The Hold it Down Podcast

Built Not Given . Empowering yourself

In this episode of The Hold It Down Podcast, hosts Big Lee and Michael Betheley sit down with Ashanti Williams, a Spokane native and real estate agent with D.R. Horton, to talk about growth, responsibility, and building a better future. Ashanti shares her journey growing up between Spokane and California and how life challenged her early when she became a mother at a young age. That experience forced her to mature quickly and helped shape the determination and mindset that drives her today. From navigating life’s obstacles to building a career in real estate, Ashanti talks about the lessons she’s learned, the importance of perseverance, and why creating opportunities for the next generation matters so much to her. Her story is one of resilience, accountability, and purpose — making her a powerful role model for young women and an inspiration to anyone working to turn challenges into success.

Struggle to Strength: A story of Resiliency

In this episode, we sit down with Kerra Bowers [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0] — a woman whose impact reaches far beyond titles. Kerra is a mother, sister, daughter, childcare professional, and recipient of the NAACP President’s Award in Spokane — but more than anything, she is a pillar of strength and compassion in our community. Kerra shares her journey of leadership rooted in service, resilience, and love for families and children. Through her work in childcare and community advocacy, she has consistently shown what it looks like to lead with courage, wisdom, and grace — even when the work is hard and the stakes are high. This conversation highlights: * The unseen strength it takes to show up for children and families every day * Why nurturing the next generation is one of the most powerful forms of leadership * How women like Kerra carry communities forward through consistency and care * The importance of courage, faith, and wisdom in times of challenge * What it truly means to be a champion for others Kerra doesn’t seek the spotlight — the impact speaks for itself. She represents the backbone of our city: women who hold families together, protect children, and lead with heart. This episode is a tribute to the quiet warriors and visible leaders who make Spokane stronger every day. Tap in and listen closely — this one is filled with truth, inspiration, and deep respect.

Discipline over Motivation

In this episode, we sit down with Yashar Jones [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0], founder and leader of the Locked‑In Fatherhood Alliance [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=1], an organization committed to strengthening families by restoring and empowering fathers. Yashar shares the heart behind his work — why fatherhood matters, how absence impacts generations, and what it looks like to truly be locked in as a man, a parent, and a leader. He walks us through the mission of Locked-In Fatherhood Alliance and the practical ways his organization is creating space for healing, accountability, and growth for fathers across our city. This conversation goes beyond programs and titles. We talk about: * The responsibility men carry as fathers and father figures * Breaking cycles that have existed for generations * How strong fathers help build safer, healthier communities * The vision Yashar has for Spokane and the role men must play in it * Why mentorship, support, and presence change everything Yashar brings clarity, conviction, and vision — not just for fathers, but for the future of our city. This episode is a reminder that when fathers show up, families grow stronger — and when families grow stronger, communities thrive. Tap in. This is a powerful one.

Self-Awareness, Discipline & Resiliency: Rewriting the Narrative

In this episode, we sit down with Bobby Richmond [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0], a mental health professional in Spokane whose life journey and work are rooted in resilience, discipline, and deep self-awareness. Growing up on the Hilltop of Tacoma, Bobby learned early that mindset can either limit you or liberate you. Surrounded by real challenges and real consequences, he discovered that self-awareness, discipline, and resiliency weren’t just personal tools — they were survival skills. Those same tools are now the foundation of the work he does with Spokane’s youth. Bobby shares how understanding your emotions, taking ownership of your choices, and staying disciplined in hard moments can completely change the direction of a young person’s life. We talk about the importance of mental health, breaking cycles, and creating safe spaces where young men can be honest, accountable, and empowered to grow. In this conversation, we explore: * How Bobby’s upbringing shaped his approach to mental health * Why self-awareness is the starting point for real change * The role discipline plays in emotional regulation and decision-making * How resiliency is built through lived experience, not just theory * What Spokane’s youth need right now to thrive This episode is a powerful reminder that healing, growth, and leadership all begin on the inside. Bobby brings wisdom, authenticity, and a clear message: when young people learn to understand themselves, they gain the power to change their future. Tap in — this one hits deep.

“Leveling Up: Building Wealth, Building Legacy”

In this episode, we sit down with Dominic DeCaro, Vice President of Business Banking at Washington Trust Bank — a Spokane native whose journey from the halls of North Central High School to the executive boardrooms of regional banking is nothing short of inspirational. Dom breaks down what leveling up really looks like when you start from humble beginnings. He walks us through his path into finance, the mentors and decisions that shaped him, and how he developed the mindset, discipline, and professionalism required to rise through an industry where representation is limited and competition is heavy. This conversation is packed with gems for young men, especially those who want to build a future bigger than their circumstances: * How Dom built confidence and competence early in his career * The power of saying yes to opportunity, even when it scares you * Why financial literacy is generational — and how to flip the script for your family * How he learned to navigate corporate spaces as a leader with integrity * The role of mentorship, preparation, and discipline in becoming an executive * What it means to create change that lasts long after you’re gone Dom’s story is about more than banking — it’s about changing the trajectory of generations. His rise is proof that you can come from the neighborhood, stay rooted in who you are, and still walk into any room with the skill, credibility, and purpose to make real impact. If you’re a young man trying to figure out your path, or someone building toward financial freedom and legacy, this episode is a blueprint. Tap in — Dom came to drop game.