Perspectives with Condace Pressley

For families of children and young adults with communication and developmental needs, getting the right therapy can make an enormous difference. But getting access to that therapy and being able to afford it can be another matter entirely. Now, the Chaka Khan Foundation is partnering with Atlanta nonprofit Dynamic Cares to help close that gap. A $10,000 grant will provide 100 free therapy and educational sessions for children, young adults and families who might otherwise go without needed services. Joining us to talk about the need and the difference they hope this partnership will make are Lisa Elzy Watson, co-director of the Chaka Khan Foundation, and Darius Thomas, founder and CEO of Dynamic Cares and a licensed speech-language pathologist

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and this afternoon we're talking about something too many men would rather not talk about—their prostate health. But for Black men especially, that conversation could be lifesaving. Joining me is Dr. Xavier Bryant, CFO and Managing Partner of Atlanta to Anywhere Community Events & Screenings, or A²CES. Dr. Bryant, welcome.

It's hard to believe, but the first day of school is just around the corner. While families are checking off school supply lists and getting those backpacks ready, there's another checklist that's just as important—making sure our children are healthy, physically, emotionally and mentally, before they head back into the classroom. Today we're talking about what parents need to know to help their children get off to a healthy start and stay healthy all school year long. Joining us is Dr. Stephen Palte, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare of Georgia.

Every day, millions of Americans get up, go to work, earn a paycheck...and still feel like they're falling behind. Rising prices, debt, housing costs and unexpected expenses have made financial security seem just out of reach for many hardworking families. Today on Perspectives, we're talking about why that happens and more importantly, some practical, common-sense steps we can all take to begin moving forward. My guest is financial expert Kimberly Castle Royster.

A wedding lasts a day. A marriage, if we’re fortunate, lasts a lifetime. But somewhere between the flowers, the first dance, the seating charts and the perfectly posed photos… there are stories guests never see. Quiet moments. Big emotions. Family dynamics. Last-minute saves. Unexpected tears. And sometimes, lessons about love that have nothing to do with centerpieces. My guest today is Jade Lason. She has spent more than twenty-five years helping couples navigate one of life’s most meaningful—and occasionally chaotic milestones. From Atlanta to destination celebrations around the world, she has become known as ‘The Wedding Whisperer.’ Now she’s sharing what she’s learned in her debut book, Whispers of a Wedding Planner, a candid look behind the veil at weddings, relationships, resilience, and what it truly means to create moments that last. Next, Father’s Day is about more than gifts and cookouts. At its best, it’s about legacy, community and the people who help bring us together. This week on Perspectives, we talk about the return of Family Food Fest Atlanta — a Father’s Day tradition that celebrates food, family and the fathers and father figures who help strengthen our communities. This year’s event also carries special meaning as organizers continue to honor the vision and legacy of founder Diane Larché while building for the future. Joining me are pastry chef Kevin Ashford, Family Food Fest Atlanta Operations Manager Jeremy Cormier, and veteran chef Chester Miller. We talk about food as connection, what it takes to keep a community tradition alive, and why bringing people together around a table can sometimes do more than feed an appetite — it can feed a community.

Today we’re talking about food, culture, community, and a creative new way to experience Atlanta. Two sisters have turned a love for storytelling and dining into something interactive and intentional. Their company, Clues & Culture, takes guests on a self-guided culinary journey through Atlanta neighborhoods, using curated clues to lead people to Black-owned restaurants and hidden gems across the city. It’s part food experience, part cultural exploration, and part celebration of community connection.

Imagine walking away from a marriage with less than twenty dollars in your pocket and somehow finding the courage to rebuild not just your finances, but your entire identity. My guest today did exactly that. Lainika E. Johnson turned one of the lowest moments of her life into the foundation for a thriving business in an industry where few expected her to succeed. Today, she’s recognized as a leader in sustainability and waste reduction, proving that setbacks do not have to define your future. This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, purpose, and power. Lainika E. Johnson, is founder of Eco in the City, sustainability expert, entrepreneur, and a powerful example of what can happen when resilience meets purpose. Her story reminds us that sometimes the most difficult chapters of our lives become the very foundation for our greatest growth. You can learn more about her work and mission online at Eco in the City.

It’s a decision that takes just minutes, but has the power to save and transform lives for years to come. Across Georgia, thousands of people are waiting for a second chance, for healing, for hope. And that hope often begins with a simple “yes” to organ, tissue, and eye donation. But for many, questions remain. What does it really mean to be a donor? Who does it help? And why is the need so urgent right now? Today we’re joined by two leaders on the front lines of this life-saving work: Dr. Clark Kensinger with the Piedmont Transplant Institute and Hope Weed of LifeLink of Georgia. Together, they’ll help us understand the impact of donation, the milestone anniversary of a groundbreaking donor care unit here in Atlanta, and what each of us can do to make a difference.