Real Conversations in the QC

Second Chances: The Cost of a Record

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 15:15:48 +0000

In this edition of Real Conversations in the QC, the cast took a closer look at second chances and the cost of having a criminal record.

In this series:

Jasmine Butler spoke with Dwayne Hodges, a local business owner who once served time. He shared his story about the return to the community and how he navigated the challenges of reentry.
Tim Stinson sat down with Rev. Dr. Dwight Ford of ProjectNOW, to detail the effects of incarceration and what the community can do to help the formerly incarcerated rejoin society
Theresa Bryant spoke with Monica White, who was sentenced to life in federal prison then had her sentence commuted by former President Barack Obama. White discussed her journey, drug law disparities and how her sentence was commuted.
Tracy Singleton sat down with two men whose lives were impacted by past mistakes
- Stan Knight volunteered to coach and mentor local youth athletes but had it all taken away due to a past mistake
- Ty Stone detailed how a pilot program to teach college courses in prison is giving him a second chance at life

Health Disparities: When Disease Doesn’t Discriminate but Healthcare Does

Mon, 11 May 2026 13:38:35 +0000

Jasmine Butler sat down with Yolanda Graves-Jefferson, a sickle-cell advocate, and Cheryl Easley of ImpactLife to discuss what sickle-cell is and the importance of community support and education
Tim Stinson spoke with Jolean Overton Austin, a long time Quad Citizen, who, after suffering a life-threatening heart attack, set a new goal to advocate for heart health awareness
Theresa Bryant sat down with Lydia Harris, the executive director of the Bloom Project, to discuss Black maternal health, systemic issues Black women face in health care and the real world consequences

Breaking the Silence: Black Athletes Mental Health & the Pressure to Perform

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 13:02:21 +0000

In this edition of Real Conversations in the QC, the cast sat down with local coaches and athletes about the pressure to perform as a person of color.

Kaila Paige sat down with Keyvan Rudd, a wide receiver for the Quad City Steamwheelers
Tim Stinson spoke with Julian Vandervelde about his path from Davenport Central to Iowa, then on to the NFL
Jasmine Butler sat down with three area coaches: Marc Polite, Jarrin Williams and Alana Warren
Theresa Bryant spoke with O’Ryan Rowe, a local high school basketball player and his mother Amber Bruce

Next Generation Leaders: Young Voices Shaping Change

Sun, 1 Mar 2026 17:33:37 +0000

In the February edition of Real Conversations in the QC, the cast spoke with young voices in the Quad Cities area that are shaping change.

Tim Stinson spoke with Essence Wilmington who is making an impact in the community through her ownership of a dance academy
Jasmine Butler sat down with Isaiah Overton, a nonprofit leader who is making a difference through the Hustle U program

https://www.kwqc.com/2026/01/29/next-generation-leaders-young-voices-shaping-change/

The Side Hustle Economy: Building Wealth Beyond the 9-5

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:50:08 +0000

In the January edition of Real Conversations in the QC, the cast discussed how people are building multiple streams of revenue to create generational wealth through nontraditional paths.

Time to Rewind: Impactful Segments from 2025

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:34:06 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, we are re-airing some of our most impactful segments of the year.

More info: Time to Rewind: Impactful Segments from 2025

Redlining to Today: Housing and Wealth in Our Neighborhoods

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:09:21 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, the cast discussed redlining, focusing on housing and wealth in Quad City neighborhoods.

More: https://www.kwqc.com/2025/10/26/redlining-today-housing-wealth-our-neighborhoods/

Divine 9: Cultivating Legacy, Support and Service

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, the cast took a closer look at Black Greek Life.

More: https://www.kwqc.com/2025/09/28/divine-9-cultivating-legacy-support-service/

Reading Between the Lines: Looking Ahead to National Literacy Month

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 16:28:33 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, the cast explored how crucial literacy is for lifelong success.

Literacy impacts things like graduation, career advancement and even financial security. Early intervention is essential to bridge the achievement gap and build a stronger future for the community.

More: https://www.kwqc.com/2025/08/31/reading-between-lines-looking-ahead-national-literacy-month/

The Evolving Voice of the Black Church in the QCA

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:44:38 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, the cast spoke with area religious leaders to explore the connection the Black community has with faith and how it has changed from past to present.

Full episode: https://www.kwqc.com/2025/07/27/evolving-voice-black-church-qca/

Black Joy as Resistance

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, the cast explored the theme of “Black Joy as Resistance” highlighting how people of color continue to thrive and grow despite setbacks from national funding cuts and structural changes.

https://www.kwqc.com/news/real-conversations/

Juneteenth: Quad Cities area events, exhibits, celebrations

Sun, 18 May 2025 16:00:30 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, the cast spoke with several area organizations about upcoming Juneteenth celebration events and exhibits.

https://www.kwqc.com/2025/05/18/juneteenth-quad-cities-area-events-exhibits-celebrations/

Navigating life: The realities of Black single motherhood

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, we talked about the different experiences of black parents in the Quad Cities area.

https://www.kwqc.com/2025/04/27/navigating-life-realities-black-single-motherhood/

Real Conversations: Community led initiatives for violence prevention

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, we talked about different community-led initiatives for violence prevention in the Quad Cities area.

Empowering voices during National Reading Month

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:29:24 +0000

Real Conversations in the QC is a program in partnership with The Lincoln Center in Davenport. Hosts and guests will discuss a variety of topics, all centered around the experience of people of color in the QCA. Each month, TV6′s Jinaya Houston, Kaila Paige, Joushua Blount, Tim Stinson, and Jasmine Butler will talk with people in the Quad Cities community about topics impacting our community.

In this month's episode of Real Conversations, we previewed National Reading Month and the impact that literature has on us all.

https://www.kwqc.com/2025/02/23/empowering-voices-this-national-reading-month/

Resolutions reimagined: Fresh takes on New Year goals

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000

In Sunday’s episode, we look at ways to reimagine new year goals. New ways to create and stick to a goal you set for the 2025 year.

Resolutions reimagined: Fresh takes on New Year goals

Time to catch up: Standout shows in 2024

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 15:24:15 +0000

In Sunday’s episode we highlight the past year of Real Conversations by looking back at the episodes that resonated with the cast. For more from the Real Conversations team visit: https://www.kwqc.com/2024/12/30/time-catch-up-standout-shows-2024/

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Transcends mere civic duty: How 3 generations of Black voters see themselves in history

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000

In this Sunday’s episode, the Real Conversations team looks at Inspiring Black voters to shape change. Talking to different generations, a former elected official and more. For more from the Real Conversations team visit; https://www.kwqc.com/news/real-conversations

2 states, 1 goal: Chronic absenteeism in Quad City schools

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:13:04 +0000

In Sunday’s episode, we discuss the issue of chronic absenteeism in Quad City schools.

Teachers, parents, and superintendents on both sides of the river share how being absent from school affects students.

https://www.kwqc.com/2024/09/29/2-states-1-goal-chronic-absenteeism-quad-city-schools/

Empowerment and enterprise: Celebrating Black-owned Business Month

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 18:52:10 +0000

August is Black-Owned Business Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and supporting the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and business owners.

As we highlight their achievements and address the unique challenges they face, we also encourage everyone to actively support and uplift Black-owned enterprises, ensuring their continued growth and success.

Learn more about the business highlighted at this link; https://www.kwqc.com/2024/08/25/empowerment-enterprise-celebrating-black-owned-business-month/

Subtle Slights: The insidious impact of microaggressions

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0000

In Sunday’s episode, we took a look at different forms of microaggressions and how the Black community handles that hurdle. In this episode:

Joshua Blount talked with Danielle Harrell and her son, Jada Shepherd, about hair care for minorities. Danielle is a white hairstylist at Studio Seven Fourteen in Davenport, IA and she has been doing hair for over 10 years. Danielle doesn’t shy away from doing Black and minority hair, she opens her chair to anyone and is skilled in doing hair from any background. Her son, Jada, learns from his mom on how to properly keep up with his hair, which the upkeep can sometimes be time consuming.
Jinaya Houston spoke with Lauryn Bergert who is a clinical psychology doctoral candidate, an adjunct psychology professor, and a soon to be therapist. Lauryn talked about what it’s like being in a profession where the statistics show that 4% of the therapist population in the United States is Black. Lauryn also talked about what it was like being one of the only biracial students at her high school and how that experience led to her finding her voice.
Jasmine Butler sat down with the Love Girls Magazine team in Jasmine Babers-Gunn, Kayla Babers, and Anna Rowell. They discussed what inspired the powerful organization, the struggles they faced as a predominantly Black organization, and what it’s like putting so much focus on minorities with this magazine when there has been a historical focus on white audiences.
Finally, Tim Stinson had a touching conversation with his son, Travis about the ups and downs of being biracial in this day and age. They talked about what it was like for him growing up with a Black father and a white mother and how those different family dynamics or cultures could potentially be confusing when you are trying to understand your identity.

Looking Ahead to Juneteenth

Mon, 27 May 2024 14:11:18 +0000

In this episode we looked ahead to the Juneteenth holiday and the celebrations taking place in the Quad Cities.

Real Conversations: Year in review

Fri, 17 May 2024 13:14:55 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, we’re discussing some of the top moments from the year with the team.

History of Juneteenth holiday, Quad Cities area events to celebrates

Fri, 17 May 2024 13:10:03 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, we talk about the history behind the Juneteenth holiday and some of the events that will be happening to celebrate in the Quad Cities area this year.

Women Empowerment

Thu, 9 May 2024 15:24:15 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, we talked with five Black women who share different viewpoints about what it means to be a Black woman in this day and age.

Being Black in the education system

Wed, 8 May 2024 20:03:43 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations, we covered what it means to be a Black student in the American education system.

Community impact of the Lincoln Center

Wed, 8 May 2024 19:02:42 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, we’re discussing historically black colleges and universities.

How holiday traditions differ

Wed, 8 May 2024 19:01:03 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, we’re discussing how holiday traditions differ and are similar to other communities in the black community.

Importance of mental health

Wed, 8 May 2024 18:59:25 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, we’re discussing the importance of mental health in the black community.

Finding diverse and welcoming groups in college

Wed, 8 May 2024 18:56:58 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations, hosts and guests talk about getting ready to go back to school and how to find diverse groups to fit into in college

Experience being a black man in the Quad Cities

Wed, 8 May 2024 18:46:24 +0000

From those who have been in the community for years to those who are becoming young men, we talk to groups about the black man's experience.

Health complications, diseases impacting the Black community in the QC

Wed, 8 May 2024 18:22:13 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, we talk about the health complications and diseases that impact the Black community in the QC and what is being done to better serve the community.

Black men’s violent encounters with law enforcement

Wed, 8 May 2024 18:19:55 +0000

In this episode of Real Conversations in the QC, we talk about a scene repeated time and time again, violent encounters with black men and law enforcement, some turning fatal.

How 'Real Conversations in the QC' came to be

Wed, 8 May 2024 18:16:18 +0000

“Real Conversations in the QC” was relaunched with an episode about how the show came to be and what is to come as the series grows.