In this special two-part episode of How They See Us, host Denise Herd sits down with Carolyn E. Mosby and Kristian Stricklen for an honest conversation about the many paths of motherhood.

Together, they explore what motherhood looks like beyond the picture-perfect version, including the unexpected turns, hard seasons, advocacy, grief, joy and strength that shape the journey. Carolyn and Kristian share how motherhood has stretched them, changed them and taught them what it means to keep showing up with love, courage and resilience.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that motherhood does not look the same for everyone, but every story deserves to be seen with care.

In Part 2 of this special two-part episode of Herd Strategies’ podcast How They See Us with Denise Herd, Denise continues the conversation with Deana Potterf, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, and returning guest Tamara Winfrey-Harris, President of the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana.

This episode turns toward policy, civic engagement, and the bigger systems shaping the lives of women and girls across our community. Together, they discuss what meaningful change really requires, why representation and participation matter, and how women can stay informed, involved, and empowered in moments that directly impact their futures.

It is a thoughtful conversation about responsibility, action, and what it looks like to move beyond awareness and into lasting change.

In Part 1 of this special two-part episode of Herd Strategies’ podcast How They See Us with Denise Herd, Denise is joined by Deana Potterf, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, and returning guest Tamara Winfrey-Harris, President of the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, for an honest conversation about the realities impacting women and girls across our community.

Together, they dig into what’s showing up in girls’ day-to-day lives, where women are feeling the most pressure, and why “support” has to be more than a statement. From confidence and leadership development to safety, stability, and access to opportunity, this episode focuses on what women and girls need right now and what it takes to meet them with real, practical support.

Part 2 continues the conversation with a focus on policy, civic engagement, and how we can show up in ways that create long-term change.

In this episode of How They See Us, Denise Herd sits down with Nichelle M. Hayes, Executive Director of the Hurston/Wright Foundation and longtime advocate for literacy and access, to unpack how restrictions on books connect to broader efforts to limit Black creativity, speech, and historical truth.

This conversation goes beyond the headlines. Together, they explore why Black stories are often at the center of censorship debates, how book restrictions impact students and communities, and what it means when history is treated as optional rather than essential.

In this episode of How They See Us, host Denise Herd sits down with two respected journalists, Ebony Chappel and Steve “Scoop” Jefferson, for an honest conversation about the complicated, deeply connected relationship between media and public relations. Together, they unpack how news shapes public opinion, what it takes to tell stories beyond headlines, and how coverage decisions are made in today’s media climate. They also dig into what “gatekeeping” looks like, what makes a pitch stand out (or immediately fall flat), and how journalists and PR professionals can work together to open more doors for underrepresented voices.

In this episode of How They See Us, host Denise Herd is joined by Kim Raby, Sales and Planning Manager at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, and Kevin Enders from the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter, for a heartfelt conversation in honor of National Family Caregivers Month. Kim shares her personal journey of caring for her mother during an eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s while working full-time, shedding light on the emotional, physical, and financial toll caregiving takes—especially in communities of color. The conversation also highlights the Alzheimer’s Association’s Know Where Alzheimer’s Hides campaign, aimed at increasing awareness and support in underrepresented communities across Indiana.

In our first solo episode this year, Denise Herd unpacks the realities of cancel culture in today’s digital world. She utilizes examples from H&M, American Eagle and Ralph Lauren to explore what it means for brands, why accountability matters, and how intentional communication can protect reputations and build trust.

In this powerful Pride Month episode of How They See Us, host Denise Herd is joined by the ever-fabulous Patrick Bouquett and Jason Grisell, President & CEO of The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis. Together, they unpack the rising wave of anti-DEI sentiment, harmful legislation targeting LGBTQ+ communities, and the weaponization of the word “woke.” Through sharp insight and personal truth, this conversation cuts through the noise to explore what it really means to be visible, vocal, and unafraid in 2025. 

In Part II, Eunice Trotter dives into the rich but often overlooked history of Black Hoosiers and the fight for historic preservation in Indiana. She and Denise discuss why remembering Black history at the local level is critical, and how preservation is not just about buildings—it’s about honoring lives, legacies, and the stories that shaped our communities.

What does Juneteenth really commemorate, and why has it taken so long for the full weight of that history to be recognized? In Part I, Denise is joined by Eunice Trotter, Director of Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Preservation Program, who joins us to explore the national significance of Juneteenth, its roots in delayed freedom, and how the legacy of emancipation continues to shape American identity.