Listen Up!

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May 2026

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About the show

Listen Up! the Louisville Urban League's (LUL) weekly podcast discusses hot topics and issues of Black people in Louisville, KY, and beyond. Each week, the host and guests break down subjects and examine solutions that work for everyone now! LUL is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, community service organization dedicated to assisting Black people in attaining social and economic equality across its six pillars of Jobs, Justice, Education, Health, Housing, and Black Business. Black people are told that equity, justice, and liberation will come someday. For LUL, today is someday!

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60 recent

May 18, 2026Episode 115 min

Before You Vote

The Primary Election is approaching, and this year’s Louisville mayoral race looks different than ever before. In the first episode of the Power Shift Podcast, the Louisville Urban League breaks down what voters need to know before heading to the polls. From understanding Louisville’s nonpartisan mayoral election to learning why local races like County Clerk matter, this conversation is all about helping our community make informed decisions and increase voter turnout.In this episode, we discuss:• How Louisville’s nonpartisan mayoral race works• Why every vote matters in the primary election• The role of the Jefferson County Clerk in elections• Voting accessibility and election safety• Why informed voting is critical for the future of Louisville• How to pledge to vote and stay informed through Power ShiftThe Power Shift is a people-powered movement focused on civic engagement, advocacy, and building a stronger future for our community.Pledge to vote and stay connected: lul.org/voteWatch the Louisville Mayoral Candidate Forum here:Louisville Mayoral Candidate Forum: https://ow.ly/wKWV50Z0VgE

November 13, 2025Episode 231 hr 11 min

It's Not Enough

Our host, LUL President & CEO Lyndon Pryor, is joined by Kevin Dunlap, Executive Director of REBOUND, Inc. REBOUND's mission is to revitalize neighborhoods in low-to-moderate income households and create vibrant, stable, and inclusive homes.Our duo discusses the role of the federal government in housing, the impact of redlining, and the need for mixed-income housing in Louisville. They also announce updates on REBOUND's recent development projects, including the Richmond Apartment complex, the PortShaw Apartment complex, and the 300 Condominiums.

November 3, 2025Episode 221 hr 3 min

Of the People

Our co-host, Ramona Dallum, is joined by Kiara James and Ravon Churchill, contributing authors to the project "You Got To Be of the People: Peacekeepers at the Heart of Public Safety in Louisville" a collaboration between Louisville Story Program and Cities United. The book prioritizes the voices of those on the frontlines interrupting the cycles of violence and those most impacted by the systems of inequity perpetuating the national public health crisis of gun violence.The interview focuses on Ravon Churchill and Kiara James' dedication to community safety and violence prevention in Louisville, their experiences as peacekeepers, and their contributions to the book.

October 16, 2025Episode 2158 min

Until the End

Our co-host, Ramona Dallum, is joined by Tawanda Owsley, VP of Development for Hosparus Health. Tawanda is a philanthropy and non-profit leader with over 20 years of experience in the industry. The duo discusses the cultural shift needed around end-of-life care, the differences between palliative and hospice care, the effects of grief after a loss, and resources available to the community. Tawanda holds a BS in Business Administration from UofL and a Master's in Business Communication from Spalding University. In 2023, Louisville Business First recognized her with the Enterprising Women award.

October 13, 2025Episode 201 hr 7 min

Social Connection

Our host, LUL President & CEO Lyndon Pryor, is joined by Royce Jones, Mental Health Therapist for UofL Athletics. Jones provides direct clinical behavioral health and/or substance use services to student athletes. Our duo discusses the pressure student-athletes face, the importance of teaching emotional regulation, and the need to reduce the stigma of therapy in the Black community. Jones is a 14-year Navy veteran who later pursued a degree in business before realizing his passion for therapy and obtaining his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

September 25, 2025Episode 191 hr 18 min

Captivating Attention

Our host, LUL President & CEO Lyndon Pryor, is joined by Eric King, Digital Communications Strategist for the ACLU of Kentucky. With more than two decades of experience as a classically trained broadcast journalist covering some of the country’s biggest news events, he’s using that same storytelling power to modernize and digitize the ACLU’s communications across all platforms.Our duo discusses the changing media landscape, how to identify a trusted new source, the politics of the media, and the emergence of podcasts as news sources.King graduated with a BS in Sociology from UofL and a certification from the Diversity Executive Leadership Academy.Check out his book, "Breaking News: Confessions of a Disruptive News Anchor" and follow his reporting on Substack.

September 16, 2025Episode 1856 min

Standing On Business

On this special episode, our host, LUL President and CEO Lyndon Pryor, is joined by key members of our organization to discuss the topic of giving and the work the League is doing. This episode ties in with Give for Good, an annual 24-hour day of giving hosted by the Community Foundation of Louisville. In the last year, the Urban League boasted 214 job placements, 2,763 voters engaged, 100% college acceptance, 2,895 barriers removed, 88 new homeowners, and $96,000 in professional services to support small businesses. But the work is not done. There are more people to reach to help build a thriving community. Will you stand with us? Donate to the Urban League to help us continue our mission any day. Or have your gift amplified on 9/18/2025 during Give for Good.

September 11, 2025Episode 171 hr 10 min

The Potential for Peril

Our co-host, Ramona Dallum, is joined by Dr Alisia McClain founder of TECH-nique a nonprofit built to elevate underrepresented voices in technology by creating community-centric pathways into generative AI, data analytics, UX, and leadership roles—grounded in deep equity, mentorship, and social justice principles.The duo discusses the role of technology in our world, the future of AI, the power of innovation, and what we must do to avoid being left behind.Dr McClain holds a PhD in Educational Leadership, Evaluation, and Organizational Development from the University of Louisville. She is an educator, musician, AI strategist, data-for-social-impact innovator, and equity-minded leader.

September 4, 2025Episode 1658 min

A Conduit for Change

Our host, LUL President & CEO Lyndon Pryor, is joined by CJ Carter, Founder of Sharp Futures. Sharp Futures establishes barbershops within schools to provide a safe space for mentorship and counseling while receiving a haircut. Our duo discusses the power of influence, entrepreneurship, and community service in shaping the next generation. Carter has 15+ years in youth mentorship, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, blending business acumen with creative, community-focused leadership. Since launching “Kutz 4 Kidz” at Newburg Middle School in 2020, he has expanded into multiple schools in Louisville and Lexington.

August 28, 2025Episode 151 hr 5 min

Effluence

Our co-host, Ramona Dallum, is joined by Zonetta English, Project Delivery Director at Louisville MSD. MSD is the regional utility for safe, clean waterways, providing quality wastewater, stormwater, and flood protection services. The duo discusses the current work of the utility, flood response, disaster preparedness, and lessons from Hurricane Katrina.English graduated with a BS in Chemistry from UK and a Masters in Business Administration, Concentration in Management and Finance. She also holds a certificate from the Design Build Institute of America.