Can a pair of shoes change a child’s life?

For a student who has experienced embarrassment, bullying, or the feeling of not belonging, the answer may be yes.

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Kat, we meet the team behind Kicks for Class, Inc., a Georgia nonprofit providing new, properly fitting footwear to underserved K–12 students.

The team shares the personal experiences that inspired its mission and explains why shoes can represent much more than fashion. They can provide dignity, confidence, belonging, and one less barrier standing between a child and the opportunity to focus on learning.

We also discuss community responsibility, volunteerism, partnerships, fundraising, mental wellness, and why adults who are concerned about today's young people must be willing to become part of the solution.

Kicks for Class has already distributed nearly 70 pairs of shoes to students across Georgia and hopes to expand that impact with help from donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners.

Learn more, donate, volunteer, or support the mission at Kicks4Class.org.

Every Pair. Every Child. Every Step Toward a Better Future.

In this episode, Karen and Cat sit down with Kimberly Allen, Founder and Chair of Jordan’s Room For Families.

Kimberly shares the story of her son, Jordan, who died at age 19 after taking what he believed was a Percocet pill that contained fentanyl. She reflects on the warning signs she recognizes today, the gaps she encountered while trying to navigate school and healthcare systems, and why parents must be willing to have difficult conversations about mental health and substance use.

Kimberly also discusses transforming her grief into action through Jordan’s Room For Families, including Together We Thrive workshops, family mentorship, community education, and the Together We Heal Walk on November 7th at Rhodes Jordan Park, Lawrenceville from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Register at https://jordansroomforfamilies.org/

On this episode of Conversations with Karen and Kat, author, filmmaker, Army National Guard veteran, and community leader Danielle Tuwano, founder of Level Up Day and the Level Up Day Foundation, shares how personal growth can become a catalyst for community impact.

Danielle discusses her own journey of leadership and service, the importance of volunteerism and civic awareness, and why young people need greater access to information, mentorship, and opportunities to become engaged in their communities.

The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, the challenges nonprofits face in securing funding, supporting families and seniors, and Danielle’s concept of conducting a personal “purpose audit” to identify where we can grow mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially.

Plus, Danielle shares how she balances leadership, motherhood, marriage, community service, and mental wellness—and why sometimes finding a few quiet moments alone is an important part of leveling up.

Learn more about the Level Up Day Foundation and discover ways to volunteer, give, and get involved at LevelUpDay.org.

At just 30 years old, Chantel Roberts was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer after recognizing that something in her body wasn’t right. Her experience became a powerful lesson in knowing your body, asking questions, and advocating for yourself—regardless of your age.

In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Karen and Kat, Chantel and her mother, Michelle Roberts, share their family’s journey through breast cancer, loss, treatment, faith, healing, and purpose.

Chantel opens up about chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy, and the emotional realities of treatment. She also shares how family and friends supported her throughout her journey and why practical support can mean so much to someone undergoing cancer treatment.

Michelle discusses how their family’s experiences with cancer helped inspire Survivor Legacy Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing support, resources, education, advocacy, and hope to individuals and families affected by cancer. The organization also works to raise awareness and help bridge gaps in cancer care and education.

The conversation explores early detection, barriers to cancer screenings, dense breast tissue, mental health, family support, and the importance of seeking additional medical evaluation when something does not feel right.

The Roberts family is also taking its message of awareness into the community through the Survivor Legacy Breast & Lung Cancer Walk/Run, bringing survivors, caregivers, families, and supporters together to raise awareness and stand with those affected by cancer.

Learn more about Survivor Legacy, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, resources, and ways to support its mission at SurvivorLegacyInc.com.

✨ Survivor Legacy Breast & Lung Cancer Walk/Run 2026 ✨

• 📅 Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

• 📍 Location: Alexander Park, Lawrenceville, GA

• Register as an individual or team — or show your support by making a donation today at www.survivorlegacyinc.com!

At 18 years old, Jamison Charles made a decision that changed the course of his life. One night led to eight felony convictions, a 50-year sentence, and ultimately 27 years behind bars.

But prison did not end his story.

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Karen and Kat, Jamison shares how faith transformed his life, how he discovered his gift for writing while incarcerated, and how he returned home determined to change the narrative.

Today, Jamison is an author, playwright, minister, husband, and founder of the Before, During & After Foundation. His book and stage play Saved-ish explore redemption, second chances, and whether we can embrace who someone has become instead of holding them hostage to who they once were.

Jamison also shares a powerful message for young people: You get to choose your actions, but you don’t get to choose the consequences.

This conversation is about accountability, faith, perseverance, redemption, and discovering purpose after life’s darkest chapters.

Donate to the Before, During and After Foundation at

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/the-before-during-and-after-foundation

Contact Jamison Charles, Founder at https://thebdafoundation.com/

Subscribe to Conversations with Karen and Kat as we impact the world one conversation at a time.

After losing her youngest son, Marquavies “Quay” Broughton, to nitazene poisoning, Frederica Roberson transformed her grief into a mission to save lives.

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, Frederica shares Quay’s story and the mission behind the Marquavies Bernard Broughton Foundation. She discusses the growing dangers of nitazenes, fentanyl, and other synthetic opioids; the signs of an opioid overdose; and why access to naloxone (Narcan) and overdose prevention education can save lives.

This important conversation explores substance use, addiction, recovery, youth drug prevention, and the challenges families face when seeking help.

Through advocacy, education, and prevention, Frederica is keeping Quay’s legacy alive while helping families and communities better understand the overdose crisis.

Contact The Marquavies Bernard Broughton Foundation at

Email: info@mbbfoundation.org

Website: https://mbbfoundation.org/

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we welcome back John Harris, also known as Baruti Muenda Meriamen, founder of Mastering Your Moments, LLC. Drawing from experiences in leadership, youth development, martial arts, mediation, and community service, he explains why conflict resolution requires us to understand not only what we choose, but why we choose it.

We discuss helping children navigate conflict, emotional intelligence, workplace conflict, accountability, boundaries, and making intentional choices. Baruti also shares his Mastering Your Moments book series and vision for the Mastering Your Moments Institute.

Books

Mastering the ABCs of Conflict Resolution

Empowering Today's Youth, Parents, and Community Leaders

Mastering the ABCs of Conflict Resolution

A Guide for Adults in Work, Life, and Relationships

Beyond Outcomes

The Hidden Meanings Behind the Choices That Define Us

Contact information: Website: MomentsToMaster.com

In recognition of August as National Minority Donor Awareness Month, former NFL player and kidney transplant recipient Bobby Howard joins Conversations with Karen and Kat for an important conversation about kidney health, organ donation, and second chances.

Bobby is the Director of Multicultural Donation Education Program, LifeLink® of Georgia. He shares how kidney disease changed his life and inspired more than three decades of advocacy with LifeLink® of Georgia. Bobby also discusses the disproportionate impact of kidney disease on Black communities, the critical need for organ donors from minority communities, and the myths and mistrust surrounding donation.

Bobby also encourages listeners to know their family health history, get regular checkups, and monitor kidney function through creatinine and BUN (blood urea nitrogen) testing.

This episode is a powerful reminder to know your numbers, protect your health, consider becoming an organ donor, and give someone else the gift of life.