Podcast And Pause: An Unbook Club For Black Educators - August 2025 Episodes

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 her nearly 20-year journey through education, from working in nonprofits and higher education to leadership roles in school districts and national policy. Najmah candidly shares her experiences navigating systemic challenges, microaggressions, and the often overwhelming toll of racial battle fatigue. Listeners will hear how Najmah's desire to support people in moments of transition shaped her career and led her to create transformative programs for young people, such as leadership curricula and paid internships. She also opens up about the pivotal moment when her physical health forced her to confront the toll her work was taking on her mind, body, and spirit, leading her to decide to leave traditional education spaces and build her own consulting business. This episode explores themes of wellness, self-liberation, and the importance…

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, Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Sarah Graham, founder of Lessons in Liberation, for a candid and insightful conversation about the realities of being a Black educator. The two discuss their journeys into education, the challenges and joys of teaching in nontraditional and special education settings, and the importance of culturally responsive curriculum. Sarah shares her experiences working in group homes, day treatment centers, and charter schools, highlighting systemic issues, the need for authentic support, and the emotional labor required of Black educators. The episode also explores the impact of burnout, the necessity of rest and sabbaticals, and Sarah’s current work developing liberatory, intersectional curriculum and training for schools and organizations. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities facing Black educators and the ongoing fight for equity and liberation in education.

In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast, host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Brittney Carey, an early childhood education (ECE) advocate and founder of Conscious Pathways. Brittney shares her personal journey into education, inspired by a transformative third-grade teacher, and discusses the unique challenges and rewards of working in early childhood settings. The conversation delves into the undervaluation of ECE professionals—particularly Black women—highlighting issues of low pay, burnout, and limited career mobility. Brittney and Dr. Asia explore the critical role ECE educators play in child development, the need for higher standards and respect in the field, and the systemic barriers that disproportionately impact women of color. Brittney also addresses exclusionary discipline practices, the concept of “soft expulsion,” and offers advice for parents advocating for their children. The episode concludes with Brittney reflecting on her transition to education consulting, her passion …

In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast, Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Jalisa Evans, an educator and organizer, to discuss her journey and advocacy for Black educators. Jalisa shares her unconventional path into teaching, initially aspiring to be a doctor before joining Teach for America and discovering her passion for education. She recounts her experiences teaching in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Los Angeles, highlighting the systemic challenges Black students and educators face, including literacy gaps, under-resourced schools, and anti-Blackness within educational institutions. Jalisa describes her transition from classroom teaching to organizing, where she played a pivotal role in securing funding for neglected schools and advocating for better conditions. She emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and collective action in driving change. The conversation delves into the retention crisis among Black educators, the need for school districts and unions to address …

In this episode of "Exit Interview," host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Jailyn Jenkins, an educator and advocate dedicated to equity, belonging, and joy in STEM education. Jailyn shares her journey from teaching math and science in Phoenix and Denver to becoming an instructional coach, district facilitator, and manager at the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC). She discusses the challenges of being a Black woman in education, the emotional toll of burnout, and the difficult decision to step away from the classroom for her own well-being. Jailyn opens up about the grief and anxiety she experienced while leaving teaching, the importance of prioritizing mental health, and the healing power of taking a sabbatical. She describes her solo travels, including a transformative visit to a lavender farm and time spent in Hawaii, which helped her rediscover joy and clarity before starting her next role. The conversation also addresses systemic issues in retaining Black educators, emph…