The Twist Podcast #227 Special Edition: 3 Great Interviews with Torrey McDowell, Brenda Yang, and Lisa B. Lewis

Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose as we offer a special edition Twist, with three separate interviews of three incredible people. Enjoy interviews with singer and songwriter Torrey McDowell, Dane County (WI) Supervisor for District 9, Brenda Yang, and Founder And Executive Director of Omnium: A Bold New Circus, Lisa B. Lewis. Fasten your headphones!

About Torrey McDowell
Singer & Songwriter

What began as a love of choir and music in her youth ultimately blossomed into a life’s passion for artist Torrey McDowell. After picking up a songwriting habit in the second grade, it made total sense that Torrey would later earn a vocal performance scholarship at Piedmont University. Beyond the walls of academia, the Georgia-native’s musical mission became focused on healing, growth, and empowerment.

“I want to create a safe space for music listeners by writing about the tough stuff…the truths and encouragement I needed years ago.”

Through battling depression, overcoming an abusive relationship, and owning her identity as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, Torrey draws inspiration from all corners of the musical spectrum. Some of her influences include JoJo Levesque, Jennifer Hudson, Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Smith, and other cross-genre creators.

Now based in Nashville, Torrey will debut her message-driven singles throughout the year and is actively booking local and regional performances. Stay tuned for more on this rising star’s horizon!

About Brenda Yang
District 19 Supervisor, Dane County, WI

Brenda is originally from Northern California but has lived in Sun Prairie, WI, for 21+ years. She is a first generation Hmong immigrant and even though she was born in Laos she has lived in the states since she was a young girl. She is a graduate student at UW-Madison in the School of Education studying cultural identity and its significance in public schools. She works full time advocating for High School students that are low-income and first generation college bound to help them gain access into higher education. She also spends her time working with community leaders on issues affecting the Hmong Community in regards to education in public schools through her work serving on SHRAC (MMSD’s Superintendent’s Human Relations Advisory Council). She serves on the board for the YWCA in helping to promote equity, access, and empowerment for communities and families in Dane County.

On the side she works as a consultant for the City of Madison in language access and cultural awareness to help Southeast Asian Families gain access to translation services and culturally relevant support. She is also passionate about: social justice, economic justice, educational justice, policy-reform, and finding sustainable solutions. In her spare time, she enjoys eating delicious food and meeting new people, going to social events, singing, playing the piano and guitar, writing, finding new hiking spots, and running to keep active.

About Lisa B. Lewis
Founder And Executive Director
Omnium: A Bold New Circus

Lisa began her career as a graduate of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. She has a BA from Brandeis University and earned a Master’s Degree in Clown/Circus History from NYU, co-founded the Super Scientific Circus, and spent many years working with the Big Apple Circus in multiple capacities.

Lisa’s passion for sharing the magic of the circus combined with her many years of experience inspired her to reimagine the art form of circus for 21^st Century audiences as Omnium: A Bold New Circus. Sharing in the joy and excitement of the performing arts is an experience that should be available to everyone, regardless of background, race, gender or ability. Omnium makes that happen.

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