Episodes

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 Aurelius Raines II, whose unorthodox path into education began not with a degree, but with curiosity, care, and disruption. From aftercare teacher to museum-based innovator, Aurelius shares how his early struggles with school shaped his radical approach to teaching and why his students thrive because of it. Together, they unpack what it means to teach without permission, learn outside the lines, and reimagine what a science education can look like when rooted in joy, justice, and relevance.

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 sits down with Akil Parker, a former finance major turned math educator, tutor, and founder of All This Math, to explore his 20-year journey through classrooms, charter schools, and community spaces. Akil shares honest reflections on being pushed out of schools for challenging harmful norms, the emotional toll of being separated from students he deeply cared about, and the moment he realized he was no longer working for the system but for the kids. From surviving toxic school cultures to creating culturally rooted math content for families, Akil's story is both a warning and a call to action. Whether you're a Black educator facing similar challenges or someone interested in true retention, this episode is a raw reminder: real education centers the child, not the institution.

In this episode of the Exit Interview podcast for Black educators, host Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Dr. Mary Hemphill, an accomplished educator, leader, and founder of The Limitless Leader. Dr. Hemphill shares her journey from growing up in a family of educators in New York to becoming a third and fourth grade teacher in her hometown, and later moving into school administration and state-level leadership in North Carolina. The conversation explores Dr. Hemphill’s deep sense of calling to education, her commitment to serving her community, and the challenges she faced as a Black woman navigating various roles in education. She discusses the importance of representation, mentorship, and intentionally supporting students and families from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Hemphill recounts her experiences as a principal in turnaround schools, her unexpected transition to directing statewide computer science initiatives, and the lessons she learned about leadership, adaptability, and the value of…

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…

What happens when a Black educator survives a natural disaster, a political awakening, and a broken school system all in the same year? In this profoundly moving episode of The Exit Interview, Colorado State Representative Jennifer Bacon recounts how her early teaching career in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina became a catalyst for her journey into law, education reform, and public service. Reflecting on her experience as a young Black educator with Teach For America, she vividly recalls the chaos and trauma of evacuating during the storm, witnessing the devastation, and volunteering at a Red Cross shelter, where she saw her students arrive with little more than plastic bags of belongings. Jennifer shares the inequities she witnessed in the aftermath, including the erasure of Black educators, the rise of charter schools, and the criminalization of Black youth, all of which shaped her understanding of systemic racism in education. Her reflections unpack the historical and po…

What happens when you're doing everything, leading a school, serving your community, answering the phones, teaching math, and still feel like you're drowning? In this Exit Interview live show, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Joy Delizo-Osborne, who shares the real reason she left her role as a founding principal: her doctor said quit, and her wife offered her a puppy if she finally did. This conversation is not a highlight reel. It's a profoundly human exploration of what it costs to stay in systems that praise your sacrifice but ignore your spirit. Joy reflects on burnout, Black women's addiction to care, and how hard it is to believe the job isn't your identity. She also offers a glimpse into her now as CEO of Student Achievement Partners, where she's rewriting the rules of leadership, bringing equity and literacy into the same sentence, and finally choosing joy (and dogs). If you've ever felt pulled between purpose and survival, this episode is your mirror and your permission s…

What happens when an educator's deep love for liberation collides with the realities of traditional schooling? In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Jamilah Pitts, educator, author, yoga teacher, and founder of She Imprint, to explore her journey through the education system and beyond. Jamilah shares how her childhood experiences with Black women teachers inspired her dream to teach, and how her international work, from Boston to the Dominican Republic to India, shaped her vision of education as a tool for healing and activism. She opens up about the emotional toll of navigating toxic school environments, the complexities of internalized racism among leadership, and the moment she chose her own wellness over a broken system. Throughout the conversation, Jamilah offers a deep call to center healing in our schools, reimagine leadership, and honor educators' full humanity.

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 special episode recorded live at Quince Coffee House, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Jenna Greenwood about her inspiring journey of self-discovery, family legacy, and finding community outside traditional educational settings. Jenna recounts stories of her upbringing, influenced by her grandmother, Marie Greenwood, Denver's first Black tenured teacher, and her experiences navigating her complex identity within predominantly white institutions. She also offers valuable insights into college affordability and scholarships, using her financial aid expertise to support students and families. Lastly, Jenna emphasizes the importance of wellness, mindfulness, and creating inclusive spaces like Quince Coffee House, which she co-owns and serves as a lively community hub.

In this compelling episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, host Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Jason B., an educator, activist, and policy advocate, to explore the systemic barriers faced by Black students and educators in traditional schools. Jason shares his journey from school administrator to special education teacher, highlighting his fight against discriminatory practices that unfairly place Black students in special education without adequate support. He discusses how systemic racism shapes discipline policies, the challenges Black educators encounter with certification hurdles, and the broader impact of anti-Black policies in education. Additionally, Jason talks about his shift from classroom teaching to policy work, emphasizing the importance of community-led solutions, Black educator retention, and dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. This episode is essential listening for those committed to educational equity, policy change, and fostering environment…

In this episode of "The Exit Interview," Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Keisha Rembert, an experienced middle school educator, award-winning teacher, and current higher education faculty member. Keisha shares her journey from a legacy of educators in Chicago to her 17-year career teaching middle grades, highlighting the importance of student voice, co-teaching, and authentic relationships in the classroom. The discussion examines the challenges faced by Black educators, such as lack of recognition, the emotional toll of being overlooked, and the process of leaving educational spaces. Keisha talks about her advocacy for recruiting and retaining teachers of color, emphasizing the success of affinity spaces and racial literacy training in Illinois. Both Dr. Lyons and Keisha stress the need for ongoing personal and professional growth, the importance of wellness and rest, and community care. The episode also covers Keisha’s current research on Black belonging in Hispanic-serving institutio…

In this episode of "The Exit Interview," host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Dr. Adrienne Davenport, a veteran educator, administrator, author, and instructional coach. Dr. Davenport shares her unique journey into education, which began as a second career after initially pursuing work as a paralegal. She discusses her experiences teaching elementary and middle school, her transition into administration, and the challenges and rewards of serving as a principal in multiple districts. Dr. Davenport reflects on the importance of seizing opportunities, the value of moving between districts for professional growth, and the necessity of self-care and support systems for administrators. She candidly addresses her decision to leave administration during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the significance of following one’s intuition and prioritizing well-being. The conversation also explores strategies for retaining Black educators, including the need for better recruitment, support, and leader…

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," host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Dr. Demia Thomas, an accomplished educator and leader with over two decades of experience in urban education. Dr. Thomas shares her journey from growing up and teaching in Brooklyn, New York, to holding roles including teacher, principal, and district leader across several states. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working in urban schools, the importance of transformative leadership, and her commitment to fostering inclusive, high-achieving school cultures. The conversation delves into Dr. Thomas’s experiences as a principal, including the complexities of school culture, leadership transitions, and the impact of race and ego in education systems. She highlights the significance of data-driven decision-making, emotional intelligence, and building trust within school communities. Dr. Thomas also reflects on her time founding and leading an all-girls charter school, the impor…

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…

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 dreams of teaching to pioneering spaces for young men of Color, and the community-centered approaches that defined her work. Amidst these achievements, she opens up about the health crises and systemic challenges that led her to leave formal education. Our discussion touches on the critical support from women in her professional community, her experiences with racial battle fatigue, and the vital importance of therapy and self-care for Black educators. We delve into the significance of culturally responsive teaching environments and Dr. Stitt's current consulting work, emphasizing the broad, impactful ways educators can contribute to their communities beyond traditional classroom roles.

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, 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 and the various challenges he faced in his early teaching years, including a lack of support and job security in Philadelphia charter schools. Moving to Boston, he navigated the complexities of unionized school districts, ultimately learning the importance of self-care to avoid burnout and racial battle fatigue. This episode highlights systemic issues in education, such as the exploitation of committed Black educators and the importance of acknowledging their experiences. Reflecting on his time in Philadelphia, Kwame emphasizes the need for better support systems and career pathways for Black educators. His journey extends internationally as he moves to Sierra Leone, initiating the 'Identity Talk for Educators Live…

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 the challenging conditions that led to burnout and her decision to leave traditional education spaces. The discussion highlights the systemic issues Black educators face, such as overwork and lack of compensation, and underscores the need for mental health support within the education system. Shatiera talks about her current role as the founder of 'School Counselors on Wheels,' where she mentors students and educators, emphasizing mental wellness in education. She also introduces her self-help book 'I Forgive Myself for Forgetting Myself,' which aims to promote self-care among service professionals. Throughout the episode, Shatiera pays tribute to influential Black educators who impacted her life, expressing grat…

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, 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, and inclusion (DEI). Julia outlines her path from excelling in math and engineering, realizing her passion for teaching, to teaching youth in correctional and treatment facilities. She discusses the challenges she faced with leadership due to her bold approach to DEI work. Julia touches upon the impact of race and supremacy on educational settings and emphasizes the importance of leadership involvement in DEI efforts. After leaving several roles due to systemic resistance to change, she finally finds alignment with her values at a community-based organization rooted in ancient African philosophy. The conversation delves into the personal and professional grief Julia encountered, her methods of self-care, and the joy she finds in her children, gardening, and yoga p…

In this episode of The Exit Interview, host Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Langston Jacobs to explore his journey through education, from substitute teaching to school leadership. Langston shares candid reflections on his early days as a guest teacher, the challenges and rewards of connecting with students—especially those often overlooked or labeled as “troublesome”—and his transition into special education and later, a dean of culture at charter schools. The conversation delves into the systemic barriers Black educators face, including lack of mentorship, the emotional toll of disciplinary roles, and the impact of school culture on both educators and their families. Langston opens up about the personal cost of his work, describing how stress and the demands of leadership affected his health and family life, ultimately leading him to step away from traditional education. Now, as co-founder and director of Men and Youth Programs at Adam’s Purpose, Langston focuses on healing and …

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 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 educational settings, and her passion for curriculum development. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and holistic education, while also addressing the systemic challenges faced by Black educators. Tune in to gain insights on educational equity, teacher retention, and personal growth.