Episodes

June 7, 2025

Transforming Communities Through Love: The Power of Service with LA Pink

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...
Guests: L.APINK , ale
May 23, 2025

Purpose in Power: Mohamed Berte on Leadership, Legacy, and Law

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...
Guest: Mohamed Berte
May 16, 2025

Empowering the Next Generation: Life Skills Beyond the Classroom with Neesha "Sunshine" Whitehead, CEO and Founder Not On My Own

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...
Guest: SunShine
May 9, 2025

Honoring Kingdom Leaders: The RICE Awards with Dr. Chandon

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.”
April 18, 2025

Rooted in Culture: Launching Akosua Hosi LTD

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 — ...
April 11, 2025

Beyond the Spectrum: A Parent Advocacy & A Student's Voice

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 ...
March 28, 2025

The Frontlines of Equality: What the NAACP is Doing Now

🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Edward Paul, President of the Gwinnett Branch of the NAACP, to discuss the ongoing impact of the NAACP in 2025. From the courtroom to Congress, state legislatures to local governments, the fight for justice and equity continues. President Paul shares how both national and local chapters are driving change, advocating for policy reform, and educating communities to advance Black and Brown voices. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on why the NAACP remains a...
Guest: Edward Paul
March 22, 2025

Power, People, and Policy: Navigating Today's Hot Topics

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we sit down together to discuss: Honoring the 60th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March President Trump’s executive power and constitutional debates The controversy around the deportation of Venezuelan nationals Discussion on dismantling the Department of Education Let us know what you are doing to engage. Comment with us on social media and share your thoughts!
March 7, 2025

Strengthening Our Community: Empowerment Strategies

In this episode, we delve into recent requests to pardon Derek Chauvin and explore why the Black community should not react impulsively. We provide insightful steps that the community can take to empower and strengthen itself during challenging times. - Discussion on Elon Musk's request to pardon Derek Chauvin - Reasons why we should not react impulsively - Steps the Black community can take to empower and strengthen itself - Insights on navigating challenging situations with resilie...
Feb. 14, 2025

Carrying the Torch: Rita Daniels on Harriet Tubman’s Legacy

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Rita Daniels, the great-great-great grandniece of Harriet Tubman. Rita shares her deep connection to the legendary abolitionist and freedom fighter, discussing how Tubman’s bravery and resilience continue to inspire her life and work today.Born in Auburn, New York—the same town where Harriet Tubman spent her final years—Rita grew up surrounded by the legacy of her heroic ancestor. She opens up about her mission to ensure Tubman’s story is never forgotte...
Jan. 31, 2025

Culture Wars & Executive Orders: The Week in Review

Karen and Cat discuss issues making headlines this week, like HillmanTok University, a fictional HBCU that went viral on TikTok. We break down recent moves to overturn key executive orders from the Biden administration. We also discuss the political and social implications of these reversals. We also discuss the current administration's push to abolish DEI in hiring and the workplace and the broader implications for the country. Join us in this engaging conversation. Be sure to su...
Jan. 24, 2025

Navigating Change: H1B Visas, Policies, and Building Stronger Communities

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we are joined by fellow podcaster, Antonio Hicks of PTGtv. We discuss a wide range of important topics shaping the present and future of our communities. From recent policy changes and executive orders to pressing social and environmental issues, we explore the challenges and opportunities they bring. This conversation sheds light on the intersection of immigration, social justice, and the importance of civic engagement. We dive into the...
Jan. 17, 2025

Empowering Women in Leadership: Purpose, Presence, and Personal Branding with Courtney Robinson

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Courtney Robinson, a Leadership Branding Strategist and Image Expert, to explore how women in executive roles, entrepreneurship, and leadership can elevate their brands to new heights. As an Executive Style Mentor, Author, and Speaker, Courtney shares her transformative Purpose Palette Persona framework, a powerful approach to aligning inner purpose with outward presence. Courtney dives deep into the fears that often hold high-achieving women bac...
Nov. 22, 2024

Harvesting Hope: Overcoming Barriers in Agriculture

Kelsha Weaver is a retired Army Major with over 24 years of service in the Medical Service Corps and a Doctor of Business Administration candidate at the University of Phoenix. Alongside her husband, a retired Command Sergeant Major, she runs a small farm in South Georgia, purchased in 2013 as part of their retirement plan. Kelsha, originally from Southern Louisiana, is a novice Black farmer whose passion for Black Agrarianism stems from her journey and experiences with systemic challenges in ag...
Guest: KELSHA WEAVER
Nov. 15, 2024

Women Who Wore the Uniform: Honoring Female Veterans through Photography

We sit down with Martina Schmidt and Julie Miller of The She Served Initiative. The Initiative was created in 2022, allowing Martina to combine her passion for photography and raising awareness for women veterans. The She Served Initiative is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has photographed and profiled over 130 women veterans and published 6 magazine issues dedicated to them and their stories. To host a photography session contact the organization at: Email: martina@sheservedi...
Nov. 8, 2024

From Lab Coats to Leadership: Dr. LaDena Bolton's Run for Commissioner

We sit down with D. LaDena Bolton, Candidate for DeKalb's Super District 7. She's a chemist, wife, mother, and community servant. Through Bolton Legacy Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit organization co-founded by Dr. Bolton and her husband, Dr. Clement J. Bolton II, they distributed over $320,000 in resources to underserved DeKalb students, reaching nearly 16,000 families since 2019. Dr Bolton is a graduated of Avondale High School,Savannah State University and earned her PHD-in chemistry from Clark Atlant...
Guest: LaDena Bolton
Nov. 1, 2024

Megan Harris: A New Voice for Fulton County District 2

On the final day of Advance Voting in Georgia, we engage in a conversation with Megan Harris, who is running for the Fulton County Commission District 2 seat. A native of Atlanta and an alumnus of the University of West Georgia, Megan has built her career in finance, serving as both a Financial Advisor and a Broker. In our discussion, she elaborates on how her expertise in finance, coupled with her grassroots community activism, has equipped her for a role on the Fulton County Board of Commissio...
Guest: Megan Harris
Oct. 25, 2024

Empowering Change: Job Training and Food Justice with Erica Allen

Erika Allen is the CEO for Urban Growers Collective, President of Green ERA Educational NFP, and Co-Owner of Green Era Sustainability Partners. Urban Growers Collective is a Black- and women-led non-profit farm in Chicago, Illinois working to build a more just and equitable local food system. They provide hands-on job training and create economic opportunity for youth, and beginner BIPOC farmers. Urban Growers cultivates eight urban farms on 11 acres of land, predominantly located on Chicago’...
Guest: Erika Allen
Oct. 18, 2024

Balancing high performance with personal well-being, with Lakila Bowden

We sit down with Lakila Bowden, speaker and COO of iSee Technologies, Inc. Lakila has been a featured speaker for The Walt Disney Company, Kraft-Heinz, Verizon, JP Morgan Chase, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and numerous other national and local organizations. She retired from Corporate America at age 37 and now spends her time leisurely teaching thousands of women leaders to maximize rest and revenue by prioritizing self-care and self-celebration.
Guest: Lakila Bowden
Oct. 11, 2024

The Power of Presence: Police Officers as Community Members

We sit down with Chief J.D. McClure, Gwinnett County Police Department, Chief of Police. Chief McClure talks about the importance of police officers being a part of the community in which they serve. The Gwinnett County Advisory Board invites the community out on October 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM for an open dialogue and meaningful conversations. They want to continue building trust and fostering positive relationships with the community. For more information, email PoliceAdvisoryBoard@GwinnettCoun...
Sept. 13, 2024

Engagement 101: How Anyone Can Shape the Political Landscape

Karen and Cat sit down with Phyllis Richardson, Political Consultant to discuss how voters can help shape the political landscape during this election cycle. Ms. Richardson currently serves as Legislative Administrative Manager for the Georgia General Assembly. She has also worked as a Policy and Engagement Manager for Common Cause Georgia and as the Governmental Affairs Director for the Georgia Wand Education Fund. If you are 17 1/2 and older, you can register to vote online at mvp.sos.ga.go...
Sept. 6, 2024

Parachutes and Persistence: A Conversation with Donna Lewis

Donna Louis is a retired US Army officer, Sgt. First Class. She is the first African American female paratrooper from Michigan. She became a jump master, with over 150 jumps during her military career. Donna is married to her long time sweetheart and together they have five children. Mrs. Louis had the honor of being inducted into the Charles H Wright African American Historical Museum in Detroit Michigan. Currently she lives in Loganville, Georgia, where she is a poultry and goat farmer.
Guest: Donna Louis
Aug. 30, 2024

Gen Z & Millennials at the Polls: A Conversation on Voting Motivation

We are joined by four young voters to tell us about the issues that are important to them this election cycle. They talked about protecting reproductive rights, the economy, environmental issues, school loan debt and other important topics. Listen and comment. The panel participants : Nandi Milton IG: Miss.RuthsAngels FB: missruthsangels www.missruthangels.org Laniyah Robinson FB:PassionateCareSvs https://passionatecareservice.net/ Matthew Greene, Environmental S...
Aug. 23, 2024

Empowerment in Action: Supporting Girls Affected by Domestic Violence

In this episode we have a conversation with Jamika Render, founder of The Graceful Futures Society, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering pre-teen and teen girls exposed to domestic violence. Drawing from her own experiences growing up in a home with domestic violence and surviving two suicide attempts, Jamika channels her deep passion for mental health advocacy into creating impactful SEL programs that provide the tools and support these young girls need to thrive. In addition to her nonprofit wo...
Guest: Jamika Render