Rooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity

Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity | Joy as a Radical Pathway and Practice of Liberation

Season 5, Episode 50

Host: Rochelle Peterson-Ansari

Guest: Dr. Krista Robinson-Lyles

Overview:

In this inspiring and heart-centered conversation on the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari welcomes Dr. Krista Robinson-Lyles — founder and president of the Joy Hope Collective, creator of the Joy Anyhow platform, and host of the Joy Anyhow Podcast. Together, they explore joy not as a fleeting emotion but as a radical, intentional practice of liberation, healing, and resistance. Drawing from her decades of experience in education and anti-oppression work, Dr. Krista shares how reclaiming joy becomes an act of defiance in the face of injustice and exhaustion. This episode invites listeners to see joy as both a spiritual discipline and a communal strategy for transformation.

Topics Discussed:

• Joy as a radical and liberatory practice amid oppression and adversity

• The connection between joy, healing, and social justice

• How intentional joy challenges systemic burnout and despair

• Creating spaces of belonging and community through the Joy Anyhow framework

• The importance of self-compassion, rest, and authenticity in collective liberation

Guest: 

Dr. Krista Robinson-Lyles

Founder and President of Joy Hope Collective

Instagram: @joyanyhow

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-krista-robinson-lyles-09248120

Websites: joyhopecollective.org and joyanyhow.com 

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Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity | Is DEI DOA?: A Pathway Forward

Season 5, Episode 49

Host: Rochelle Peterson-Ansari

Guest: Rodney Patterson

Overview:

In this compelling episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari sits down with Rodney S. Patterson — CEO of The Learner Group, pastor, coach, consultant, and author of Trump and the Race Card and Is DEI DOA?: How to Create Ongoing Success in the Marketplace and Beyond. Together, they explore the state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s social and professional landscape. Their conversation dives deep into the challenges organizations face when DEI efforts lose direction or become performative, and how leaders can realign with purpose, humanity, and authentic engagement. With decades of shared experience in higher education and leadership development, Rochelle and Rodney bring both insight and heart to the question: Is DEI truly dead on arrival, or can it be reimagined for lasting impact?

Topics Discussed:

• The evolution and current challenges of DEI in corporate and institutional spaces

• How leadership and engagement connect to authentic inclusion

• The risks of performative DEI and how to build sustainable practices

• The intersection of faith, leadership, and social consciousness

• Practical steps organizations can take to move DEI from stagnation to transformation

Guest: 

Rodney Patterson

CEO, The Learner's GroupPastor, Coach, Consultant, Author

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theengagementcoach_/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-patterson-5a859710/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEngagementCoachwww.youtube.com/@TheEngagementCoach 

Website: www.theengagementcoaches.com 

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Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity | From Allyship to Action: How Leaders Build Equity and Justice

Season 5, Episode 48

Host: Rochelle Peterson-Ansari

Guest: Adam Barney

Overview:

In this energizing and authentic conversation on the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari sits down with Adam Barney—energy coach, author, and podcast host—to explore what it means to move beyond allyship into real, sustained action for equity and justice. Drawing from his experience coaching leaders and his work on personal empowerment, Barney shares how optimism, accountability, and integrity intersect with social change. Together, they unpack the challenges of leading with empathy, balancing authenticity with responsibility, and transforming good intentions into meaningful impact within organizations and communities.

Topics Discussed:

• Moving from performative allyship to action-driven leadership

• How self-awareness and energy management support equitable decision-making

• The importance of optimism and resilience in building inclusive spaces

• Turning personal values into systemic change in business and education

• Strategies for cultivating empathy, accountability, and courageous dialogue

Guest: 

Adam Barney

Energy Coach, Author, Podcast host

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamwbarneyscalesmarter/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamwbarney/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamwbarney/x 

X: https://x.com/adamwbarney 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamwbarney-scalesmarter 

Website: www.wonderspring.org 

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➡️ Email: [email protected] 

➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.com

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Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity | Identifying Implicit Bias in EducationSeason 5, Episode 47Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariGuest: Zakiyyah Boone, MBAOverview:In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari welcomes Zakkiyah Boone, CEO of WonderSpring Early Education, to discuss how implicit bias shapes educational experiences from early childhood through adulthood. Boone draws from nearly three decades of work in youth advocacy and education to share powerful stories about how educators can uncover hidden biases and create more equitable learning environments. Together, they explore the importance of self-awareness, cultural humility, and systemic change in transforming how we nurture every child’s potential.Topics Discussed:Understanding what implicit bias looks like in classrooms and early learning spacesHow educators’ lived experiences and assumptions influence student outcomesThe role of leadership in creating inclusive school cultures and equitable policiesPractical strategies for identifying and interrupting bias in everyday interactionsBuilding accountability, community partnerships, and continuous reflection for lasting changeGuest: Zakiyyah Boone, MBAChief Executive Officer, Wonderspring Early EducationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/wonderspringECE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderspringece/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakiyyah-boone-mba-1a24874a/ Website: www.wonderspring.org Check out more content and ways to connect with us:➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/➡️ Email: [email protected] ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.comPlease feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity | Parents Need to Know Their RightsSeason 5, Episode 46Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariGuest: Dr. Timberly BakerOverview:In this insightful episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari talks with Dr. Timberly Baker — Associate Professor at Arkansas State University, educational consultant with Equity Educators, and international speaker on school choice and Black education in the American South. Together, they explore why it is vital for parents, especially those in marginalized communities, to understand their educational rights and to advocate effectively for their children. Dr. Baker shares personal stories and professional insights about navigating complex school systems, empowering families through knowledge, and reclaiming the voice of parents in educational decision-making.Topics Discussed:Knowing and exercising parental rights in educationAdvocacy for equity and inclusion in schoolsNavigating school systems and policy barriersEmpowering parents through information and community supportBuilding partnerships between families and educatorsGuest: Dr. Timberly BakerAssociate Professor and Educational Consultant, Arkansas State University / Equity EducatorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timberly-baker-9406b293/ Check out more content and ways to connect with us:➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/➡️ Email: [email protected] ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.comPlease feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity | Parenting as Power: The Transformative Wisdom of Black MotherhoodSeason 5, Episode 45Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariGuest: Dionna TilleryOverview:In this heartfelt and empowering episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari sits down with Dionna Tillery — a Ph.D. student, educator, nonprofit leader, doula, and mama scholar — to explore the transformative wisdom and everyday resilience found in Black motherhood. Together, they discuss how parenting can serve as both a site of power and liberation, where cultural knowledge, spirituality, and love intersect to nurture not only children but also entire communities. Dionna shares insights from her professional and personal journey, offering reflections on the lessons learned from balancing motherhood, scholarship, and advocacy, while Rochelle connects these experiences to broader conversations about identity, healing, and community care.Topics Discussed:Parenting as resistance and liberationThe influence of motherhood on leadership and scholarshipIntergenerational wisdom and cultural traditionsBalancing identity, purpose, and self-careThe power of rest and community supportGuest: Dionna Tillery, MA, MSPhD Student, Educator, Non-Profit LeaderInstagram: @hidionnamichelleLinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/dionnatillery Check out more content and ways to connect with us:➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/➡️ Email: [email protected] ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.comPlease feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity | Preparing Our Children to Thrive in AmericaSeason 5, Episode 44Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariGuests: Ashley and Ismael JimenezOverview:In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari sits down with Ashley and Ismael Jimenez—partners, parents, and advocates dedicated to raising socially conscious, empowered children. Together, they explore what it means to prepare young people, especially children of color, to thrive in an America still grappling with inequality, inequity and cultural challenges. Drawing from their experiences as educators, community organizers, and parents of four, the Jimenezes discuss how they nurture identity, confidence, and resilience in their children while remaining deeply rooted in love, justice, and community strength.Topics Discussed:The importance of cultural awareness and identity in parentingHow parents can equip children to navigate systemic barriers with confidenceBuilding community-based support systems for families of colorBalancing activism, education, and family lifeRaising children to be compassionate, courageous, and purpose-drivenGuests: Ashley JimenezExecutive Director, Center for HopeIsmael JimenezDirector of Social Studies, School District of PhiladelphiaInstagram: @ishx19X: @teacherishxCheck out more content and ways to connect with us:➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/➡️ Email: [email protected] ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.comPlease feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity | The Importance of Believing in Yourself

Season 5, Episode 43

Host: Rochelle Peterson-Ansari

Guest: Karen Smith

Overview:

In this heartwarming and empowering episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari welcomes master percussionist, playwright, and writer Karen Smith. Their conversation weaves together themes of artistry, resilience, and community as Karen reflects on her journey from New York City to the Greater Philadelphia arts scene. With humor and honesty, she shares how trusting her instincts and believing in herself allowed her to turn passion into purpose. The dialogue explores the power of creativity, self-belief, and authentic connections that sustain us through life's transitions and triumphs.

Topics Discussed:

• How self-belief fuels artistic expression and personal growth

• Lessons from navigating the creative journey with courage and authenticity

• The influence of family, community, and culture in shaping purpose

• Finding strength in vulnerability and staying true to yourself

• The transformative power of music, storytelling, and connection

Guest: 

Karen Smith

Musician

Facebook: Karen Smith

Instagram: @karensmithdrumsYouTube: @klsmith1931

Website: www.karensmithdrums.com 

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Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity | Maintaining Your True Self Throughout Your Career

Season 5, Episode 42

Host: Rochelle Peterson-Ansari

Guest: Dr. Cherie Crosby-Weeks

Overview:

In this inspiring episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari sits down with Dr. Cherie Crosby-Weeks, Program Director of Teacher Education and Chair of Behavioral Sciences and Education at Manor College. Together, they explore what it means to stay grounded in your authentic self while navigating professional growth and leadership roles. Dr. Crosby-Weeks shares her journey as an educator, her passion for developing leaders within teaching, and the challenges of maintaining integrity and purpose across different stages of a career. This conversation reminds listeners that success doesn’t mean losing who you are—it means evolving while staying rooted in your values.

Topics Discussed:

• How to stay authentic and connected to your values as your career evolves

• The importance of leadership development and mentoring in education

• Lessons from building community and fostering diversity in professional spaces

• Balancing ambition with personal well-being and self-awareness

• The power of intentional reflection in maintaining your true self

Guest: 

Dr. Cherie Crosby-Weeks

Professor, Program Director of Teacher Education Programs, and Chair of Behavioral Sciences and Education Cluster at Manor College

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriecrosby/ 

Website: www.manor.edu

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