OUR TEAM

EMPOWERMENT MEDIA blends the talents of an award-winning array of highly creative and talented people from the business community and the television and video production industry. Using that creative energy, EMPOWERMENT MEDIA is boldly filling the void in mainstream entertainment for the creation and production of television and videos consistent with moral, Judeo-Christian, family values.

John Laurence – President/Executive Producer
A graduate of the University of Illinois in Broadcast Journalism, John has over 25 years of television experience. Before founding EMPOWERMENT MEDIA, he spent a decade developing Laurence Television Group, a successful television production company in Jacksonville, FL. He also worked for ten years as a TV sports anchor, including at NBC affiliates in both Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida.

John has earned a reputation for creating and developing network quality programming. He has consistently found ways to fill niches not being served in the television industry. In addition to the nationally syndicated ULTIMATE CHOICE and REAL GIRLS, REAL LIFE, his programs have aired or are currently airing on Sunshine Network in Florida, FOX SPORTS NET affiliates in Florida, Chicago, and Ohio, Golf Channel and ESPN2 in Jacksonville, Florida, as well as network affiliated stations in Jacksonville and Orlando.

John’s range of abilities and creativity has produced a wide variety of successful programming. He is comfortable with many styles of shows, both as an executive producer and on-air talent. His productions reflect his great love for music, which serves as the foundation for his best work.

But most important is John’s burning passion to make a difference in the world through moral and family centered television programming and videos. He feels a strong calling to impact mainstream television, especially on behalf of young people, with a message that emphasizes traditional Christian values.

Susan Laurence – REAL GIRLS Creator, Co-Producer/Ultimate Choice Co-Creator

Also a graduate of the University of Illinois, Susan is creator and co-producer of REAL GIRLS, REAL LIFE and the co-creator of ULTIMATE CHOICE.  Susan has an incredible ability to connect with young women through her producing and is an out of the box thinker when it comes to television and production.  Her background and schooling in psychology helps her understand and relate to viewers in a unique way.

Beyond REAL GIRLS and UC, Susan is helping create and develop several other teen-oriented morality shows that Empowerment Media plans to introduce in the coming years.

Courtenay Bowser – ULTIMATE CHOICE, REAL GIRLS Co-Host

In addition to being the popular Co-Host of Ultimate Choice, Courtenay is also the co-host of Empowerment Media's newest show, Real Girls, Real Life.  Courtenay was previously the Founder and Executive Director of Shoshannah Arts, a Christian performing arts center.   

Now, when she is not hosting shows for Empowerment Media, she travels the world with her husband Jeremiah Bowser, and their son Jedidiah.  Through their organization, Ignition Point Ministries, they share the love of Jesus Christ with people around the world in a passionate and relevant way.

Sean Yost – ULTIMATE CHOICE Co-Host
Sean was one of the original team members for Empowerment Media and is the long-time co-host of ULTIMATE CHOICE.  After many years as a popular and energetic youth pastor, Sean created of one of the country’s most innovative outreaches to young people called YouthQuake Live. YouthQuake Live is best described as a Christian version of “Saturday Night Live”, featuring comedy skits, music, and other entertainment geared for teenagers and performed and produced by teenagers. Now in its 10th season, YouthQuake Live regularly reaches audiences of 2500-3500 people with a cast that has grown from 12 in the beginning to over 150 now, and includes six drama teams, two bands, a tech crew, a dance team, a ministry team and 12 interns. The project also now features a weekly radio show.

Sean's passion is to see young people established in the purpose and destiny that God has for their individual lives and for their generation. He believes that a new breed of teenagers is emerging. They are a generation looking for a cause worth giving their lives for; a generation poised to change the world. Sean has traveled the world, visiting 12 countries in mission work, impacting teenagers wherever he has gone. He is currently the Pastor of Family Development at Christ the Redeemer Church and resides with his wife and three children in Ponte Vedra, FL.

Drew Edwards, EdD, MS – EMI TV Show Consultant, Writer
Dr. Drew Edwards is a behavioral health researcher, trainer, author and Christian counselor. He has published professional and popular articles on parenting, behavioral health, youth culture and substance abuse, as well books on childhood depression and self esteem in children. He provides seminars and workshops on parenting, youth culture, addiction and sexuality.

He has been connected with Empowerment Media from the beginning, serving as a show consultant for all four seasons of ULTIMATE CHOICE, appearing as a parenting expert on ULTIMATE CHOICE Family Edition, and then again serving as the show’s consultant and a guest expert on REAL GIRLS, REAL LIFE.

Dr. Edwards is the former Associate Director in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida College of Medicine. His appointment included clinical instruction, patient care and classroom teaching in the Division of Addiction Medicine.

His education includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and a Masters degree in Health Science from the University of North Florida. Drew earned his Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University.