In this deeply moving and wide-open conversation, I sit down with Congresswoman, activist, and author Marie Newman to explore her personal journey through resilience, reinvention, and radical honesty—not just as a political leader, but as a mother navigating uncharted terrain.


This episode goes way beyond politics. It’s about what happens when life taps you on the shoulder and says: “time to rewrite your story.”


Marie opens up about her family's experience after her daughter came out as transgender—the grief, the growth, and the beautiful rebirth that followed. We talk about what it means to release the old dreams we hold for our children (and ourselves), and make space for new ones that are truer, more liberating, and more alive.


In this episode, you’ll hear:

- Marie’s raw and unfiltered account of parenting through her child’s transition—and the emotional complexities that come with it.

- How old narratives have to die in order for new, more honest ones to emerge.

- Why Marie is still challenging broken systems, from Congress to Big Pharma, and how she’s now using fiction and podcasting as powerful tools for truth-telling.

- Real talk about reinvention, letting go of other people’s expectations, and starting over—no matter your age or stage.


Whether you’re a parent, an advocate, a creative soul, or someone staring down a crossroads, this conversation is here to remind you: you are not stuck. Change is possible. And rewriting your narrative is not only allowed—it’s necessary.


If you’re craving inspiration with a generous side of realness—this one’s for you. Tune in now!

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00:00 Introducing Congresswoman Marie Newman

03:25 Early Influences and Activism

09:11 Personal Stories of Standing Up

14:26 Addressing Systemic Issues

23:05 The Power of Personal Stories

26:21 The Fake News Phenomenon

29:41 Transitioning from Congress to Consulting

33:25 Advice for Life Changes and Pursuing Dreams

37:39 Parenting a Transgender Child

39:47 The Emotional Journey of Acceptance

44:27 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

47:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Ready to dive even deeper? I’m handing you the keys to the castle! If you loved this episode and want more, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss out! Let’s stay connected—find me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Visit her website: MarieNewmanStudio.com

Connect with her on…

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarieNewmanIL06

Instagram: www.instagram.com/repmarienewman/

BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/marienewman.bsky.social

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marie-newman-b31807/

In this powerful episode of Meredyth with a Why, I sit down with leadership expert and renowned CEO Dave Garrison, author of The Buy-In Advantage, to unpack the hard truths and simple strategies behind authentic leadership in today’s evolving workplace.

Dave brings over  25 years of leadership wisdom to the table, and I mean it when I say—this episode is packed with game-changing insights that leaders at any level can put into action right now.

Together, we dive into:

✅ Why asking “What are you celebrating right now?” instead of “How are you doing?” can completely shift workplace culture
✅ How to see your employees as whole humans, not just job descriptions
✅ The small, cost-free shifts that make a huge difference in how people show up
✅ Why most meetings are boring and ineffective—and how to turn them into co-created conversations that actually matter
✅ The real reason employees disengage—and how leaders are (often unknowingly) making it worse

We also talk about the emotional intelligence leaders need post-COVID, why old-school management is totally missing the mark with younger generations, and how we can all stop fighting the shift toward inclusive, people-first leadership.

If you’re a business owner, team lead, manager—or someone who simply wants to lead with more impact and heart—this episode is full of practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

🎧 Tune in to hear how you can:

✨ Lead from the inside out
✨ Foster buy-in without burnout
✨ Create meetings your team actually wants to attend
✨ Build a work culture where people feel seen, heard, and genuinely motivated

And don’t forget to check out The Buy-In Advantage at buyinbook.com for free tools, leadership questions, and more.

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00:00 Introducing Dave Garrison

02:58 Generational Differences in the Workplace

06:53 Leadership Challenges and Myths

08:23 The Importance of Company Culture

20:30 Reinventing Performance Reviews

25:49 Making a Difference in Healthcare

29:20 Evolving Leadership Trends

33:21 Practical Tips for Leaders

41:27 Effective Meetings

47:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Ready to dive even deeper? I’m handing you the keys to the castle! If you loved this episode and want more, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss out! Let’s stay connected—find me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

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Visit Dave Garrison’s website: garrisongrowth.com

Connect with him on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/dave-garrison-growth

In this episode, I’m diving deep into something that has completely shifted how I live my life: learning to sit in the IS — accepting exactly where I am, right now, without judgment, regret, or the toxic trap of should.

I share how releasing jealousy, comparison, and unrealistic expectations has brought me peace, focus, and power. Instead of wishing I was somewhere else, doing something different, or being someone “better,” I’ve learned to ask: What can I do right now?

Here’s what I get into:

• How letting go of jealousy creates space for inspiration and goal-setting.
• Why you don’t have to obey your reptilian brain — and how to override it with intention.
  
  
• Why the word should is dangerous — and how it feeds procrastination and self-doubt.
  
  
• The difference between victimhood and active participation in your own life.
  
  
• How radical acceptance of what is can become your most powerful tool for growth.

I bring in real-life stories, humor, and tough love to show how these mindset shifts play out in everyday life.

This episode is for anyone who’s ready to stop living in the what should be — and start showing up fully for what is. Let’s do this!

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00:00 Introduction

04:05 The Burden of 'Shoulds'

07:02 Reverse Engineering Your Future

08:23 Authenticity and Social Media

10:46 Living with Purpose

22:48 Final Thoughts

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Ready to dive even deeper? I’m handing you the keys to the castle! If you loved this episode and want more, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss out! Let’s stay connected—find me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.