Episodes

In this episode, host Dr. Asia Lyons and fellow educator Kevin Adams have an insightful conversation with former educator turned full-time entrepreneur, Deidra Fogarty. Deidra shares her journey, beginning as a teacher, and transitioning into leadership roles within the education system, only to later face toxic environments and bias. As a response to these challenges, she eventually left traditional educational settings and founded an organisation, 'Black Girls Teach', to foster and support black women educators personally and professionally. Along with highlighting issues concerning black educators within the system, she also emphasizes shifting from bias and focusing on the empowerment and development of black women educators. The importance of listening, reassessing oneself, building confidence, and giving space to black women educators forms the core of Deidra's discussion during this insightful and candid conversation.

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 enlightening episode of The Exit Interview podcast, co-hosts Dr. Asia Lyons and Kevin Adams welcome guest Lacey Robinson, president and CEO of UnboundEd. Lacey shares her profound experiences and insights on the education system, particularly focusing on Brown and Black students. Starting as a struggling reader who transformed into a strengthened one, Lacey discusses her journey towards becoming an educator, school leader, and now the head of an organization that centers around equity in education. She recounts her tenure as a turnaround principal, which she identifies as a life-altering period that led her to question her beliefs and tactics in managing a school. Lacey advocates for creating a non-oppressive, high-expectation, fully supportive learning environment where Brown and Black students can thrive. Furthermore, she highlights the power of educators' freedom, alongside the need for systemic reform to recruit and retain black educators. Delving into her current work at …

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Ronda Haynes-Belen, a former community engagement specialist. Ronda shares her experiences working in Denver Public Schools (DPS), discussing the anti-Blackness and oppressive structures she encountered. After yearning for a work environment that validates and caters to the unique needs of Black families, Ronda decides to exit from her position. Ronda underscores the importance of refusing to 'muscle through' oppressive situations at work and prioritizing personal health and well-being. The discussion also explores how such unfair work environments can impact personal life and how critical self-advocacy is in these circumstances. The episode concludes with Ronda emphasizing the need for healing, self-care, and pursuing joy post-exit.

In this stirring episode of 'The Exit Interview,' Dr. Asia Lyons talks to Mia Street, a former educator who shares her challenging journey through the education system and her decision to leave due to institutional racism. Mia recounts multiple incidents where she faced racialized trauma and was placed in a system that devalued both her and her students. Despite the adversities, Mia’s spirit wasn't dampened. She transitioned to working with organizations committed to equity in education and supporting the displaced youth. The episode concludes with a poignant conversation about the systemic mistreatment of Black teachers and students, and the necessity for change within the educational landscape.

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 thoughtful and insightful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Dedrick Sims discusses the importance of Black and Brown male educators, the challenges they face, and the steps needed to support them more effectively. He also shares his personal journey in education and his ongoing work to improve the lives of young men and boys of color through his organization, the Sims-Felder Foundation. In a candid conversation, Sims talks about the role of counseling in addressing personal and systemic issues, shares the impactful results his foundation's programs have achieved, and explores the need for societal-level changes to genuinely support Black educators and students. The episode concludes with lively audience interaction, ending on a note of collective inspiration and motivation. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply invested in promoting better educational outcomes for all, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of the Exit Interview podcast, co-host Kevin Adams reflects on his 18-year teaching career in Denver Public Schools and his transition from classroom teacher to assistant principal. Kevin discusses the unique challenges and experiences faced by Black educators, including feelings of isolation, the importance of representation, and the need for supportive leadership that values equity and creates safe spaces for open dialogue. He emphasizes the importance of honoring Black educators' full identities, including their cultural expressions and intellectual contributions, rather than limiting them to roles such as disciplinarians or relationship-builders. Kevin also highlights the importance of culturally responsive mental health support and the value of spirituality and family traditions in sustaining Black educators. The episode calls for school leaders and colleagues to be more responsive, supportive, and proactive in retaining Black educators, and encourages listeners t…

In this special episode, Dr. Desa Daniel welcomes Dr. Asia Lyons, an educator, consultant, and co-host of The Exit Interview podcast, for an in-depth discussion about racial battle fatigue among Black educators. Dr. Lyons shares her personal journey from teaching in Denver to founding her own consulting firm and talks about how her experiences with racism-related stress prompted her to research and advocate for Black educators’ wellness. The conversation examines the concept of racial battle fatigue—its psychological, emotional, and physical effects—and the unique challenges faced by Black educators in predominantly white educational settings. Dr. Lyons and Dr. Daniel reflect on generational trauma, the invisible labor of educators of color, and the importance of community, self-care, and intentionality in coping with and healing from these experiences. The episode also discusses strategies for supporting Black educators, the role of counselors and mental health professionals, a…

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…

This brief episode highlights the crucial importance for school districts to acknowledge and address the influence of family support on the departure of Black educators from the education field. The departure is being triggered by various factors, such as policies, colleagues, administrators, and others who are contributing to pushing Black educators out. Simultaneously, family members of Black educators are also playing a significant role in pulling them out of the classroom, driven by their weariness of witnessing vicarious racial battle fatigue. As conversations arise about retention and recruitment during summer professional development sessions within the education sector, it is imperative to include the impact of family support in these discussions. Recognizing and understanding the role of family dynamics in the decisions of Black educators to remain or leave the profession can lead to more effective strategies for addressing the issue and fostering a supportive and inclusiv…

Janet Stickmon received the McPherson Distinguished Teaching Award at Napa Valley College. She takes great pride in working with her students.  She has created CenterJoyPWR®: Strategies for Healing Racial Battle Fatigue—an online experience for professionals of color who want to center joy in their lives. But before this Janet was a Catholic school educator with a strong desire to teach ethnic studies.  Listen as Janet shares her story along with fantastic strategies that school districts and universities should implement to retain Black educators.

In this episode of, The Exit Interview, 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 what she was meant for. After years in the ECE space and with COVID-19's impact on her students, colleagues, and herself along with racism-related stress in the workspace after the murder of George Floyd she knew she had to leave. Listen as Enola shares her story and what she is doing now that continues to support early childhood educators across Colorado.

In this episode of Exit Interview, Dr. Asia Lyons reflects on her personal and professional journey as an educator. She shares her experiences growing up in Detroit, her initial pursuit of engineering, and the pivotal moments that led her to teaching. Dr. Lyons discusses her time in Colorado’s Cherry Creek School District, where she developed a social justice curriculum and faced significant racism, including resistance from parents and administration. The episode highlights her struggles with racial battle fatigue, the impact on her family, and the eventual decision to leave classroom teaching. Dr. Lyons also talks about founding Lyons Educational Consulting and the Black Educator Wellness Cohort, emphasizing the importance of supporting Black educators and sharing their stories. The conversation is both candid and inspiring, offering insights into the realities of education, systemic barriers, and the pursuit of personal and community healing.

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 Students, a paraprofessional, and a family liaison. These professionals are categorically invaluable, and grossly undercompensated. She had a great situation, but like in so many situations, when leadership changes, so does culture. Never was the old saying "sometimes it's your own people" more true than in this situation, when a fellow person of color perpetrated White supremacy. After a painful journey, Nedra was able to leave her position with her head held high. She still gets to work with children daily, and has found new joy in her work.

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 Star Team. Highly Gifted and Talented, International Baccalaureate, Brown University, she brought her sterling credentials to Denver, hoping to be the difference for all students, especially Black students. Her first two years as a Denver teacher were, simply put, “great.” But by year three, things began to unravel. She witnessed disproportionate disciplinary actions taken against Black boys. Still new to the work, she became a voice of advocacy for students and community. Her evaluation scores took a jarring dip. She changed roles, and found no support in any of them. Between COVID-19 and anti-Black dynamics within the union, she took the leap. The 5280 Freedom School, inspired by the Civil Rights era’s Mississippi Freedom Schools, launched first as a summer program. After having their charter initially rejected, they are poised …

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 center owner who, with a heart for doing more for her community, begins her work as a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director in a Denver Metro Area organization. Listen in as Jacci describes her story and advice for Black folks in the early learning space.