Perspectives S37/Ep28 Tiffany Jackson finds "Blood in the Water"

Sunday, September 7th, we celebrate Grandparents Day—a time to honor the wisdom, sacrifice, and love of those who came before us. My guest today, Walter Pryor, has captured that spirit in a moving new memoir titled This Leaves Me Okay: Race, Legacy, and Letters from My Grandmother. For nearly 30 years, Walter’s grandmother, Lucille “Mama Celie” Hatch Eldridge, wrote him weekly letters. She was a woman who had only completed the eighth grade, worked as a live-in maid, and yet, with pen and paper, built a bridge of encouragement and hope that carried her grandson from boyhood to manhood. Through her words and Walter’s reflections, the book shines a light on the rural Arkansas Black experience and reminds us of the power of family legacy, resilience, and love across generations.

Today on Perspectives, we’re focusing on health where it matters most — in our communities. My guest is Dr. Verneda Bachus Curry, the CEO of Healing Community Health. Under her leadership, the organization has been working to close healthcare gaps, improve access, and bring a holistic approach to healing that addresses both body and mind. We’ll talk about the biggest challenges facing families today, the role of prevention and education, and how Healing Community Health is helping people live stronger, healthier lives.

As summer winds down, many families are feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as young adults prepare to head off to college, begin new jobs, or even take a gap year. For students, this season of transition can bring emotional shifts and uncertainty. For parents, it can be a challenge to strike the right balance between staying involved and supporting their child’s independence. With data showing that 60% of college students report experiencing mental or behavioral health challenges, it’s clear that this is an issue families can’t ignore. Today, we’re joined by Courtney Schauder, a Registered Dietitian and Health Engagement Consultant with UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual. She’s here to share timely, practical advice for parents on how to support their children’s mental health during this important life stage.

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 pregnancy and childbirth. Joining the conversation is Dr. William Alexander, a nationally recognized healthcare quality leader and President of Alexander Healthcare Consulting. With decades of experience in healthcare quality improvement, population health, and health equity—including service on Georgia’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee—Dr. Alexander brings deep expertise to the discussion. Together, we explore the opportunities, challenges, and next steps needed to improve maternal health outcomes and create a more equitable healthcare system for Georgia’s families.

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 expert in aesthetic dermatology, are the founders of Brownkind—a skincare line designed specifically for people of color. Their mission is not about fixing skin, but honoring it. Today, they join me to talk about common myths, what our skin really needs as we head into fall, and how to care for melanin-rich skin at every stage of life. Dr. Gauri Desai, Dr. Abhijit Desai—welcome to the show."

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 for in-demand careers. From construction to culinary arts, from AI to healthcare—this is career readiness reimagined.

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 nearly everything we think we know about food, health, and our relationship with animals. With compassion, evidence, and urgency, Dr. Sanbonmatsu argues that our global appetite for meat isn’t just harmful—it’s a moral crisis. What’s at stake isn’t just animal welfare, but the future of our planet, public health, and maybe even our own humanity.

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, blending murder, history, and unforgettable characters. Blood in the Water isn’t just a gripping mystery—it’s a love letter to curiosity, culture, and courage. Tiffany D. Jackson continues to challenge and captivate readers of all ages, and now younger readers can join the thrill ride too. The book is out now—grab a copy, share it with a young reader in your life, and prepare to be hooked.

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 even inspiring. Get ready for a conversation that’s equal parts wisdom, empowerment, and action.

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 companies can build it responsibly and earn consumer trust.