Perspectives with Condace Pressley

This week on Perspectives, we take a closer look at the urgent issue of Black maternal health and what recent changes in Georgia’s Medicaid program could mean for pregnant women across the state. Governor Kemp’s plan to extend certain Medicaid programs has the potential to dramatically affect healthcare access and outcomes, especially for Black mothers who already face disproportionate risks in pr...

For far too long, the skincare industry has overlooked the needs of people with melanin-rich skin, leaving many of us searching for solutions that simply don’t work. But that’s changing—thanks in part to two remarkable doctors who are bringing science, care, and celebration back to brown skin. Dr. Gauri Desai, a pathologist with nearly 25 years of experience, and her husband, Dr. Abhijit Desai, an...

Today we’re diving into a powerful conversation about the future of work—and why college isn’t the only path to success. My guest is Marion Skinner, the dynamic founder and CEO of Workforce Career Centers. With a new campus opening in Atlanta, backed by partners like Microsoft, Grady Health, and Atlanta Public Schools, Marion is helping close the skilled labor gap with zero-debt, hands-on training...

Today, we’re taking a deep and, at times, uncomfortable look at something many of us take for granted—what’s on our plates. My guest is Dr. John Sanbonmatsu, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and one of the leading voices in animal ethics today. His powerful new book, The Omnivore’s Deception: What We Get Wrong about Meat, Animals, and Ourselves, challenges nearl...

Beware of the sharks. They leave blood in the water! Today we’re joined by mega bestselling and award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson, a master of suspense known for gripping YA thrillers like The Weight of Blood and White Smoke. Now, she’s taking her signature storytelling talents to a younger audience with her middle-grade debut, Blood in the Water—a chilling mystery set on Martha’s Vineyard,...

Today we’re speaking with Debra Morrison, a best-selling author, transformational speaker, and the powerhouse behind We Can Do It Women. With more than 45 years in the financial industry, Debra is on a mission to help women—especially those over 60—step out of invisibility, reclaim their power, and take control of their financial futures. She’s known for making money talk relatable, practical, and...

Today on Perspectives, we’re diving into a topic that’s shaping the future—AI and the trust we place in it. From tools like ChatGPT to the systems running behind the scenes, artificial intelligence is everywhere. But how do we know it’s safe? And what’s really happening with our data? Joining me is Hillery Hunter, CTO of IBM Infrastructure, to help us understand the technology powering AI—and how...

My guest today is Rosey Lee, a physician-turned-author who’s making waves in the literary world with her heartfelt storytelling. Her latest novel, A Gardin Wedding, is a beautifully layered tale about family, forgiveness, and the bonds that hold us together—even when life pulls us apart. Set against the backdrop of a much-anticipated wedding, this story invites readers into the heart of the Gardin...

In this episode of Perspectives, Dr. Otto E. Stallworth, Jr. joins the conversation to discuss A Gathering of Voices, a powerful new anthology from the Longwood Writers Workshop. Alongside authors Denise Billings, Charles Floyd Johnson, Denise Nicholas, GW Williams, and Hattie Winston, Stallworth shares vibrant, introspective stories rooted in resilience, wisdom, and lived experience. With a forew...

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...