Inside the Session: What Happened Under the Gold Dome

Inside the Session: What Happened Under the Gold Dome

What actually happens during a legislative session—and why does it matter after lawmakers leave the Capitol? In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Hunt-Blackwell of the ACLU of Georgia for a conversation unpacking the major themes, policy discussions, and broader implications of Georgia’s recent legislative session. This episode serves as a legislative debrief designed to help listeners better understand how policy decisions shape everyday life. Rather than focusing on partisan debate, this conversation centers on systems, civic awareness, and public impact. In this episode, we discuss: * An overview of Georgia’s legislative session and major themes * Voting rights and election-related legislation * First Amendment and free speech conversations * Criminal justice policy trends and reform discussions * How election years shape policymaking and legislative priorities This episode is designed to make the legislative process more accessible, especially for listeners who want to stay informed but may feel overwhelmed by political coverage. Season 2 comes to a close focusing on connecting policy, systems, and public understanding—so you can engage with greater clarity and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered how decisions made under the Gold Dome impact communities across Georgia, this episode provides valuable context and perspective

Policy Not Politics: Centering Black Women's Contributions

Conversations about Black women’s impact are often framed through politics—but the full story lives in policy. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tammy Greer for an educational and historically grounded conversation that reframes how we understand influence. Together, we explore the distinction between policy and politics, and why recognizing that difference is essential to understanding how change actually happens. This episode is centered on education, not debate—designed to make policy more accessible while highlighting the historical and ongoing contributions of Black women. In this episode, we discuss: * The difference between policy and politics—and why it matters * Why Black women’s contributions are often viewed through a political lens * How influence operates beyond elected office * The importance of civic literacy and understanding systems * How history shapes present-day engagement We also reflect on the impact of key figures such as Anna Julia Cooper, Mary Church Terrell, and Constance Baker Motley, whose work helped shape education, civil rights, and legal frameworks that still influence policy today. The conversation also touches on broader perspectives in policy discourse, including figures like Phyllis Schlafly, to illustrate the range of ways women have shaped systems and public dialogue. This episode emphasizes clarity over complexity—helping listeners better understand how policy works, why it matters, and how to engage with it more intentionally. Season 2 continues to center conversations that connect history, systems, and civic awareness—so you can move through these spaces with greater understanding and confidence.

Advocacy vs. Lobbying — Understanding the Difference

Advocacy and lobbying are often used interchangeably—but they are not the same. Understanding the distinction is key to engaging effectively in policy, business, and civic spaces. In this solo episode, I break down the difference between advocacy and lobbying in a clear, practical way. This conversation is designed to make the process more accessible—so you can better understand where influence begins and how decisions are ultimately made. This is not a debate-driven conversation. It is an educational look at how systems work and how individuals can engage with them intentionally. In this episode, we discuss: * What advocacy is and how it shows up in everyday life * What lobbying is and how it directly impacts legislation and decision-making * The key differences between influence and action * How advocacy and lobbying work together to create real change * Why understanding both is essential for professionals, business owners, and everyday citizens This episode also explores how awareness, storytelling, and relationship-building play a role in shaping outcomes—whether you are in the room or influencing the conversation from the outside. Season 2 continues to focus on breaking down systems and making them more accessible—so you can engage with clarity, confidence, and intention. If you’ve ever wondered how decisions are made, who influences them, and where you fit into the process, this episode provides a strong foundation.

Beyond the Box: Wellness, Identity & Freedom to Evolve

We are often encouraged to define ourselves by one role, one title, or one version of who we are. This episode challenges that idea. In this conversation, I’m joined by AD, a multi-faceted creative and entrepreneur, to explore what it means to live fully—without limiting yourself to a single identity. We discuss the balance between ambition and alignment, the role of wellness in sustaining growth, and the importance of giving yourself permission to evolve. This is a reflective, grounded conversation centered on wholeness, not perfection. In this episode, we discuss: * What it means to be multi-dimensional in a world that encourages boxes * Redefining self-care as discipline, protection, and strategy * How faith and alignment guide decision-making and transitions * Letting go of expectations and external definitions * Navigating growth while staying rooted in who you are * The balance between privacy, authenticity, and visibility This episode creates space for a different kind of conversation—one that acknowledges that people, and especially Black women, are not one-dimensional. Growth requires expansion, and expansion often requires releasing what no longer fits. Season 2 continues to center conversations that connect identity, wellness, and intentional living—so you can move through life with clarity, confidence, and alignment. If you’re in a season of growth, transition, or rediscovery, this episode offers perspective and permission to evolve on your own terms.

Power, Perception & Performance: Navigating the Workplace as a Black Woman

Understanding the patterns is one thing—learning how to navigate them is another. In Part 2 of this conversation, I continue with Dwayna Haley, creator of the “WHOAskedthePRGirl?!” series, as we move from awareness to strategy. This episode builds on the foundation from Part 1, exploring how workplace dynamics evolve and what it looks like to respond with clarity, preparation, and intention. This is a grounded, solutions-oriented conversation focused on navigating systems—not personalizing them. We also explore what it means to move with awareness—understanding when to adapt, when to document, and when to make strategic decisions about your environment. Part 2 centers on ownership, preparation, and long-term positioning. Season 2 continues to focus on connecting identity, leadership, and systems—so you can navigate professional spaces with clarity and confidence.