In this episode of Powers at Play, host Mandie Rae Kijinski sits down with former Biden-Harris presidential appointee Juven Jacob to explore how smart policy and bold advocacy can bridge America's widening economic gaps.
From Houston to Washington: Juven traces his path to the White House and explains how lived experience shapes his fight for affordable housing and economic mobility.
Taxation & Inequality: The pair dissect how current tax structures fuel wealth divides—and what lasting reform might look like.
Social Media's Double-Edged Sword: Why the very platforms that amplify advocacy can also distort public discourse.
Collaboration Over Partisanship: Practical ways lawmakers, agencies, and communities can work together to create opportunity for all.
Throughout, Juven argues that durable progress hinges on acknowledging past missteps, centering diverse perspectives, and keeping citizens engaged. Tune in for a candid, forward-looking conversation that offers a blueprint for a more inclusive democracy—and actionable ideas you can champion today.

In this conversation, Dr. Gilly Kahn discusses her journey as a psychologist and author focusing on ADHD, particularly in women and girls. She highlights the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD, including emotional dysregulation and the impact of societal biases in research and diagnosis. The discussion delves into the neurological aspects of ADHD, the differences in brain functionality between genders, and the relationship between ADHD and anxiety. Dr. Kahn emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics to better support women with ADHD. In this conversation, Mandie Rae Kijinski and Dr. Gilly Kahn explore the complexities of OCD and ADHD, particularly in women. They discuss the nuances of intrusive thoughts, the societal expectations that shape the presentation of ADHD, and the importance of understanding these conditions as strengths rather than weaknesses. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper diagnosis and the role of medication in managing ADHD, while also addressing the emotional and social challenges faced by individuals with these conditions.

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.