PWRD by Purpose with Brandi DeVries

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What happens when the holiday you've always looked forward to becomes connected to one of the most difficult moments of your life?

In this heartfelt episode of PWRD by Purpose, Jonni shares her family's journey navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis during the holidays, the challenges of being separated from their children, and the incredible support that helped carry them through. From family and friends stepping in to preserve Christmas traditions to the life-changing assistance they received from the Pinky Swear Foundation, Jonni reminds us just how much compassion and community matter when life takes an unexpected turn.

Jonni's story is a reminder that hope can show up in unexpected places, small gestures can make an enormous difference, and no family should have to feel alone in their hardest moments.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Joss's brain tumor diagnosis on Christmas Eve changed the course of Jonni's family's holiday traditions.
• The emotional challenges of navigating childhood cancer while trying to support the rest of the family.
• How family, friends, and community rallied around them when they needed it most.
• How the Pinky Swear Foundation helped ease financial stress and gave their family room to focus on what mattered most.
• Why letting go of expectations can make space for meaningful moments, even in a hospital room.
• Simple ways to support someone experiencing a difficult season, including the power of a thoughtful note or small gesture.
• How Jonni is using her family's experience to raise awareness about childhood cancer and help other families feel less alone.

A reminder for anyone facing a difficult holiday season: Give yourself and your child grace. Some days, getting through the day is enough. The holiday doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful.

If Jonni's story resonates with you, share this episode with someone who might need a little hope or encouragement this holiday season.

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Guest: Jonnie Meier - "Fighting for Joss"

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

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In this episode of PWRD by Purpose, Brandi DeVries sits down with Shannon Bingham—entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author of Your Ultimate Impact, and award-winning community and adoption advocate—to explore how serving others can uncover your purpose and create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond you.

Shannon shares how her journey evolved from business ownership and pageantry to adoption advocacy, public speaking, and authorship. Along the way, she discovered that making a difference isn’t about having the biggest platform or standing on the biggest stage. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact begins with the small, often unseen acts of service that change someone’s life.

In this inspiring conversation, Shannon opens up about overcoming fear, trusting yourself when others question your path, being intentional with your voice and social media, and finding the courage to use your gifts for something bigger than yourself.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How serving others can help you discover your purpose.
• Why you don’t need a big platform or title to make a meaningful impact.
• How one intentional decision can create a ripple effect of change.
• What keeps people from taking action—and how to move beyond fear and self-doubt.
• Why showing up authentically can inspire others more than a perfectly curated highlight reel.
• Three practical ways to begin making your own impact today.

Your purpose in action starts here: Identify what matters to you, find a way to serve, share your story authentically, and trust yourself enough to take the next step.

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Guest: Shannon Bingham https://theshannonbingham.com/

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

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IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries and instagram.com/pwrdbypurposepod

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In this special Season 2 launch episode, Brandi DeVries officially introduces PWRD by Purpose, the evolution of the podcast formerly known as Act to Impact. Brandi takes you behind the scenes of the rebrand and shares why she knew it was time for the podcast to grow into something bigger.

In this episode, she breaks down the difference between purpose, action, and impact—and explains how they work together:

Purpose is the WHY.
Action is the HOW.
Impact is the RESULT.

And while Act to Impact isn't going away, it is becoming an important part of the PWRD by Purpose framework through Brandi's three-step ACT formula: Aware. Connect. Take Action.

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

STAY CONNECTED.
IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries and instagram.com/pwrdbypurposepod

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In this inspiring episode of Act to Impact, Brandi DeVries sits down with Madison Nero, a young impact maker, pageant competitor, and founder of Ever After, to explore how her personal experiences shaped her passion for empowering others.

Madison shares how makeup became a creative escape during a difficult childhood and eventually transformed into a tool for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. Through her workshops and masterclasses, including her work with Worth More Nation, Madison creates safe spaces where young women can embrace their stories, discover their worth, and recognize their inner strength.

Together, Brandi and Madison explore the power of vulnerability, the importance of community, and how our most difficult experiences can inspire us to make a difference in someone else's life.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Madison transformed a challenging childhood experience into a source of creativity and confidence.
• Why makeup can be a tool for storytelling, self-expression, and empowerment.
• How safe spaces and community support can help people heal and feel less alone.
• The importance of recognizing your worth beyond your appearance or past.
• How you can use your unique gifts and experiences to inspire others.

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Approach life with an open heart, educate themselves about autism, and support initiatives that foster inclusivity and understanding.

Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Madison Nero.

STAY CONNECTED.
IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries and instagram.com/acttoimpactpod

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What if listening to your gut could save your life?

For Dawn Stringer, a simple instinct to have a changing spot checked led to a melanoma diagnosis—and ultimately transformed the direction of her life. Today, as Mrs. Texas International 2026, Dawn is using her platform to raise awareness about melanoma, early detection, and prevention.

In this episode of Act to Impact, Brandi DeVries sits down with Dawn as she shares why listening to your body matters, how early detection played a critical role in her own journey, and why she believes everyone has the ability to use their voice and experiences to make a difference.

And then there’s the crown.

For Dawn, being Mrs. Texas International isn't simply about wearing a title. It gives her a platform—and she believes that platform should be used for something bigger. As she puts it, she may not need the attention, but melanoma does.

This is a conversation about resilience, self-advocacy, purpose, and turning a personal challenge into an opportunity to help others.

Key Takeaways

• Listen to your gut. Dawn’s instinct to have a changing spot checked ultimately led to the discovery of her melanoma. 
• Early detection matters. Dawn’s experience demonstrates why paying attention to changes in your skin and prioritizing skin checks can be so important. 
• Your hardest experience can become your greatest purpose. Dawn transformed a frightening diagnosis into a mission to educate and advocate for others. 
• Use whatever platform you have. Dawn is using her Mrs. Texas International title to bring attention to an issue that needs more awareness. 
• You don't need a crown to make an impact. Every person has a voice, a story, and an opportunity to advocate for something they care about. 
• Community can carry you through difficult seasons. Dawn credits the people around her for providing encouragement and support throughout her journey. 
• Your story can help someone else. Sharing personal experiences can create connection, awareness, and potentially encourage someone else to take action. 

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Approach life with an open heart, educate themselves about autism, and support initiatives that foster inclusivity and understanding.

Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Dawn Stringer.

Website: Hope Has a Name

STAY CONNECTED.
IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries and instagram.com/acttoimpactpod

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What if one decision you make this September could help change the future for a child fighting cancer?

In this episode of Act to Impact, Brandi DeVries sits down with Kelly Acker, Director of Development Partnerships at Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF), to talk about childhood cancer research, the Great Cycle Challenge, and how ordinary people can turn one simple action into meaningful impact.

Kelly’s connection to this mission is deeply personal. After her daughter Harriet was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2019, Kelly found herself immersed in the fight against childhood cancer. Today, she uses that experience to help others understand why research matters—and how supporting organizations like CCRF can help create better futures for children and families.

Kelly also breaks down the Great Cycle Challenge and why it’s about so much more than riding a bike. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist, someone who simply wants to challenge yourself, or a supporter cheering from the sidelines, there’s a place for you.

During the month of September and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, discover how you can join a community of people riding, fundraising, and taking action together.

Because you don't have to do something huge to make an impact. Sometimes, you just have to decide to start.

🚴‍♀️ Want to take action? Join Team Created to Conquer, support Brandi’s fundraising goal, or share this episode with someone who wants to make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer.

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Approach life with an open heart, educate themselves about autism, and support initiatives that foster inclusivity and understanding.

Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest: Kelly Acker, Childrenscancer.org

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IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries and instagram.com/acttoimpactpod

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What happens when the person you love disappears—and you don't have answers?

In 2019, at just 18 years old, Ellie Green's mother went missing, changing her life forever. Suddenly, Ellie found herself navigating the unimaginable uncertainty that comes with having a missing loved one while trying to understand how to move forward without the answers her family desperately wanted.

But Ellie chose not to let her pain define her.

Today, as Miss Kansas International 2026 and founder of Hope Has a Name, Ellie is using her voice to advocate for missing persons and the families left searching for answers. She shares why every missing person is more than a statistic, the misconceptions surrounding missing persons cases, and why families must feel empowered to continue advocating for their loved ones.

In this powerful episode of Act to Impact, Brandi and Ellie explore the emotional reality of ambiguous loss, the importance of community support, and how sharing your story can transform personal pain into a purpose that helps others.

Ellie's story is a reminder that hope doesn't require certainty—and you don't need to have all the answers to make an impact.

In this episode, you'll discover:

•  How Ellie's mother's disappearance changed the trajectory of her life 
•  Why every missing person deserves to be remembered as more than a statistic 
•  The importance of speaking up and advocating for missing loved ones 
•  How Ellie uses storytelling and art as tools for healing 
•  Why families experiencing a missing-person case can feel especially isolated 
•  How personal tragedy can become a catalyst for meaningful advocacy 
•  Why sharing your story can help someone else feel less alone 
•  How you can turn your own experiences into action and purpose

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Approach life with an open heart, educate themselves about autism, and support initiatives that foster inclusivity and understanding.

Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Ellie Green 

Website: Hope Has a Name

STAY CONNECTED.
IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries and instagram.com/acttoimpactpod

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When Mariah Swanson's son, Marcus, was diagnosed with GRIN2A, a rare genetic disorder affecting brain cell communication, her world shifted overnight. As a wife, mother, corporate leader, and advocate, Mariah suddenly found herself balancing uncertainty at home while continuing to lead confidently at work.

In this heartfelt episode of Act to Impact, Mariah shares the emotional journey of navigating fear, redefining success, and discovering resilience through life's unexpected challenges. She opens up about the power of community, the importance of celebrating small victories, and why hope doesn't eliminate fear—it gives you the strength to keep moving forward.

Whether you're a parent, leader, caregiver, or simply walking through a difficult season, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to have all the answers to lead with courage.

In this episode, you'll discover:

•  What it's like receiving a rare disease diagnosis for your child 
•  How to lead at work while carrying personal struggles 
•  Practical ways to balance fear with hope 
•  Why celebrating small victories changes everything 
•  The importance of community and asking for help 
•  How advocacy can create purpose from pain 

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Approach life with an open heart, educate themselves about autism, and support initiatives that foster inclusivity and understanding.

Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Mariah Swanson.

STAY CONNECTED.
IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries and instagram.com/acttoimpactpod

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In this episode, Dr. Veronica Gagovic shares her inspiring journey from Bosnia to becoming a gastroenterologist and Mrs. Bosnia International. She discusses the importance of early detection, prevention, and education in colon health, and how her platform is making a global impact.

Key topics

• Colon cancer prevention and early detection
• The impact of social media in health education
• Creating community impact through advocacy
• The importance of starting health education early in childhood
• Personal journey from Bosnia to the United States

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Approach life with an open heart, educate themselves about autism, and support initiatives that foster inclusivity and understanding.

Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Dr. Veronika Gagovic  - The Colon Health Project

IG: @drgagovicgastroenterology @mrsbosniainternational

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IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries and instagram.com/acttoimpactpod

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In this conversation, Brandi DeVries interviews Phaedra Pistone, a two-time breast cancer survivor and Mrs. International 2025, who has transformed her personal battle into a global health advocacy campaign. Phaedra discusses her journey through cancer, the importance of early detection, and how her experiences in pageantry have provided her with a platform to empower women. The conversation highlights the significance of sharing personal stories, the impact of community support, and the need to redefine perceptions of pageantry as a means of advocacy and purpose.

Takeaways

• Phaedra Pistone is a two-time breast cancer survivor and health advocate.
• Her campaign, Check Your Two on the Second, promotes early detection.
• Pageantry can serve as a powerful platform for advocacy.
• Personal stories can inspire and save lives.
• Women often feel pressure to keep their health struggles private.
• Community support is crucial for those battling cancer.
• Phaedra emphasizes the importance of self-checks for breast health.
• She encourages women to share their stories to help others.
• The journey through cancer can lead to a greater sense of purpose.
• You don't need a title or diagnosis to make a difference.

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Approach life with an open heart, educate themselves about autism, and support initiatives that foster inclusivity and understanding.

Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Phaedra Pistone.

STAY CONNECTED.
IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries and instagram.com/acttoimpactpod

Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now.
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