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.

—

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

—

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 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!

—

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

—

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.

In this episode of Meredyth with a Why, I sit down with the amazing Kavita Ahuja—a certified life and career transitions coach and the host of The Midlife Reinvention Podcast—to talk about what it really means to reinvent yourself in midlife.

If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or secretly asking yourself, “Is this all there is?”, this one is going to hit home.

Kavita shares her deeply personal and inspiring story of going from a 25-year corporate career to launching her coaching business and podcast after age 50.

Here’s what we dive into:

• Why most of us are living with untapped potential—and how to find your Ikigai (your true reason for being)
  
  

• The huge difference between coaching and therapy—and how to know which one you really need right now
  
  

• How creating space to actually be heard can be more healing than any advice
  
  

• Why your midlife “identity crisis” might be the best thing that’s ever happened to you
  
  

• The secret to attracting more opportunities, aligned relationships, and joy by tapping into what Kavita calls “anabolic energy”
  
  

Kavita’s story is raw, honest, and full of wisdom—and I know it’s going to speak to so many of you. Whether you’re looking to change careers, rediscover yourself after raising a family, or simply want to feel more alive in your own life, this episode is full of gold. So tune in now!

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00:00 Introducing Kavita Ahuja

02:48 Coaching Women Through Transitions

05:36 The Challenges of Reinvention

08:08 The Role of External Judgments

12:24 Personal Stories of Reinvention

18:48 The Concept of Midlife Awakening

20:54 Understanding Ikigai

23:10 Exploring the Concept of Ikigai

25:48 The Role of Passion and Values

32:59 The Power of Coaching

39:55 Final Thoughts

—

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.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits/#

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@meredyth_with_a_why

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC9SmYieWxoJHlDNI0jN_Gsw

Ready to reinvent yourself? This is where you start.

Find Kavita and book a free discovery call at: itsmytimenowcoaching.com

🎧 And listen to her podcast, The Midlife Reinvention Podcast, for more transformational stories and tools.

In this eye-opening episode, I sat down with the incredible Marci Kenon—Certified Wellness Coach and founder of Preventative Lifestyle Assistance Network Plan—for a conversation that honestly blew my mind.

We covered toxic food, mold exposure, weight loss drugs, and the shocking number of chemicals hiding in plain sight in our homes and food supply. Marci doesn’t just coach people—she educates, and after this talk, you’re going to see your body, your plate, and your environment in a whole new way.

Here’s what we got into:

• How certain drugs might be tricking your brain into thinking you don’t have a stomach (yes, really)
  
  

• Why counting chemicals is more important than counting calories
  
  

• The silent damage from ultra-processed foods and how your cravings are being manipulated for profit
  
  

• Real talk on mold toxicity (I’m talking brain fog, asthma, even misdiagnosed dementia) and what it’s like living with it
  
  

• The NEW START wellness method and how to detox your life—mentally, physically, emotionally
  
  

Marci also opens up about caring for her 82-year-old mom, navigating toxic exposure in NYC housing, and how she’s turning that pain into purpose by empowering others to reclaim their health.

This episode isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness and action. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the health advice out there, or unsure where to begin, this conversation will meet you where you are. You don’t need perfection—you just need to start.

Listen if you’re ready to:

• Take back control of your health (and your kids’ health)
  
  

• Understand what’s really in your food and home
  
  

• Break free from wellness confusion and chemical overload
  
  

Let’s stop letting profits dictate our plates. Hit play and let’s get into it!

—

00:00 Introducing Marci Kenon

01:43 Marcy's Journey into Wellness

02:16 The Impact of Food Additives

06:30 The Generally Recognized as Safe List

13:36 The Role of Ultra-Processed Foods

17:08 Historical Diets and Modern Health

21:33 The Influence of Food Corporations

33:41 Understanding Malnutrition

35:20 Misconceptions About Weight and Health

38:27 Deceptive Marketing in Food Industry

42:03 Addiction and Food

49:22 Toxins in Everyday Life

50:20 Positive Lifestyle Changes

58:22 Final Thoughts and Resources

—

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.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits/#

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@meredyth_with_a_why

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC9SmYieWxoJHlDNI0jN_Gsw

Visit Marci Kenon’s website: https://www.marcikenon.com/summit

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Mufson—licensed psychotherapist, Human Design expert, and founder of Rêv—to talk about what it really means to build a business and life that’s aligned with who you are at your core.

This conversation blew me away. We covered so much ground around burnout, intuition, healing, and the kind of alignment that actually lasts. If you’re a coach, therapist, healer, entrepreneur—or someone who's done everything "right" and still feels off—this is for you.

Here’s what we dive into:

• How to use Human Design strategy and authority to make decisions with clarity and confidence

• Why so many women (especially Gen X) default to over-functioning in relationships, work, and parenting

• The real-life impact of being out of alignment—on your health, your energy, your joy

• How knowing your design (and your partner’s!) can transform how you relate without losing yourself

• The myth of the magic wand—and why true healing sometimes means gut health, adrenal support, and functional medicine

• What it looks like to reimagine healing work and stop self-sacrificing in the name of service
  
  

Whether you're skeptical or already obsessed with Human Design, this episode will make you think differently about how you're doing life, love, and business. 🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

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00:00 Introducing Alex Mufson

01:04 Understanding Human Design

03:39 Scaling Business with Human Design

05:25 Generational Differences in the Workplace

10:00 Practical Applications of Human Design

21:25 Rev's Approach and Services

24:11 The Importance of Addressing Trauma

27:30 Impact of Deep Trauma Work

28:23 Human Design and Business Success

35:55 The Importance of Authenticity

41:13 Balancing Health and Human Design

45:40 Reimagining Healing Work

50:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

—

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.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits/#

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@meredyth_with_a_why

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC9SmYieWxoJHlDNI0jN_Gsw

Follow Alex Mufson on her social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.mufson

Instagram: www.instagram.com/alex.mufson/#

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mufson-lcsw-96146b29/

In this compelling episode of Meredyth With a Why, we dive into the future of work with Dr. Angela Jackson, acclaimed author of The Win-Win Workplace and a New York Times bestselling author. With years of research at Harvard and hands-on experience in workforce development, Dr. Jackson shares game-changing strategies to create workplaces where both employees and businesses thrive.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• Why investing in employees drives bigger profits – It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s a business imperative.

• How to bridge the gap between leadership and employees – 42% of workers feel undervalued. Here’s how to fix it.

• The power of workplace flexibility – Why so many employees would take a pay cut for remote work and what leaders should learn from it.

• Actionable steps for employees and managers – Simple ways to foster engagement, innovation, and a culture of growth.

• Exclusive insight into the Win-Win Workplace Summit – Meet 80+ top employers who are redefining the future of work.
  
  

Whether you’re a CEO, manager, or employee, this episode will inspire and empower you to create a workplace that works for everyone. Plus, Dr. Jackson shares her inspiring journey, including a defining childhood experience that shaped her passion for workforce transformation.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how innovation, inclusion, and smart leadership can reshape the way we work! Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

—

00:00 Introducing Dr. Angela Jackson

01:48 Generational Shifts in the Workplace

05:30 Middle Management Challenges

16:49 Employee Empowerment and Advocacy

21:50 Dr. Jackson's Encouraging Journey

29:47 Conclusion

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Join the Win-Win Workplace Summit! As a special thank-you to our listeners, enjoy 20% off your ticket with code BOOKTOUR20 at checkout. Don’t miss out—grab your spot today!

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.

In this powerful and insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Sherman, a licensed clinical psychologist, professor, author, and national leader in family psychology who has dedicated her career to supporting families navigating mental illness and PTSD. With decades of experience, Dr. Sherman shares practical, research-based strategies to help loved ones set boundaries, communicate effectively, and build resilience in the face of mental health challenges.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to Talk to Your Kids – Helping them understand a parent's mental illness without guilt or shame

• Setting Healthy Boundaries – Supporting a loved one without losing yourself in the process

• Building a Strong Support System – Finding the right people and resources for both you and your family

• Coping with Guilt & Emotional Burnout – Giving yourself grace while still showing up for others

• Practical, Research-Based Skills – Strategies for navigating complex family dynamics

Dr. Sherman’s expertise goes beyond clinical knowledge—her work is filled with real-life stories, interactive exercises, and compassionate guidance to help individuals and families heal and thrive.

Be sure to check out her books:

📖 Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma – A must-read for anyone supporting a loved one through mental health struggles.

📖 I Am Not Alone: A Teen's Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has a Mental Illness or History of Trauma – A valuable resource for young people seeking understanding and support.

🎧 Tune in now for a heartfelt conversation that will leave you feeling empowered, seen, and better equipped to navigate mental health in your family and relationships.

—

00:00 Introducing Dr. Michelle Sherman

01:17 The Impact of Parental Mental Health on Children

03:01 Challenges in Addressing Parental Mental Health

06:05 Research Insights on Mental Health Awareness

07:33 The Role of Parents in Mental Health Treatment

22:42 Differences in Mental Health Perception

27:59 Navigating Therapy with Your Child

31:47 Mental Health Awareness

35:55 The Role of Grandparents in Modern Parenting

39:25 Mental Health Resources for Teens

47:43 Supporting Adults with Mental Illness

51:10 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.