"Keepin' It Cleveland" is where we shine a light on the changemakers, visionaries, and leaders driving progress in Cleveland and beyond. Each episode, we sit down with influential community figures—from non-profit leaders to entrepreneurs—who are shaping the city's future. Whether you're a Cleveland native or just curious about the inspiring stories brewing in the Midwest, this podcast dives into the initiatives, ideas, and people making a difference. Tune in to discover how Cleveland’s boldest voices are impacting communities, industries, and the world.
How Forward Girls Is Redefining Education for Cleveland’s Girls
What if a public school could create a culture of leadership, accountability, and excellence without charging tuition? In this episode of Keepin’ It Cleveland, host Isaac Williams sits down with Dr. Luciana Gilmore, founder and CEO of Forward Girls Leadership Academy, to talk about building Cleveland’s first independent public all-girls school. Dr. Gilmore shares her journey from Cleveland public schools to earning her PhD in ethical leadership, and how a vision over ten years in the making l...
10 Feb 2026
She Built Ohio’s First Accredited Permanent Makeup School
In this episode of Keepin’ It Cleveland, host Isaac Williams sits down with Shay, founder of Be Browed, Etc. and the creator of Ohio’s first accredited permanent makeup school, to unpack the journey from artist to educator, advocate, and business owner. This conversation explores how Shay entered an industry with little formal regulation, recognized a serious gap in training and standards, and took on the challenge of building a legitimate, accredited path for others to follow. We talk about...
3 Feb 2026
Redlining to Homeownership: How Habitat Is Rebuilding Cleveland
Most people think Habitat for Humanity gives houses away. That belief is wrong and it’s hurting the conversation around housing, poverty, and community development. In this episode of Keepin’ It Cleveland, I sit down with John Litten, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cleveland, to break down what Habitat actually does—and why their work is about dignity, ownership, and long-term impact, not handouts. We talk about: • Why Habitat homes are not free and what families must...
26 Aug 2025
Doc Harrill on Hip-Hop Roots. Community Healing. Lifelong Impact.
Host interviews artist and Refresh Collective founder Doc Harrill about hip-hop's role in community healing and lifelong impact.
12 Aug 2025
Nobles Darby on Losing a Father, Leading Pro Athletes,Living on Purpose
Host interviews Nobles Darby IV, Cleveland Browns and Cavs chaplain, about finding purpose and leading with humility after personal challenges.
22 Jul 2025
The Fight for Birth Equity in Cleveland and Beyond
Isaac Williams interviews Jazmine Long, President & CEO of Birthing Beautiful Communities, about addressing racial disparities in healthcare and establishing Ohio's first birth center led by Black women.
3 Jun 2025
Why Awareness of Opportunity Fuels Ambition with Tri-C president, Dr. Michael Baston
Dr. Michael Baston, Tri-C president, discusses how awareness of opportunity fuels ambition and reshapes thinking about access to education in this interview episode.
20 May 2025
Polishing Diamonds: The Power of Community and Exposure
In this episode of Keepin' It Cleveland, I sit down with Cecil Lipscomb, President & CEO of the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland. From his upbringing in Richmond, Virginia, to leading one of the most impactful grant-making organizations in Northeast Ohio, Cecil shares a deeply personal and powerful story about family, leadership, and the responsibility of lifting others up. We talk about what it means to "polish the diamonds" in our communities, how exposure can change a child's li...
29 Apr 2025
The Power of Purpose and Mentorship in Our Communities | Ep 3
In this episode of the Keepin' It Cleveland Podcast, I sit down with Bryson Hayes, also known as Coach B, Senior Director of Education and Youth Development at the Urban League of Greater Cleveland. Coach B shares his journey from working with the Cleveland Cavaliers to leading life changing initiatives for young men of color through My Brother’s Keeper. Tune in as we discuss the power of mentorship, expanding horizons beyond a six-block radius, and how true impact is about building com...
15 Apr 2025
How Rust Belt Riders Turn Waste Into Impact
What happens to your food scraps after you toss them out? In this episode of Keepin’ It Cleveland, host Isaac Williams sits down with Michael Robinson, co-founder of Rust Belt Riders, a Cleveland-based startup turning food waste into thriving soil—and a thriving movement. They unpack the environmental toll of landfills, the science behind composting, and how Rust Belt Riders grew from a $1,500 bike-powered idea into a city-shaping force for sustainability. You’ll hear about methane, microbes...
1 Apr 2025
The Truth About Money in Our Communities with Breadwinners Academy Founder Jason Lockett
This episode of Keepin' It Cleveland features Jason Lockett, Executive Director of Breadwinners Academy. It’s a powerful conversation about financial literacy, turning pain into purpose, and building generational wealth in underserved communities. Jason shares his personal story—from being denied housing due to bad credit to starting a nonprofit that now teaches finance and entrepreneurship to teens and adults across Northeast Ohio. He breaks down systemic barriers, cultural influences, and w...
Who has been a guest on Keepin' it Cleveland Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Doc Harrill
Nobles Darby IV
Jazmine Long
Dr Michael Baston
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
4,617
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
23
Social presence
91
YouTube
68
Engagement
0
Contact Keepin' it Cleveland Podcast
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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