The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators
Episodes
The Tax We Pay with Kelly Mitchell
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kelly Mitchell's journey through education is a crash course in recognizing when systems are working exactly as designed...not for us. From stumbling ...
The Tax We Pay with Kelly Mitchell
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kelly Mitchell's journey through education is a crash course in recognizing when systems are working exactly as designed...not for us. From stumbling ...
A Love Letter to the Bronx with Kai-Ama Hamer
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kai Hamer's journey from aspiring rapper to special education teacher to parent engagement director is a love letter to the Bronx. Starting in shelter...
Hustle, Heart & HBCU Love with Latoya Turner
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation is a testament to how classroom teaching can birth movements that extend far beyond what we could ever imagine.In this episode, Dr. ...
The Only One At The Table With Monika Robinson
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to be the only Black teacher at the table year after year? In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educ...
The Cost of Perfect Attendance with Whitney Tolliver
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode with Whitney Tolliver is essential listening for educators at any stage of their career, administrators who wonder why they can't retain ...
Setting Boundaries, Finding Healing with Khiara "Mills" Mills
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Khiara Mills Mills, a licensed therapist and former school counselor, about her journey through education, ...
Calling On Ancestral Wisdom with Dr. Jeanine L. Williams
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Asia welcomes Jeanine L. Williams, PhD, a retired educator turned ancestral medicine woman, for a powerful conversation about lib...
When Silence Is Violence with Kamye Hugley
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with educator and bibliophile Kamye Hugley to explore what happens when Black women in education refuse to stay quiet in t...
When Silence Is Violence with Kamye Hugley
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with educator and bibliophile Kamye Hugley to explore w...
Black Educator Wellness & The Cost of Leadership with Dr. Ashlee Saddler, MSW
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Ashlee Saddler shares her journey from mental health professional to educational leader, and the u...
When We Believe In Black Children with Whitney Redd
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this impactful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Oakland educator Whitney Redd discusses how her experie...
How Radical Self-Care Saved Me with Dr. Franita Ware
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia sits down with Dr. Franita Nita Ware, educ...
The Grief of Leaving, the Liberation of Becoming with Candice Renee Person
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia sits down with Candice Renee Person, a 20-year veteran educator, organi...
Degrees, Detours and the Common Good with Dr. Lance Bennett
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From publish or perish to learn to liberate, Dr. Lance Bennett shares how he reimagined higher ed to serve actual people. We unpack the community care...
A Disruptor's Journey Through Education with Aurelius Raines II
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when the bad kid becomes the kind of educator the system never saw coming? In this episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia sits down with...
For the Kids, Not the System with Akil Parker
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it cost to teach with integrity in a system that demands your silence? In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia Lyons s...
The Price of Being Passionate with Dr. Mary Hemphill
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a masterclass in reclaiming purpose, honoring your calling, and choosing wholeness over hustle. If youve ever been called too much for...
Reclaiming Rest & Thriving Beyond Burnout with Amanda Miller Littlejohn
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode challenges us to reflect: What traits define us? Who are we outside of productivity? In this deeply affirming conversation, Dr. Asia Lyon...
The Cost of Reform and the Power of Community with Representative Jennifer Bacon
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a Black educator survives a natural disaster, a political awakening, and a broken school systemall in the same year?In this deeply m...
Youth at the Core with Joy Delizo-Osborne Live at SXSWEDU 2025
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you're doing everythingleading a school, serving your community, answering the phones, teaching mathand still feel like you're drown...
Liberation As A Non-Negotiable with Jamilah Pitts
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when an educator's deep love for liberation collides with the realities of traditional schooling? In this episode of The Exit Interview:...
Boundaries, Burnout and Black Educator Wellness with Josephine Ampaw-Greene
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Josephine Ampaw-Greene a licensed family ...
Finding Identity and Building Community with Jenna Greenwood
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode recorded live at Quince Coffee House, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Jenna Greenwood to explore her inspiring journey of self-d...
Breaking Barriers in Special Education with Jason B. Allen
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, host Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Jason B. Alleneducator, activist, an...
On Co-Teaching, Rest, and Black Educator Retention with Keisha Rembert
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with award-winning educator and advocate Keisha Rembert...
Beyond the Principal's Office: Finding New Ways to Serve with Dr. Adrienne Davenport
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Dr. Adrienne Davenport, a veteran educator, admini...
Achievement Addiction and the Quest for Wellness with Najmah Ahmad
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful and reflective episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Najmah Ahmad to discuss he...
In the Pursuit of Impact with Dr. Damia Thomas
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Dr. Damia Thomas, who brings over two decades of experience in urban educat...
What It Means To Be Well with Dr. Shawn Ginwright
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons and guest host Stacey Taylor Brandon welcome&nbs...
Taking Care and Moving Forward with Dr. LaShaune Stitt
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ar...
Worthy of Rest with Octavia Raheem
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Learning to Relearn with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Kwame Sarfo-Mensah and discusses his transformative jo...
Advocating for Better Mental Health with Shatiera Porte'e
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
Lessons In Liberation with Sarah Graham
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Centered in Love with Julia Berry
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, a...
(Re)defining Me with Langston Jacobs
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Healing From Racial Fatigue with Jason Shankle
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons talks with therapist and researcher Jason Shankle about the importance of creating sacred...
Episode 49: Redefining Education and Black Excellence with Asha von Liebtag
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 beyo...
Episode 48: Saying Yes Despite the Odds with Dr. Adrienne Smith
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 47: Changing The Way We Perceive Early Childhood Educators with Brittney Carey
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' hosts Dr. Asia Lyons delves into the often-overlooked aspects of early childhood education with guest Brittne...
Episode 46: Our Black Educators and Students Deserve Better with Vanity Jenkins
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' I sit down with Vanity Jenkins, a dedicated educator and advocate for culturally relevant pedagogy. We dive i...
Episode 45: Restoring My Identity As An Educator Through Afrofuturism with Sherinda Bryant
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Episode 44: Black Educators Organizing Against Anti-Blackness with Jalisa Evans
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators takes a deep dive into the rarely discussed aspect of educator retention, specifical...
Episode 43: For the Love of Black Women with Stacey Taylor-Brandon
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 wa...
Episode 42: Revolutionizing Education for Our Children with Benita Gordon
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this insightful episode of 'The Exit Interview' as we welcome Benita Gordon, a passionate educational advocate. In a candid discussion with...
Episode 41: Saying No To Imposter Syndrome with Brittany Dawson
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Brittany Dawson, discussing the pivotal moments that led Brittany from the classroom to becoming a leadersh...
Episode 40: The Power of Community with Elia Martin
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
Episode 39: Solo Sabbatical: Battling Burnout, Finding Renewal with Jailyn Jenkins
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of The Exit Interview features a deep dive into the experiences and insights of Jailyn Jenkins, a former STEM educator who transitioned i...
Episode 38: Educator to Education Consultant with Dr. Cletis Allen
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. Al...
Episode 37: Elementary Education Evolved with Yasha Chapman
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, of the Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators Yasha Chapman, an accomplished Black educator and CEO of Elementary Education Ev...
Episode 36: Special Episode: Episode 141 :The Exit Interview Podcast
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks compelling episode, we speak with Dr. Asia Lyons, CEO of Lyons Educational Consulting, co-facilitator of the Black Educator Wellness Coh...
Episode 35: Teaching Internationally While Black with Brittni Black with Brittni Joy
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After teaching in Atlanta's public schools Brittni had to make a choice, quit teaching or try her hand at teaching in the Middle East. Take a listen a...
Episode 34: Supporting Black Women Educators with Deidra Fogarty
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Exit Interview, Kev and Dr. Asia sit down with Deidra Fogarty founder of Black Girls Teach an organization that offers Black wo...
Episode 33: Healing Starts with Mindset with Michelle Emmanuelle
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michelle Emmanuelle is a former private school educator turned wellness educator, consultant, and professional speaker. In her episode, she discusses ...
Episode 32: Hope for Our Education System with Lacey Robinson
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Lacey Robinson, the president and CEO of UnboundEd and the chair of the Board of CORE Learning. As CEO, Robinson set...
Episode 31: Advocating for Black Families with Ronda Haynes-Belen
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're back for another episode! In this edition, we have a conversation with Ronda Haynes-Belen, a former family liaison who played a vital role in co...
Episode 30: Protecting and Supporting Black Children with Mia Street
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mia Street shares her story of working hard to protect Black children while creating her own peace within her community. Listen as Mi...
Episode 29: Mind-Body Wellness Practices with Dr. Siobhan Flowers
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, we continue discussing what it means to heal from racial battle fatigue in the w...
Episode 28: Supporting Black and Brown Male Educators with Dr. Dedrick Sims
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our first live tapping, Kevin and Dr. Asia sit down with Dr. Dedrick Sims of the Sims-Fayola Foundation to talk about the importance of retention a...
Episode 27: Kev's Ideas on Retaining Black Educators
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This will be Kevin's first year as an assistant principal in the Denver area! In this episode, he briefly talks about his ideas on how school district...
Episode 26: Special Episode: Dr. Asia on The Thoughtful Counselor Podcast
05 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Asia Lyons is a guest on The Thoughtful Counselor Podcast!"In this episode, Dr. Asia Lyons meets with Dr. Dsa Karye Daniel to discuss the tenants ...
Episode 24: Healing from Racial Battle Fatigue with Janet Stickmon
29 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Janet Stickmon returns to the podcast to talk to our audience about what healing from racial battle fatigue could look like.
Episode 23: The Pushout and Pullout of Black Educators with Dr. Asia Lyons
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This brief episode highlights the crucial importance for school districts to acknowledge and address the influence of family support on the departure ...
Episode 22: "So...How's Work?" with Janet Stickmon
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Janet Stickmon was named 2023's Distinguished Professor by her university. She takes great pride in working with her students. She has created CenterJ...
Episode 21: Slow Burn with Enola Garland
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Enola Garland found her way into the classroom as an early childhood educator. She quickly realized that working with three and four-year-olds was wha...
Office Hours Dr. Asia Reflects
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Well, its time for me to tell my Exit Interview story. On the last day of school in 2018, I threw my work i.d. in the garbage can in front of the midd...
Leaving With Your Head Held High with Nedra Hall
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nedra Rudolph is one of thousands of educational professionals that many of us see but never truly SEE. Having worked in Title 1 schools, as a Dean of...
The Freedom School 5280 with Branta Lockett
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Branta Lockett moved through her educational odyssey at the highest levels. W.E.B. DuBois would have absolutely drafted her for his Talented Tenth All...
Coming Back Different with Jacci Cradle
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jacci tells us her story of coming full circle. With her love for whom we in education consider as littles, she tells her journey as a childcare cente...
The Person I Am Now Is Different with Arvian Harper
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Arvian Harper is a Denver Public Schools lifer. A graduate of the hallowed halls of East High School, she received a full ride engineering scholarship...
Back to School with Dr. Asia and Kev
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After a turbulent year locally and nationally, Dr. Asia Lyons and Kevin Adams are back with your Back to School shopping list. They break down issues ...
I Am Complicit in This with Stacey Brandon
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When a former director of equity in a school district joins our podcast you know its gonna be good. Stacey Brandon shares what led her to become a soc...
Different District Same Story with Dr. Jeanette Patterson
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Another fire episode! This time we are speaking to Dr. Jeanette Patterson, a former principal who now finds herself supporting the youth of the Denver...
On to Higher Ground with Dr. William Anderson
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Since last season, we have brought you stories that are heart-wrenching, painful, and traumatic. Examples of racial battle fatigue, professional viole...
On to Bigger and Better with Crystal Gillis
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin and Asia listen to Crystal Gillis story. From leaving the classroom to facilitating and developing youth voice and leadership at YAASPA, her sto...
I Got Receipts with Desmond Williams
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Scholar, Author, Entrepreneur, and Educator Desmond Williams has been there, done that. A talented and effective classroom teacher, he quickly moved u...
It's Not About Football with Coach Tony Lindsay, Sr.
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On December 21, Denverite broke the story that legendary community leader and Montbello/Far Northeast Warriors Coach Tony Lindsay, Sr. would not be in...
Ya Might Win Some with Michael Diaz-Rivera
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Diaz-Rivera was a brilliant and respected teacher with a reputation for empowering and inspiring his Black and Latinx students. He rose quickl...
The Origins of Racial Battle Fatigue with Dr. William Smith Part II
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Asia and Kevins interview with Dr. William Smith of the University of Utah was so saturated with wisdom that we brought him back for a part II!In this...
You Can Stand on My Shoulders with Dr. Darlene Sampson
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Equity is the goal for nearly every diverse school district in the country. As the ripple effects of generational trauma and systemic oppression conti...
The Origins of Racial Battle Fatigue with Dr. William Smith
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a real special episode of the Exit Interview! Asia and Kevin talk with Dr. William A. Smith, professor of Education and Ethnic Studies at the ...
I Am Still an Educator with Shalelia Dillard
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Episode 4 of the Exit Interview with Asia Lyons and Kevin Adams!This week we hear Shalelia Dillard share her story. It is a similar refrain...
God Said It Was Time with Donna Druery
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Being a Black educator in the American system of schooling will test the faith of the strongest. In this powerful episode, Doctoral candidate Donna Dr...
Everything for a Reason with Analise Harris
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Analise Harris embodies Black genius, Black ingenuity, and a resilience. Always socially conscious and connected to her community, Analise entered the...
Don't Ever Downplay My Accomplishments with Sataira Douglas
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Exit Interview premiers with the story of Sataira Douglas.When she came into the teaching game, Sataira was a highly regarded rising star in teach...