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Episodes

Feb. 3, 2025

Achievement Addiction and the Quest for Wellness with Najmah Ahmad

In this compelling episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Najmah Ahmad, an educator, consultant, and advocate who has spent nearly 20 years supporting people through moments of transition—whether in higher …

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Jan. 21, 2025

In the Pursuit of Impact with Dr. Damia Thomas

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Dr. Damia Thomas, who brings over two decades of experience in urban education. They discuss retention challenges in education, emphasizing the importance of work environment, culture, and kindness …

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Jan. 6, 2025

What It Means To Be Well with Dr. Shawn Ginwright

In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons and guest host Stacey Taylor Brandon welcome Dr. Shawn Ginwright, a thought leader in education and youth development. Dr. Ginwright discusses his revolutionary concept of healing-centered …

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Nov. 19, 2024

Taking Care and Moving Forward with Dr. LaShaune Stitt

When the school nurse has to check your blood pressure three times, you know you're in trouble. In this episode of the 'Exit Interview' podcast, I archive the story of Dr. LaShaune Stitt. Dr. Stitt recounts her journey from childhood …

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Nov. 7, 2024

Worthy of Rest with Octavia Raheem

In this episode of The Exit Interview, host Dr. Asia Lyons engages in a deep conversation with Octavia Raheem about the transformative power of rest. Octavia Raheem, an accomplished author, rest restorative coach, and former public school teacher, shares her …

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Oct. 25, 2024

Learning to Relearn with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Kwame Sarfo-Mensah and discusses his transformative journey from aspiring professional athlete to dedicated educator. Kwame discusses his initial pivot to becoming a math teacher …

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Oct. 8, 2024

Advocating for Better Mental Health with Shatiera Porte'e

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview, a podcast for Black educators,' Dr. Asia Lyons hosts Shatiera Porte'e, a school counselor, author, coach and education consultant. Shatiera shares her experiences working tirelessly in education during the COVID pandemic, reflecting on …

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Sept. 24, 2024

Lessons In Liberation with Sarah Graham

In this deeply engaging episode, Dr. Asia Lyons and Sarah Graham discuss the highs and lows of teaching, the systemic issues within public and charter schools, and the importance of culturally responsive and liberatory education. Sarah shares her personal journey, …

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Sept. 9, 2024

Centered in Love with Julia Berry

In this episode of The Exit Interview, hosted by Dr. Asia Lyons, Julia Berry shares her transformative journey from wanting to be a teacher, doctor, and dancer as a child to becoming an educator focused on diversity, equity, ...

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Aug. 27, 2024

(Re)defining Me with Langston Jacobs

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia hosts Langston Jacobs, a Black male educator who shares his journey and the challenges he faced as a dean of culture in a charter school. Langston discusses his strategies for creating …

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Aug. 13, 2024

Healing From Racial Fatigue with Jason Shankle

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons talks with therapist and researcher Jason Shankle about the importance of creating sacred spaces and emotional boundaries, particularly for Black educators facing racial battle fatigue. Jason shares his journey …

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July 30, 2024

Episode 49: Redefining Education and Black Excellence with Asha von L…

In this episode, Dr. Asia Lyons hosts Asha von Liebtug, an inspiring educator from New Jersey, who shares her journey from student to teacher and beyond. Asha delves into the impact of her grandmother's influence, her teaching experiences in various …

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July 16, 2024

Episode 48: Saying Yes Despite the Odds with Dr. Adrienne Smith

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview' podcast, hosted by Dr. Asia Lyons, Dr. Adrienne Smith shares her compelling journey as a Black educator. From humble beginnings working in fast food to overcoming hurdles in her pursuit...

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July 2, 2024

Episode 47: Changing The Way We Perceive Early Childhood Educators wi…

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' hosts Dr. Asia Lyons delves into the often-overlooked aspects of early childhood education with guest Brittney Carey. We discuss the crucial role of early education, the challenges Bla...

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June 18, 2024

Episode 46: Our Black Educators and Students Deserve Better with Vani…

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' I sit down with Vanity Jenkins, a dedicated educator and advocate for culturally relevant pedagogy. We dive into Vanity's journey from sports management to education, her experiences t...

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June 4, 2024

Episode 45: Restoring My Identity As An Educator Through Afrofuturism…

In this episode, of the Exit Interview, host Dr. Asia Lyons speaks with Sherinda Bryant, a former educator, about her journey and experiences in the field and love for Afrofuturism. They delve into the challenges faced by Bla...

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June 4, 2024

Episode 45: Restoring My Identity As An Educator Through Afrofuturism…

In this episode, of the Exit Interview, host Dr. Asia Lyons speaks with Sherinda Bryant, a former...

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May 21, 2024

Episode 44: Black Educators Organizing Against Anti-Blackness with Ja…

This episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators takes a deep dive into the rarely discussed aspect of educator retention, specifically focusing on the Black educators who leave traditional education spaces. ...

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May 14, 2024

Episode 43: For the Love of Black Women with Stacey Taylor-Brandon

In celebration of Mental Health Month, Stacey Taylor-Brandon is back on The Exit Interview to talk about how her work supporting mature Black women was birthed out of her own desire to heal from the racism-related stress and ...

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May 7, 2024

Episode 42: Revolutionizing Education for Our Children with Benita Go…

Join us in this insightful episode of 'The Exit Interview' as we welcome Benita Gordon, a passionate educational advocate. In a candid discussion with Dr. Asia, Benita shares her journey from considering a career outside of e...

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April 30, 2024

Episode 41: Saying No To Imposter Syndrome with Brittany Dawson

In this episode, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Brittany Dawson, discussing the pivotal moments that led Brittany from the classroom to becoming a leadership coach. They explore the challenges faced by Black educators, the emotion...

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April 16, 2024

Episode 40: The Power of Community with Elia Martin

In this inspiring episode of The Exit Interview, we have the privilege of hearing from Elia Martin, a former educator and social worker turned grant manager, who shares her transformative journey through education, social wor...

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April 2, 2024

Episode 39: Solo Sabbatical: Battling Burnout, Finding Renewal with J…

This episode of The Exit Interview features a deep dive into the experiences and insights of Jailyn Jenkins, a former STEM educator who transitioned into a role supporting Black educators after facing burnout. Jailyn shares h...

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March 19, 2024

Episode 38: Educator to Education Consultant with Dr. Cletis Allen

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia Lyons and special guest Dr. Cletis Allen delve into the educational journey of black educators. Dr. Allen, an advocate for culturally responsive literacy instruction and a curri...

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