In this inspiring episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Marie Newman sit down with award-winning journalist and filmmaker Mercedes Kane to explore the art of authentic storytelling, empathy, and trust-building. Mercedes—whose documentaries include Art and Pep and Breakfast at Ina’s—shares how vulnerability and genuine curiosity are key to capturing truth on camera.

She discusses the making of Art and Pep, a moving portrayal of two Chicago LGBTQ+ activists and life partners who faced COVID together after decades of advocacy. Mercedes reveals how listening deeply, leading with empathy, and co-creating trust with her subjects turn everyday moments into extraordinary human stories.

The conversation also previews her new project on Picher, Oklahoma, a town displaced by environmental disaster, and the community’s resilience expressed through an annual Christmas parade.

Listeners will walk away with powerful lessons about collaboration, courage, and the transformative impact of listening.

Resources Mentioned / References:

Art and Pep Documentary – Daisy May Films

Breakfast at Ina’s Documentary

National Geographic: “Memory Choirs” by Mercedes Kane

💬 Highlight Quotes :

“The best stories aren’t found—they’re co-created through empathy, trust, and deep listening.” — Mercedes Kane 🎬✨

“Vulnerability is the bridge to truth. When people feel safe, their real story unfolds.” 💛 #KickAssWomen

“The magic of storytelling lies in revealing how much more alike we are than different.” 🌍🎥 #WordsOfWisdomPod

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

In this powerful episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and guest co-host Marie Newman sit down with journalist, political strategist, and firestarter Delmarie Cobb. Known as a “crusading journalist,” Delmarie shares her journey from producing on Sanford and Son to becoming a respected political operative and founder of Ida’s Legacy PAC.

She takes us inside her early political influences, working with Jesse Jackson’s 1988 presidential campaign, and launching her consultancy that has helped elect influential leaders like Bobby Rush. Delmarie speaks candidly about what it means to speak truth to power, why discipline wins campaigns, and how women can step into leadership without waiting to be asked.

Together, the trio tackles the structural and cultural barriers women face in politics—especially around confidence, fundraising, and public perception. Delmarie also makes a compelling case for the power of local politics as a launchpad for national influence, drawing inspiration from Kamala Harris’s trajectory.

This is a masterclass in unapologetic activism, strategic savvy, and courage to lead.

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Ida’s Legacy PAC — https://www.idaslegacypac.org
• Jesse Jackson 1988 Presidential Campaign Archive
• Kamala Harris — Official biography and career timeline

✨ Highlight Quotes

1. “Everything is a campaign. Disciplined campaigns win, undisciplined ones lose.” — Delmarie Cobb
2. “Women can’t wait to be asked to run. Men don’t — they just decide and do it.” — Delmarie Cobb
3. “Local politics is the springboard to national power. That’s where change begins.” — Delmarie Cobb

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

In this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, host Liz Brohan sits down with Janet Vaan, publisher of Lincoln Way City Lifestyle and adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University, to explore how younger generations are redefining career growth. Instead of the traditional “climb the ladder” mindset, Janet introduces the concept of “crossing bridges”—a broader, more fluid way of navigating work, impact, and life. From Baby Boomers’ long-hour loyalty to Gen Z’s values-driven pursuit of impact, Janet shares her insights on shifting generational priorities, mental health awareness, and the merging of work and life. Together, Liz and Janet discuss why career progression today is less about rigid titles and more about building skills, embracing flexibility, and aligning work with purpose. Whether you’re early in your career or rethinking your path, this conversation will help you see new ways to define growth and success.

3 Resources/References Mentioned

1. Lincoln Way City Lifestyle – https://citylifestyle.com
2. Northern Illinois University MBA Program – https://www.niu.edu/mba
3. Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies List – https://www.inc.com/inc5000

3 Highlight Quotes

1. “Today’s careers aren’t about climbing the ladder—they’re about crossing bridges to new skills, roles, and impact.”
2. “Gen Z isn’t chasing titles—they’re chasing purpose, impact, and work that aligns with their values.”
3. “Leveraging human capital means more than filling roles—it’s about keeping people motivated, balanced, and inspired.”

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.