I Am Refocused Radio Show

In this timely episode of I Am Refocused Radio, host Shamiah Reed sits down with Sue Liebel, Director of State Affairs for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, to unpack the escalating controversies surrounding mail-order abortion pills like mifepristone. They discuss the high complication rates (including 1 in 25 women requiring emergency room care per FDA labels), the rise of coercion cases—highlighted by Rosalie Markezich's (referred to as Rosalie Marquette in discussion) traumatic experience where her boyfriend allegedly forced her to take pills mailed from a California doctor—and Louisiana's lawsuits against out-of-state providers shielded by California's laws. Liebel addresses shield laws protecting providers, the Biden-era policy changes allowing mailing, calls for the Trump administration and FDA to reinstate in-person requirements and review updated science, congressional efforts, public support for medical oversight (7 in 10 voters), the shift to 65% of abortions being chemical, and broader concerns over women's health, coercion by abusers, and interstate conflicts exemplified by Gov. Gavin Newsom's heated response. A must-listen for insights into this public health and policy flashpoint—visit sbaprolife.org and abortiondrugfacts.org for more.

In this inspiring conversation on Refocused Network, Shemaiah Reed sits down with David Homan — founder and CEO of Orchestrated Connecting, co-author of the bestselling book Orchestrating Connection: How to Build Purposeful Community in a Tribal World, and creator of SOAR CONNECT, a startup revolutionizing how we build and manage meaningful relationships.

Starting from a middle-class background, David built an insanely connected global network of nearly 2,000 "superconnectors" — spanning entrepreneurs, investors, artists, activists, philanthropists, and more. He shares his personal journey, the pivotal decisions that redefined his path, and the repeatable methodology he's refined over a decade to move beyond transactional networking into deep, values-driven, trust-based connections.

https://orchestratedconnecting.com/

Key highlights from the interview:

How one choice can transform your leadership and life trajectory
The principles of curiosity, vulnerability, and "honoring the chain of connections"
Building purposeful communities that drive real-world impact (mental health, climate, social justice, philanthropy, and beyond)
Launching a startup (SOAR CONNECT) to scale authentic relationship-building
Why relationships are the true currency for creating positive change

David's story is a powerful reminder: with intention, integrity, and the right system, anyone can orchestrate connections that ripple out to make the world better. If you're ready to refocus on deeper relationships and purposeful momentum, this episode will light the way.

🔥 Watch now and start building your own chain of meaningful impact.
Subscribe to Refocused Network for weekly video interviews with leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, and change-makers sharing raw, practical insights on growth, purpose, and refocusing life & work:
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#RefocusedNetwork #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

In this powerful and deeply moving interview on Refocused Network, Shemaiah Reed sits down with Zolal Habibi — a fearless Iranian-American human rights activist with over 25 years of dedicated work amplifying the voiceless inside Iran.

Zolal's story begins with profound personal loss: at a young age, she witnessed the regime murder her father, a respected writer and political dissident, during the horrific 1988 massacre of political prisoners. That tragedy ignited an unshakeable commitment — choosing not a medical career, but a lifelong path to bring freedom and justice to Iran.

https://ncr-iran.org/

She shares raw insights into:
The pivotal role of women's leadership and empowerment in dismantling tyranny and misogyny
The current climate inside Iran: the opposition and resistance movements (at home and abroad), ongoing protests, and human rights realities
Iran's geopolitical threats: terrorism, warmongering, and nuclear ambitions
Why the voices of political prisoners, dissidents, and freedom-seekers must be heard on the global stage

As someone rooted in both Iranian heritage and American perspective, Zolal bridges understanding in ways that resonate deeply — offering hope, clarity, and a vision for real change.
This conversation is a reminder that one person's courage can ripple into movements that reshape nations. If stories of resilience, purpose, and fighting for what's right move you, this episode is for you.

National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI): https://www.ncr-iran.org/

Maryam Rajavi – 4 Change: https://maryamrajavi4change.com/

Iran Freedom: https://iranfreedom.org/

Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC): https://oiac.org/ 

📱 Social Media

FB: https://www.facebook.com/IranNCR/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashrafi4ever/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/ashrafi4ever

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zolalhabibi

Email: [email protected]

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/+393312094616

🔥 Watch now and be inspired to refocus on what matters.
Subscribe to Refocused Network for weekly video interviews with change-makers, leaders, and voices driving personal & global transformation:

👉 youtube.com/@RefocusedNetwork
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📺 YouTube: @RefocusedNetwork
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🌐 Website: https://www.iamrefocusedradio.com
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Title: Building the Whole Athlete: 210 United Basketball with Coaches William Collins and Alexis WilliamsDescription:

In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, host Shemaiah Reed sits down with Coach William Collins (Head Coach of 210 United Basketball) and Coach Alexis Williams (Head Coach of the Women’s Varsity team) to discuss their transformative approach to youth sports in San Antonio.

Moving beyond just drills and jump shots, the 210 United program focuses on "building the whole athlete"—mind, body, and soul. Coach Collins reveals how the program has expanded to include free mentoring services, community outreach, and even legal representation for athletes navigating NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals through a partnership with Zion Sports Agency.

Coach Alexis Williams shares her passion for the rising platform of women’s basketball and the importance of creating a "safe space" for young athletes to grow both on and off the court. Whether you are a parent looking for a program with high standards and low costs, or an athlete ready to find your "Midwest swag" in Texas, this conversation highlights why 210 United is more than just a team—it's a family.

Key highlights include:

• Details on upcoming Girls' Tryouts and how to join the program.

• The importance of mentorship and character building in modern youth sports.

• Advice for athletes on managing social media and staying "recruitable."

• The philosophy of "getting back to basics" to ensure players succeed at the college level.

Connect with 210 United:

• Website: 210united.com

• Social Media: @210United on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Love isn’t just about who you’re with—it starts with how well you’re connected to yourself. 💘 In this powerful returning episode of I Am Refocused Radio, Shemaiah Reed sits down with Dr. Sherry McAllister to break down a game-changing perspective: your nervous system is the foundation for your health, your energy, your focus, your intimacy, and your purpose.

Dropping just in time for Valentine’s Day, this conversation moves beyond surface-level self-care and into real regulation, daily habits, stress awareness, healing, and the lifestyle choices that determine whether you’re thriving or running on empty.

From the early warning signs of burnout and chronic fatigue to the difference between proactive and reactive health, this episode connects biology, mindset, gratitude, performance, and personal responsibility in a way that’s practical, relatable, and motivating.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in survival mode, successful on the outside but drained on the inside, or ready to set a new tone for your life—this is for you.

You’ll learn:
✨ Why the nervous system is your body’s master operating system
✨ How stress, posture, sleep, and daily choices impact your relationships and longevity
✨ The real reason healing takes time (and why that matters)
✨ Early signs your system is out of alignment
✨ How self-love translates into better performance in life, career, and connection

This isn’t just a health conversation—it’s a purpose conversation. Because when you regulate your system, you show up better for everything and everyone.

🎧 Listen, take notes, and share this with someone who needs to reset their rhythm for this season.

📚 Get Dr. Sherry McAllister’s book Adjusted Reality
🌐 Find a Doctor of Chiropractic: f4cp.org/findadoctor
📲 Follow Dr. Sherry McAllister on Instagram & Facebook

📌 Connect with I Am Refocused Radio:
📺 YouTube: @RefocusedNetwork
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🌐 Website: https://www.iamrefocusedradio.com

#RefocusedNetwork #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

Most leaders don’t lose the room because of what they say—they lose it before they ever speak.

In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, returning guest Jake Stahl, creator of Neural Strategy and author of Own the Room, breaks down the hidden psychology behind presence, influence, and first impressions—and why decisions about you are often made in the first 2–10 seconds.

We explore how body language, energy, and emotional signals shape outcomes in leadership, sales, pitching, and everyday conversations. Jake shares his STRATA framework (Signal, Trigger, Reframe, Anchor, Transfer, Action), real-world studies on thin slicing, and practical ways to recover the room when you feel momentum slipping.

This conversation also goes deeper—covering addiction, recovery, rebuilding credibility, and why listening is the most underrated leadership skill in a world full of noise.

TheJakeStahl.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jakestahl

In this conversation with Pam Dwyer, we name something a lot of high-functioning people live with but rarely talk about: Quiet Depletion.

It’s that slow drain beneath the surface when you look like you’re doing “great” to everyone else, but inside you’re running on fumes, especially if you’re a leader, caregiver, or creative carrying a lot of weight.

We also unpack Delay the Binge, Pam’s idea of building a pause before the reaction, the coping pattern, or the burnout. Not pressure. Not shame. Just space, enough space to choose differently.
This is a natural continuation of our last conversation:

Plus One (how the past shapes us) → Quiet Depletion (the hidden cost of nonstop pushing) → Delay the Binge (the purposeful pause that interrupts the pattern).

If you’ve been holding it together for everybody, but you know you’re slowly leaking energy… this episode will feel like someone finally turned the lights on.
https://pamdwyerspeaker.com/

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📘 Facebook: @iamrefocusedradio
🌐 Website: https://www.iamrefocusedradio.com
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In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, I’m joined by Wes Towers all the way from Australia, and he’s up early for this one, so yeah… MVP status ✅🏀

Wes is the founder behind Uplift 360, a digital agency serving the trades and construction industry through websites and SEO, and we dig into what it’s really like staying relevant in a world where AI is moving faster than people can update their passwords.

We talk about:

• The real lessons entrepreneurship teaches you (especially the ones you learn the hard way)

• How to communicate tech to non-tech clients without frying their brains

• Why AI is changing marketing, SEO, and even how websites get traffic

• The difference between using AI to sharpen your message vs creating “AI slop”

• Why specificity wins: who you serve, what you stand for, and what you want to be known for

• The future of leads: quality over quantity, and why trust is the new conversion rate

• Why brands that show humanity and even flaws will stand out in the AI era

• What tools are opening doors for entrepreneurs to build faster with less money

• And why the “rough edges” might be the most valuable part of the whole thing

https://uplift360.com.au/

Wes also shares where to connect with him (LinkedIn) and plugs his new podcast for the trades and construction industry: Built. Trusted. Chosen.

If you’re building a business in 2026 and trying to stay real while the internet gets noisier by the day, this episode is for you.

#IAmRefocusedRadio #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #AI #Marketing #WebDesign #SEO #Branding #Australia #Trades #Construction

In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, I sit down with Dr. Joe Lex, a retired emergency medicine physician and historian who’s turning overlooked lives into unforgettable stories.

Dr. Lex joins us to talk about his book All Bones Considered and his podcast work centered around Laurel Hill Cemetery, where history isn’t just dates and names, it’s real people with real impact.

We get into:

• Why “unknown” people often have the wildest, most inspiring stories

• The Marion Stokes story (700,000+ hours of recorded TV news saved for the future)

• “Commando Mary” and how she used radio to rally women during WWII

• How research turns into storytelling that actually moves people

• Why culture loses something dangerous when it stops listening to the past

• A sharp take on AI: the “rough edges” are where the real creativity lives

• Practical life advice for young people: build stability first, then take bigger swings

Dr. Lex also shares how proceeds support Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery, and where people can find the book and his shows (search the titles: All Bones Considered: Laurel Hill Stories and Biographical Bites from Bala).

If you like conversations about purpose, history, resilience, and stories that deserve daylight, this one’s for you.

https://allbonesconsidered.com/

Subscribe for more interviews that inspire you to live with intention and regain your focus.

#IAmRefocusedRadio #Podcast #History #Storytelling #LaurelHill #Authors #Purpose #BlackHistoryMonth #PhiladelphiaHistory #DrJoeLex

Multiple deaths and near-death experiences. 73 surgeries. Paralysis. And somehow, he’s still standing on faith, hope, and prayer. In this episode, we break down how discipline, responsibility, and community shaped the mindset that helped him survive what most people couldn’t imagine. The Marine Corps gave structure, pain built resilience, and setbacks forged a determination that refuses to fold.

https://neverquittrying.com/

About Jay Setchell

Don't ask why. Ask why not. My mindset says you always have options, and choices. What you are today is a matter of those options and choices you have made throughout your life, and continue to make. Your "purpose" will change your life. I am mid '70's, mostly paralyzed, very involved in multiple ventures, and don't plan on stopping. You have to have faith and believe! The info filled in elsewhere on this page, should cover a great deal of what someone would want to know about me. Though not all, I assure you. Born and raised on a working farm, nothing ever comes free that is worthwhile, it's always something you've worked for. Marine/entrepreneur/corporate/ never quit. Life/death/marriages/children/faith that you have the power to overcome/belief in yourself/help others. Your success, depending on what "success" means to you is a matter of courage, resilience, grit, determination, perseverance, choices, failures and what you did to overcome them, your thought pattern and so much more. 

ABOUT BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID

Young dancer Nia Sioux was only nine years old when she stepped into stardom as one of the original cast members of Lifetime's reality TV show Dance Moms. Nia learned new choreography week after week and competed against dancers from across the country as well as at her own studio. Perhaps her greatest obstacle was suffering through her dance teacher's ranking of the girls against each other in her infamous pyramid, where Nia spent the majority of her time on the bottom-all in front of an audience of millions.

But there was much that viewers didn't see. How her experiences in the studio went far beyond what made it into the show. How she was ostracized for not fitting into an aesthetic that wasn't designed for girls like her. How her friendships and her mental health crumbled under the strain of the show. How she lost control of her story and her voice.

But don't be fooled-this is a story about resilience. Nia is not looking for pity, sympathy, or validation as she reflects on her experiences. Instead, she is choosing to use her story as a celebration of triumph. Nia finally gets to tell her story in her own way and in her own words. In this captivating memoir, Nia reclaims both the spotlight and her narrative.

In addition to going behind the scenes of the seven seasons of Dance Moms, she shows how she fought against the negative perceptions that dominated her tween and teen years and emerged as a confident young woman secure in her talents and her direction. Anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or stuck at the bottom of the pyramid will be inspired by Nia's story of overcoming. "Despite barriers and constant naysayers, assumptions and criticisms, only you know who you are inside and out," Nia says. "And you have the power to create your own narrative, your own level of success."

Nia provides a unique perspective on:

. Overcoming Adversity: From navigating the toxic environment of competitive dance and reality TV to her harrowing battle with Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy (RND).

. Confronting Racism & Body Shaming: Nia speaks candidly about being the only Black girl on the team, facing microaggressions, and the constant pressure that impacted her self-worth.

. Inspiring a Generation: The book is a powerful message for young people, especially young Black girls, about knowing your value, protecting your peace, and pursuing your dreams unapologetically.

ABOUT NIA SIOUX

' Nia Sioux is a dancer, singer, and actress who has performed on the small screen and in live performances, proving to be one of today's most popular triple threats. Known for her breakout role as an original cast member in Lifetime's hit series Dance Moms, Nia has since starred as a series regular on The Bold and The Beautiful. She has appeared in several movies, including Imperfect High, and two of her own digital series, one of which she served as an executive producer for. She was featured in Variety's Power of Young Hollywood 2023 list. A graduate of UCLA with a degree American Literature and Culture, Nia continues to use her social media platforms to positively impact the lives of others. She highlights the accomplishments of inspiring others who have achieved extraordinary things in her Role Model Monday series. Nia is especially committed to encouraging voting, body positivity, and strengthening social justice.

Get the book: https://a.co/d/c3ClzzV

Sam Wegner, pastor, chaplain, longtime ministry leader, and author of The Weight of the Wait, joins us to talk about the hard seasons we never asked for and the hope that sustains us anyway. After navigating years of anticipatory grief alongside his wife’s battle with cancer, Sam learned that waiting isn’t just something we endure — it’s a place where faith is forged, resilience grows, and unexpected purpose emerges. In this conversation, he unwraps how to hold hope in uncertainty, find peace amid unanswered questions, trust in the middle of pause, and discover spiritual strength in the waiting room of life. This is real, raw, and rooted in faith — perfect for anyone who’s ever asked, “How long, God?”

https://samwegner.com/

Elizabeth Webb, The Practical Priestess™ and best-selling author of Made for Magic: A Practical Guide from Survival Mode to Soul-Satisfying Joy, joins us to dismantle burnout, ditch people-pleasing, and step fully into a life that feels rich, real, and joy-filled. With two decades of coaching executives, creatives, and leaders, Elizabeth blends positive psychology, intuition, and no-nonsense tools that help you set boundaries that stick, trust yourself again, and uncover the magic you were always meant to live. Expect practical shifts, real-talk wisdom, and a soulful blueprint for turning exhaustion into energy and purpose.

https://positivelyelizabeth.com/

https://positivelyelizabeth.com/book

https://www.instagram.com/positivelyelizabeth/

In this segment, Kelsey Pritchard, Communications Director for Susan B. Anthony (SBA) Pro-Life America, joins the show to discuss the growing tension between the pro-life movement and Republican leadership. Following recent comments from President Donald Trump suggesting that the party should remain "flexible" on abortion policy, Pritchard outlines why the Hyde Amendment—a long-standing legislative provision that prevents federal taxpayer dollars from funding elective abortions—is a non-negotiable line in the sand for millions of voters.

Key Discussion Points

• What is the Hyde Amendment? Pritchard explains that the Hyde Amendment has been a bipartisan consensus for nearly 50 years, ensuring that Americans are not forced to violate their conscience by funding elective abortions through federal programs.

• The "Shock" of Trump’s Comments: Despite previously being a champion of the Hyde Amendment, Trump’s recent call for "flexibility" has sparked swift backlash. Pritchard argues that moving away from Hyde is a "no-go" and "completely unacceptable" to the pro-life movement.

• Political Consequences & Stats: The interview highlights the high stakes for the 2026 midterms. Pritchard warns that even a small 1% to 2% drop in pro-life voter turnout could cost Republicans control of the Senate and House.

• The $80 Million Strategy: SBA Pro-Life America is launching a massive $80 million mobilization effort targeting battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, and Iowa.

• A Moral Stand: Beyond politics, Pritchard emphasizes the moral weight of the issue, stating that taxpayer-funded abortion would lead to an increase in the number of abortions and cause "misery" for women across the country.

https://sbaprolife.org/staff/kelsey-pritchard

CHAMP BAILEY BIO

Roland "Champ" Bailey, Jr. is the Founder of Bailey Companies & Investments, Inc. While best known as a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever play football, Champ now spends his time as a founder, investor, speaker and endorser of companies.

During his playing days for the University of Georgia, Washington Redskins, and Denver Broncos, Champ built a stellar reputation as a diligent and detailed leader who modeled high-performance. He continues to take that same approach with his business interests. As a privately held company, "Team Bailey" is involved with numerous entities. Champ's vision is to make a lasting impact in the community by creating sustainable jobs that change lives.

He still holds two NFL records with 203 career pass deflections and being selected to 12 Pro Bowls as a cornerback. He was tabbed for the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s and chosen to the Broncos 50th Anniversary Team. Champ was rewarded for his excellence by being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019.

In all, Bailey played in 215 career games with the Redskins (1999-2003) and the Broncos (2004-2013). He amassed a total of 908 tackles (812 solo), intercepted 52 passes which he returned for 464 yards and four touchdowns, recorded three sacks, and made six fumble recoveries. Bailey led the NFL in interceptions in 2006 (10 for 162 yards and one TD).Believe and be unshakable.

ABOUT SIGNING TONY RAYMOND - IN THEATERS JANUARY 16TH

SYNOPSIS: Set in the Deep South, the film follows Coach Walt McFadden, a talented but idealistic assistant coach at Louisiana University who's out of second chances. After failing  -to land a top recruit the previous year, Walt is given one last shot at redemption: signing the nation's number one defensive end, Tony Raymond - or losing his job. His pursuit takes him deep into the backwoods of Alabama, where he discovers that money, not talent, often determines who wins.

-Written and directed by Glen Owens

-Co-starring Michael Mosley, Mira Sorvino, Rob Morgan, and Jackie Kay, along with NFL legends Marshawn Lynch, Richard Sherman, Champ Bailey and college football great Brian "The Boz.

Here's the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XfZYwNWgNk 

ABOUT LESSONS FROM THE FRONT

Lessons From the Front is the most honest, relatable, and humble book yet written about Ukraine and the Middle East. It's not the memoir of a seasoned correspondent - it's the raw perspective of a 25-year-old kid from Cleveland who thought he understood the world. until war humbled him.One day in Ukraine taught him he had much to learn. One day in the Middle East taught him he didn't know much of anything at all. Instead of pretending to be an expert, Robert admits what he doesn't know, learns in real time, and lets the people living the conflict teach him - and the reader - what war really asks of ordinary human beings.Unlike most war books, this isn't about strategy, geopolitics, or ideology. It's about people - families fleeing, soldiers breaking, civilians surviving - and the lessons these fast-paced moments teach about home, time, fear, and humility.Listeners will walk away saying: "The world is more complex than I thought - and I want to understand it better."

WHY THIS BOOK MATTERS (and why now)

In a fractured country starving for nuance, Lessons From the Front is proof that understanding is still possible.The book arrives at a moment when:' . Americans are overwhelmed by global events. Media trust is historically low. People are tired of punditry and certain answers. Younger audiences crave honesty over ideologyRobert's voice cuts through the noise with humility, unvarnished truth, and human storytelling.Bill O'Reilly - The state of American journalism is shaky at this point in history but brave guys like Robert Sherman just might save the industry.a fascinating book."Brigadier General (ret) John "Dragon" Teichert - "Robert Sherman's insights from the Ukrainian and Israeli front lines are stunning.creating a book that readers won't be able to put down." 

ABOUT ROBERT SHERMAN

Robert Sherman is a correspondent for NewsNation whose reporting has taken him to Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, the Red Sea, the Baltic States, and South Korea. He's a native of Cleveland, Ohio and a graduate of DePauw University (Greencastle, IN).

Get the book: https://a.co/d/h43ybK0

Tami Reiss is teaching the world how to lead through influence. As a renowned product strategy coach and the creator of the viral "Just Not Sorry" plugin, Tami has spent two decades helping leaders at companies like JPMorgan and Humana move from "doing" to "leading."

In this conversation, Tami breaks down her "Product Mindset"—the idea that every career, project, and interaction can be optimized for impact. We explore how to eliminate self-undermining language, the secret to gaining buy-in without a formal title, and the L.E.A.D. framework for executive presence. If you’ve ever felt like your ideas aren't being heard or that you’re stuck in the "middle" of your organization, Tami offers the strategic toolkit you need to become the "Chief Enthusiasm Officer" of your own career.

https://tamireiss.com/

What does it take to rebuild a legacy after losing it all? In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Nash, the founder of Passively Rich Investments, to discuss the transition from the high-stress "hustle culture" of the fashion industry to the freedom of a seven-figure real estate portfolio.

Melissa shares her "Path to Passive" framework, designed specifically for women who want to stop trading hours for dollars and start building generational wealth. We dive into the mindset shifts required to overcome financial setbacks, how to manage a growing empire as a mother of four, and why Melissa believes that when women control their capital, they change the world. Whether you are a real estate novice or looking to scale your assets, Melissa provides a practical, heart-centered roadmap to achieving financial independence.

https://www.hellomelissanash.com/

ABOUT POLAR WAR

POLAR WAR: Submarines, Spies, and the Struggle for Power in a Melting Arctic by Kenneth R. Rosen (January 6, 2026/$29.00 hardcover) offers a blend of travelogue and frontline reporting that reveals how climate change, military ambition, and economic opportunity are transforming the Arctic into the epicenter of a new cold war in which the planet's great powers are struggling for dominance.

Russian spies. Nuclear submarines. Sabotaged pipelines. Undersea communications severed in the dark of night. The fastest-warming place on earth-where apartment buildings, hospitals, and homes crumble daily as permafrost melts and villages get washed away by rising seas-the Arctic stands at the crossroads of geopolitical ambition and environmental catastrophe. As climate change thaws the northern latitudes, opening once ice-bound shipping lanes and access to natural resources, the world's military powers are rushing to stake their claims in this increasingly strategic region. We've entered a new cold war-and every day it grows hotter.

In POLAR WAR, Rosen takes readers on an extraordinary journey across the changing face of the far north. Through intimate portraits of scientists, soldiers, and Indigenous community leaders representing the interests of twenty-one countries across four continents, he witnesses firsthand how rising temperatures and growing tensions are reshaping life above and below the Arctic Circle. He finds himself on the trail of Navy SEALs training for arctic warfare, embarks on Coast Guard patrols monitoring Russian incursions, participates in close-quarter-combat training aboard foreign icebreakers in the Arctic sea ice, and visits remote research stations where international cooperation is giving way to espionage and the search for long-frozen biological weapons.

POLAR WAR concludes with a prescriptive Appendix, "Reigning in the Arctic," in which Rosen elucidates "several definite and immediate steps American lawmakers and the current presidential administration must take to not only advance our national security in the arctic but also preserve the region for generations to come."

Drawing on hundreds of interviews and three years of reporting from the frontlines of climate change and great power competition, Rosen's deeply researched and personal accounts capture the diverse landscapes, people, and conflicted interests that define this complex northern region. The result is both an elegy for a vanishing landscape and an urgent warning about how the race for Arctic dominance could spark the next global conflict.

ABOUT KENNETH R. ROSEN

Kenneth R. Rosen is the recipient of a Kurt Schork Award in International Journalism and the Bayeux-Calvados Award for War Correspondents, a two-time finalist for the Livingston Award for his work in Syria and Iraq, and an Ira A. Lipman Fellow at Columbia University. He is the author of Troubled and Bulletproof Vest, and his writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic & WIRED. He divides his time between Western Massachusetts and Northern Italy with his wife and their three children.

https://kennethrrosen.com/

New year, new purpose. In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, host Shemaiah Reed interviews Julie Colombino-Bellingham, founder of Deux Mains—a humanitarian entrepreneur who turned the 2010 Haiti earthquake response into a global, Fairtrade-verified luxury brand. Julie shares the moment that changed everything—“I don’t want money, I need a job”—and how it sparked a 16-year mission built on dignity through work, not charity.

They unpack how Deux Mains became the only woman-owned, solar-powered leather goods factory in Haiti, what it takes to build sustainable manufacturing, why listening is a leadership superpower, and how partnerships with Nordstrom and more are expanding the brand’s impact. Julie also previews big 2026 goals—including a potential flagship store—and the deeper vision: economic freedom and opportunity for Haiti.

https://deuxmains.com/