In this episode, Mercedes joins Liz and special guest host Marie Newman to explore the delicate art of earning trust, balancing curiosity with respect, and co-creating authentic stories that reveal truth with empathy and integrity. Documentary filmmaker and journalist Mercedes Kane is the president of Daisy May Films and the creative force behind acclaimed documentaries including ART AND PEP and Breakfast at Ina’s. Her work, also featured in National Geographic, shines a light on humanity in its most vulnerable and resilient moments.

In this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, host Liz Brohan teams up with special guest host, former Congresswoman Marie Newman, to sit down with crusading journalist, political strategist, and firestarter Delmarie Cobb. Together, they unpack what it really means to talk truth to power—even when you’re the only one in the room willing to do it. Delmarie shares her journey from television journalism to political consulting, and now, to founding Ida’s Legacy, a PAC dedicated to electing Black women. Her story is one of courage, defiance, and building power against the odds Guest: Delmarie Cobb is a crusading journalist, political strategist, founder of The Publicity Works and Ida’s Legacy PAC, longtime media professional, and advocate for amplifying Black women’s leadership.

In this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, we dive into a powerful conversation with Janet Viane about how the definition of “getting ahead” is shifting across generations. Together, they explore how Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha are redefining workplace success—not just climbing the corporate ladder, but crossing bridges toward purpose, balance, and authenticity. Guest: Janet is Publisher of Lincolnway City Lifestyle magazine, a former Fortune 500 marketing executive, board member, executive MBA faculty member, and current PhD candidate in Executive Development.

Ana Dutra is an executive who has worked at the highest corporate levels and has seen it all. And she’s a little panicked. She’s seen advancements that woman have made take steps backward over the past few years. Her fear is that women are disappearing from critical roles in business and beyond. Her deepest conviction is that it is up to each of us to stick our necks out for one another. Now! Join us as she calls it as she sees it and gives us the steps we need to take to protect what women have fought so hard to earn. Guest: Ana Dutra is Global Board Director, a 2x CEO, and Fortune 250 C-Level Executive who advises public, private, PE and family-owned company boards.

Marie Newman knows how to pivot. When a situation is brought to her attention, she tackles it, pins it to ground and doesn’t let up until there’s a solution in place. What makes Marie’s story so extraordinary is that sometimes those solutions become national policy. And it’s not just because she’s a former Congresswoman. Join in as she tells us how to turn that nagging whisper in the back of your head into a battle cry. And don’t be surprised when others join you in the fight and together you end up making the world a better place.

Lori McDonald lives in a steady state of fearlessness. At least, that’s how it seems. She looks life’s challenges in the eye and smiles. Whether she’s taking on the big responsibilities that come with being a NASA Shuttle Controller or starting her own digital solutions firm while at the same time buying a food manufacturing company, Lori advises us to become fearless by going beyond the obvious and challenging yourself to think differently. In our talk today, Lori explains how to unlock potential through creative thinking. Spoiler alert: she backs it all up with solid process.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Velinda Cox, President of Sound Horizon LLC and former Vice President of eCommerce and Digital Transformation at Konica Minolta. Velinda joins Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri for an inspiring and no-nonsense conversation about what it means to be a kick ass woman—and how to truly own your space.