In this episode of Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, host Talib Jasir speaks with award-winning podcaster, educator, and founder Dr. Asia Lyons about wellness, sustainability, and creative possibility for Black educators.

Dr. Lyons shares her journey from classroom teaching to building Liberated Educators Lab, a platform centered on care, permission, and collective support. The conversation explores the challenges Black educators face, podcasting as a healing and reflective practice, and how creative work can function as both personal restoration and community infrastructure.

This episode also covers live podcasting, audience connection, balancing preparation with flexibility, sustaining multiple initiatives, and integrating creative practice into academic and professional spaces. It's a grounded conversation for educators, podcasters, and creatives navigating growth, burnout, and long-term impact.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:17 Dr. Asia Lyons' Background and Work
01:01 Challenges in Education and the Exit Story
05:53 Podcasting as a Healing Practice
13:15 Live Podcasting and Audience Impact
16:28 Balancing Preparation and Flexibility
21:53 Sustaining Multiple Initiatives
24:06 Understanding Emerge Genetics
26:14 Influence of Family and Lineage
27:56 Possibility, Permission, and Creative Choice
28:39 Reflecting on the Teaching Journey
32:56 Supporting Black Educators
35:04 Community, Creativity, and Care
40:50 Future Directions and Academic Integration
42:43 Closing Reflections and Where to Connect

To learn more about Dr. Asia Lyons and The Exit Interview podcast visit: https://www.exitinterviewpodcast.com

Follow on Social Media: Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hellodrasia/?next=%2F

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theexitinterviewpodcast

To learn more about Talib Jasir and Afros & Audio visit: www.afrosandaudio.com follow us on Instagram: @afrosandaudio