Episodes

At just 30 years old, Chantel Roberts was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer after recognizing that something in her body wasn’t right. Her experience became a powerful lesson in knowing your body, asking questions, and advocating for yourself—regardless of your age. In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Karen and Kat, Chantel and her mother, Michelle Roberts, share their family’s journey through breast cancer, loss, treatment, faith, healing, and purpose. Chantel opens up abou...

At 18 years old, Jamison Charles made a decision that changed the course of his life. One night led to eight felony convictions, a 50-year sentence, and ultimately 27 years behind bars. But prison did not end his story. In this powerful episode of Conversations with Karen and Kat, Jamison shares how faith transformed his life, how he discovered his gift for writing while incarcerated, and how he returned home determined to change the narrative. Today, Jamison is an author, playwright, m...

After losing her youngest son, Marquavies “Quay” Broughton, to nitazene poisoning, Frederica Roberson transformed her grief into a mission to save lives. In this powerful episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, Frederica shares Quay’s story and the mission behind the Marquavies Bernard Broughton Foundation. She discusses the growing dangers of nitazenes, fentanyl, and other synthetic opioids; the signs of an opioid overdose; and why access to naloxone (Narcan) and overdose prevention ...

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we welcome back John Harris, also known as Baruti Muenda Meriamen, founder of Mastering Your Moments, LLC. Drawing from experiences in leadership, youth development, martial arts, mediation, and community service, he explains why conflict resolution requires us to understand not only what we choose, but why we choose it. We discuss helping children navigate conflict, emotional intelligence, workplace conflict, accountability, boundaries, an...

In recognition of August as National Minority Donor Awareness Month, former NFL player and kidney transplant recipient Bobby Howard joins Conversations with Karen and Kat for an important conversation about kidney health, organ donation, and second chances. Bobby is the Director of Multicultural Donation Education Program, LifeLink® of Georgia. He shares how kidney disease changed his life and inspired more than three decades of advocacy with LifeLink® of Georgia. Bobby also discusses the dis...

What happens when retirement plans are replaced by school drop-offs, homework, and parenting all over again? In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we welcome Dimeca and Burdette Hawkins, founders of Poppa & Gigi's Promise. They share their journey of unexpectedly becoming full-time caregivers for their grandchildren and how that experience inspired them to create a nonprofit dedicated to supporting grandparents and other relative caregivers. Resources from the episode Pop...

Can healing truly change your life? This week on Conversations with Karen and Kat, we welcome Eboni Caldwell, founder of Productive & Prosper-Us Empowerment, LLC. After surviving homelessness, domestic violence, divorce, and financial hardship, Eboni transformed her pain into purpose and now helps women heal emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. In this powerful conversation, she discusses healing trauma, inner-child work, setting healthy boundaries, journaling, faith, forgiveness, and d...

What if the behaviors we label as resistance, defiance, or laziness are actually signs of an untold story? In this powerful episode of Conversations with Karen and Kat, we welcome Dr. Erlange Elisme, behavioral health consultant, trauma-informed leadership strategist, author, and founder of Elisme Consulting Services. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in behavioral health, education, and leadership, Dr. Elisme explores how trauma shapes our relationships, workplaces, and communit...

America stands at a turning point.In this episode, John H. Moye joins Conversations with Karen and Cat to break down the political and social shifts shaping Georgia and the nation.The discussion focuses on voting rights, representation, public policy, and the growing concern that democratic protections are weakening.John explains how recent court decisions continue to chip away at the protections created by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.He connects history to the present.He explains why these le...

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we sit down with Melissa Ramirez, Director of Gwinnett Young Professionals at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, to explore what it truly means to build community with intention. Melissa shares her journey into leadership and how she has cultivated a space where emerging professionals can connect, grow, and lead with purpose. From creating impactful programming to fostering authentic relationships, she breaks down the importance of showing u...

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we sit down with Dr. Deidre J. Crowley—educator, nurse, business coach, two-time Amazon Best-Selling author, recipient of two Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, and the 2026 Ms. NE Gwinnett County Queen, Ms. Corporate America Competition Candidate. Born in Jamaica, Dr. Crowley shares the powerful experiences that shaped her journey—from growing up with strong faith and determination to navigating life transitions that led her from teach...

In this powerful and deeply affirming episode of Conversations with Karen & Cat, we welcome back renowned African-centered psychologist, educator, and author Dr. Kevin Washington (Mwata Kiari Emeka Sankara) to explore a transformative approach to mental health and healing. Grounded in the philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — Dr. Washington introduces his groundbreaking work, Ubuntu Psychotherapy: Addressing the Transgenerational Trauma of Afrikan/Black People. Together, we unpack ho...

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, the hosts welcome Akbar Ali, a history-making leader and proud son of Gwinnett County. Rep. Ali reflects on his path from student activism and local civic engagement to serving in the Georgia State House at just 21 years old. He discusses the responsibility of representing unheard voices, defending public schools, lowering costs for families, and leading with integrity during a critical moment for democracy. This episode highlights the power of servant leadership, generational impact, and what it truly means to put community first.

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we reflect on the true meaning of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service, spotlighting the 5th Annual MLK Day Drive-Thru Food Giveaway held at Church on Main in Snellville, Georgia.The Food Giveaway is this Saturday, January 17th, starting at noon.We discuss how MLK’s call to service continues to live through grassroots efforts that meet real needs—feeding families, showing up for neighbors, and strengthening communities through c...

In this heartfelt update episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, your favorite duo returns with major announcements and a ton of gratitude for the community that continues to support their journey. Karen and Cat share the incredible honor of being named the Gwinnett NAACP 2025 Voice of the Community Award recipients — a recognition that affirms their commitment to uplifting voices, sparking dialogue, and standing in the gap for equity and advocacy. But that’s not all! Catherine Hardri...

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we sit down with Dr. Tracy Baynes — oceanographer, educator, and visionary leader committed to expanding college access for low-income high-school students. After earning her doctorate from the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography and conducting coral reef research, Tracy shifted her focus to teaching, developing field courses for institutions like Columbia University’s Biosphere 2 Center, Sea Education Association, the University o...

In this episode, Karen and Cat talk with Ariel Fristoe, founder and Artistic Director of Out of Hand Theater, a company redefining how art can drive social change. Ariel shares her journey blending creativity, activism, and community conversation to address issues like justice, empathy, and belonging. Discover how her award-winning model became a Harvard Business School case study, and why she believes every performance can inspire civic transformation. 🎧 Listen in to learn: How art can a...

In this uplifting episode, we sit down with Leida Rountree, a Certified Financial Planner™ turned Certified Life Coach, 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher who has made it her mission to help women design the lives they were born to live. After years of professional success, Leida realized her fast-paced lifestyle was unsustainable — and that true fulfillment required more than achievement. Through self-discovery, yoga, and mindfulness, she began to realign he...

In this episode, we sit down with Atlanta-born Author and Advocate, Astrid Serika Ross, affectionately known as Sister Sayeedah. A mother, grandmother, suicide loss survivor, and fierce voice for mental health and education, Sister Sayeedah shares her journey of transforming personal tragedy into powerful advocacy. As Executive Director of the Mental Health Support Network and a 20-year leader at the City of Knowledge Islamic School, she has dedicated her life to breaking the stigma around me...

In this soul-stirring episode, we sit down with Pastor Moses Brown—visionary leader and founder of Feed Our Children. For over four decades, Pastor Brown has championed the underserved, delivering food, supplies, and hope to thousands of children and families in need. He shares: The personal faith journey that led him to launch a global movement How Feed Our Children grew from a local outreach to an international force Stories that fuel his mission to restore dignity and opp...

In this episode, we sit down with Sharoya Ham — a mother of three, devoted wife, and the founder of Embrace Behavior Change. As a behavior change specialist and parent coach, Sharoya is passionate about helping families, educators, and workplaces shift their focus from constant problem-solving to creating meaningful, joy-filled connections. Through her Parent Coaching, Teacher Coaching, and Workplace Coaching services, Sharoya equips people with the tools to reduce stress, strengthen relation...

We’re joined by Michelle Kang: first-generation Korean American, mom of three, community advocate, and candidate for Georgia State House District 99. Michelle shares her inspiring journey—from organizing service projects as a teen in South Korea to supporting immigrant families and small businesses in Gwinnett County. Now, she’s running for office to fight for housing, education, public safety, and equity for all. 💬 Tune in for a powerful conversation on leadership, service, and building a...

On this episode, we are joined by Flossie Ross, the Lead Community Outreach Advocate with Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV). Flossie shares personal insights from her work on the front lines of domestic violence prevention. In this episode, you’ll learn about: The early warning signs of domestic violence How education and outreach save lives Ways you can support survivors and spread awareness 🕊️ Upcoming PADV Events Mentioned: 🌟 Legacy of Hope Dinner 📅...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Rashad Patterson—Southwest Atlanta native, Georgia State University graduate, and celebrated children’s book author—to explore how storytelling can empower the next generation. With a background in sociology and a deep commitment to representation, Rashad weaves community, identity, and hope into every page he writes. We dive into his latest book, Santiago, Waylon, and Legend, a heartwarming tale that’s winning the hearts of kids, parents, and educa...