The Hold it Down Podcast

This episode of Hold It Down opens with the hosts catching up after a long stretch of “life life‑ing,” celebrating growth, resilience, and the journey of becoming better versions of themselves. Mike updates listeners on the Spokane Legends basketball season, while Lee shares a personal moment — attending his aunt’s wedding and hearing people say, “ You look confident. Something’s different about y...

In this inspiring episode of Hold It Down , we sit down inside the legendary Chicken‑N‑Mo with Spokane pioneer Mr. Bob Hemphill , a man whose entrepreneurial journey spans 34 years and continues to shape the city’s culture. Born and raised in Texas, Bob shares how he went from a “ country boy ” with military experience to becoming one of Spokane’s first Black cab company owners, a used‑car dealer,...

This episode of Hold It Down blends humor, real‑life storytelling, and a powerful conversation about education as a pathway to prosperity. After opening with jokes about turning 50, bucket‑list stand‑up comedy, and “ flying the plane as we’re building it ,” the hosts shift into a meaningful discussion with Guillermo Espinoza , Associate Dean for Access, Outreach, and Dual Enrollment at Spokane Com...

What do we do with the pain, trauma, habits, and beliefs we didn’t choose—but still carry? In this episode of the Hold It Down Podcast, Big Lee sits down with Dr. Mace for a powerful conversation about healing, personal responsibility, and breaking generational cycles. Together, they explore how childhood experiences shape adulthood, why unresolved trauma often shows up in our relationships and co...

In this episode of The Hold It Down Podcast, hosts Big Lee and Michael Betheley sit down with Ashanti Williams, a Spokane native and real estate agent with D.R. Horton, to talk about growth, responsibility, and building a better future. Ashanti shares her journey growing up between Spokane and California and how life challenged her early when she became a mother at a young age. That experience for...

This episode of Hold It Down opens with reflections on growth, rest, and the unexpected weight of leadership. After a holiday break that “ was holidaying ,” the hosts talk about stepping back, grounding themselves, and preparing for a year focused on scaling - in business, mentorship, and community impact. The conversation centers on the cost of leadership , and the featured guest is Stephanie Cou...

In this episode, we sit down with Kerra Bowers — a woman whose impact reaches far beyond titles. Kerra is a mother, sister, daughter, childcare professional, and recipient of the NAACP President’s Award in Spokane — but more than anything, she is a pillar of strength and compassion in our community. Kerra shares her journey of leadership rooted in service, resilience, and love for families and chi...

In this episode, we sit down with Yashar Jones , founder and leader of the Locked‑In Fatherhood Alliance , an organization committed to strengthening families by restoring and empowering fathers. Yashar shares the heart behind his work — why fatherhood matters, how absence impacts generations, and what it looks like to truly be locked in as a man, a parent, and a leader. He walks us through the mi...

In this episode, we sit down with Bobby Richmond , a mental health professional in Spokane whose life journey and work are rooted in resilience, discipline, and deep self-awareness. Growing up on the Hilltop of Tacoma, Bobby learned early that mindset can either limit you or liberate you. Surrounded by real challenges and real consequences, he discovered that self-awareness, discipline, and resili...

In this episode, we sit down with Dominic DeCaro, Vice President of Business Banking at Washington Trust Bank — a Spokane native whose journey from the halls of North Central High School to the executive boardrooms of regional banking is nothing short of inspirational. Dom breaks down what leveling up really looks like when you start from humble beginnings. He walks us through his path into financ...

In this episode, we sit down with Luc Jasmin III — educator, entrepreneur, policy leader, and one of the most respected community advocates in Eastern Washington. Luc has worn many hats in service of Spokane: co-owner of a family childcare center, former Eastern Washington Representative for the Governor’s Office, and now Director of Strategic Initiatives at Community-Minded Enterprises, where he...

This episode… whew. When you hand a pastor the mic, you already know something special is about to happen — and Pastor Amos Atkinson did not disappoint. What was supposed to be a conversation turned into an experience. Pastor Amos came in with passion, wisdom, vulnerability, and a presence that took over the entire show in the best way possible. From personal breakthroughs to spiritual insight, fr...

In Episode 3, Big Lee and Michael sit down with Michael Moody, a powerful community leader whose life’s work centers around discipline, consistency, and building generational change. This conversation goes deep into the habits, routines, and mindset shifts that create real legacy — the kind that outlives you. Michael shares the lessons that shaped him, the failures that refined him, and the daily...

In this powerful second episode, Big Lee and Michael sit down with community leader and difference-maker Dennis Mitchell to break down what it really means to take control of your life — no excuses, no shortcuts, no victim mentality. Dennis opens up about his personal journey, the adversity he faced, and the mindset shifts that helped him transform his direction and his purpose. Together, the conv...

Description:Every movement starts with a why. In this pilot episode, Big Lee and Michael sit down to share the real reason behind launching The Hold It Down Podcast — a platform built for the culture, for the community, and for every young man trying to find his path in a world full of noise. This episode pulls back the curtain and gets personal. Lee and Michael talk about the moments that shaped...