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.

In this episode of Powers at Play, Mandie Kijinski interviews Christina Mokwa, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who has found healing and advocacy through psychedelic and medicinal therapies. Christina shares her journey with plant medicines like ayahuasca and psilocybin, as well as lab-created compounds like ketamine and MDMA, emphasizing the need to remove the stigma surrounding these therapies and recognize their potential as legitimate treatments for trauma.

The discussion delves into the lasting impact of childhood trauma on individuals and relationships, highlighting the importance of raising children who respect boundaries and treat others with kindness. Christina and Mandie also explore the concept of ethical non-monogamy, with Christina sharing her personal experiences and the significance of honesty and transparency in such relationships.

They further examine the historical context of marriage and its traditional role in limiting women’s roles and rights, advocating for a modern redefinition of these notions. The conversation also covers the role of plant medicines and earth medicines, such as psilocybin, in healing emotional wounds, stressing the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to explore their trauma and reconnect with their authentic selves.

This episode offers a heartfelt and insightful look into trauma, healing, and the transformative potential of psychedelic therapies, encouraging open dialogue and understanding.

In this conversation, Nell Goza shares her journey from growing up in a conservative, religious household to finding her own voice and beliefs. Nell opens up about her fears as a young child of expressing views that went against the status quo of her family and upbringing and the deep pulls she felt to change her beliefs to protect children and women's rights, and their future. She reflects on her transition from being a professional dancer to becoming a parent and starting a parenting page on Instagram.

Mandie K and Nell dive into their shared passion for civic engagement and the challenges of parenting, exploring the importance of raising children with a sense of purpose amidst the messy reality of parenting. They discuss the rise of the tradwife movement, the intersection of religion and politics, and the importance of civil conversations and finding common ground.

Nell emphasizes the significance of voting, understanding the full scope of politics beyond just the presidency, and the need for diversity and empathy in leadership. She shares the challenges of navigating conservative family dynamics and offers advice for those in similar situations.

The conversation concludes with a call for "progress over perfection" and the power of community and advocacy, encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful dialogue and strive for a better future.

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In this conversation, Mandie K interviews Brittany Oldfield, a survivor of human trafficking. Despite facing immense trauma and adversity, Brittany's resilience and determination to protect others shine through.

She highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of the conditioning, coercion, manipulation and force used by human traffickers. She highlights the misconceptions and systemic barriers that exist around human trafficking and emphasizes the importance of believing and supporting survivors.

Brittany emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the different forms of coercion used in human trafficking.

The conversation highlights the lack of support and understanding from authorities and the continued challenges faced by survivors.

Brittany concludes by highlighting the resources and organizations available to help survivors and the need for survivor-to-survivor support (ex: Thrive Peer Recovery Services).

She shares her own experience of finding healing and purpose through faith and peer support, and how she now works to advocate for other survivors and educate the public about human trafficking.

In this conversation, Mandie and Natalie discuss their different perspectives on abortion and reproductive rights.

Natalie holds a pro-life stance based on her Christian worldview, scientific evidence, and personal experience growing up in a large family. Mandie, on the other hand, believes in a woman's right to choose based on her interpretation of the Constitution, freedom of religion, and the right to privacy.

They explore the intersection of ethics and morals, the role of government in regulating abortion, and the definition of rights.

Despite their differences, they emphasize the importance of respectful dialogue and finding common ground. They agree that science can provide facts but not moral standards, and that morality is a philosophical matter.

Most importantly, they find common ground in the need for reform in adoption and foster care, transparency in contraceptive education, and informed consent for medical procedures.