This 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 just happen in the past. It’s happening now. And too often, it’s happening silently. Amanda is breaking that silence, and in doing so, saving lives.

This 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 becoming one of the most dynamic liberal voices on social media.

We talk about the disinformation she once helped spread, the “aha” moments that unraveled it, and the bravery it took to say: I was wrong. I want to do better.

But this episode isn’t just about breaking down what’s broken — it’s about the power of growth, authenticity, and education.

Mercedes brings charisma and clarity that is magnetic. She’s funny, honest, and unafraid to call out the systems that fail us — all while building something better in their place.

Her story is proof that unlearning is powerful, and that your past doesn’t define your future — your voice does.

Mercedes, thank you for using yours so fiercely. We’re lucky to witness it.

In 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. Their town felt like home because of it, and they both learned firsthand that public education is a way out. It was there that they saw the power of diversity, resilience, and understanding the deeper needs of others—lessons that continue to shape their perspectives today.

One of those perspectives? The polarizing debate around "Defund the Police" and "Blue Lives Matter." Todd and Mandie break down how both sides are often driven by the same deep-seated fears and need to be heard—yet these conversations too often spiral into division instead of solutions. Together, they explore how to bridge the gap and work toward real, effective change that addresses the concerns of all involved.

And of course, you won’t want to miss Todd Zack Jr.'s latest music, which he shares in this episode—offering a raw, soulful reflection on the very issues they’re discussing. Tune in now!

Mandie 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 balance fiscal responsibility with the urgency of solving this national issue. With relatable anecdotes, policy insights, and actionable advice, this episode underscores the importance of investing in our youngest generation for a brighter future.
Whether you're a parent, policymaker, or simply someone passionate about building a stronger community, this episode provides a thoughtful, balanced look at how the childcare crisis affects us all—and what we can do about it.

In 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 spreading awareness.

This episode highlights the importance of community support and unity, offering insights into how each of us can play a role in strengthening our neighborhoods and supporting those in need. With compelling stories and practical advice, this conversation is a heartfelt reminder of the power of giving back.

Whether you’re looking to make an impact locally or on a national scale, this episode provides the inspiration and tools to take meaningful action.

Mandie, 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 the importance of understanding different perspectives and finding common ground. The conversation underscores the need for personal responsibility, background checks, and closing loopholes. They also talk about the challenges of implementing gun control measures, such as potential bias in the evaluation process and the existence of loopholes.

In 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.

Anthony "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, focusing more on understanding than persuading, which allowed them to reduce polarization and find mutual respect between each other.

They highlighted the power of focusing on shared values—such as safety, health, and economic stability—that transcend party lines. On the economic front, both advocated for state-led economic initiatives, agreeing that state control could better address local needs, stimulate job creation, and tailor educational programs to match regional industries.

Their discussion also explored how to balance freedom with responsibility, recognizing that upholding individual choice is essential but must coexist with communal harmony. Both stressed the importance of staying informed about economic policies, understanding that economic fears are real and affect everyone’s day-to-day life. On security and individual rights, they agreed that policies should protect freedoms while maintaining public safety.

They shared a commitment to government efficiency, believing that transparent, effective spending is crucial for public trust. Healthy living was another key point, with both supporting regulated food and health standards to benefit the whole community. They acknowledged the childcare crisis, noting that affordable, quality childcare is essential for working parents, especially single mothers, who contribute to the economy and pay taxes.

Finally, Goodie and Mandie recognized that facts alone can’t always address the fears people hold. True understanding often comes through open, respectful conversations that allow people to express their experiences and concerns. By engaging in this way, they demonstrated that it is possible to have meaningful, bipartisan conversations about contentious issues, bridging divides through empathy and commonality.

In 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.

Drawing 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 this transition.

This episode highlights the real-world effects of climate change, from extreme weather to economic and utility disruptions, and emphasizes the need for practical solutions that support sustainable economic growth. Whether you're in Ohio or beyond, this conversation offers valuable insights into building a future where clean energy and economic security go hand in hand.