Conversations with Karen and Cat

Mar 7 · 33m

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 teaching to a career in nursing and healthcare leadership. Guided by her life mantra, “After the battle comes the reward,” Dr. Crowley reflects on the challenges, sacrifices, and moments of faith that helped her overcome obstacles and pursue her purpose.Throughout the conversation, she discusses the importance of resilience, service, education, and believing in one’s calling, while encouraging listeners to keep moving forward even when the path is difficult.This inspiring conversation reminds us that every challenge can become a stepping stone toward purpose, growth, and impact.To sponsor Dr. Crowley in the Ms. Corporate America Georgia Competition, email dee4u22@hotmail.com

Feb 13 · 1h 5m

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 how historical and transgenerational trauma continues to shape the lived experiences of Afrikan people—and why culturally grounded healing is not just necessary, but urgent.This conversation challenges traditional Western models of therapy and offers a new paradigm rooted in community, spirituality, identity, and restoration. Dr. Washington walks us through the five pillars of healing—Remembering, Reminding, Reframing, Revitalizing, and Re-normalizing—and shares how we can begin reclaiming our narratives, our wellness, and our wholeness.✨ This episode is for anyone seeking deeper understanding, cultural alignment, and liberation through healing.You can learn more about Dr. Mwata at:https://www.nyansapoempowerment.com/https://mwataspeaks.comhttps://SpeakBlackToMe.comYou can find his book at https://a.co/d/02F1CmO3

Feb 1 · 37m

Karen and Kat sit down with Akbar Ali, the youngest Democratic state representative in the nation, and a proud son of Gwinnett County.At just 21, Rep. Ali shares his journey from community organizing and student activism to serving in the Georgia State House. He reflects on leading with integrity, protecting public education, lowering costs for families, and ensuring unheard voices are represented.This episode is a powerful conversation about servant leadership, generational impact, and what it truly means to put community first.

Jan 16 · 26m

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 compassion and action. This conversation highlights the importance of faith-based partnerships, volunteerism, and leadership rooted in love and justice.Karen and Cat also explore:Why service is a powerful form of advocacyHow community organizations and sponsors collaborate to create impactThe role of local leadership in sustaining year-round service—not just on MLK DayWhat it means to lead with purpose, humility, and consistencyThis episode is both a reflection and a call to action—encouraging listeners to find meaningful ways to serve, uplift, and build stronger communities in the spirit of Dr. King.✨ “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Nov 21 · 51m

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 Hardrick takes listeners behind the scenes of her latest milestone: being elected to the Snellville City Council, Post 5. She opens up about the campaign trail, what inspired her run, and her vision for fostering connection and progress in Snellville.Together, Karen and Cat reflect on:What these achievements mean personally and professionallyThe community partnerships and supporters who made this possibleHow their platform will grow and evolve with these new responsibilitiesWhy representation, visibility, and unity continue to guide their workWhether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re joining the conversation today, this episode is filled with celebration, transparency, and heartfelt appreciation.📌 Tune in, celebrate with us, and get inspired for the journey ahead.

Nov 14 · 42m

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 of Pittsburgh, and more.In 2004, she founded STEP, a transformative college-prep and leadership program serving Arizona teens. Today, 96% of STEP alumni are in college or have earned a degree — a testament to the power of mentorship, leadership training, and immersive educational experiences.This episode explores Tracy’s passion for youth empowerment, and the life-changing impact of STEP.Contact information for Dr. Baynestbaynes@stepexpedition.orghttps://www.stepexpedition.org/impact

Nov 7 · 44m

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 advance social justiceWhat makes Out of Hand Theater a national modelThe future of community-centered arts leadershipEmail: ariel@outofhandtheater.comPhone Number: 4043129871Website: https://www.outofhandtheater.com

Oct 17 · 31m

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 her life with her passions and values.Today, Leida guides women through that same journey of transformation, helping them find clarity, purpose, and peace through intentional living.In this episode, we explore:✨ How burnout can become a catalyst for self-discovery💖 Practical steps to begin redesigning your life — starting todayThis is a conversation for anyone ready to slow down, realign, and live from a place of balance, passion, and purpose.

Sep 26 · 50m

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 mental health, especially in communities of color. Certified through NAMI, a leader of the Gwinnett Comm-UNITY Mental Health Task Force, and a newly published author of children’s books on emotional wellness, her impact spans classrooms, communities, and policy circles.In this conversation, she opens up about:Her journey as a suicide loss survivor and how she found purpose through painThe importance of early mental health education for childrenHer new children’s books that empower kids to embrace emotionsWhy representation and advocacy in politics and education matter more than everHer vision for mental health equity across Georgia schools and beyondThis is a powerful episode for parents, educators, advocates, and anyone committed to transforming mental health in our communities.