, the Executive Director of the Black Child Development Institute of Ohio (BCDI/BCI).
They discuss the organization's mission to advocate for Black and Brown children, the systemic challenges these communities face, and the importance of education and awareness in addressing these issues.
Gloria shares insights on the political landscape affecting child welfare, the misconceptions surrounding poverty and race, and concrete actions individuals can take to support their communities. The conversation emphasizes the need for collective action and understanding to create equitable opportunities for all children.
2024-11-0438 min
Powers at PlayBuilding a Clean Future: The Path from Fossil Fuels to Sustainable EnergyDrawing on his personal experience growing up in Lima, Ohio, home to a large oil refinery, and his extensive professional career in Washington, D.C., where he worked on national energy policy in Congress, Joe shares insights into the environmental, health, and economic impacts of fossil fuel reliance.
Mandie and Joe explore the urgent need to transition to clean energy to secure long-term economic stability for communities that currently depend on fossil fuels. They discuss the importance of bipartisan action, equitable access to information on climate change, and how local governments can lead the way in driving...2024-10-171h 06
Powers at PlayTransmuting Trauma through Truth: Christina Mokwa on Healing Childhood Sexual Abuse with Psychedelic TherapyIn this episode of Powers at Play, Mandie Kijinski interviews Christina Mokwa, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who has found healing and advocacy through psychedelic and medicinal therapies. Christina shares her journey with plant medicines like ayahuasca and psilocybin, as well as lab-created compounds like ketamine and MDMA, emphasizing the need to remove the stigma surrounding these therapies and recognize their potential as legitimate treatments for trauma.
The discussion delves into the lasting impact of childhood trauma on individuals and relationships, highlighting the importance of raising children who respect boundaries and treat others with kindness. Christina...2024-09-261h 11
Powers at PlayFrom Tradition to Transformation: Nell Goza on Redefining BeliefsIn this conversation, Nell Goza shares her journey from growing up in a conservative, religious household to finding her own voice and beliefs. Nell opens up about her fears as a young child of expressing views that went against the status quo of her family and upbringing and the deep pulls she felt to change her beliefs to protect children and women's rights, and their future. She reflects on her transition from being a professional dancer to becoming a parent and starting a parenting page on Instagram.
Mandie K and Nell dive into their shared passion for...2024-09-0556 minPowers at PlayDonate via "Listener Support" to Support Powers at Play InitiativesAs the Powers at Play podcast continues to grow, we're excited to offer ways for listeners to support the initiatives we discuss. Your support will focus on two critical areas:
Support for Bipartisan Nonprofits: Our top priority is raising donations for bipartisan nonprofits featured on Powers at Play or participating as our nonprofit of the month. Your contributions help sustain organizations that bridge divides and promote unity.
Production Efforts: Creating high-quality podcasts involves extensive work, from sourcing and recording to editing. Your support helps keep our team motivated and ensures we continue producing amazing content...2024-08-0100 min
Powers at PlayPower & Privilege: Surviving Human TraffickingIn this conversation, Mandie K interviews Brittany Oldfield, a survivor of human trafficking. Despite facing immense trauma and adversity, Brittany's resilience and determination to protect others shine through.
She highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of the conditioning, coercion, manipulation and force used by human traffickers. She highlights the misconceptions and systemic barriers that exist around human trafficking and emphasizes the importance of believing and supporting survivors.
Brittany emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the different forms of coercion used in human trafficking.
The conversation highlights the lack of support and under...2024-06-201h 31
Powers at PlayMirrored Reflections: Same Generation, Same Gender, Diverse BeliefsIn this conversation, Mandie and Natalie discuss their different perspectives on abortion and reproductive rights.
Natalie holds a pro-life stance based on her Christian worldview, scientific evidence, and personal experience growing up in a large family. Mandie, on the other hand, believes in a woman's right to choose based on her interpretation of the Constitution, freedom of religion, and the right to privacy.
They explore the intersection of ethics and morals, the role of government in regulating abortion, and the definition of rights.
Despite their differences, they emphasize the importance of respectful dialogue a...2024-06-111h 12
Powers at PlayWhole Truths: Unpacking the Power of Transparency and Authenticity in Public DiscourseIn this conversation, Mandie K (Liberal) interviews Marshall Ariza (Conservative), a retired consultant with a background in economics and finance. They discuss the influence of elites and the necessity for transparency in media organizations, delving into topics of faith, the importance of questioning authority, and the value of diverse perspectives. The speakers share their personal experiences with Christianity, emphasizing the need to critically assess the foundations of one’s faith. They also explore the role of economics in society and highlight the lack of education and dialogue around fiscal policy. A continuous theme is the importance of authenticity in le...2024-06-031h 09
Powers at PlayUniting Conservative and Liberal Voices: Tom Hach and Mandie Kijinski on Civic Engagement, Common Ground, and Preserving the RepublicTom H., a conservative, and Mandie K. a liberal discuss the importance of civic engagement and finding common ground. Tom shares his background as a chemist and IT project manager, as well as his involvement in education and activism. They discuss the need for transparency in tax money and the importance of making choices in government priorities. They also touch on the role of the Constitution, the difference between being a Republican and a conservative, and the influence of religion on government and morality. They explore the challenges of having productive conversations with people of different viewpoints and the...2024-05-171h 11
Powers at PlayNavigating the Vaccine Divide: Controversy, Ethics, and TrustThe conversation between Mandie K and Dr. Sheri Minor explores the controversy and division surrounding vaccines, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The speakers discuss their personal struggles and dilemmas regarding vaccine decisions for themselves and their children. They delve into the ethical theories of consequentialism and non-consequentialism, highlighting the tension between individual rights and the common good. The conversation also touches on the importance of trust in government and pharmaceutical companies, the role of vaccines in preventing disease, the regulatory processes for ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy, and the impact of misinformation and disinformation. The speakers...2024-04-2935 min
Powers at PlayDinner and a Fight: Working to Make Sense of a Divided AmericaMandie Kijinski and Ted Wetzel sit down to discuss their shared desire to restore unity in America.
Ted Wetzel, the founder of "Dinner and a Fight," has created a process that merges dinner with dialogue to tackle divisive topics. The aim is to engage in civilized, yet passionate discussions without being offensive.
This event is held at various locations across the United States and addresses a wide range of topics. Participants begin the session in "chairs" labeled: 1. Agree Strongly, 2. Agree, 3. Neutral, 4. Disagree, or 5. Disagree Strongly. The focus is on revealing different perspectives through personal storytelling...2024-04-1945 min
Powers at PlayUnbecoming the Person Who Saved Me: Conversations on Abuse, Empowerment, and the Journey to SelfIn this conversation, Amanda Weekley and Mandie K discuss their personal experiences with abuse and the impact it had on their lives. They talk about the importance of open conversations about relationships, sex, and consent, and how the lack of these conversations affected them as young adults. They also discuss coping mechanisms and the need for control that can arise from abusive relationships. They emphasize the importance of ongoing personal growth and the need for continued education and open dialogue around these topics. The conversation explores the importance of having open and age-appropriate conversations with children about sensitive topics...2024-04-151h 56
Powers at PlayInclusivity in Motion: Dr. Tye Martin on Navigating Life with Muscular Dystrophy and Championing Inclusive but Individualized CareDr. Tye Martin, a voice of equality for people with disabilities, shares his journey with muscular dystrophy (MD) and the importance of inclusivity in healthcare and policymaking. He emphasizes the need for personalized care and support for individuals with MD, as well as the role of technology in early diagnosis and reproductive rights. The conversation also touches on the funding and accessibility of disability rights, education, and employment. Dr. Martin highlights the significance of finding purpose and drive in managing a chronic illness and the impact of mental health on overall well-being. Tye Martin discusses the importance of family...2024-04-0847 minPowers at PlayBreaking Cycles, Building Bridges: Navigating Race, Responsibility, and ReconciliationIn this conversation, Mandie K speaks with her friend Chris Ross about systemic racism, economic disparities, and navigating conversations with children about these topics. They discuss the impact of systemic racism on black children and the importance of black fathers taking responsibility for their families. They also explore the challenges faced by immigrants and the need for grace and understanding in discussions about systemic racism. Mandie and Chris share their perspectives on affirmative action and the importance of evaluating individuals based on their qualifications. They also discuss how to have conversations with children about race and differences in a...2024-03-2038 min
Powers at Play33 Siblings and Counting...Fiona shares her experience of starting a family as a LGBTQIA+ couple through assisted reproductive technology. She discusses the process of finding a fertility bank that works with LGBTQIA+ individuals and choosing an anonymous sperm donor. Fiona also talks about the challenges and decisions involved in embryo adoption and finding the right family to adopt their remaining embryos. She emphasizes the importance of providing love and support to children, regardless of their family structure. In this conversation, Fiona discusses her experience with embryo adoption and the challenges she faced as an LGBTQ individual in the adoption process. She highlights...2024-03-2044 minPowers at PlayWelcome to "Powers at Play"!In the welcoming embrace of her new podcast/videocast, Mandie Kijinski invites listeners and viewers on a compelling journey of human experiences. At the heart of Mandie's vision is a community where every voice finds a place, every story is valued, and every perspective is given the chance to shine. With infectious enthusiasm, she introduces a series that promises to bridge divides through empathy, understanding, and open dialogue.
Mandie's podcast is a mix of storytelling and discussion, focusing not just on the individuals’ experiences but also on how these personal journeys intersect with broader public policies in th...2024-03-2002 min