Best Najmah Thomas Podcasts (2025)

1
The Cost of Reform and the Power of Community with Representative Jennifer Bacon 1:23:36

4d ago1:23:36

1:23:36

What happens when a Black educator survives a natural disaster, a political awakening, and a broken school systemall in the same year? In this deeply 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…

1
Episode 21: Mother-Daughter Series with The Batsons: Mrs. Liz, Dorneisha, and Leyla 40:43

11d ago40:43

40:43

**Before listening to this episode, you may want to listen to Episode 18: Holding Space - Honoring, Loss, Longing, and all Forms of Mothering** The DDQ Podcast: Mothers & Daughters series is a special collection of powerful conversations celebrating the unique bond between mothers and daughters across generations. In each episode, we share authenti…

1
Episode 20: Mother-Daughter Series with Queen Esther, Sheandria Madie, and Tiani 32:25

18d ago32:25

32:25

**Before listening to this episode, you may want to listen to Episode 18: Holding Space - Honoring, Loss, Longing, and all Forms of Mothering** The DDQ Podcast: Mothers & Daughters series is a special collection of powerful conversations celebrating the unique bond between mothers and daughters across generations. In each episode, we share authenti…

1
Youth at the Core with Joy Delizo-Osborne Live at SXSWEDU 2025 55:48

18d ago55:48

55:48

What happens when you're doing everythingleading a school, serving your community, answering the phones, teaching mathand 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 offere…

1
Episode 19: Mother-Daughter Special with Sonda Parham & Ricki Gordon 1:12:07

26d ago1:12:07

1:12:07

**Before listening to this episode, you may want to listen to Episode 18: Holding Space - Honoring, Loss, Longing, and all Forms of Mothering** The DDQ Podcast: Mothers & Daughters series is a special collection of powerful conversations celebrating the unique bond between mothers and daughters across generations. In each episode, we share authenti…

1
Episode 18: Holding Space – Honoring Loss, Longing and All Forms of Mothering 11:25

1M ago11:25

11:25

Hey QueenSiS, this is a brief episode of sacred pause. Next month, in honor of Mother’s Day, we are featuring special conversations between mothers and daughters. But first, we want to take the time to acknowledge that Mother’s Day can be a time of joy and pain for many. This episode is our way of showing honor and understanding for all paths of ‘m…

1
Liberation As A Non-Negotiable with Jamilah Pitts 57:05

1M ago57:05

57:05

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 Pittseducator, author, yoga teacher, and founder of She Imprintsto explore her journey through the education system and beyond. Jam…

1
Episode 17 - Creating All Things Good with Dorneisha Batson 52:31

1M ago52:31

52:31

Dorneisha M. Batson was born in Upper Marlboro, MD in 1981. She moved to Beaufort, SC in 1988. Coming from two different areas molded her creativity. She is predominately an abstract artist in the area of painting and drawing. Her pieces are bold and colorful and meant to make the viewer escape the world around them. Dorneisha completed a Bachelor …

1
Episode 16 - Squeezing the Sponge with Angela Simmons 1:04:32

2M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Angela Simmons has worked in higher education for 30 years at various mid-sized and large universities in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Student Development at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. She has her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Mississippi State University and an Ed.D. from Florid…

1
Boundaries, Burnout and Black Educator Wellness with Josephine Ampaw-Greene 50:04

2M ago50:04

50:04

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 educatorto explore what it truly means to sustain wellness while navigating the demands of education and racial battle fatigue. Josephine shares her unique journey from paraeducat…

1
Episode 15 - Give Them Their Flowers with Ruthie Mae Johnson 42:14

2M ago42:14

42:14

This episode is extra special. I have the honor of sitting down with someone who has shaped my life in more ways than I can count — my Aunt Ruthie Mae Johnson, who is 83 years blessed, and full of grace, joy, and wisdom. She is my mother's oldest sister, and a mother to me in so many ways! In this conversation, we talk about friendships, her years …

1
Episode 14 - The Queen's Roundtable: Part II 42:59

2M ago42:59

42:59

Part II of our special #Herstory month edition of the DDQ Podcast! Featured Guests from January - March 2025 share their feedback and favorite lessons from other guests.By Najmah Thomas

1
Finding Identity and Building Community with Jenna Greenwood 45:05

2M ago45:05

45:05

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 …

1
Episode 13 - The Queen's Roundtable - Part I 1:00:09

2M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

This is a special #Herstory month edition of the DDQ Podcast! Featured Guests from January - March 2025 share their feedback and favorite lessons from other guests.By Najmah Thomas

1
Episode 12 - The Sisterhood and a Mighty Long Way with Rhonda Greene 1:06:36

2M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Radiant – as in beautiful on the inside and outside. Real – as in 100%, straight with no chaser. Righteous - not only in terms of her faith walk, but in terms of her stance on the side of justice and equity. That’s Rhonda Greene. She is the amazing mom of an amazing 15-year-old young man. Her previous role was as a Senior United States probation of…

1
Breaking Barriers in Special Education with Jason B. Allen 56:36

3M ago56:36

56:36

In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, host Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Jason B. Alleneducator, activist, and policy advocateto discuss the systemic barriers Black students and educators face in traditional school systems. Jason shares his personal journey from school administrator to special education teac…

1
Episode 11 - Ten Steps to Write the Vision 45:13

3M ago45:13

45:13

In this episode, we are diving deep into a topic that has been a game-changer for me and so many others: personal vision planning! I break down my 10-step process to womanifesting the life you deserve. Because you and I are worth it QueenSiS! Taking the time to visualize and plan will pay off in ways you can’t even imagine. So grab your tea, your D…

1
Episode 10 - What is Womanism? 1:38:52

3M ago1:38:52

1:38:52

Hey QueenSiS! I’m putting my professor tam on for a few moments, but don’t worry, there is no final exam at the end! Today’s episode is about Womanism - I use it in the title of the DDQ Journal, and tag our episodes with #WomanistWinsDay so I thought it only fair to dedicate an episode of the podcast sharing some more information about the concept.…

1
On Co-Teaching, Rest, and Black Educator Retention with Keisha Rembert 49:18

3M ago49:18

49:18

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with award-winning educator and advocate Keisha Rembert to discuss her journey in education, the challenges Black educators face, and the importance of racial literacy, affinity spaces, and wellness. Keisha reflects on her 17-year career as a middle schoo…

1
Episode 9 - Making it to Sunday with La Fonda McWilliams-Wyatt 1:34:52

3M ago1:34:52

1:34:52

A child of many names, the daughter of many “mothers,” and a woman rising from the destruction she was left to navigate, Mrs. La Fonda Elizabeth McWilliams-Wyatt has turned survival into strength. By day, she serves as an educational conference coordinator for Virginia’s Community Colleges, a role she has passionately held for over 20 years. She le…

1
Episode 8 - EmpowHERd to be with Gaynelle Dantzler 1:34:53

3M ago1:34:53

1:34:53

Gaynelle has been in the healthcare field for over 27 years. Including leadership roles at the Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, the Naval Hospital in Beaufort, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Service. In 2024 Gaynelle founded Empower Her2Be (EH2B), a nonprofit organization in Northern Beaufort County. EH2…

1
Beyond the Principal's Office: Finding New Ways to Serve with Dr. Adrienne Davenport 49:46

3M ago49:46

49:46

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Dr. Adrienne Davenport, a veteran educator, administrator, and author, to talk about career transitions, leadership, and the realities of being a Black educator. Dr. Davenport shares how she unexpectedly entered the field of education, her journey fr…

1
Episode 7 - Taking This Hard Life Easy with Kersha Burton 1:05:01

4M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Kersha Burton is a passionate individual who has had a diverse journey, including serving in the Navy for 22 years. Joining the Navy at eighteen years old instilled in her a sense of discipline and commitment, shaping my character and values. Outside of her military career, Kersha finds joy in both nature and creativity. Her love for gardening allo…

1
Episode 6 - Healing and Revealing with Abenaa Moore 1:39:32

4M ago1:39:32

1:39:32

Abenaa is the founder of Naturally Geechee Holistic Skin and Hair Care, a brand deeply rooted in the Gullah/Geechee tradition. A farmers daughter born and raised in Johns Island, she was Inspired by her personal journey with a rare lymphatic condition, and has dedicated the past 9 years to creating an all-natural, vegan, and healing skin and hair c…

1
Achievement Addiction and the Quest for Wellness with Najmah Ahmad 1:02:27

4M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

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 navigati…

1
Episode 5 - Trusting the Process with Cecelia Miller 52:33

4M ago52:33

52:33

Cecelia Miller "Farmer CeeCee" is the force behind The CoffeeLady31. After 25 plus years in lab and quality management, an initial start in business in 2001, and five years in education, Farmer CeeCee felt the pull to launch out into business again. Momma, Mema, pastor’s wife, chemistry degree, quality auditor, licensed minister, herbalist, aromath…

1
Episode 4 - Renaissance Woman: Making the Most of Each Day with Jill Coleman 1:39:32

4M ago1:39:32

1:39:32

Featuring Jill Coleman, a philanthropy professional with more than thirty years of progressive experience in diverse communities, both urban and rural, across 20 countries. Jill's areas of expertise include cultural competency; strategic planning across cultures; resource, grant and partnership development; advocacy; executive management to include…

1
In the Pursuit of Impact with Dr. Damia Thomas 55:17

4M ago55:17

55:17

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Dr. Damia Thomas, who brings over two decades of experience in urban education. They discuss retention challenges in education, emphasizing the importance of work environment, culture, and kindness over monetary incentives. Dr. Thomas shares her journey from starting as a teacher…

1
Episode 3 - Coming Full Circle with Donellia Chives 1:39:32

5M ago1:39:32

1:39:32

Featuring Donellia L. Chives. This dynamic QueenSiS is a creative consultant, cultural preservationist, and connection specialist who brings culturally enriched leadership to the fields of emotional intelligence and child development. Discover more about her impactful work and upcoming projects below. Official Website: https://iamdonelliachives.com…

1
Episode 2 - The SPICE Life: A Deeper Take on Self-Care with Bonita D. Clemons 52:00

5M ago52:00

52:00

Featuring Bonita D. Clemons. Bonita created a grassroots 501(C)3 wellness organization, Dianne's Call, whose mission is to connect families to fresh fruits and vegetables. Bonita's vision to master the principles of sustainability led her to initiate the all-female farm team, 'FarmaSIS. Bonita created the holistic philosophy S.P.I.C.E Nutrition -Sp…

1
What It Means To Be Well with Dr. Shawn Ginwright 36:56

5M ago36:56

36:56

In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons and guest host Stacey Taylor Brandon welcome Dr. Shawn Ginwright, a thought leader in education and youth development. Dr. Ginwright discusses his revolutionary concept of healing-centered engagement and the importance of self-reflection for Black educators dealing wi…

1
Episode 1 - The DDQ Podcast Introduction with Janai Thomas 46:09

5M ago46:09

46:09

An introduction to the the DDQ Podcast with our social media and marketing guru Janai Thomas. Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunityBy Najmah Thomas

1
Taking Care and Moving Forward with Dr. LaShaune Stitt 46:52

6M ago46:52

46:52

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 h…

1
Worthy of Rest with Octavia Raheem 38:42

7M ago38:42

38:42

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 practic…

1
Learning to Relearn with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah 1:08:07

7M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

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 …

1
Advocating for Better Mental Health with Shatiera Porte'e 55:54

8M ago55:54

55:54

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 t…

1
Lessons In Liberation with Sarah Graham 48:02

8M ago48:02

48:02

In this deeply engaging episode, Dr. Asia Lyons and Sarah Graham discuss the highs and lows of teaching, the systemic issues within public and charter schools, and the importance of culturally responsive and liberatory education. Sarah shares her personal journey, insights into creating inclusive curriculum, and the urgent need for rest and self-ca…

1
Centered in Love with Julia Berry 1:05:45

9M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

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 t…

1
(Re)defining Me with Langston Jacobs 59:11

9M ago59:11

59:11

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia hosts Langston Jacobs, a Black male educator who shares his journey and the challenges he faced as a dean of culture in a charter school. Langston discusses his strategies for creating a supportive school environment, the impact of his role on his own mental and physical health, and the significant ef…

1
Healing From Racial Fatigue with Jason Shankle 45:25

10M ago45:25

45:25

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons talks with therapist and researcher 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 r…

1
Episode 49: Redefining Education and Black Excellence with Asha von Liebtag 57:59

10M ago57:59

57:59

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 c…

1
Episode 48: Saying Yes Despite the Odds with Dr. Adrienne Smith 57:02

11M ago57:02

57:02

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview' podcast, hosted by Dr. Asia Lyons, Dr. Adrienne Smith shares her compelling journey as a Black educator. From humble beginnings working in fast food to overcoming hurdles in her pursuit of higher education, Dr. Smith details her experiences teaching in diverse environments, including Alaska. She highlights th…

1
Episode 47: Changing The Way We Perceive Early Childhood Educators with Brittney Carey 51:48

11M ago51:48

51:48

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' hosts Dr. Asia Lyons delves into the often-overlooked aspects of early childhood education with guest Brittney Carey. We discuss the crucial role of early education, the challenges Black educators face in ECE, and the systemic issues that affect the retention of dedicated teachers in this field. Brittney sha…

1
Episode 46: Our Black Educators and Students Deserve Better with Vanity Jenkins 42:53

12M ago42:53

42:53

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' I sit down with Vanity Jenkins, a dedicated educator and advocate for culturally relevant pedagogy. We dive into Vanity's journey from sports management to education, her experiences teaching in the Mississippi Delta, the challenges Black educators face, and the importance of historical context and systemic …

1
Episode 45: Restoring My Identity As An Educator Through Afrofuturism with Sherinda Bryant 1:10:43

12M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

In this episode, of the Exit Interview, host Dr. Asia Lyons speaks with Sherinda Bryant, a former educator, about her journey and experiences in the field and love for Afrofuturism. They delve into the challenges faced by Black educators, the need for supporting Black students, and the creation of Bryant's Afrofuturism Discovery Academy. The conver…

1
Episode 44: Black Educators Organizing Against Anti-Blackness with Jalisa Evans 48:53

1y ago48:53

48:53

This episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators takes a deep dive into the rarely discussed aspect of educator retention, specifically focusing on the Black educators who leave traditional education spaces. Featuring Jalisa Evans, a former teacher turned advocate, this powerful discussion uncovers the challenges, systemic issues, …

1
Episode 43: For the Love of Black Women with Stacey Taylor-Brandon 37:19

1y ago37:19

37:19

In celebration of Mental Health Month, Stacey Taylor-Brandon is back on The Exit Interview to talk about how her work supporting mature Black women was birthed out of her own desire to heal from the racism-related stress and racial battle fatigue she experienced as administrator and social worker in a Denver Area School District. Listen as she disc…

1
Episode 42: Revolutionizing Education for Our Children with Benita Gordon 1:00:04

1y ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Join us in this insightful episode of 'The Exit Interview' as we welcome Benita Gordon, a passionate educational advocate. In a candid discussion with Dr. Asia, Benita shares her journey from considering a career outside of education to embracing her calling as a teacher influenced by her family's legacy in teaching and the transformational impact …

1
Episode 41: Saying No To Imposter Syndrome with Brittany Dawson 44:47

1y ago44:47

44:47

In this episode, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Brittany Dawson, discussing the pivotal moments that led Brittany from the classroom to becoming a leadership coach. They explore the challenges faced by Black educators, the emotional and financial hurdles in the teaching profession, and the transformative decision to leave traditional teaching roles. Bri…

1
Episode 40: The Power of Community with Elia Martin 29:18

1y ago29:18

29:18

In this inspiring episode of The Exit Interview, we have the privilege of hearing from Elia Martin, a former educator and social worker turned grant manager, who shares her transformative journey through education, social work, and beyond. Elia's story takes us from her initial dreams of becoming a dentist to finding her true calling in supporting …

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Najmah Thomas Podcasts

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