🎙️ Coach D Wants to Know – Class of 2025 Super Senior Series Passion, Purpose & Public Service: The Journey of Aubrey Jordan-Yarbrough In this inspiring episode of the Coach D Wants to Know podcast, we spotlight Aubrey Jordan-Yarbrough, an accomplished graduate of DeKalb School of the Arts. A visual artist, violinist, and dynamic student leader, Aubrey exemplifies what it means to blend creativity with civic engagement. She shares her journey through high school, balancing her roles on the ...
Jun 24, 2025•54 min
🎙️ Coach D Wants to Know: The Super Senior Series – Featuring Destiny Sutton In this powerful episode of Coach D Wants to Know, meet Destiny Sutton, a creative force and recent graduate who is headed to Spelman College to major in Documentary Filmmaking, with plans to minor in Entrepreneurial Innovation. Destiny is a singer, songwriter, dancer, poet, and film writer whose passion for the arts is more than talent—it’s purpose-driven. In this episode, she shares how her love for creative expressi...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 6 min
🎙️ Coach D Wants to Know: The Super Senior Series – Featuring Tylek Jones In this inspiring episode of Coach D Wants to Know, we sit down with Tylek Jones, a recent graduate of Lithonia High School and a proud incoming freshman at Savannah State University, where he will major in Music Education. Tylek opens up about his journey through high school, sharing the ups and downs that shaped his success. From discovering his passion for music to navigating the scholarship and college application pro...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 18 min
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nyanna Langford —Educator, Author, Speaker, and Founder of Business Owners of Tomorrow . With a mission to equip youth ages 9–18 with the tools to launch and run successful businesses, Nyanna shares the mindset shifts, money habits, and purpose-driven principles she teaches the next generation of entrepreneurs. We dive into: 💡 How to help kids build confidence through business 💸 The importance of financial literacy early on 🎯 Why purpose matters more...
Jun 04, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this powerful episode of Coach D Wants to Know , we sit down with licensed mental health advocate Jerecia Lee to explore the deep connection between belief, mindset, and healing. Jerecia shares personal insights and professional wisdom on how transforming our inner dialogue can unlock the path to true mental wellness. Whether you're on a healing journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you show up for yourself—because healing truly begins with be...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Are you a parent unsure of how to guide your high schooler through the next steps? Or maybe you're a student wondering how to encourage your friends to explore their future? In this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Hutchins, Head Counselor at the College and Career Academy, to unpack: ✅ What parents should be asking their teens ✅ How to support students who feel stuck or undecided ✅ Ways students can uplift and encourage each other ✅ The importance of exploring all post-high school pathways—col...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode of Coach D Wants to Know , Coach D is joined by Ian Barrett, Program Manager at College AIM, Inc., to explore the importance of empowering students through self-efficacy, leadership, and making education relatable. Ian shares how his work with AmeriCorps members is helping students in 9th to 11th grade explore postsecondary pathways with confidence. Ian introduces College AIM, shares his role, and discusses the unique needs of the students they serve. He also highlights the trans...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode of Coach D Wants to Know, I sit down with Chuqq Elbaram, Founder of COGSTEM, to dive into the critical gaps in STEM education and how we can better prepare students for college and careers. We discuss: ✅ The rise of microschools and their impact on education ✅ The need for stronger instructional leadership in Math, CTAE, and Science ✅ How schoolwide discipline affects student learning and outcomes ✅ What educators, school leaders, and parents can do to ignite real change Don’t mi...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 42 min
In this episode of Coach D Wants to Know, I sit down with Dr. Perrin, District Mathematics Coordinator for Spartanburg District Seven, to dive into the real challenges and opportunities in education today. We’re talking: ✅ Equity gaps in schools & how to address them ✅ The teacher shortage crisis & what we can do ✅ Why postsecondary success isn’t just about a 4-year degree Dr. Perrin’s insights are a must-hear for educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about shaping the future ...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 10 min
In this episode of Coach D Wants to Know, I sit down with Dr. Perrin, District Mathematics Coordinator for Spartanburg District Seven, to dive into the real challenges and opportunities in education today. We’re talking: ✅ Equity gaps in schools & how to address them ✅ The teacher shortage crisis & what we can do ✅ Why postsecondary success isn’t just about a 4-year degree Dr. Perrin’s insights are a must-hear for educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about shaping the future ...
Apr 01, 2025•19 sec
In this powerful episode of Coach D Wants to Know, I sit down with Shay Smith, my former student who is now making an impact as an assistant principal! 🚀 We dive into: ✅ Her journey from student to school leader ✅ The power of mentorship in shaping careers ✅ Her vision for the future of education 🎓 This conversation is a reminder that when we invest in our students today, we’re building the leaders of tomorrow. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! #CoachDWantsToKnow #EducationMatters #FutureLead...
Mar 25, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 1
The conversations that educators need are happening right here. 🏫🔥 Why are teachers burning out? What can school leaders do differently? How do we create real change in education? In this relaunch episode, we're diving into the hard-hitting topics that affect teachers, school administrators, and the entire education system. No sugarcoating—just real talk, real solutions, and real impact. 💡 Whether you're a teacher, principal, district leader, or education advocate, this podcast is for YOU. 👀...
Mar 25, 2025•6 min
In honor of this month being dedicated to teen girls, this week, I decided to let everyone hear my interview with Gabriella Boatwright. Gabby is a former student-athlete who I had the honor of coaching and mentoring. She has officially been sworn in at West Point! Gabby gives sound practical advice that every girl can implement. Take a listen and don't forget to share this episode.
Jul 14, 2018•27 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Today we dive into Chapter 1 of my book, How to Survive High School. My special guest, Life, and I discuss everything from dating to enrolling in the military and everything in between. You don't want to miss this episode. Life comes to you with knowledge only a parent, mentor, teacher, retired Marine, youth advocate, and certified Foster parent can give. The tools and strategies you take away from this episode will help you better prepare young girls for the transition from middle school to hig...
Jul 07, 2018•42 min•Season 1Ep. 21
The entire month of July is dedicated to teen girls who will be transitioning from middle school to high school. We will be pulling discussion topics from my teen girl book, How to Survive High School . I wish a book like this would have been out when I was making that transition. Maybe I wouldn't have made so many mistakes. Nevertheless, I will continue to use my experiences to help teen girls overcome stumbling blocks! Join us as we start the discussion today and continue to listen in througho...
Jun 30, 2018•10 min•Season 1Ep. 20
On today's episode, we discuss what our kids need to overcome the Summer Learning Gap. Don't let your child fall behind. Learning should continue over the summer. Remember Parents are the First Teachers and Homes are the First Classrooms. Join in the conversation and spread the word. Don't forget to rate our show and spread the word.
Jun 02, 2018•11 min•Season 1Ep. 19
How does one student rack up 16 cords, 6 academic medals, 5 pins, and a total of $540,000 in Merit Based Scholarship? Hard work, dedication, discipline, family support, exposure, and work ethic! THAT'S HOW! Listen to this episode and find out how you (or your child) can be just like Blossom. The possibilities are endless. Don't forget to rate our show and spread the word.
May 26, 2018•33 min•Season 1Ep. 18
On today’s episode, we talk with David Shands, Founder of Sleep is 4 Suckers, about why he feels children should learn the principles associated with #entrepreneurship at an early age. David is an Award-winning speaker, best selling author, serial entrepreneur, and a huge advocate for children learning “skills that will help pay the bills.” I have witnessed his passion for Student success and he strives daily to make sure students of all ages receive a clear understanding of how they can start t...
May 19, 2018•28 min•Season 1Ep. 16
On today's episode, Travis Chapman discusses advice for 1st-year teachers, building positive relationships, increasing student achievement, parent involvement, STEM/STEAM and much more. We discuss what our kids need in order to become well rounded productive citizens. We also discuss his entrepreneurial ventures as an author, mind-shift speaker, and natural bath and body products creator. Yes, he does a lot; but, as you can see, it is all rooted in helping people live their best lives. Join in t...
May 12, 2018•57 min•Season 1Ep. 15
On today's episode, the kids get a chance to talk. They want the parents to know what's on their minds. And to be honest, this is the dialogue that needs to take place more often. Our kids have serious concerns that need to be addressed. We as the adults must always have an open mind, open ear, and open heart to them. It's better that they come to us for advice than for them to turn to other inexperienced individuals. Let's put on our tough skin and answer the tough questions. Share this episode...
May 05, 2018•25 min•Season 1Ep. 14
On today's episode of Educate Equip Empower, we are talking about bullying. Too many of our babies are deciding to take their own life (the term bullycide is being used in these cases) because of the pressures they deal with on a daily basis. We have to come together and educate ourselves on how to handle situations involving mean behavior and bullying. Our children's lives are depending on us to get this right. Listen in as Chamar Logan, a school social worker, enlightens us on how to better pr...
Apr 28, 2018•45 min•Season 1Ep. 13
On today's episode of Educate Equip Empower, we are talking about how one man's ministry is saving the lives of both students and adults just by sharing his life story. As a teacher, do you feel burnt out? Do you have that one student that.. OOOOOHHHHHH! Yeah, you know what I mean. (Jeremy was that student.) As a student, do you feel like no one understands what you are going through? Listen to this podcast to find out how you can put that fire and passion back into your teaching and how if you'...
Apr 21, 2018•42 min•Season 1Ep. 12
On today's episode of Educate Equip Empower, we are talking about TESTS, TESTS, and more TESTS. Sorry students and parents. There is no way around it so let's just be as prepared as possible for it. Join me for some tools and strategies on how to better prepare for this time of the year. And don't fret! We will get through it just as we have every other testing season. Don't forget to rate and share our show.
Apr 07, 2018•15 min•Season 1Ep. 11
On today's episode of Educate Equip Empower, I discuss what happened during our after-school program last week. During an otherwise normal question and answer period, we received the anonymous question, "How do I get my boyfriend to stop cutting himself." Our babies are struggling with pressures we never even dreamed about. Tune into this show and discover how our guest speaker for the afternoon, Donni Wiggins, answered the question. Also, find out how you can get teens to open up and share what...
Mar 31, 2018•28 min•Season 1Ep. 10
On today's episode of Educate Equip Empower, I discuss what most parents and students don't know about college acceptance. We cover the freshman profile of students who were accepted to UGA and why it is important to be preparing for your senior year so you are more likely to get accepted into your college of choice. The preparation you do between now and senior year will determine the level of the opportunities you are able to choose from when the time comes. Tune in and share this podcast! Don...
Mar 24, 2018•25 min•Season 1Ep. 9
On today's episode of Educate Equip Empower, I discuss what all high school freshmen, sophomores, and their parents need to know regarding this time of the school year. We discuss Credits, GPA, Tutoring, Credit Recovery, Interest and Aptitude Assessments, Standardized tests, Dual Enrollment, Planning out your Summer, NCAA Eligibility, and Extra-curricular Activities. The preparation you do between now and senior year will determine the level of opportunities you are able to choose from when the ...
Mar 17, 2018•38 min•Season 1Ep. 8
On today's episode of Educate Equip Empower, I discuss what all high school juniors and their parents need to know regarding this time of the school year. We discuss Interest and Aptitude Assessments, Standardized tests, Dual Enrollment, Planning out your Summer and Senior Year, NCAA Eligibility Center, Letters of Recommendation, and Extra-curricular Activities. The preparation you do between now and next year will be the difference between a smooth sailing senior year and a hectic one. Tune in ...
Mar 10, 2018•14 min•Season 1Ep. 7
On today's episode of Educate Equip Empower, I discuss what all high school seniors and their parents need to know regarding this time of the school year. This is the time when SeniorITIS gets really bad! Most students stop following through on their college and scholarship applications. They tend to forget about the deadlines that are approaching quickly and well...they tend to end up praying for miracles in May. I hope to eliminate that stress by providing valuable information that will help y...
Mar 03, 2018•31 min•Season 1Ep. 6
On today's episode of Educate Equip Empower, I discuss the power of linking up! Last week, I had the honor of joining forces with some phenomenal speakers. They poured out everything they had into the lives of the students at my school. Students and teachers were forever changed. The power of our collaboration and communication is bringing forth positive change. Join the movement. Let's link up! Be sure to share this podcast with others and give us a review.
Feb 17, 2018•21 min•Season 1Ep. 5
On the latest episode of Educate Equip Empower, Kimberly sits down with Gabriela Boatright, a senior at North Springs Charter High School who will be joining the United States Army to pursue a career in medicine. This entertaining conversation provides valuable insight into the mind of a very successful student/athlete who has a passion for helping others. Gabriela gives advice to teachers, parents, and students on how to set goals, work hard for them and manage our time wisely. This show is sur...
Feb 10, 2018•27 min•Season 1Ep. 4
