Videos

What does it really mean to be well as a Black educator or professional in today's world? In this powerful clip from The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, we dive deep into the true meaning of wellness—not as a trend, but as a form of liberation. Wellness isn’t just bubble baths and breaks. It’s autonomy. It’s self-awareness. It’s the ability to make decisions rooted in your freedom—mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and professional. This video explores the essential connection between self-awareness and self-care, and why awareness must come before action. For Black educators navigating systems that often restrict freedom, understanding and advocating for your own well-being is a radical act of self-preservation and resistance. #freedom #wellnessjourney #professional #education #selfcare #selflove Check out the podcast's website: https://www.exitinterviewpodcast.com/ Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Learn more about c…

In this clip from The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, we unpack the complex and often disappointing experiences many of us have had transitioning from K-12 education into the nonprofit sector. What happens when a nonprofit promises liberation, wellness, and equity—but delivers more of the same burnout, silencing, and disillusionment? We explore how nonprofit workspaces, often led by inspiring executive directors and powerful mission statements, can still replicate the same oppressive systems educators tried to escape. For so many Black educators and professionals of color, nonprofits seemed like a place for healing and purpose-driven work. But what do you do when your voice is still stifled, your mental health deteriorates, and the promised culture of liberation turns out to be performative? We reflect on these hard truths and offer space for collective truth-telling. Whether you’re a former educator, a nonprofit employee, or someone seeking liberatory spaces to work…

In this powerful clip from The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, therapist and educator Josephine Ampaw-Greene shares a transformative reflection on wellness, self-worth, and accountability. She reminds us that being well is not about perfection—it's about understanding that our value is not diminished by our past mistakes. Through a lens of healing and growth, Josephine explores how Black educators, especially those navigating racial battle fatigue and burnout, can hold space for both accountability and self-compassion. This video is essential viewing for teachers, principals, school counselors, and education leaders invested in educator wellness, racial healing, and trauma-informed care. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, shame, or feeling defined by your failures, Josephine’s words offer a liberating perspective: "This feels like a dumpster fire... but it doesn't change my personhood." #wellness #podcast #healing #education #therapy #therapist Check out…

Josephine Ampaw-Greene, LCSW, MFTC, MA, delves into the journey from survival to thriving for Black educators and their families. Drawing from her expertise in trauma-informed care and identity-based therapy, Josephine emphasizes the importance of community care practices—such as rest as resistance, active play, and authentic conversations—to foster healing and empowerment.​ If you're a Black teacher, school leader, or family member navigating burnout, racial battle fatigue, or emotional exhaustion, this conversation offers invaluable insights. Learn how to support yourself and your loved ones in reclaiming joy, building resilience, and embracing humanity beyond the challenges.​ Josephine Ampaw-Greene is the founder of Ampaw Psychotherapy & Consulting in Aurora, Colorado, where she specializes in trauma therapy for historically underserved communities. Her approach centers on culturally responsive, strengths-based healing, making her a pivotal voice in educational and mental health …

In this clip, Josephine Ampaw-Greene shares a powerful, accessible tool for managing stress and nervous system dysregulation — especially during high-stakes moments in schools. As a former school social worker, Josephine reveals how keeping a bottle of ice water nearby helped her stay grounded: holding an ice cube in her hand was a simple yet effective way to regulate intense feelings like panic, anxiety, or overwhelm during the school day. This video is a must-watch for Black educators, school counselors, social workers, paraprofessionals, and trauma-informed practitioners looking for practical wellness tools to use in real time. If you work in education and feel the weight of burnout, secondary trauma, or racial battle fatigue, this somatic regulation tip could be your next go-to strategy. 🎯 Keywords: nervous system regulation, somatic healing, trauma-informed education, educator wellness, Josephine Ampaw-Greene, stress relief for teachers, grounding techniques, Black educators, s…

In this deeply honest and reflective clip, Josephine Ampaw-Greene shares a moment every educator can relate to — the day none of her students turned in their homework. Frustrated and burned out, Josephine was met with compassion and wisdom from a mentor, Dan Hoffman, who helped her pause, reflect, and write out all her strengths as a teacher. That act of grounding and affirmation has stayed with her and continues shaping how she navigates challenging educational moments today. This video is for Black educators, school counselors, principals, paraprofessionals, and higher ed professionals who are holding it all together while often being the emotional backbone of their schools. Josephine’s story is a reminder that we are allowed to slow down, reflect, and acknowledge the brilliance we bring to our classrooms — especially when things feel heavy. Black educators, teacher burnout, mental health in education, educator wellness, classroom challenges, affirmations for teachers, reflective…

What do we do when we put on the oxygen mask and the plane still going down? That's the question that we need to continually be asking ourselves. It may be time to eject our seat out of the plane do something else as a career or whatever situation we find outselves in that isn't giving us joy. #wellnessjourney #healingjourney #healing #therapy #therapist 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

When will we give herself permission to rest? How do we take our time and not jump from on degree to another, one job to another, one way to prove ourselves to another. What are we rushing for? Who are we rushing for? #wellnessjourney #healing #slow 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

"If we’re not talking about the racism happening at work, we wouldn’t have anything to talk about." In my doctoral research, I heard this from two different families—one couple, one mother-daughter. Both were supporting Black educators facing racism in their workplaces. Their entire relationships had been swallowed up by processing harm. 💬 Every conversation: “She said this to me... What should I say next?” 💔 No room left for laughter, hobbies, or connection. This is what racism-related stress does—it spills over, crosses over, and takes up space we desperately need for healing. 🎧 Tune into the latest episode of The Exit Interview where I talk with family therapist Josephine Powell about boundaries, burnout, and Black educator 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/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4P…

In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Josephine Ampaw-Greene —a licensed family therapist and former educator—to explore what it truly means to sustain wellness while navigating the demands of education and racial battle fatigue. Josephine shares her unique journey from paraeducator to residential school teacher to therapist and business owner. She opens up about the importance of pausing, setting boundaries, embracing joy, and why "being well means not pretending to be well." Together, they unpack how career identity intersects with self-worth, how to support educators experiencing racism-related stress, and what families can do to create restorative spaces for their loved ones working in schools. Key Topics Covered: How to decide how much of your identity belongs to your career Creating trauma-informed practices that center joy and authenticity The impact of racism-related stress on educators and their famil…

The impact of racism-related stress on educators and their families The role of community and family in educator wellness Practical regulation tools for teachers, like the ice cube trick How Josephine builds a teaching practice that launches therapists of color Why leaving education isnt a failureits a transition toward wholeness

This Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s go beyond “heroes without capes.” In this powerful video, we ask: What if we honored teachers not with clichés, but with healing, wellness, and truth? Join us as we reflect on the real human experience of educators—those who face burnout, racial trauma, and systemic challenges daily, yet still show up for our children and communities. This isn’t your typical Teacher Appreciation Week video. We unpack what it means to support teachers as whole people, not just professionals. From confronting racialized stress in education to naming how new copy machines don’t address emotional exhaustion, we invite you to rethink how we celebrate and care for educators. Perfect for school leaders, parent advocates, and those passionate about educator mental health, racial equity in education, and teacher support strategies. 🎥 If you're searching for: teacher appreciation with impact educator wellness supporting Black and BIPOC teachers racial trauma in schoo…

What is Racial Battle Fatigue? Understanding the Mental, Emotional, and Physical Toll of Racism on Black Educators Racial battle fatigue is not racism itself — it’s the mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion that results from constantly responding to racism. In this video, we explore how racial battle fatigue shows up in the lives of Black educators and Black communities, from crying in the car to panic attacks, insomnia, hypervigilance, and increased isolation. Whether it’s racism at school, in the workplace, or in society, the trauma is real — and it takes a toll. As DEI initiatives are rolled back and Black and Brown students are disproportionately disciplined or placed in special education, Black educators are expected to carry on, all while experiencing racial harassment, silence, and stress. This video dives into how racial battle fatigue impacts Black teachers — emotionally, spiritually, and physically. 👉 If you're a Black educator, DEI advocate, or someone committed to …

In this episode, we explore how Black women educators and mothers are redefining rest, care, and identity—not just for themselves, but for the generations watching. Dr. Asia Lyons and her guest reflect on the beauty of being seen by their daughters: not just as hard-working women, but as whole people who deserve joy, rest, and freedom. This conversation is for educators, parents, paraprofessionals, professors, and advocates who want to understand the deep cultural shifts happening within Black families and school communities. What does it mean for a child to see their mother rest without guilt? Laugh without apology? Take up space in peace? 🖤 In this clip: Rest and wellness for Black women educators Intergenerational healing and modeling self-worth Breaking cycles of overwork and silence Redefining strength and softness in Black motherhood The impact of teacher wellness on Black families Creating culturally affirming spaces for rest This is more than self-care. It’s transformation. …

In this heartfelt clip, guest Jenna Greenwood reflects on the powerful influence of the Black women who raised her—women who embodied the spirit of the warm demander: holding high expectations with deep care. Through this lens, we explore the often unseen emotional labor and generational wisdom passed down by Black women educators, caregivers, and community leaders. This episode speaks directly to paraprofessionals, educators, school leaders, professors, and families who know what it means to be held to a standard—while being wrapped in love. 🖤 In this episode: The legacy of Black women in education and caregiving Warm demanders and culturally responsive teaching Emotional support and accountability in Black communities Honoring the Black women who shaped us Building loving, rigorous spaces for students and family Why relationships matter in Black educator wellness Whether you're reflecting on who raised you or how you show up in the classroom, this conversation is a tribute to the…

Jenna Greenwood shares how a 10-day silent meditation retreat transformed her relationship with herself and the world. She explains how embodied wellness isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about gentle, moment-to-moment choices that create space in the body and peace in the mind. From warm drinks to stretching, she offers a powerful reframe of what it means to truly be well. 🎧 Catch the full episode to hear more on mindfulness, healing, and everyday wellness practices. 👉 Subscribe for real talk and grounded guidance from Black educators and wellness leaders. Popular Hashtags: #EmbodiedWellness #BlackMindfulness #StillnessMatters #TheExitInterviewPodcast #JennaGreenwood #RestAsResistance #SlowingDown #BlackHealing #EverydayWellness Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=shari…

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Ginswright invites you to reflect on how we care for ourselves—especially as Black educators navigating the daily pressures of classrooms, institutions, and communities. What does it mean to create a micro diet of self-care? It means starting small. Just five minutes of intention. A pause. A breath. A step toward wellness. This video is for paraprofessionals, teachers, professors, principals, and family members of educators who want to better understand the emotional labor of Black educators and how small, daily acts of care can lead to big shifts in sustainability and joy. 🖤 In this episode: Self-care for Black educators Daily healing practices and micro habits Burnout prevention and teacher wellness Culturally grounded strategies for educator sustainability Supporting the mental health of teachers of color What it takes to retain Black educators Let this be your reminder: You don’t have to wait for a vacation or a breakdown. You can start with five minut…

In this powerful clip, Jenna Greenwood speaks directly to those who identify as white allies in education. She challenges listeners to move beyond performative allyship and into the deeper, more transformative work of becoming accomplices—those who build authentic, ego-free relationships with Black educators and co-create liberatory spaces within schools. This video is essential viewing for educators, principals, paraprofessionals, professors, and anyone committed to equity in education. Jenna reminds us that the institution is made up of individuals—and it’s our everyday interactions that shape whether schools are spaces of harm or healing. 🖤 In this clip: Moving from allyship to true accompaniment White educators and relational accountability Anti-racism and relationship-building in schools Supporting Black teachers beyond words Culturally sustaining teaching and community care Humanizing education and honoring lived experience If you’re ready to move beyond “diversity talk” and …

Dr. Shawn Ginwright sheds light on the hidden burden Black women often carry due to societal expectations around care. He emphasizes how recognizing unhealthy care patterns often comes too late—after exhaustion, burnout, or even hospitalization. Join this crucial conversation about why care isn't experienced equally and how to identify when your own patterns of care may be harming your wellbeing. 🎧 Watch the full episode for more insights on healing, wellness, and self-awareness. 👉 Subscribe for more honest conversations with Black educators and thought leaders. #BlackWellness #SelfCare #DrShawnGinwright #MentalHealth #BlackWomenMentalHealth #ExitInterviewPodcast Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing #teachers #educators #wellness #retention #education #healing #…

In this deeply personal reflection, Jenna shares how a 10-day silent meditation retreat radically shifted my relationship to time, stress, and wellness. They unpack how slowing down helped me reconnect with my body, manage emotional buildup, and prioritize small daily practices—like stretching, staying hydrated, and choosing comfort—that support a more grounded, embodied sense of well-being. If you're a justice-minded educator seeking tools for real, sustainable self-care, this channel gets it—and this video is your invitation to breathe. #BlackEducators #WellnessForBlackFolks #RacialBattleFatigue #teachers #educators #wellness #retention #education #healing #storytime #Podcast #BlackVoices #StorytellingPodcast #Shorts (for YouTube Shorts) #ViralPodcast #MustWatch #EducatorTalk #TalkThatTalk #RealTalk #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcasts #NewPodcastAlert #ListenNow #SubscribeNow

In this special episode recorded live at Quince Coffee House, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Jenna Greenwood to explore her inspiring journey of self-discovery, family legacy, and finding community beyond traditional educational spaces. Jenna shares stories about growing up influenced by her grandmother, Marie Greenwood, Denver’s first Black tenured teacher, and navigating her own complex identity within predominantly white educational institutions. She also provides invaluable insights into understanding college affordability and scholarships, leveraging her expertise in financial aid to empower students and their families. Finally, Jenna discusses the critical importance of wellness, mindfulness, and creating affirming spaces like Quince Coffee House, a business she co-owns that serves as a vibrant community hub. #livepodcast #highereducation #denver #colorado #teacherlife

In this special episode recorded live at Quince Coffee House, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Jenna Greenwood to explore her inspiring journey of self-discovery, family legacy, and finding community beyond traditional educational spaces. Jenna shares stories about growing up influenced by her grandmother, Marie Greenwood, Denvers first Black tenured teacher, and navigating her own complex identity within predominantly white educational institutions. She also provides invaluable insights into understanding college affordability and scholarships, leveraging her expertise in financial aid to empower students and their families. Finally, Jenna discusses the critical importance of wellness, mindfulness, and creating affirming spaces like Quince Coffee House, a business she co-owns that serves as a vibrant community hub.

It takes time and sometimes therapy to move past the harmful experiences we face. Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing

What if the key to retaining Black educators isn’t another training—but freedom? In this powerful clip, a #sxsw participant breaks down what schools, districts, and unions really need to do: stop boxing in Black teachers. Instead of using them to enforce control and compliance, honor their knowledge, trust their pedagogy, and allow them to teach in culturally grounded, liberatory ways. When Black educators are given space to be their full, authentic selves, real learning—not just supervision—can thrive. 🔥 If you care about equity, education, and Black teacher retention, you need to hear this. #BlackEducators #TeacherRetention #EducationReform #LiberatoryTeaching Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing