In this episode of Meredyth with a Why, I open up about a raw look at faith, spirituality, political division, and the rise of Christian nationalism in America. I wanted to share the truth about what happened in my recent interview with PastorJackson Lahmeyer, what I felt, and why this episode may challenge what you believe about compassion, justice, and faith.

This isn't just commentary. It's me being honest about what it means to stay grounded in love when confronted with beliefs that feel out of alignment. I explained why the conversation left me overwhelmed, what I wished I had said, and why I refuse to quietly support cruelty, racism, or blind obedience wrapped in the language of faith.

Here's what you'll hear in this episode: - Faith, Politics & "God-Ordained Government": How his interpretation of scripture clashed with the teachings of Jesus I follow. - Immigration & Cruelty: Why current treatment of migrants and families contradicts compassion, humanity, and Christ's example. - Racism, "White Culture," & Otherness: Why the idea of "white culture" is harmful and rooted in exclusion. - Misogyny & Women's Narratives: My reaction to the Jezebel label and harmful assumptions about women's success. - Finding My Voice: What this experience taught me about speaking up, even when I'm overwhelmed.

This is more than a reflection on a difficult interview. It's a reminder to stay rooted in compassion, truth, and love when the world pushes us toward fear, judgment, and division. Tune in!

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00:00 Introduction

02:49 Diverging Views on Faith and Government

07:40 Addressing White Culture and Racism

10:20 Controversial Statements and Personal Reactions

12:12 The Role of Christianity in Modern Politics

17:10 Economic Inequality and Social Justice

29:32 Final Thoughts and Moving Forward

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Get full show notes, resources, and links on my website! 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 eye-opening and incredibly validating episode, I sit down with CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author Kate Lowry to unpack one of the biggest workplace issues we are facing today, fear-based leadership. From tech to corporate to nonprofits, and even inside families and relationships, fear-driven leaders are everywhere, and most people have no idea how to protect themselves without shutting down or burning out.

Kate and I dive into why these leadership styles are becoming more common, how they impact your mental health and professional confidence, and what you can do to stay grounded, empowered, and clear. If you have ever worked under a controlling boss, felt stuck in a toxic workplace, or struggled to speak up, this conversation will give you the tools and language you have been missing.

In this episode, we talked about:

- What fear-based leadership really looks like, micromanagement, manipulation, perfectionism, triangulation, emotional immaturity, and why turnover is often the biggest red flag.

- Why fear-driven leaders are increasing across industries and how cultural, economic, and generational shifts are feeding this trend.

- How emotionally immature leaders operate and why they get stuck in "me vs. you" thinking instead of "us vs. the problem."

- The tools you can use right now to navigate toxic bosses, managing attention and availability, using the "spectrum of resistance," protecting your autonomy, and staying grounded.

- Why real leadership requires vulnerability, collaboration, repair, and the willingness to admit you do not know everything.

- Why top performers are not always the best managers and what actually makes someone a strong, emotionally intelligent leader.

- What to do when a boss steals your idea, plus a communication framework that helps you address issues without triggering defensiveness.

- How fear-based dynamics show up outside of work, in families, parenting, government, and relationships, and why recognizing them is the first step to real change.

- Why psychological safety and emotional intelligence are the future of successful teams and high-performing companies. This was such a powerful and important conversation. If you want to understand fear-based leadership, protect your peace at work, or become a more grounded and compassionate leader yourself, this episode will speak directly to you. Tune in!

— 00:00 Introducing Kate Lowry 02:01 Why Kate Wrote 'Unbreakable' 11:08 The Role of Leaders in Employee Development 17:43 Balancing Performance and Compassion in Leadership 24:32 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership 28:52 Building Trust in Leadership 31:36 The Importance of Listening in Leadership 37:19 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Business 47:06 Applying Leadership Lessons to Personal Life 51:46 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.

🔗 Connect with Kate Lowry

• Website: www.katelowry.com

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kateunbreakablelowry

• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Kate-Lowry/61579366067469

Get a copy of Kate Lowry's book called "Unbreakable" here: https://www.katelowry.com/book

In this eye-opening episode of Meredyth With a Why, I sit down with world-renowned cardiologist, professor, and author, Dr. Peter Kowey to uncover the truth about what's really happening inside America's broken healthcare system and what it means for all of us.

This conversation hit home for me. As someone who's personally navigated hospitals with loved ones and seen the chaos firsthand, I wanted to understand why our healthcare system feels so impossible to trust and what can actually be done to fix it.

Here's what we dig into: ➡️ The collapse of U.S. healthcare — why hospitals are closing, costs are exploding, and how these problems reach every patient, even those with "good insurance." ➡️ Profit over patients — how corporate healthcare, private equity, and profit-driven policies are destroying real patient care. ➡️ Becoming your own advocate — why you should never go to the doctor alone, how to prepare questions, record appointments, and make sure nothing gets missed. ➡️ The human connection that's missing — how our medical schools are failing to teach empathy and communication, and what that means for the next generation of doctors. ➡️ Holistic healing that works — from nutrition and mindset to preventive care and emotional wellness, we talk about what truly creates lasting health. ➡️ Why real change starts with us — how we can use our voices, votes, and awareness to demand reform in a system that's meant to heal, not harm.

This episode is raw, real, and full of insight. It's about accountability, compassion, and hope, for our families, our doctors, and the future of healthcare itself. Tune in!

— 00:00 Introducing Dr. Peter Kowey 03:17 Challenges in the Healthcare System 15:10 Healthcare System Mismanagement and Solutions 26:43 Trust in the Medical Profession 31:11 Trust Issues with Doctors and the Healthcare System 36:21 The Need for a Holistic Approach in Medical Education 45:41 The Impact of Doctors' Words and Actions 54:38 The Importance of Patient Advocacy 57:44 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.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Peter Kowey

• Website: www.peterkoweyauthor.com/

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/peterkowey.md/

• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@peterkowey_author

• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@PeterR.KoweyMD

When I first read Cevin Soling's work, it completely changed how I saw education, and honestly, how I saw the system itself. In this episode, I sit down with Cevin, a Harvard scholar, musician, and award-winning filmmaker behind The War on Kids, to talk about how schools have become institutions of control rather than places of curiosity and growth.

We dive into some hard truths and some wild stories that will make you question everything you thought you knew about "a good education."

Here's what we get into:

• The hidden cost of schooling — how public education often mirrors prisons and strips away children's civil rights in the name of discipline and order.

• Grades vs. growth — why being a "good student" does not necessarily mean you are learning, and how grades measure obedience more than potential.

• Real learning that lasts — his powerful ideas about self-directed learning, mentorship, and community-based education that spark curiosity instead of conformity.

• The ADHD myth — reframing so-called "disorders" as natural human differences that can become superpowers outside the classroom.

• A story you will not forget — how he ended up being gifted part of an island by a tribe who believed his arrival was prophesied, and what that moment taught him about culture, freedom, and indoctrination.

This conversation is raw, thought-provoking, and full of those "wait, what?" moments that make you stop and rethink how deeply the system shapes who we become. If you have ever felt like school was more about control than connection, this episode is for you.

— 00:00 Introducing Cevin Soling 04:12 The Impact of School Pressure on Students 08:53 Critique of the School System's Objectives 19:21 Self-Directed Learning as a Solution 31:12 The Impact of Age Segregation in Schools 35:00 The Role of Medication in Schooling 39:23 Colonialism and Its Mixed Legacy 50:48 The Role of Schools in Cultural Erosion 52:57 The Injustice of Public Schooling 59:45 The Importance of Self-Esteem in Education 01:02:04 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.

🔗 Connect with Cevin Soling

• His websites: www.cevinsoling.com

In this episode, I'm getting real with you. I'm opening up about my journey of breaking free from fear, judgment, and the pressure to live according to everyone else's expectations. For years, I was scared to speak my truth and be my authentic self. I let others' opinions control my life, staying quiet and playing small. But enough is enough.

Here's what we'll cover today:

• Facing the fear of judgment: The struggles of speaking out, being vulnerable, and putting myself out there.

• How I overcame the fear: After 52 years of hiding, I decided to show up, even if it makes people uncomfortable.

• Confronting the pressure to conform: The societal, family, and cultural pressures that tell us who we should be—and how I'm learning to break free from them.

• The toll of social media fighting: Why I believe arguing with strangers online is not only pointless but toxic to our mental and physical health.

• Taking real action instead of arguing: How to redirect that energy into something productive—like calling your representatives and making a difference where it counts.

• I'm also going to share how I've been working through my own fears, especially around menopause, and why I chose to be vulnerable about it. Let's be real: sharing personal struggles isn't easy, but it's freeing. And if I can do it, so can you.

By the end of this episode, I want you to ask yourself:

• What fears have you been holding onto that are blocking your freedom?

• What's been keeping you from living your life the way you want to?

It's time to stop letting fear control us. Let's break through those barriers together and start living authentically. This episode is all about letting go of the negative voices and stepping into a life that's truly ours!

—

00:00 Introduction

01:35 Dealing with Feedback and Criticism

05:06 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Authenticity

08:56 Living Authentically Despite Judgment

10:25 The Power of Agreements and Social Conditioning

18:50 Personal Health Struggles and Vulnerability

24:30 Family Dynamics and Personal Growth

33:02 Navigating Social Media and Political Divisions

36:05 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, I sit down with George Zavershinskiy, a former Soviet Nuclear Scientist who walked away from creating weapons of mass destruction to become a priest and author. His autobiographical novel Atomic Shepherd is a reflection of a life transformed, from secret research labs in Siberia to a deep spiritual awakening that changed everything.

This conversation moved me deeply. George's story isn't just about science or religion. It's about conscience, courage, and rediscovering humanity in a world that often forgets it. We talk about how faith and intellect can coexist, why real happiness comes from creation and service, and how even AI can't replicate the soul's consciousness.

Here's what we explore:

• The Awakening: How George experienced a powerful moment of conscience that led him to walk away from the Soviet nuclear program.

• Breaking Indoctrination: Our discussion on nationalism in both the U.S. and U.S.S.R. and how it shapes fear and identity.

• From Reactors to Redemption: What it took for him to leave behind a life of secrets and find spiritual purpose.

• Chernobyl and Sacrifice: The true story of two scientists on a reactor roof and the decision that cost them everything.

• Faith Meets Science: How George sees God in creativity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of truth.

• The Meaning of Work and Happiness: Why purpose, not power, is the real source of fulfillment.

This conversation will challenge the way you see faith, science, and the role of conscience in modern life. George's perspective reminded me that progress means nothing if it comes at the cost of our humanity. Don't miss this episode. Tune in now!

— 00:00 Introducing George Zavershinskiy 01:52 Life in the Soviet Union 05:44 The Turning Point: Rejecting Nuclear Science 21:09 Awakening and Embracing Faith 31:35 The Conflict Between Artificial and Human Minds 34:32 The Role of Work in Human Life 37:10 Transition from Scientist to Priest 46:10 Sacrifice and the Core Message of the Gospel 53:51 Final Thoughts and Reflections —

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.

🔗 Connect with George Zavershinskiy:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557319811295

• Website: www.georgezavershinskiy.com/

In this moving episode, I sit down with Kathryn Henry, author of A Dime to Say I Love You and board director at Lululemon, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about love, loss, and transforming pain into purpose.

Kathryn opens up about her extraordinary journey, from a childhood marked by trauma to leading in global corporate roles, caregiving for her late wife Lisa through cancer, and finding spiritual meaning after unimaginable loss. Through every chapter, she reminds us how healing, faith, and self-awareness can turn grief into growth.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Healing Beyond the Physical: Why true recovery includes emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being, not just medical "fixes."

• Faith vs. Fear: Her evolution from religious guilt to spiritual freedom, meditation, and living with divine awareness.

• The AFGO Mindset (Another Freaking Growth Opportunity): How humor and perspective help her reframe life's toughest lessons.

• Love That Transcends Loss: The sacred promise she made, and how it continues to guide her healing journey.

• Redefining Success: From personal training to the boardroom, Kathryn shares why purpose, not position, determines fulfillment.

• India, Intuition, and Inner Peace: Transformative experiences at ashrams and Ayurvedic retreats that deepened her connection to self and spirit.

This episode is for anyone navigating grief, caregiving, or a major life transition, and for those seeking a reminder that love, faith, and inner strength can reshape even the darkest moments.

— 00:00 Introducing Kathryn Henry 02:54 The Importance of Therapy and Self-Care 08:11 Personal Struggles and Overcoming Adversity 23:18 Navigating Life's Challenges with Grace 31:34 Taking Life One Step at a Time 36:24 Living a Good Life: Lessons from Loved Ones 42:28 Spirituality and Personal Growth 48:14 The Role of Spirituality in Coping 55:37 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.

🔗 Connect with Kathryn Henry:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kathryn.m.henry/

• LikedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/henrykathryn/

In this episode of Meredyth with a Why, I sit down with Dr. Carole Lieberman, a board-certified forensic psychiatrist you may know as The Terrorist Therapist and host of Dr. Carole's Couch, along with Chad Kultgen, co-host of The Necessary Conversation. Together, we dive deep into politics, terrorism, mental health, and the polarizing figure of Donald Trump.

This conversation was raw, challenging, and exactly what I believe we need more of… people with opposing views sitting down to actually listen, question, and debate.

Here's what we got into:

• Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) – Dr. Lieberman breaks down why she's pushing to include TDS in the DSM and shares her criteria for mild, moderate, and severe cases.

• Strong Leadership vs. Authoritarianism – We discussed immigration, ICE detentions, tariffs, protests, and what "protection" really looks like in America.

• From Media Violence to 9/11 – Dr. Lieberman opens up about how 9/11 shifted her life's work from media violence to terrorism and national security.

• Guns & the Second Amendment – Why she went from opposing guns to defending the right to bear arms against government overreach.

• Her Roots & Training – From her New York upbringing to studying under Anna Freud in London, she shares how her background shaped her worldview.

• Finding (and Missing) Common Ground – We push each other on topics like abortion, corruption, tariffs, and accountability—and discover where agreement surprisingly shows up.

For me, this was less about winning an argument and more about showing that we can have tough conversations without shutting each other down. Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in between, I think you'll walk away challenged, curious, and maybe even inspired to keep the dialogue going. — 00:00 Introducing Dr. Carole Liemberman and Chad Kultgen 01:12 Discussing Trump Derangement Syndrome 08:47 Political Violence and TDS 28:25 Obama's Influence and Media Violence 37:27 Controversial Statements and Public Perception 38:20 Authoritarianism and Historical Comparisons 46:44 Trump Derangement Syndrome: Mild to Severe Cases 01:04:21 Trump's Financial Gains and Alleged Corruption 01:11:53 Concluding 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.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Carole Leiberman:

• Website: terroristtherapist.com/aboutdrcarole/

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/CaroleLiebermanMD

• Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-caroles-couch-radio-show/id298963620

🔗 Connect with Chad Kultgen:

• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@thenecessaryconversation?_t=ZS-8zbvoAL2Dmq&_r=1

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@TheNecessaryConversation

In this inspiring episode of Meredyth with the Why, I sit down with the creators of the C.U.D.D.L. Pouch, Natalie Doherty and Amy Seratt, to talk about healing, recovery, and the importance of community when life takes unexpected turns.

Natalie and Amy's journey began with friendship, but it was transformed by survival, resilience, and the invention of a product designed to make post-surgical healing safer and more comfortable. From managing surgical drains after cancer treatments to finding purpose in creating tools that truly help patients, their story is one of courage, innovation, and compassion.

Here's what you'll hear in this episode: - The Birth of the C.U.D.D.L. Pouch: How Amy's breast cancer journey and drain complications inspired Natalie to take action - Life Beyond the Hospital: Why healing doesn't end with discharge instructions, and how patients often struggle alone at home. - Community & Connection: The power of friends, neighbors, and even strangers rallying to support patients in their toughest moments. - Hopeful Purpose: How Natalie and Amy turned pain into purpose, building not just a product but a supportive community for anyone facing surgery or serious illness. - Lessons in Strength & Love: Amy's reflections as a 3-time cancer survivor and how her experiences shaped her belief in living fully and asking for help without shame.

This is more than a conversation about recovery… It's about resilience, worthiness, and creating a better way forward for anyone walking through healing. Tune in now.

— 00:00 Introducing Natalie and Amy 02:38 Amy's Nursing Experience and Challenges 04:13 The Birth of Cuddle Pouch 13:44 Community and Support 21:29 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 29:23 The Power of Love and Compassion in Healthcare 30:39 Addressing Loneliness in Medical Journeys 33:36 The Importance of Mental Health Support 38:01 The Role of Therapy and Emotional Expression 48:22 Innovations for Patient Comfort 54:01 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude —

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 their website: https://hopefulpurpose.com/

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Molly Skye Brown, survivor, advocate, and author of Me Too Much: A Fed-Up Survivor. Molly bravely shares her story of abuse, grooming, and an alleged assault that forever changed her life, along with her chilling brush with Ghislaine Maxwell.

As Molly walked me through her experiences, I was struck by how clearly she reveals the playbook predators use, from false promises of modeling contracts and luxury trips to the "casting couch" setups and even the infamous invitations to Mar-a-Lago. Listening to her describe how she escaped, and how her father stepped in to protect her, is something I'll never forget.

Here's what you'll hear in our conversation:

• Early red flags — how grooming really looks and why "stranger danger" misses the reality of abuse.

• The Orlando assault — Molly's harrowing account of what happened in an "office with a bed" and the aftermath that followed.

• The Mar-a-Lago invitation — how one decision (and one friend's warning) may have saved Molly from a trafficking pipeline connected to Epstein and Maxwell.

• Her father's protection — the powerful moment he refused to let a billionaire lure his daughter into international waters.

• Life after trauma — PTSD, triggers, lawsuits, and why Molly is determined to speak out for other survivors who feel silenced.

This is more than Molly's survival story, it's a wake-up call. If you've ever wondered how predators like Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein operated in plain sight, Molly pulls back the curtain and shows us exactly how it happens. — 00:00 Introducing Molly Skye Brown 07:18 Molly's Childhood Abuse and Vulnerability 12:38 The Predatory Nature of the Entertainment Industry 33:48 The Disturbing Encounter 34:40 The Assault Begins 37:01 The Aftermath and Escape 38:55 Struggling with Trauma 45:55 A Call for Justice 51:15 A New Encounter 01:06:58 Family Support and Career Challenges 01:19:13 The Aftermath and Reflection 01:26:18 Legal Battles and Advocacy 01:32:21 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans —

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.

🔗 Connect with Molly Skye Brown:

• Visit her website: www.mollyskyebrown.com/

• Youtube: www.youtube.com/MollySkyeBrown

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mollyskyebrown/

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mollyskyebrown/