DO BETTER Revolution

What does it look like to stop abandoning yourself just to keep the peace? In this episode of Do Better with Debra , I'm joined by Rebekah Tayebi for a real and honest conversation about boundaries, what they are, why they feel so hard, and what it actually takes to live them. This is not a conversation about "just saying no." This is a conversation about patterns. Conditioning. And the cost of be...

What does it look like to stop living in survival mode and actually listen to what your nervous system has been asking for all along? In this episode of Do Better with Debra , I'm joined by Zabie Yamasaki for a deeply grounding, expansive conversation about healing, boundaries, and learning how to choose ease in a world that rewards overextension. This is a conversation about slowing down, honorin...

Episode Description What does it really cost to lead in systems that were never built with you in mind and why do some leaders choose to stay anyway? In this episode of Do Better with Debra , I'm joined by Rachel Camacho, Ph. D. and Armando Madrid, Ed. D., co-founders of  Alchemy Blueprint Collective , for a deeply honest conversation about leadership, becoming, and the quiet emotional labor so ma...

What does it really mean to be first-generation after college ends? In this episode of Do Better with Debra , I'm joined by Dr. Bryan Rojas-Araúz for a powerful, deeply human conversation about what it means to be first-gen forever. Together, we explore the reality of moving through professional and leadership spaces without a blueprint, negotiating identity, belonging, and authenticity in systems...

In this episode, I'm joined by two incredible women, Monica Varela, owner of The Brow Foundry in Old Pasadena, and Kalei Mahi, Chief Legacy Officer of NextGen Legacy NIL. Both of them took the leap from stability into the unknown, building businesses rooted in integrity, purpose, and a deep commitment to the people they serve. Together, we talk about the truth behind betting on yourself, the pivot...

So many of us hold ideas we love, a script, a podcast, a book, a creative project that keeps tapping us on the shoulder but something gets in the way of actually beginning. Fear. Perfection. Comparison. Not knowing the "how." Or simply believing we need everything in place before we take the first step. In this episode, I sit down with Valerie Frugé, an actor, audio producer, and creative who is d...

Jasmine Brett Stringer, MAPP, is a dynamic keynote speaker, award-winning author, television personality, and Founder & CEO of Carpe Diem with Jasmine LLC. Known for her vibrant presence and grounded wisdom, Jasmine blends the science of positive psychology with real-world experience to help individuals and organizations flourish. In this episode, Jasmine and I talk about the R.E.S.T. framework sh...

Rodolfo "Rudy" Elizondo is an equity-driven leader who has spent more than two decades in public education and the nonprofit sector. Recently appointed Chief of Education at College Track, Rudy brings deep experience as a system-level strategist, a champion for first-generation scholars, and a leader whose philosophy centers real-world problem solving, collaboration, and trust. In this episode, Ru...

Dr. Jonathan Grady is an influential leader, scholar, and equity strategist whose work centers transformative justice, radical imagination, and leading with love. As Senior Associate Vice President for Equity & Belonging at Cal Poly Pomona, he brings more than 17 years of experience driving systemic equity strategies, cultivating holistic workplace cultures, and building communities where people c...

Anna Malaika Tubbs is a bestselling storyteller and truth-teller whose work pulls back the curtain on the erasure of Black women and the systems never built for us. Her latest book,  Erased: What the American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us , is part manifesto, part mirror, helping us see the system clearly and reminding us that our stories matter. In this episode, Anna and I talk about what it mean...

The Courage to Choose You with Maria Elena De Guevara (Part 2) In Part 2 of our conversation, Maria Elena introduces the ACE framework a powerful tool she's used throughout her life and leadership journey to navigate hard choices with clarity and intention. We talk about knowing when to accept what is, when to push for change, and when to make the brave decision to walk away. Maria shares how she...

The Courage to Choose You with Maria Elena De Guevara (Part 1) My friend and former colleague, Maria Elena De Guevara, is someone I've admired for years. She's a brilliant HR leader whose career spans higher ed, government, and county leadership but what makes her unforgettable is how she's navigated those spaces with courage, heart, and honesty. In this episode, Maria shares how she learned to wa...

Don't Wait to Hit Empty with Lindsey Fuller: Burnout, Boundaries & Microdosing Wellness What if you didn't wait until you were completely depleted to take care of yourself? In this episode of Do Better with Debra, Lindsey Fuller, Executive Director of Teaching Well shares why she's committed to healing out loud and how microdosing wellness has become her way to stay grounded, present, and whole. W...

In this episode, I sit down with muralist, creative visionary, and founder of Artfully United, Mike Norice, someone whose message stopped me in my tracks when I first heard him speak to a group of high school students about purpose and staying true to your dreams. We talk about legacy, discipline, joy, and what it means to choose alignment over approval. Mike shares how he moved from survival to p...

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Debra sits down with artist, author, and youth advocate Lawrence Carroll to talk about identity, legacy, and the complicated relationship many of us have with our hair. From childhood messages to cultural expectations, Lawrence shares the story behind his poetic love letter,  My Dear Queen , originally written for his sister and now a self-love anthem...

Episode 10 In this episode, we're honored to have Dr. Regina Stanback-Stroud, an accomplished leader who has held numerous titles including Dean, Chancellor, and President, in various educational institutions. She discusses the nuances of her leadership journey, which is a combination of intentional efforts and unforeseen opportunities. Dr. Stanback-Stroud shares invaluable lessons on leadership,...

In this solo episode, I  reflect on my top five lessons from 2023, a year I label as one of growth and discovery. Join me on a journey of introspection, learning, and potential transformation as I share my insights and experiences from the past year. In this episode I share  Embracing New Beginnings : My big move to Los Angeles and transition to a new sector, emphasizing the importance of embracin...

Episode 13  In this engaging episode, we delve into a captivating conversation with Kamelle Mills, Senior SoulCycle Instructor. We explore his remarkable journey, highlighting the transformative effects of his unwavering passion, steadfast perseverance, and commitment to self-empowerment. The episode delves into Kamelle's multifaceted career and life experiences, exploring themes of diversity, per...

Episode 11: Harnessing the Power of Manifestation and Taking Proactive Steps Towards Your Goals In this episode, I have an inspiring conversation with Niki, where we delve into the fascinating techniques she employs to manifest her dreams. Niki has a unique approach, blending the realms of the right brain and left brain, creating a holistic vision for her life. What's remarkable is that Niki const...

In this deeply personal episode, I share the harrowing tale of an accident that threatened to take my brother from us, leaving him with a mere 5% chance to live. This isn't just a story of tragedy; it's a testament to, the miracles that can happen against the odds, and the profound lessons I learned about love, resilience, and the power of being there for others. Journey with me as I recount the i...

What if I told you that you don't give yourself enough credit? This common problem affects many of us, especially when we encounter unappreciative bosses, inadequate compensation, or societal pressure to conform. These negative experiences can make us feel small and undervalued, causing us to shrink away from our true potential. However, it's crucial to remember that your value begins with you - t...

In this episode, I sit down for a discussion with two inspiring leaders in the world of education, Dr. Jenn Wells and Sharon Chia Claros. Be prepared to take notes, friends. This is a meaty conversation where we excavate leading edge approaches and insights on cultivating a truly equitable and inclusive workplace. We also lift up an absolutely essential conversation around building a community whe...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend, actor, and Black Belt Dojo Master John Ozuna to discuss embracing the audacity to live the life you deserve and moving beyond the trap of others' limiting beliefs so you can unlock your inherent greatness.    In this episode, we discuss:  The essential, living principles that guide Master John Ozuna's life.  How to take an audacious approach to living yo...

In my premier solo episode, I peel back the layers of my own shame in a vulnerable recounting of one of the most profound, life-altering experiences that ultimately led me to where I am today.     In this episode, I discuss:  How I define "shameful moments." My own experience navigating shame. How to turn shame into power. Reminders on the path to becoming .    My coaching books are officially ope...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Liz Lehman for an illuminating conversation on how she manifested a massive life-path shift from doctor to candle creatrix and six-figure entrepreneur. As a former anesthesiologist, Dr. Liz is no stranger to the scientific method and science-based thinking, and in this episode, she explains why manifestation is not "woo-woo," but is indeed grounded in science....