It’s A YP Thing Podcast

Hosted by Pansy Johnson

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Oct 2026

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About the show

It’s A YP Thing Podcast mission is to impact the next generation of leaders through authentic conversations & real-life experiences with podcast host Pansy Johnson.

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31 recent

October 16, 2026Episode 1054 min

Dianna Donahue-Holley: The Story Behind URBANE Magazine | Leadership Corner Series

Send us Fan Mail Amplifying Black Arkansas | Dianna Donahue-Holley of URBANE Magazine | Leadership Corner Series In this episode of the Leadership Corner Series, we sit down with Dianna Donahue-Holley, Founder, Editor, and Publisher of URBANE Magazine, the leading Black lifestyle magazine dedicated to Amplifying Black Arkansas. As URBANE celebrates five years of showcasing the infinite treasures within Black Arkansas, Dianna shares the inspiration behind the publication, her journey as a founder and publisher, and the importance of creating space for Black stories to be told, celebrated, and preserved. URBANE's mission reminds us that our communities are filled with stories worth telling, leaders worth celebrating, and accomplishments worth remembering. Join us as we explore what it means to amplify Black Arkansas and build a lasting impact through media, culture, and storytelling. ABOUT URBANE MAGAZINE URBANE Magazine uses print and digital platforms to celebrate Black Arkansas, highlight community leaders, preserve cultural richness, promote empowerment, and inspire pride in the people and communities shaping the state's future. 📲 Learn more about URBANE Magazine: https://www.theurbanemag.com/ ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP CORNER SERIES The Leadership Corner Series, part of Grade A Conversations, highlights leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are making a difference in their communities and inspiring the next generation. 👍🏾 Like this video, comment with your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders making an impact! #LeadershipCorner #GradeAConversations #URBANEMagazine #AmplifyingBlackArkansas #BlackArkansas #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Arkansas Support the show If you would like to inquire about being a guest on It’s A YP Thing Podcast or becoming a sponsor please submit your request through the link below. We thank you for staying connected and your unwavering support! Stay connected to the YP Community! Follow us on all platforms: https://bio.site/itsaypthingpodcast

August 21, 2026Episode 949 min

Sandra Carmona Jobe, Co-Founder Mamas Unidas LR | Barrier to Impact | First Gen & Higher Education

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 9 of the Leadership Corner series, I sit down with Sandra Carmona Jobe, a higher education and community development professional whose personal journey has fueled her passion for creating opportunities for others. As a first-generation, low-income, and DACA student, Sandra understands firsthand the challenges many students face when pursuing higher education. Today, she serves as Community Outreach Manager for federally funded TRIO programs, helping connect students and families with valuable educational resources and support. Sandra is also the co-founder and Director of Development for Mamás Unidas LR, where she continues to make an impact through community outreach, service, scholarships, and programming. Sandra’s story is a powerful reminder that the barriers we face can become part of the purpose that drives us forward. Learn more about Mamas Unidas LR: https://www.mamasunidaslr.org/ Learn more about the Trio Higher Education Access Program: https://ualr.edu/trio/centralareoc/ #LeadershipCorner #Leadership #CommunityImpact #HigherEducation #FirstGeneration #ProfessionalDevelopment #CommunityLeadership Support the show If you would like to inquire about being a guest on It’s A YP Thing Podcast or becoming a sponsor please submit your request through the link below. We thank you for staying connected and your unwavering support! Stay connected to the YP Community! Follow us on all platforms: https://bio.site/itsaypthingpodcast

August 2, 202639 min

Samantha Stewart, Co-Founder Certified Pies | First Black-Owned Pizza Restaurant in Little Rock, AR

Send us Fan Mail Today's Leadership Corner conversation is about building a business with purpose and leading with resilience. In this episode of It's A YP Thing Podcast, we're joined by Samantha Stewart co-founder of Certified Pies, the first and only Black-owned pizza restaurant in Little Rock. Founded in 2020 as a ghost kitchen, Certified Pies has grown into an award-recognized restaurant known for its scratch-made pizzas, homemade sauces, locally sourced ingredients, and a dining experience rooted in authenticity, culture, and community. We're discussing their entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, the importance of branding, and how they've created a restaurant that's leaving a lasting impact across Central Arkansas. If you're an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or passionate about leadership, this conversation is for you. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations with leaders who are making a difference in their industries and communities. Learn more about Certified Pies: https://www.certifiedpies.com/ #TheLeadershipCorner #ItsAYPThingPodcast #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CertifiedPies #BlackOwnedBusiness #SmallBusiness #BusinessLeadership #LittleRock Support the show If you would like to inquire about being a guest on It’s A YP Thing Podcast or becoming a sponsor please submit your request through the link below. We thank you for staying connected and your unwavering support! Stay connected to the YP Community! Follow us on all platforms: https://bio.site/itsaypthingpodcast

June 26, 2026Episode 71 hr 8 min

Leadership Corner Series ft. Anika Dixon | Principal Broker & Owner, Goss Management & Realty

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Leadership Corner, we sit down with Anika Dixon, entrepreneur, community advocate, Owner of Goss Management & Realty, and Founder of SheBuild. Together, we explore the connection between real estate, ownership, leadership, and creating lasting community impact. Anika shares insights from her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of creating access through business, and what it means to build a legacy that extends beyond personal success. This conversation is for anyone interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, community development, and building with purpose. Topics Covered: • Real Estate & Ownership • Entrepreneurship & Leadership • Community Impact • Building Legacy Through Service Connect with Anika: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/anika.dixon/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anika-dixon-038458196/ Goss Management & Realty https://www.gossmanagement.com SheBuild https://shebuilding.com Subscribe for more conversations with leaders creating impact through business, service, and community. #LeadershipCorner #RealEstate #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CommunityImpact #LegacyBuilding #WomenInBusiness #PJMP Support the show If you would like to inquire about being a guest on It’s A YP Thing Podcast or becoming a sponsor please submit your request through the link below. We thank you for staying connected and your unwavering support! Stay connected to the YP Community! Follow us on all platforms: https://bio.site/itsaypthingpodcast

June 2, 2026Episode 653 min

The Leadership Corner Series ft. Cassandra Kidd | US Bank, Business Access Advisor

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Leadership Corner, we sit down with Cassandra Kidd, Business Access Advisor at U.S. Bank, to discuss the power of leadership, banking, and community impact. With more than 30 years of experience in financial services, Cassandra shares insights from her journey from teller to leadership roles and discusses how access to resources, relationships, and financial opportunities can help businesses thrive. She also highlights the importance of economic empowerment, supporting entrepreneurs, and building stronger, more sustainable communities. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring leader, or someone passionate about community development, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership through service and creating meaningful impact. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders who are making a difference in business, education, healthcare, and communities. Cassandra Kidd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-kidd-7562114/ #LeadershipCorner #Leadership #Banking #EconomicEmpowerment #BusinessLeadership #CommunityImpact #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #USBank #podcast Support the show If you would like to inquire about being a guest on It’s A YP Thing Podcast or becoming a sponsor please submit your request through the link below. We thank you for staying connected and your unwavering support! Stay connected to the YP Community! Follow us on all platforms: https://bio.site/itsaypthingpodcast

May 11, 2026Episode 549 min

The Leadership Corner Series ft. Dr. Tochi Keeton | Gynecologist, Healthwise Wellness Direct, PLLC

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Leadership Corner Series, we sit down with Dr. Tochi Amagwula Keeton, a dual board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Obesity Medicine physician, to discuss leadership in healthcare, prevention-focused medicine, entrepreneurship, and the importance of patient-centered care. Dr. Keeton is the owner of Healthwise Wellness Direct, PLLC, an innovative subscription-based medical practice designed to provide direct access, personalized treatment, and comprehensive preventative healthcare for patients. Dr. Keeton is an alumna of Prairie View A&M University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She completed her medical degree and residency training at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Beyond medicine, she enjoys traveling, history, and spending quality time with her husband, Julius, and their two sons. This episode is a powerful conversation on purpose, innovation, leadership, and transforming healthcare experiences for patients and communities alike. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more impactful conversations with leaders making a difference. Support the show If you would like to inquire about being a guest on It’s A YP Thing Podcast or becoming a sponsor please submit your request through the link below. We thank you for staying connected and your unwavering support! Stay connected to the YP Community! Follow us on all platforms: https://bio.site/itsaypthingpodcast

April 18, 2026Episode 41 hr 7 min

Leadership Corner Series ft. Latricia Hill-Chandler | Principal Consultant, The Dadden Group

Send us Fan Mail Episode 4 of the Leadership Corner Series features an impactful conversation with LaTricia “LT” Hill-Chandler, Founder and Principal Consultant of The Dadden Group. With nearly three decades of experience across corporate, nonprofit, higher education, and community sectors, LT has built a career rooted in equity, organizational development, and leadership strategy. From serving as the first Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Southern Bancorp to leading diversity and culture initiatives at major organizations, her work has consistently focused on creating environments where people and performance thrive. In this episode, LT shares her journey, key leadership lessons, and how organizations can align purpose, people, and strategy to drive meaningful and sustainable impact. She also offers insight into inclusive leadership, navigating executive spaces, and building cultures that truly support growth and belonging. Whether you’re an emerging leader, executive, or entrepreneur, this conversation provides valuable perspective on leading with intention and influence. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations from the Leadership Corner Series. Support the show If you would like to inquire about being a guest on It’s A YP Thing Podcast or becoming a sponsor please submit your request through the link below. We thank you for staying connected and your unwavering support! Stay connected to the YP Community! Follow us on all platforms: https://bio.site/itsaypthingpodcast

March 18, 2026Episode 347 min

The Leadership Corner Series ft. Dr. Shaneil Ealy | Executive Director, Women's Leadership Network

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Leadership Corner Series, where we highlight leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their communities. Today’s guest is Dr. Shaneil Ealy, Executive Director and founding member of the Women’s Leadership Network. With more than two decades of experience in higher education, including her role as Associate Vice President of Outreach and Community Engagement at the University of Central Arkansas, Dr. Ealy has dedicated her career to building connections and empowering others to lead. In this episode, she shares her journey into nonprofit leadership, the vision behind the Women’s Leadership Network, and why creating spaces for women to lead with authenticity, confidence, and purpose matters now more than ever. Website to learn more about the Women's Leadership Network: https://wlnarkansas.org Support the show If you would like to inquire about being a guest on It’s A YP Thing Podcast or becoming a sponsor please submit your request through the link below. We thank you for staying connected and your unwavering support! Stay connected to the YP Community! Follow us on all platforms: https://bio.site/itsaypthingpodcast

February 17, 2026Episode 251 min

The Leadership Corner Series ft. Sergeant, Willie Davis | Program Coordinator, Our Kids (OK) Program

Send us Fan Mail The Leadership Corner Series | Episode 2 This episode features Sergeant Willie C. Davis, a 33-year law enforcement veteran and lifelong resident of Little Rock, Arkansas. A retired Little Rock Police Sergeant and current Sergeant with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, he leads School Reosurce Officers and youth initiatives including the O.K. (Our Kids) Program and Junior Deputy Youth Programs. A respected mentor, speaker, and advocate, Sergeant Davis is commited to interrupting cycles of violence and investing in the next generation through compassion, consistency, and patience. His mission is clear: make meaningful deposits in our youth today to change outcomes tomorrow. Support the show If you would like to inquire about being a guest on It’s A YP Thing Podcast or becoming a sponsor please submit your request through the link below. We thank you for staying connected and your unwavering support! Stay connected to the YP Community! Follow us on all platforms: https://bio.site/itsaypthingpodcast

February 10, 2026Episode 311 min

The Importance of Authenticity in the Workplace

Send us Fan Mail Authenticity in the workplace is powerful. People will always have opinions so you might as well show up as your true self. No one can be you the way you can. You can share the blueprint, but it will never be executed the same. There is only one you. In this episode, we discuss what it means to be genuine and aligned from debating whether to wear your natural hair to interviews to learning not to silence your laugh. The workplace doesn’t need a copy. It needs you. #careeradvice #youngprofessionals #career #leadership #growth Support the show If you would like to inquire about being a guest on It’s A YP Thing Podcast or becoming a sponsor please submit your request through the link below. We thank you for staying connected and your unwavering support! Stay connected to the YP Community! Follow us on all platforms: https://bio.site/itsaypthingpodcast