On Being Well Playlist Episodes

In this episode of "The Exit Interview," host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Amanda Miller Littlejohn, executive coach, brand strategist, and author of "The Rest Revolution." The conversation centers on the pervasive issue of burnout, especially among Black educators and high-achieving professionals. Amanda shares her personal journey with burnout, the societal pressures of overachievement, and the importance of reclaiming rest as a form of resistance and self-care.Key topics include:The origins and impact of burnout, particularly in the context of systemic challenges facing Black educators.The trap of "Black excellence" and how overworking can be a trauma response rather than a true measure of worth.The necessity of self-discovery and alignment—knowing what energizes and drains you, and how misalignment leads to exhaustion.Practical steps for recovering from burnout, such as prioritizing rest, taking sabbaticals if possible, and rebuilding life outside of work.The vital role…

In this episode of "The Exit Interview," host Dr. Asia welcomes Josephine, a family therapist and former educator, for a candid conversation about wellness, education, and community. Josephine shares her journey from working as a para in special education to earning dual master's degrees in education and social work, and eventually founding her own group therapy practice. She discusses the importance of self-care, resisting burnout, and building supportive communities—especially for Black educators facing racial battle fatigue and workplace stress.Josephine explains her innovative group practice model, which emphasizes mentorship, professional growth, and encourages clinicians to develop their own dreams rather than live in someone else's. She offers practical advice for educators and their families on setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and supporting one another through challenges. The episode also touches on the value of rediscovering hobbies, maintaining healthy relat…

In this episode of "The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators," Dr. Asia Lyons and guest host Stacey Taylor-Brandon welcome Dr. Shawn Ginwright, a renowned thought leader in education and the creator of the "healing centered engagement" framework. The conversation centers on the challenges Black educators face, particularly around racial battle fatigue, systemic oppression, and the burden of care—especially for Black women in education.Dr. Ginwright discusses his influential book, "The Four Pivots," which encourages a shift from constant outward activism to intentional self-reflection and self-care. He emphasizes the importance of creating "micro diets" of wellness—small, regular acts of self-care—and urges educators to give from their excess rather than their essence to avoid burnout. The episode also explores how leaders can integrate healing practices into educational systems, moving beyond reactive support to proactive, asset-based wellness structures.Throughout th…

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 journey from traditional education to becoming a leader in wellness and restorative practices. The discussion explores the importance of rest for Black educators, the systemic challenges they face, and the necessity of self-care. Raheem passionately discusses the interplay between creativity, rest, and holistic well-being, offering practical steps for educators to integrate rest into their lives. Make sure to order her new book, Rest Is Sacred: Reclaiming Our Brilliance Through the Practice of Stillness.

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, host Dr. Asia sits down with Dr. Jason Shankle, a Denver-based therapist, educator, and author, for a deeply insightful conversation about racial battle fatigue, Black mental health, and the importance of culturally competent care. Dr. Shankle shares his educational journey from HBCU to doctoral studies, his experiences as a Black male therapist, and the challenges faced by Black students and professionals in predominantly white institutions.The discussion explores the concept of “energetic assault” in affinity spaces, the necessity of naming and understanding racialized experiences, and the toll that systemic racism takes on mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Shankle offers practical strategies for healing, including daily rituals, creating sacred spaces, journaling, and setting emotional boundaries. He also provides guidance on finding the right therapist and emphasizes the value of proactive, rather than re…

In this compelling episode of the 'Exit Interview', our hosts, Dr. Asia Lyons and Michelle Emmanuelle, hold a deep and earnest conversation about the experiences of black educators and the burnout they face, as reflected through Michelle's own journey. The episode starts with an introduction to Michelle Emmanuelle, a wellness consultant, changemaker, and professional speaker passionate about combating burnout. The discussion soon shifts to Michelle's educational journey, where she highlights her experiences as a French teacher and the inequalities present in the educational system. This issue particularly affected her as a black teacher in a predominantly white, private school environment. Michelle opens up about her frustrating experiences, shedding light on the discomfort, inequality, systemic oppression she faced, and the eventual burnout that led to her leaving the teaching sector. The hosts then discuss solutions to retain black teachers in schools, highlighting the importance of…

In this episode, Dr. Siobhan Flowers, a licensed psychotherapist and educator wellness strategist, joins Dr. Asia Lyons and Kevin Adams on the 'Exit Interview' podcast. They discuss burnout and mental health in black educators, dissecting the systemic and institutional barriers contributing to dissatisfaction and fatigue. Dr. Flowers shares her unique approach towards wellness, stressing the importance of mind-body connection, self-regulation strategies, and mindfulness. She provides pragmatic steps for educators to integrate self-care processes into their daily routines. Additionally, they examine the implications of shifting DEI efforts in Texas and ways educators have adapted to these constraints. The episode is peppered with personal experiences, a deep focus on values, and practical advice, making a compelling conversation about the importance of wellness and self-comprehension in the challenging realm of education.

In this episode of the Exit Interview podcast, Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes back Janet Stickmon to discuss the concept of racial battle fatigue, its impact on educators of color, and the journey toward healing and joy. Janet shares her personal experiences with the physical and emotional toll of racial battle fatigue, including health scares and the challenges of advocating for her child in educational spaces. She explains how naming and understanding these experiences is a crucial first step toward healing.Janet emphasizes the importance of integrating joy into daily life, treating it as essential as a daily vitamin. She describes her healing practices, such as therapy, self-care routines, and engaging in activities that bring her happiness, like swimming and painting. The conversation also explores the idea of abundance—not as material excess, but as having the health, wealth, and love needed for a joyful life.Janet introduces her Center Joy Power program, designed to help profes…