Brazen with Heather Powell

Ep 91 : Advocacy, Motherhood + Creating Massive Change w/ Jenn Mariman

Heather Powell Episode 91

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0:00 | 1:31:55

Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones turn off.
... and this episode is one of those.

Today I’m sitting down with someone who has been part of my life for a very long time - my old buddy, a badass mama, and all-around powerhouse human, Jenn Mariman.

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like when someone turns their personal story into real advocacy… this episode is going to hit you right in the heart.

Jenn’s journey into advocacy didn’t start in a conference room or on a political stage. It started as a mom.

When her son Killian was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disorder at just 18 months old, everything changed. And like so many parents who suddenly find themselves navigating a system they never expected to be part of, Jenn quickly realized something important:

If she wanted better answers…
If she wanted better support…
If she wanted a better future for her son and families like hers…

She was going to have to use her voice.

Since then, Jenn has stepped fully into advocacy. 
Speaking out about disability rights, healthcare accessibility, education + the policies that shape the everyday lives of families across Iowa.

She’s also stepping into a new role as Advocacy Captain for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Iowa, where she’ll be working directly with legislators and leaders to help create meaningful change.

But this episode isn’t just about politics.

It’s about motherhood.
Courage.
Community.
And the quiet, powerful moment when someone decides they’re no longer going to stay silent.

Jenn and I talk about what it’s like advocating in today’s political climate, the realities families face when navigating healthcare + why community-driven leadership matters more than ever.

And of course… we talk about Killian.
His strength.
His joy.
And the perspective he’s given Jenn on what truly matters.


Inside This Episode, We Dive Into:

✨ How Jenn’s journey into advocacy began after Killian’s diagnosis
✨ The emotional reality families face when navigating rare diseases + healthcare systems
✨ What it actually looks like to advocate for change at the state level
✨ The role of community, compassion + moral leadership in today’s political climate
✨ Why speaking up... especially when it’s uncomfortable... is where real change begins
✨ The lessons Jenn’s son has taught her about resilience, perspective + joy

This episode is a reminder that advocacy doesn’t require a title, a platform, or a perfect plan.

Sometimes it simply starts with someone saying:
 “This matters. And I’m not going to stay quiet about it.”


🔥 P.S. If you’ve been feeling stuck between knowing what to do and actually doing it… I created something for you.

It’s called The Bridge.

This brand new program is designed for the woman who already knows the habits, tools, and practices that work for her… but hasn’t quite been able to stay consistent.

Inside The Bridge, we’re doing the deepest hands-on work we’ve ever done together.

We’re talking:

💫 Somatic practices that help your body finally feel calm, safe + regulated
🧠 Real-time neuroplasticity exercises that create immediate and long-term change
✨ And on our very first live call... we’re locking in the exact habits that move your life forward (plus maybe one or two new ones)

No overwhelming routines.
No giant to-do lists.
No waiting until the “perfect time.”

Just clear, aligned actions and some badass support.

Connect with Jenn : https://www.tiktok.com/@noonementionedthispart

Work with Heather :