Sticky Note Conversations

This week on Sticky Note Conversations, we're revisiting our conversation with award-winning journalist Michael Lyle — a discussion that feels more urgent than ever. As press freedom faces unprecedented challenges, Erika and Michael dig into what it really means to be a truth-seeker in today's America.

From covering the October 1 mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip to interviewing people experiencing homelessness in 115-degree heat, Michael pulls back the curtain on the realities of journalism that movies never show — the hours of public records requests, the door-knocking anxiety, and the emotional weight of asking people in their hardest mome...

Kelly Garrett is back on Sticky Note Conversations for a second time, and she's not holding back. The former mayor of Lathrup Village and current mayor pro tem is now running for the Michigan House of Representatives in District 18 — and she's already cleared the primary.

In this episode, Kelly sits down with host Erika Washington to talk about what drove her to run for state office after 15 years in local government, the 40–50% water bill increase devastating residents in her community, and what she'd prioritize first in Lansing: paid leave, healthcare access, and carrying forward the work of Moth...

This week on Sticky Note Conversations, Erika Washington sits down with Gerald Mayes, Executive Director of NAACP Las Vegas Branch #1111. From growing up on the west side of Las Vegas to serving in the Marines and becoming a father at 21, Gerald shares how his personal journey shapes his approach to community leadership.

They discuss rethinking Black parenting for the next generation, the NAACP's vision for bridging the gap between civil rights legacy and youth engagement, and why holding elected officials accountable requires more than just showing up to vote. Gerald breaks down Nevada's Ballot Questions 6 and 7, the...

In this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington sits down with Kamilah Bywaters, a Las Vegas native, educator, and community leader running for Nevada Assembly District 2. Kamilah shares her journey from special education teacher to political candidate, discussing the systemic challenges plaguing the Clark County School District, the workplace politics that drive good teachers out of the profession, and why she decided to run for office again after a painful loss in her 2024 school board campaign. The conversation covers education equity, the state of democracy, voter priorities in District 2, and Kamilah's vision for representing her community in...

Episode Description:

Assembly member Reuben D'Silva (District 28 — East Side & North Las Vegas) joins Sticky Note Conversations for a wide-ranging discussion about his dual life as a public school teacher and state legislator. Reuben shares stories from 14 years in the classroom at Rancho High School, his path from immigrant kid to Yale graduate to elected official, and why he believes the Democratic Party needs to deliver more than just resistance. We dig into the 2025 legislative session — including the daily room cleaning bill and the failed film tax credit — student walkouts over ICE detentions, the Moms for Libert...

This week, Erika sits down with Brenda Zamora — deputy director of Make It Work Nevada, Clark County School Board trustee, and one of Erika's favorite people — for a wide-ranging conversation about wearing many hats and staying human while doing it all.

Brenda opens up about life as a caregiver, a mom of teenagers, and an elected official navigating the realities of the sandwich generation. She and Erika dig into the new school bell schedule and its ripple effects on working families, the importance of workplace flexibility, and why setting boundaries is essential — especially when you're in public office...

Eboni Taylor joins Sticky Note Conversations to reflect on her first run for Michigan State Senate District 3 — what she learned on the doors across Detroit's east side, Highland Park, and Hamtramck, and why she made motherhood the centerpiece of her campaign. Erika and Eboni dig into the affordability crisis, DTE's monopoly and record profits, the "progressive" label, Michigan's role as a swing state, the Democratic Party's struggle to connect with working families, and what democracy and the American dream really mean when people are just trying to survive.

Host Erika Washington sits down with Leo Murrieta — former Executive Director of Make the Road Nevada and proud "recovering executive director" — to talk about what real organizing looks like, the price of citizenship, and why staying moderate is a losing game.

Leo shares his journey from arriving in the U.S. as a week-old baby to navigating notario fraud, discovering he'd been a citizen for a decade without knowing it, and leading one of Nevada's largest Latino power-building organizations for nearly nine years. He also opens up about the night of the Route 91 massacre — and what it taught...

Time is flying — Erika Washington can't believe we're already halfway through the year. In this special roundup episode, host Erika Washington revisits the most powerful conversations from Season 3 of Sticky Note Conversations, a season that explored what it takes to build stronger, more resilient communities while defining and demanding democracy.

From organizers to writers, historians to community leaders, this season's guests proved that real change begins with honest conversations and the courage to fight for more. Relive the throwbacks:

In this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington sits down with actress, director, theater educator, and MFA artist Vanecia Boone for a wide-ranging conversation about building a creative, fulfilling life on her own terms.

Vanecia opens up about raising her eight-year-old son as a single Black mother — from navigating hypermasculinity and code-switching to the tough decision to pull him out of traditional school for homeschooling. She shares how motherhood transformed her from a free-spirited "couch surfer" into someone deeply intentional about safety, routine, and presence.

The conversation moves through Vanecia's lifelong love of th...

This week on Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington sits down with Athar Haseebullah, Executive Director of the ACLU of Nevada, for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation. Athar shares his journey as the son of Pakistani immigrants growing up Muslim in Las Vegas, the loss of his father as a teenager, and how his faith and community shaped his commitment to justice work — leading him to Howard University for both undergrad and law school.

The conversation turns to Athar's work leading Nevada's largest civil rights organization, breaking down what the ACLU actually does, how it's funded, an...

What starts as a lighthearted catch-up between host Erika Washington and the shows editor, Wil Black quickly turns into one of the most honest conversations yet. Erika recounts an unsettling encounter she witnessed at a Las Vegas hotel — a young hostess being harassed by an older male guest — and unpacks the discomfort, complicity, and responsibility that come with bystanding. From there, the two dive deep into the messy, tender work of parenting adult children: Wil reflects on his daughter's wedding and the complicated feelings it stirred up about fatherhood and forgiveness, while Erika opens up about the push-and-pull of tryi...

Host Erika Washington revisits powerful moments from past guests to tackle one big question: What is democracy, and do we really have it?

From a mother teaching her toddlers about voting through dance-party elections, to a candid late-night conversation with her friend Derek about Trump, free speech, and why Black voters need to show up decisively — this episode weaves together perspectives on equity, representation, and the gap between democracy's ideals and its reality in America.

Guests reflect on gerrymandering, voter suppression, the power of local elections, and why "vote for the lesser of two evils" mi...

In this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington sits down with Cecia Alvarado, an independent political consultant who has spent years organizing within Nevada's Latino community. Cecia arrived in the United States from Costa Rica at 16 — alone, with limited English, and quickly placed in ninth grade despite her age — and has been navigating broken systems ever since.

Erika and Cecia cover a lot of ground: why Latino voters supported Donald Trump not once but twice, the "mariachi politics" that Democrats rely on every October, and why waiting your turn is advice women of color simply can...

What is the price of a Black child's life? Host Erika Washington sits down with returning guest Alvin Hill — entrepreneur, formerly incarcerated father, and constraint navigation researcher — to unpack two cases that shook the internet: the not-guilty verdict in South Carolina v. Rick Chow, where 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton was shot and killed over a suspected dollar water bottle, and the 35-year sentence handed to 18-year-old Karmelo Anthony in Texas.

Erika and Alvin go deep on the layers beneath both cases — from the complexity of young Black boys carrying guns in dangerous neighborhoods, to how a defense attorney can st...

In this  episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington and Derek Washington record from the new West Las Vegas Library podcast room, discuss Dr. Ruby Duncan’s legacy and her emphasis on voting, and review Nevada’s recent primary election. They criticize campaign misinformation and union political tactics—particularly around efforts to unseat incumbents over opposition to the film tax credit bill—arguing these moves fueled racialized dynamics and community backlash. They highlight low turnout (about 21% of active registered voters), discuss close and notable races (including Jovan Jackson’s decisive win and Howard Watts’ tight contest), and note strong perfor...

Host Erika Washington interviews Washoe County Commission Chair and gubernatorial candidate Alexis Hill during Nevada’s midterm primary season. Hill shares her background as a mother and career public servant and explains why she decided to run for office. She highlights county efforts to address homelessness by shifting to a coordinated regional model focused on housing outcomes, reporting reductions in street homelessness and housing about 68 people per month, while emphasizing the need for more permanent supportive housing and opposing criminalization of homelessness. Hill also discusses mental health initiatives, including reopening an inpatient youth behavioral health facility with 92 beds, and lo...

This revisiting episode of American Dreams: Reproductive Justice continues examining how the carceral system affects families and communities through the story of Jovan Jackson, a 32-year-old Las Vegas entrepreneur and community advocate who became a convicted felon after methamphetamine use, mental health crisis, and a robbery tied to suicidal desperation. His parents describe his compassionate childhood, the family trauma after his brother Matthew was killed, and the lack of long-term adult treatment options in Nevada. Jovan says incarceration helped him sober, receive medication, and find purpose in a Nevada firefighting work camp, while criticizing prison labor pay as slavery...

In this replay episode, host Erika Washington talks with Claytee White, recently retired founding director of UNLV’s Oral History Research Center, about how the center was built through training and fundraising to preserve Las Vegas history and how the public can access UNLV’s library archives and digitized oral histories. They revisit Ruby Duncan’s life and impact following her recent death, including her leadership in the welfare rights movement, her lobbying for food stamps and WIC, and the multicultural organizing connected to national leader George Wiley and the March 6, 1971 “Storming Caesars Palace” march. White describes Operation Life’s long-runni...

Host Erica Washington welcomes Alicia Contreras, founding executive director of RAIZ Arizona (an interfaith organizing community working for an Arizona where all people belong and live with abundance and dignity), to discuss sustaining leadership and organizing in the current political moment. Alicia reflects on taking a three-week WinCall residency respite in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula to rest, regulate her nervous system, and confront workaholism and imposter syndrome, noting many leaders only stop when illness forces it. They discuss Arizona’s climate of fear around ICE raids, rapid-response readiness, heightened risks for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, and why organizing may...

Host Erika Washington welcomes back Dawn Blaigrove, executive director of Emancipate NC, to process the Supreme Court decision weakening Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and what it means for Black political power. They argue that chasing temporary wins and constant crisis response has prevented long-term strategy, succession planning, and “inoculation” against policymakers’ whims. Dawn urges building bottom-up power by taking over local governments, school boards, and municipal systems, creating cooperative, self-sustaining community pillars (education, safety, health, food, shelter, security) that can function with, without, and against government. They discuss collective economic responsibility, urging Black people with means to materi...

Host Erika Washington dedicates this special episode of Sticky Note Conversations to the late Dr. Ruby Duncan (1932–2026), her friend and mentor, recounting Duncan’s move from Louisiana to Las Vegas and her leadership as co-founder of Operation Life and president of the Clark County Welfare Rights Organization, including the 1971 protest that shut down Caesars Palace and her work to bring food stamps to Nevada. Erika interviews retired UNLV Oral History Research Center founding director Claytee D. White about why documenting Las Vegas history matters, how the center collected oral histories of the Black community, and Ruby’s multicultural coalition-building, lobbyi...

In this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington sits down with DaMareo Cooper, co-executive director of Popular Democracy. Erika and DaMareo engage in a rich discussion on topics such as the challenges of creating innovative social justice initiatives, the importance of grassroots organizing, and the current state of democracy in the United States. DaMareo shares valuable insights from his 15+ years of activism, including book recommendations and reflections on the intersections of race, class, and policies. The conversation also delves into the importance of the 14th Amendment, the potential impact of reparations, and the need for long-term community...

Erika Washington centers her recurring question—what is democracy and do we have it—noting democracy’s Greek roots (“people” and “rule”) and that there’s no single agreed-upon definition beyond voting. She compiles past guest perspectives that describe democracy as people choosing government, having a voice, freedom and constitutional protections, fairness and opportunity, and community responsibility, while many argue the U.S. is backsliding toward oligarchy or authoritarianism through weakened checks and balances, billionaire influence, voter suppression, and public apathy. Several guests stress local action, collective organizing, and defending civil rights as essential to keeping a “republic,” echoing Benjamin Franklin’s

Host Erika Washington interviews former Nevada Assemblywoman and Air Force veteran Claire Thomas, who shares why she moved from Brooklyn to Las Vegas, her experience facing racism and sexism in the Air Force, and what led her to run for Assembly District 17 after Tyrone Thompson’s death. Thomas discusses her opposition to 2023 school discipline bills AB285 and the governor’s SB330, arguing they pushed permanent expulsion for very young children and undermined restorative justice efforts like Thompson’s AB169, especially after COVID disruptions. She reflects on legislative culture, leadership and clique dynamics, and why she ran—and lost—a bid for Se...

Host Erika Washington revisits the recurring Sticky Note Conversations question—“What’s your version of the American Dream?”—through clips from past guests who define it as health and happiness, equality and cultural coexistence, a safety net for housing and healthcare, the right to rest and global awareness, hope as an immigrant, collective responsibility, freedom and time, safety for children, and reparations and equity. The episode also examines the origins of the term from James Truslow Adams’ 1931 The Epic of America, with scholars discussing how the dream was shaped by the Great Depression, Jefferson and Hamilton’s competing visions, industrializat...

Host and executive producer Erika Washington and guest Noé Orosco discuss reactions to a New York Times investigation alleging Cesar Chavez was a rapist and child molester, and what the news could mean for the Latino community, civil rights movements, solidarity, and women and girls. Noé, a Las Vegas resident and former seasonal farmworker from California’s Central Valley, shares experiences harvesting and planting orchards, describing long, piece-rate workdays involving whole families and the impact of weather on income. He reflects on how labor organizing improved conditions (including limits on pesticide spraying over workers and banning the short-handle hoe) whil...

Host Erika Washington talks with organizer and author Tomás Garduño about his book, "Fundamentals of Electoral Organizing," and why organizing is “reorganizing” power so working-class people can speak with one voice and govern in their own interests. Garduño, born and raised in Albuquerque with deep New Mexico roots and 25+ years of organizing experience, defines democracy as working-class power and argues elites divide people by identity to weaken the 90% working-class majority. He shares key lessons for organizers—humility, reassessing the time/place/conditions, and taking risks with courage—and explains why electoral organizing is urgent to protect elections a...

Erika Washington and birthday guest Derek Washington lighten the season with a wide-ranging Oscars 2026 (98th Academy Awards) prediction chat ahead of the ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien. They discuss the historic nomination haul for the Black film “Sinners,” connect it to the legacy of #OscarsSoWhite and the Will Smith–Chris Rock incident, and debate whether the Academy will reward a film with “no white savior.” They share opinions on Best Picture contenders (including “One Battle After Another,” which Erika critiques for length and its portrayal of Teyana Taylor), acting races featuring Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, and others, plus dire...

Erika Washington celebrates Women’s History Month on Sticky Note Conversations and frames education as part of reproductive justice, emphasizing safe, well-resourced schools and accurate curriculum. She interviews Dr. Tricia Braxton, an HBCU graduate, former New York City police officer, longtime Nevada resident, and first-time elected member of the Nevada State Board of Education representing District 1. Braxton shares why her family moved to Las Vegas, how Emerge Nevada helped her find her political voice, and why representation and accountability motivated her to run. She explains Nevada’s education governance structure, including the difference between local school boards, the Nevada Depa...

Host Erika Washington interviews Adam Johnson, an appointed Clark County School District trustee, College Board executive director, and vice chair at Democracy Prep, during Black History Month about improving education in Southern Nevada. They discuss CCSD’s size, challenges, and efforts to become a “destination district,” including the decision to start high school later. Johnson shares how his father’s late-career teaching inspired his move from corporate work into education through Teach For America and then Democracy Prep, and how his all-male high school shaped his focus on academics, service, and expanding opportunity. They explore charter schools versus traditional and magn...

On this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington talks with writer Gwen Frisbie-Fulton (Working Class Storytelling) about how white nationalist groups recruit, rebrand, and move closer to mainstream power. Gwen shares living near the neo-Nazi Vinlanders in Indianapolis in the mid-2000s, how they targeted a struggling neighborhood to recruit young men, and how later arrests and violence connected to the group resurfaced years later. They discuss why stereotyping Appalachians and poor Southerners hides the real threat, how events like Charlottesville and January 6 involved many middle-class and wealthy participants, and how organizers can respond by meeting material...

Host and executive producer Erika Washington welcomes back Dr. Toni Bond, a classically trained Womanist ethicist and ethics professor, for a wide-ranging conversation about ethics, morality, faith, and the United States’ political climate in 2026. They distinguish ethics (social rules of conduct) from morals (individual principles), and Dr. Bond explains key normative ethical approaches—utilitarianism, deontological duty ethics, and virtue ethics—using a classroom dilemma about whether a parent should tell authorities a son is hiding after allegedly robbing a beloved elderly neighbor. The discussion expands into Christian and theological ethics, including how biblical interpretation varies by translation and historical contex...

In the first episode of Season 3 of 'Sticky Note Conversations,' host Erika Washington welcomes back Alvin Hill, also known as Jackpot, to discuss pop culture, future predictions for 2026, and shifts in conversations surrounding emotions, particularly crying. Alvin shares personal stories about his upbringing, parenting, and perspectives on church culture, touching on personal experiences with grief and how it has impacted his family. Erika and Alvin also delve into the implications of crying and emotional expression, particularly for men, and explore the broader impacts of religious and cultural expectations. Tune in for an engaging discussion intertwining personal anecdotes with...

Join Erika Washington, host of Sticky Note Conversations, in an engaging replay episode featuring a deep conversation with her good friend Leng Leng Chancy, a strategic advisor to philanthropy and former executive director of 9to5 for working women. They discuss Leng Le

Join host Erika Washington in conversation with Erica Gallegos, co-director of the Childcare for Every Family Network, as they discuss the 12-year fight to pass New Mexico's groundbreaking constitutional amendment for universal childcare and early education.

In this powerful episode, Erica Gallegos shares her journey from childcare provider making $12.50/hour to becoming a leading organizer who helped secure funding for birth-through-12 education in New Mexico. They explore the racist history of childcare, why providers aren't recognized as teachers, and the legislative battles that required organizing parents, providers, and communities to change the system.

In this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington sits down with former Nevada State Senator Kelvin Atkinson. They discuss Atkinson's career, including his tenure as the first openly black gay senator, his time in prison, and his subsequent rebirth. The conversation covers his early life, the murder of his father, his political ascent, and his controversial incarceration. Atkinson opens up about his mistakes, the consequences, and the path to reclaiming his life. Tune in for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about transformation, resilience, and new beginnings.

Join Erika Washington in a special episode of Sticky Note Conversations as she sits down with Las Vegas Mayor Shelly Berkely. Mayor Berkely shares her inspiring journey from a granddaughter of immigrants to a seasoned politician with over 40 years of experience. This episode covers a broad range of topics including her love for public service, the state of Las Vegas, challenges facing the immigrant community, and much more. Get insights into the city's plans, the importance of education, democracy, and Mayor Berkely's personal and professional milestones. Tune in to understand how Las Vegas is navigating through its current issues...

In this reflective and heartfelt episode of 'Sticky Note Conversations with Washington Way,' host Erika Washington dives into a thought-provoking discussion about the ups and downs of 2025, setting intentions for 2026, and the importance of gratitude and community. Joined by her good friend, Derek Washington, the two share personal stories and insights on showing up better in various aspects of life, from friendships and relationships to community engagement. They also touch on the impactful moments and losses of 2025, including the deaths of notable celebrities like Rob Reiner and Diane Keaton. As they look forward to the new year, Erika...

Host Erika Washington revisits the very first episode of Sticky Note Conversations, featuring a dialogue with Alvin Hill on the initial days of the Trump presidency, current events, and the evolution of their perspectives over time. The episode delves into the challenges and changes of 2025, including the new administration, DEI program rollbacks, and the rise of 'Hillman Talk' on TikTok. Alvin also shares insights from his personal journey, addressing the complexities of integrity, community support, and the concept of snitching within different contexts. Join Erika and Alvin for a rich, thought-provoking conversation about navigating social and political landscapes while...