I Am Refocused Radio

In this powerful episode of I Am Refocused Radio, we sit down with Congresswoman Marie Newman—former U.S. Representative, movement-builder, and author of the upcoming memoir A Life Made From Scratch. Known for her unapologetic stance on healthcare reform, economic justice, and LGBTQ+ rights, Congresswoman Newman shares what it really takes to stand on your values in Washington—and why she’s still hopeful about the future of American democracy.

We dive deep into her personal journey from entrepreneur and mother to political firestarter, and she gives us a raw, honest look at the cost of fighting for change in a divided nation. If you’ve ever wondered how real change gets made—or how to keep pushing forward when the system pushes back—this episode is for you.

Congresswoman Marie Newman is a trailblazing former U.S. Representative, nonprofit CEO, marketing executive, author, and nationally recognized advocate for equity and justice. She is the author of When Your Child Is Being Bullied: Real Solutions and the forthcoming memoir A Life Made From Scratch (March 2025), which chronicles her journey from mompreneur and activist to Congress and beyond.

Known for building movements and tackling the nation’s toughest problems, Newman has been a fierce advocate for healthcare reform, anti-bullying policy, LGBTQ+ rights, gun safety, reproductive freedom, and economic equity. A former spokesperson for Moms Demand Action and a nationally recognized LGBTQ+ ally, she has dedicated her career to ensuring marginalized voices are heard—and centered—in policymaking.

Marie has been featured on MSNBC, CNN, FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, and PBS, and her work has been spotlighted by The New York Times, Washington Post, Elle, Teen Vogue, Ms. Magazine, The New Yorker, Chicago Tribune, and many more. Her op-eds and public speeches have sparked conversations across the political spectrum, from Capitol Hill to kitchen tables.

She currently lives in LaGrange, Illinois, with her husband and beagle, Iggy. Marie is a proud mom of two adult children, an active consultant, and a podcaster. Her debut novel—a work of political fiction—is due out in 2026, and she will launch her new podcast in 2025.

Her personal motto? “When you don’t see the solution you desperately need—make it from scratch.”

http://marienewmanstudio.com/



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Brittney Tollinchi is a dynamic speaker, high performance coach, best selling author, and inspiring podcaster known for her unwavering commitment to helping individuals make meaningful changes, uncover their inner greatness, and live authentically. As a Purpose Warrior, she inspires actionable shifts in perspectives and aligns habits to reveal the light and abundance within each person. 

Brittney treasures her role as a purpose-driven mom and wife, and brings profound relatability, an infectious optimism, and light heartedness to the complexities of balancing personal and professional life. She firmly believes that there is a beautiful purpose for each of us, a plan far beyond our own dreams, and she uses this belief to lead others to embrace their unique potential and live life to the fullest.

"It’s rare to have such a multi-dimensional speaker grace the stage - from high energy and humor, to authenticity with rich wisdom and activation; Brittney has a way of connecting to the audience that will elevate their experience and will offer a depth to your conference/event that will ensure an unforgettable time had by all. She’ll have you laughing one minute and crying the next. Her heart for people is palpable and she embraces that alongside her story telling skills to create a connection with everyone in the room." - Tamra Andress, Podcast & Conference Host, 7x Best Selling Author

https://www.brittneytollinchi.com/

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Subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedNetwork

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Pastor Vera McEwen is incredibly excited to give an open welcome to all at Love God Ministries! An online community where all truly are welcome, Pastor Vera embodies the Love of Christ through witness and discipleship. She founded Love God Ministries because conversations with people revealed a need for a community of believers where it does not matter how you look but recognize that you are a child of God.

Pastor Vera has been teaching and preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Word of God for over 30 years. Her primary emphasis is spreading God's Love by providing pastoral care, preaching God's Loving Word, teaching God's Light-Filled Word, and implementing God's Living relational group architecture via in home communities.

She is currently reviewing the prospects of a doctorate in religious studies with an emphasis on Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic as encouraged by her professors at seminary. In addition to her vocation as Pastor she ministers as a certified professional and personal coach.

With God's help, she implements 1 Thessalonians 5.11, motivating people to be and do their very best by building one another up. Pastor Vera is a joyous, ever singing sister in Christ who after years of being pursued by God, stopped running and answered the call, halleluiah, הַלְלוּיָה

https://www.lovegod-ministries.org/


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Shannon Russell is a Career Transition and Business Coach, an Exit Strategy Expert, and the CEO of Second Act Success® Coaching. Shannon spent over 16 years as a Television Producer before she decided to stop producing shows for others and start "producing" her own life. Shannon pivoted her career from the entertainment industry to entrepreneurship, and she now empowers women to leave unfulfilling careers and build joyful, purpose-driven businesses that allow them to live their best lives in their "second act." Shannon is the author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life , and she hosts the Second Act Success Career Podcast.

https://secondactsuccess.co/





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Thank you for your time.

Catherine has worked in allied health,  before transitioning into a career as an intuitive healer and leadership coach. She has run and sold successful companies, mentored students and others in her profession, as well as guided and healed many souls globally. Catherine hosts a podcast called Willow Healing Matters and interviews guests from around the world about their healing journeys. This title is also shared for her Substack where articles are shared each week to inspire others and empower them on their life journey. 

Catherine’s interest in writing resurfaced as a way to share information she has collected and reflect on the intricacies that make life extraordinary. 

The idea for Catherine’s novels and books come through to her through her intuition. Catherine is unaware on what will come until the book is being written and the manuscript unfolds. This has led to her writing from a unique perspective that is beyond her imagination and keeps her guessing as much as those she is writing for. With unique story lines and spiritual topics that will capture an audience, Catherine is excited to share her spirit writer with the world.

https://www.willowhealing.org/


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Subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedNetwork

Thank you for your time.

A former baseball standout from one of Texas' top-ranked high schools, Britton made a bold pivot from the field to the stage in 2022. After an accomplished athletic career filled with championship victories and junior college play, he chose to follow his musical calling instead of pursuing sports scholarships. Music has always been in his blood. His father was a gospel singer before founding a church with Britton's mother, where Britton continues to develop his voice through worship as well as writing his own music. Though transitioning from teammate to solo artist has been an adjustment, he sees "The Voice" as the perfect opportunity to combine his love of mentorship and teamwork with his passion for music. 

ABOUT THE VOICE
Get amped up! Country-pop sensation Kelsea Ballerini joins an all-star coach lineup with reigning champion Michael Bublé, EGOT winner John Legend... and the return of an original “The Voice” icon, Adam Levine! With the competition hotter than ever, they’ll find and mentor America’s best undiscovered singers in this spectacular new season.

NBC’s The Voice follows the strongest vocalists from across the country and invites them to compete in this season's blockbuster vocal competition. 

#TheVoice #NBC #KelseaBallerini #JohnLegend #MichaelBublé #AdamLevine

Watch this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGF025SqNl0

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Subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedNetwork

Thank you for your time.

Growing up with both White and Hispanic heritage, Lucia struggled to connect with her Mexican roots as she was raised away from that side of her family. Determined to embrace her lineage, she became fluent in Spanish while studying abroad in Spain. As a passionate music lover raised in Washington state, Lucia was particularly influenced by Brandi Carlile. A chance encounter in 2018, while Lucia was helping set up for Brandi's rehearsal at her high school, led to an impromptu singing session with one of the band members. Brandi overheard Lucia's talent and invited her to perform at a fundraiser concert. Today, Lucia performs regularly at local festivals and recently achieved a milestone by headlining her first show.

ABOUT THE VOICE
Get amped up! Country-pop sensation Kelsea Ballerini joins an all-star coach lineup with reigning champion Michael Bublé, EGOT winner John Legend... and the return of an original “The Voice” icon, Adam Levine! With the competition hotter than ever, they’ll find and mentor America’s best undiscovered singers in this spectacular new season.

NBC’s The Voice follows the strongest vocalists from across the country and invites them to compete in this season's blockbuster vocal competition. 

#TheVoice #NBC #KelseaBallerini #JohnLegend #MichaelBublé #AdamLevine

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

Subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedNetwork

Thank you for your time.

Despite his parents' hope for him to follow their path in pursuing law, Barry found his true calling in music at age 23 when he formed Barry Fontenot and the Hurricanes, a Motown-inspired band. After dropping out of law school to pursue music, he established an eight-piece ensemble called Barry and the Fountains, which performs monthly shows around Chicago. Beyond music, Barry finds fulfillment as a substitute teacher in Chicago's south side, working with underserved high school students. A self-proclaimed massive nerd, he maintains a unique passion for historical swordsmanship, having collected over 15 swords and participated in historical European martial arts fencing for 15 years.

ABOUT THE VOICE
Get amped up! Country-pop sensation Kelsea Ballerini joins an all-star coach lineup with reigning champion Michael Bublé, EGOT winner John Legend... and the return of an original “The Voice” icon, Adam Levine! With the competition hotter than ever, they’ll find and mentor America’s best undiscovered singers in this spectacular new season.

NBC’s The Voice follows the strongest vocalists from across the country and invites them to compete in this season's blockbuster vocal competition. 

#TheVoice #NBC #KelseaBallerini #JohnLegend #MichaelBublé #AdamLevine

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

Subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedNetwork

Thank you for your time.

Pastor Vera McEwen is incredibly excited to give an open welcome to all at Love God Ministries! An online community where all truly are welcome, Pastor Vera embodies the Love of Christ through witness and discipleship. She founded Love God Ministries because conversations with people revealed a need for a community of believers where it does not matter how you look but recognize that you are a child of God.

Pastor Vera has been teaching and preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Word of God for over 30 years. Her primary emphasis is spreading God's Love by providing pastoral care, preaching God's Loving Word, teaching God's Light-Filled Word, and implementing God's Living relational group architecture via in home communities.

She is currently reviewing the prospects of a doctorate in religious studies with an emphasis on Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic as encouraged by her professors at seminary. In addition to her vocation as Pastor she ministers as a certified professional and personal coach.

With God's help, she implements 1 Thessalonians 5.11, motivating people to be and do their very best by building one another up. Pastor Vera is a joyous, ever singing sister in Christ who after years of being pursued by God, stopped running and answered the call, halleluiah, הַלְלוּיָה

https://www.lovegod-ministries.org/


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

Mark is a Business / Life Coach, the founder of Freedom For Life, LLC and author of the transformational leadership book, “LIFE MASTERY: Living life by design, not by default.” 

He has a singular passion to see men unleashed as the Hero they are created to be in their business, relationships and life.

Mark has developed and launched his Life Mastery online course and has seen hundreds of lives transformed. 

He has also had the privilege of speaking at conferences throughout the Western US.


http://freedom-for-life.net/


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

Subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedNetwork

Thank you for your time.