Episodes

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...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with humanitarian, advocate, and community transformer LaQuana “LA Pink” Alexander —First Lady of Street Groomers and CEO of The Community Boutique. From her personal journey through homelessness to becoming a force of change in Atlanta and beyond, LA Pink shares how her passion for service turned into a global mission. Through The Community Boutique, a nonprofit she founded, LA Pink provides critical support such as clothing, mental health services, ment...

Mohamed Berte, graduating senior from Shiloh High School and incoming University of Pennsylvania student. Mohamed discusses what it takes to lead with purpose as a young changemaker. Mohamed held various leadership roles on campus and founded the Shiloh Student Athlete Association. He opens up about balancing academic excellence (holding a 4.54 GPA and ranking #3 in a class of 420+, being a four-year varsity athlete despite undergoing two major knee surgeries, and managing a successful ser...

In this episode, we sit down with the CEO and Founder of Not On My Own (NOMO) , a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping youth and young adults with essential life skills rarely taught in schools. Since 2019, she's been on a mission to educate, empower, and encourage—offering guidance in everything from financial literacy and car buying to mental health and post-graduation support. Discover how her grassroots outreach—from youth outings to jacket drives—creates lasting impact across...

Join Karen and Kat as they spotlight the RICE Awards—a celebration honoring ministry leaders making a difference nationwide. In this episode, Dr. Chandon shares how you can nominate impactful community leaders and highlights the heart behind the awards. Whether you're watching or listening, get inspired to celebrate leadership, service, and faith in action.📍 Learn more at: www.thericeawards.com 📞 Contact: 470-334-6200 🎙️ “We’re impacting the world one conversation at a time.”

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we discuss the journey behind the launch of Akosua Hosi LTD — Karen’s new fashion brand celebrating African heritage through handcrafted clothing, accessories, and jewelry. Karen has worked with local artisans in Ghana and Kenya and shares what makes this brand so special. Join us at the Atlanta Vegan Festival on Saturday, April 19th, from 11 AM - 5 PM in Grant Park. 🛍️ Support Black-owned, women-led, artisan-crafted fashion — ...

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we sat down for a heartfelt conversation with two voices from the autism community. Join us for this discussion with Kenya Curtis, a parent advocate who’s dedicated to creating inclusive spaces, and Matthew Greene, a playwright, author, and college student with autism who shares his lived experiences navigating academia, identity, and self-advocacy. 🎧 In this episode: We discuss the challenges and triumphs of life on the spectrum in education and ...