Perspectives with Condace Pressley

In this episode of Perspectives, acclaimed playwright and opera director Tazewell Thompson joins us to talk about Steele Roots, a new opera premiering in Atlanta that brings to life the story of Carrie Steele Logan — founder of the nation’s oldest Black orphanage. Thompson shares his creative journey, the collaboration behind the music, and why Carrie’s legacy still resonates today. It’s a convers...

Did you know that 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has doctor-diagnosed arthritis—and that 90% of people living with lupus are women, many of them women of color? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Douglas White, a leading rheumatologist at Articularis Rheumatology Specialists in Sandy Springs. Dr. White breaks down the facts, myths, and treatments surrounding these often misunderstood conditions. He s...

We first met Bellen Woodard when she launched her project "More than Peach." The then 10-year-old began a quest to make sure "flesh" crayons are available in colors more than peach. She's back and at age 14 is advocating for another change in culture. In Ballet Brown, Woodard expands on her passion for youth leadership. When she signed up for ballet, she was surprised to learn that the default col...

Millennials, the “sandwich generation,” feel this pressure more than most—juggling caregiving for aging parents, career demands, and planning for their own futures. While it might not be the most thrilling subject, it's incredibly important, particularly given that almost 70% of Americans lack proper preparation for what happens to their things once they're gone. Rachel Donnelly, an expert in esta...

In honor of Better Sleep Month, we’re joined by Atlanta-based sleep experts Lori Oliver and Jill MacRae, co-founders of The Inactive Company and creators of The Inactivators—a science-backed sleep mask designed to support deep, restorative rest. With backgrounds in performance, wellness, and technology, Lori and Jill offer practical, no-nonsense advice to help you stop chasing sleep and start opti...

As we recognize National Stress Awareness Month, we sit down with Dr. Stephen Palte, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, to explore the real impact of stress on our minds and bodies. Dr. Palte breaks down what stress really is, why it matters, and how it can silently lead to serious health conditions like heart disease and depression if left unchecked. He shares practical, scien...

Youth sport is part of an ideal childhood, and nearly everyone—from the federal government to parents—encourages children to take part. Driven by the promise of better physical and mental health, better educational outcomes, and a better society, tens of millions of kids across the USA participate in this form of organized play. Yet, most children who enter youth sport quit by the time they reach...

Summer vacation season is heating up, and with increased concerns about air travel, many passengers are left wondering: How safe is it to fly? And how can travelers make the most of their summer journeys without the stress? Brandon Blewett—a frequent flier with "Million Miler" status and author of the Amazon #1 New Release How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes: A Survival Guide for the Frequent Busi...

According to LinkedIn, half of all workers are considering a career change in 2025. As government employees continue to experience layoffs in this volatile job market, they face an uncertain career future. Finding a new role in an oversaturated job market requires more than just updating a resume, it demands a strategic pivot. With more than 20 years in career strategy, Patrice Lindo, CEO of Caree...

From bestselling and Coretta Scott King Author Honor Award-winning author, Sharon G. Flake, THE FAMILY I’M IN delves deep into the complex relationships between Black boys and their fathers, exploring the challenges of growing up and defining what it truly means to be a man. Following her groundbreaking novel THE SKIN I’M IN and its powerful sequel THE LIFE I’M IN, Flake returns with a story that...

Tara Roberts is a Georgia Native having graduated from Frederick M. Douglas High School. She is an award-winning journalist and author. Her book is Written in the Waters. Her work uncovers the untold stories of enslaved Africans lost to shipwrecks and the Black divers who are reclaiming this powerful history. Her journey has been featured in National Geographic and she currently is working on a se...

Early learning experiences shape a child’s health, growth, character and happiness. 90% of a child’s brain develops in the first five years. That is why it is so crucial for parents to partner with a trusted early education and care provider to maximize this critical time. High-quality preschool not only provides children with an educational foundation; it also offers important life skills such as...

March 2025 marks 5 years since the onset of the COVID19 Pandemic. It was a defining global crisis, reshaping every aspect of life—from healthcare and education to work and human connection. Emerging in late 2019, the virus rapidly spread across continents, claiming more than 7 million lives worldwide including 1.2 million cumulative deaths in the U.S. The crisis exposed deep vulnerabilities in pub...

The community is invited to stand up in the fight against breast cancer at Bubbles and Bling on Saturday, March 21, 2025 at the Foundry at Puritan Mill. The theme is Hope Rides with Us. Leave your dress up clothes at home and turn out in your favorite western wear. My guest is Cathy Scott, Vice President for Social Impact at UPS. She is an eight year breast cancer survivor and is working to become...

Joining me for this episode of Perspectives is culinary expert Annette Anthony. In Always Enough: A Global Food Memoir written by Annette Anthony takes readers on a global culinary adventure. She uses her Black girl culinary experience to show that what is similar across cultures stands out just as much as their uniqueness, and that there is always enough at the table, however little or much. From...

On Saturday, March 8th from11am-2pm the community is invited to come out to the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, for a Women’s History Month Celebration. This fun and engaging program will include: Empowerment speeches, music, poetry, an awards presentation and a delectable brunch as well as line dancing and wellness activities including a fireside chat with DeKalb County history makers: CEO...

Maggie Michaels DeCan is a former corporate executive who has penned a compelling and inspiring story about finding purpose. Her story and insights are most valuable as many reflect on their own goals and direction in 2025. Maggie bravely transitioned from high-profile corporate roles to dedicate her life to working for an educational nonprofit. In her newly published book, “Humbled on Purpose,” M...

Perspectives is the show where we talk about our differences only to learn more about the things that we have in common. Today, we have a very special guest—Lawanna Bradford, a savvy investor, strategic planner, and powerhouse in financial management. As the COO of The Bradford Group, she has spent decades helping individuals and businesses navigate the world of finance, real estate, and strategic...

We begin Black History Month with conversations with two amazing Black Americans. First, I talk with Angelo Antonio Ellerbee. Ellerbee is a pioneer in the entertainment industry and has made an indelible impact on history globally as well as our culture. His career spans over five decades, during which he has represented a diverse array of clients, including Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Lionel...

Seven years ago, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan established a National Day of Racial Healing. It's always the Tuesday following the MLK Holiday and was created as an opportunity for all Americans to consider having an important, and sometimes uncomfortable conversation on racial healing. My guest is La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the foundati...

Fathers Incorporated is currently recruiting fathers for their Gentle Warriors Academy fatherhood program where they are striving for the largest graduation to date - 100 fathers who have completed a fatherhood-centered curriculum that will begin taking place two days a week for two hours on topics such as, but not limited to conflict resolution, visioning, emotional wellness, integrity, responsib...

We are in the season where college-bound students are learning about early or delayed admission to their preferred schools. They are working on those college essays and wondering if they have enough community service to balance their academics to make an "ideal" student for their ideal college of choice. Level All is an organization that is working to level the playing field when it comes to what...

Two years have passed since ChatGPT was launched, and while many industries are still getting used to the idea, the legal field is taking full advantage. Reviewing legal evidence to find a “smoking gun” can be a major time commitment for legal professionals. But with new AI products, lawyers, paralegals, and district attorneys are getting work done faster than ever before. On the show is Everlaw C...

Are you ready to get a jump start on your mental health this holiday season? The holidays are supposed to be the most joyous time of the year, but this is not always the case, especially for those who suffer from a mental illness. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness study 64% of people with mental illness report holidays make their conditions worse. Depression. Anxiety. Trauma. Addict...

Melissa Davey, age 74, retired from a lengthy corporate career in 2016 to pursue her second act and dream of becoming a filmmaker. At age 65, after a day on the set with the famous Director M. Night Shyamalan, she decided to take a risk and left her career to jump into the unknown. Pursuing her dream of becoming a filmmaker became a reality in late 2018 when Melissa completed her first film, Beyon...