Videos

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. Asia sits down with Latoya Turner, M.A. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-turner-m-a-a94957201/) , a Detroit-born educator, author, and filmmaker who spent 13 years in the classroom before pivoting to create Brown Hands Literacy, a nonprofit dedicated to educating children about HBCUs through books, films, and community events. LaToya shares her journey from a high school cadet teaching program to teaching across Detroit, Maryland, and Cincinnati, where she discovered her passion for literacy and began writing children's books during lunch breaks and planning periods. She opens up about the pull of family that moved her from city to city, the birth of her son August (now a published author himself), and how she coached 90 Black men ages 18-24 through the Leading Men Fellowship program, planting seeds of literacy that will impact gener…

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. Asia sits down with Latoya Turner, M.A., a Detroit-born educator, author, and filmmaker who spent 13 years in the classroom before pivoting to create Brown Hands Literacy, a nonprofit dedicated to educating children about HBCUs through books, films, and community events. LaToya shares her journey from a high school cadet teaching program to teaching across Detroit, Maryland, and Cincinnati, where she discovered her passion for literacy and began writing children's books during lunch breaks and planning periods. She opens up about the pull of family that moved her from city to city, the birth of her son August (now a published author himself), and how she coached 90 Black men ages 18-24 through the Leading Men Fellowship program, planting seeds of literacy that will impact generations. From turning her book "Brown Hands, Black Schools: H…

Check out the podcast's website: https://www.exitinterviewpodcast.com/ Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing #teachers #educators #wellness #retention #education #healing #storytime #Podcast #BlackVoices #StorytellingPodcast #Shorts (for YouTube Shorts) #ViralPodcast #MustWatch #EducatorTalk #TalkThatTalk #RealTalk #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcasts #NewPodcastAlert #ListenNow #SubscribeNow

Check out the podcast's website: https://www.exitinterviewpodcast.com/ Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing #teachers #educators #wellness #retention #education #healing #storytime #Podcast #BlackVoices #StorytellingPodcast #Shorts (for YouTube Shorts) #ViralPodcast #MustWatch #EducatorTalk #TalkThatTalk #RealTalk #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcasts #NewPodcastAlert #ListenNow #SubscribeNow

This was a first for me. "Why would you go to your grave hating on someone you barely knew. She barely knew me!" Thank you, Monika Robinson, M.Ed., for sharing this story on The Exit Interview. Check out the podcast's website: https://www.exitinterviewpodcast.com/ Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing #teachers #educators #wellness #retention #education #healing #storytime #Podcast #blackvoices #storytellingpodcast #shorts (for YouTube Shorts) #viralpodcast #MustWatch #educatortalk #TalkThatTalk #realtalk #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcasts #NewPodcastAlert #ListenNow #subscribenow

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 Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Monika Robinson, M.Ed., a former public school teacher, instructional coach, nonprofit leader, and founder of Reparations Ed, to unpack the quiet isolation many Black educators experience in predominantly white and suburban school systems. For six years, Monika was the only Black teacher in her building. While she describes her experience as “not bad,” she also names the subtle but persistent exclusion of being left out of informal gatherings, navigating leadership roles without support, and carrying the weight of representation alone. Her story highlights how school isolation is often normalized, minimized, or dismissed even when it impacts retention and wellness.

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 Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Monika Robinson, a former public school teacher, instructional coach, nonprofit leader, and founder of Reparations Ed, to unpack the quiet isolation many Black educators experience in predominantly white and suburban school systems. For six years, Monika was the only Black teacher in her building. While she describes her experience as not bad, she also names the subtle but persistent exclusion of being left out of informal gatherings, navigating leadership roles without support, and carrying the weight of representation alone. Her story highlights how school isolation is often normalized, minimized, or dismissed even when it impacts retention and wellness.

Check out the podcast's website: https://www.exitinterviewpodcast.com/ Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing #teachers #educators #wellness #retention #education #healing #storytime #Podcast #BlackVoices #StorytellingPodcast #Shorts (for YouTube Shorts) #ViralPodcast #MustWatch #EducatorTalk #TalkThatTalk #RealTalk #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcasts #NewPodcastAlert #ListenNow #SubscribeNow

How many of us have received perfect attendance awards growing up? How is that not serving us now that we are adults? Thank you, Whitney Tolliver, for sharing a part of your journey. #BlackEducatorsBeWell #healing #rest Check out the podcast's website: https://www.exitinterviewpodcast.com/ Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing #teachers #educators #wellness #retention #education #healing #storytime #Podcast #BlackVoices #StorytellingPodcast #Shorts (for YouTube Shorts) #ViralPodcast #MustWatch #EducatorTalk #TalkThatTalk #RealTalk #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcasts #NewPodcastAlert #ListenNow #SubscribeNow

This episode with Whitney Tolliver is essential listening for educators at any stage of their career, administrators who wonder why they can't retain staff, and anyone who's ever sacrificed their well-being for a job that demands perfection over presence. In this powerful episode of the Exit interview, Whitney shares her journey from enthusiastic first-grade teacher to assistant principal and ultimately, to leaving education altogether to prioritize her wellness. Whitney opens up about the toxic workplace culture she encountered early in her career, including a principal who demanded perfect attendance even after losing both parents, and how that mentality permeated her entire educational experience. Now the founder of The Teacher Retreat, a nonprofit dedicated to educator wellness, and All Things Well Collective, Whitney is on a mission to help educators understand that self-care isn't just spa days and massages, it's moisturizing your whole body, drinking water, and learning to rest…

This episode with Whitney Tolliver (https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-tolliver-a9978924b/) is essential listening for educators at any stage of their career, administrators who wonder why they can't retain staff, and anyone who's ever sacrificed their well-being for a job that demands perfection over presence. In this powerful episode of the Exit interview, Whitney (https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-tolliver-a9978924b/) shares her journey from enthusiastic first-grade teacher to assistant principal and ultimately, to leaving education altogether to prioritize her wellness. Whitney opens up about the toxic workplace culture she encountered early in her career, including a principal who demanded perfect attendance even after losing both parents, and how that mentality permeated her entire educational experience. Now the founder of The Teacher Retreat, a nonprofit dedicated to educator wellness, and All Things Well Collective, Whitney is on a mission to help educators understand th…

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 t…

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 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 gra…

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…

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, 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 #selfcare care, and the joy she finds in her children, gardening, and…

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 an…

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,' host Dr. Asia Lyons talks with therapist and researcher Dr.Jason Shankle about the importance of creating sacred spaces and emotional boundaries, particularly for Black educators facing racial battle fatigue. Jason shares his journey in education and psychology, and offers practical strategies for coping with racial battle fatigue. The conversation delves into the significance of rituals, the value of Black therapists, and the need for intentional self-care practices. Jason underscores the importance of not trying to change toxic work environments but rather focusing on personal healing and maintaining emotional equity.

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 …

Episode Overview In this powerful episode, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Asha von Liebtag, an accomplished educator, consultant, and advocate for Black excellence in education. Asha shares her journey from Newark, New Jersey, through various teaching roles in both urban and affluent school districts, and into her current work as an educational consultant and curriculum developer. The conversation explores the complexities of Black identity in education, the importance of representation, and the challenges and joys of teaching across diverse communities. Key Topics & Highlights 1. Asha’s Educational Journey & Family Legacy Asha’s inspiration to pursue education began with her grandmother, who overcame significant obstacles to earn multiple degrees later in life, instilling the value of education and striving for excellence. The impact of family, especially grandmothers, as pillars of strength and motivation for Black women in education. 2. Early Teaching Experiences Asha’s commitmen…

In this episode of "Exit Interview," host Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Vanity Jenkins, an accomplished educator, DEI consultant, and former executive director of a charter school. Vanity shares her journey from aspiring sports manager to passionate educator, inspired by a college course that revealed the deep systemic challenges facing Black and Latino students. She recounts her experiences teaching in the Mississippi Delta, emphasizing the importance of understanding local context and history, and the unique challenges Black educators face—even in predominantly Black communities. Vanity discusses her transition from classroom teaching to leadership roles, including coaching, recruitment, and eventually founding a charter school focused on restorative justice and community engagement. She candidly addresses the difficulties of sustaining such schools amid funding inequities and the broader politics of education. The conversation delves into the historical loss of Black educators po…

In this episode of "The Exit Interview," host Dr. Asia welcomes Dr. Adrienne Smith, an educator whose journey spans from humble beginnings in Virginia to teaching in Alaska and beyond. Dr. Smith shares her early dreams of teaching, the challenges she faced as a first-generation college student, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career—including working in fast food, becoming a substitute teacher, and navigating multiple college transfers due to accreditation issues.