Wouldn't It Be Cool If...?

Our host, Dr. Chandra Sledge Mathias reflects on Season 1 and introduces Season 2.  We'll continuing exploring the leaps of faith that our guests have taken in their journeys, but we'll also explore the legacies that they are building and the impact that they hope to have on the communities they serve.  Enjoy!

In this final bonus episode of 2020, Chandra chats with two young authors and their entrepreneur mothers.  11 year old Mariya Hunter, author of Lucile and the Big Race, and 7 year old Solomon Robertson, contributing author of  Kids Journal Through Covid 19: United Kids Speak, talk about what they've written, who inspires them and what other BIG plans they have. Their amazing moms chime in too!  Listen to these two inspiring girls and also purchase their books for the young readers in your life!

It's the Season 1 finale, and host, Chandra Sledge Mathias chats with author, leadership coach, business woman, and podcaster Kelly Symone. Kelly's book, "Crowned:  Gender Equality and the Gospel" tackles the controversial battle of the sexes from a Biblical perspective. Her core value of helping others shape cultures is the essence of her work work as a leadership coach. Grab your journal and take notes as she shares her journey and pick up the gems she drops along the way.

In this episode, Chandra chats with Durham, NC entrepreneur, activist, and advocate Leonardo Williams. Leo and his wife Zweli own the only authentically Zimbabwean restaurant in the United States .  A former educator, Leo is extremely service-minded, and talks about "about-ism".  He urges us to do more than talk about it, but calls us to "be about it" as well. Tune in and get inspired by a man who is a serial GIVER.  

Chandra chats with good friend Henry Edwards II, Creator and Founder of // Magazine, stylist, consultant, and educator.  Henry shares how he nourished his passion for fashion which developed in his small southern rural hometown and allowed his passions to connect him with industry associates around the globe. His work marries the world of fashion to the world of social impact.  He talks about finding his voice in the fashion world, and owning his literal voice (his strong southern drawl), as well as how we should never sacrifice what makes us uniquely beautiful.  Lots of laughs in this episode. Tune in now!

In this episode Chandra chats with Attorney Hassan Kingsberry and Dr. Francemise Kingsberry about their journey through marriage, coping with grief, and finding strength, peace, and joy through life's challenges.  We also get a glimpse into how they thrive in their partnership and how Dr. Kingsberry got her husband into the BEARD GANG!  Tune in to hear some golden nuggets from this dynamic couple and learn why Chandra got her Black Card Revoked (and why she earned it back)!

It's late July and yes, we're calling this episode a "fireside chat" because we're in the middle of a pandemic and nothing makes sense!  Our host, Dr. Chandra Sledge Mathias, asked listeners a while back what they'd like to hear on the podcast, and several folks wanted an episode about her! So she chats with guest host (and previous Wouldn't It Be Cool If? guest), Michael Markofski, and they talk about her journey into education, global education, and why she's milked not one, but TWO COWS! Tune in and learn a little more about our host!

In this episode Chandra talks to her long time friends and colleagues, Mike Williams and Michael Markofski. Both Mikes are former classroom teachers who now work in education in different roles (Mike Williams- National Humanities Center; and Michael Markofski is currently in the Ed Tech space.) The guys chat with Chandra about how they are processing the Black Lives Matter movement as our nation and the world comes to a boiling point, and what small steps can we take moving forward.

In this episode Chandra talks to her long time friends and colleagues, Mike Williams and Michael Markofski. Both Mikes are former classroom teachers who now work in education in different roles (Mike Williams- National Humanities Center; and Michael Markofski is currently in the Ed Tech space.) The guys chat with Chandra on their non-traditional journeys to education, how they've made connections with schools in other countries, and how they work to provide equity to students through opportunities.  Tune in to Part 1 of this two part episode.  

In this special Mothers Day episode, Chandra is excited to be joined by her mom, Catherine, and her sisters Casha and Chalis. The  "Sledgehammers" talk about mom life, career advice, and finally settle the debate of which sister throws down best in the kitchen. (Hint: It's NOT Chandra!) Enjoy this family time and Happy Mothers Day!