This week, we’re joined by Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow and a true trailblazer in reproductive justice. She takes us on the journey that started with her own birth experience and led her to build a movement that’s transforming how we care for Black women and birthing people.  

From expanding doula care for Medicaid families in NYC to training the next wave of advocates and healers, Latham breaks down how Mama Glow went from a personal mission to a global platform. And y’all, she keeps it real about what growth actually looks like—think repotting a plant or realizing your kid just outgrew their favorite hoodie.  

We also get into the rise of Mama Glow during COVID, how the shift to online learning opened unexpected doors, and why planning, vision, and community are key when everything feels uncertain. Plus, Latham reminds us that doulas and midwives aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity when it comes to safety, dignity, and support in the birthing space.  

If you’re someone who cares about health, healing, and building something with purpose, this one’s for you.  

What You’ll Hear:  

- Why Latham created Mama Glow and what it’s grown into  

- The real deal on Black maternal health and advocacy  

- How COVID sparked a pivot that paid off  

- The power of self-advocacy in the delivery room  

- How doulas are changing lives—and saving them  

Takeaway Quote:

“Every person deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported during birth. Mama Glow is here to make sure that happens especially for us." – Latham Thomas

Links + Resources:

📲 Black Mamas Matter: https://blackmamasmatter.org/bmhw25/

📲 Follow on Latham Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/glowmaven/

📲 Follow on Mama Glow Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/mamaglowfoundation/

🎙️ Stay connected with Brown Ambition →   @brownambitionpodcast

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BA Fam, I'm excited to share a new show from my friends at Higher Ground, hosted by thee Michelle Obama, called IMO. On IMO, Michelle and her big brother Craig Robinson aim to bring you the same: Candid perspectives on the everyday questions shaping our lives, relationships and the world around us. Each week, they’re joined by a guest to tackle real questions from real folks just like you offering practical advice, personal storytelling, and plenty of laughs. And a lot of their questions are about dating and relationships. Michelle and Craig share stories about being there for each other throughout their lives, from first crushes and fraught college years, to landing at the White House, to losing their mom. For six decades they’ve been each others’ most trusted counsel—and now, they want to be that counsel for you. In this episode, Keke Palmer joins Michelle and Craig when a listener asks why she feels so bad after a big career win. Keke reflects on how her planned breakout as a young actress went awry, and the ways that failure contributed to her career. They all describe how their perspectives on meaningful work have changed over the years—and the advice that Michelle’s girls are finally starting to listen to. You can hear more episodes of IMO at https://lnk.to/imomichellecraigBN

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We’re back BA Fam with a whole lot to celebrate! Joining us are two of our faves in the finance space: Chris Browning of “Popcorn Finance” and Berna Anat, author of the amazing book “Money Out Loud”. If you’re looking to level up your money game and feel good doing it, this episode’s for you.

We get into:

- The highs and lows of aggressively saving money  

- Gen Z’s "we’re gonna have fun & save money" energy  

-Your financial strategy in the age of Tr*mp Tariffs

-Lizzo’s redemption tour

-Are solopreneurs heading back to Corporate America?

We also chat about what’s going on in the world—from economic uncertainty and tariffs to the importance of staying informed without losing your peace. And when it comes to career shifts, Berna talks about her transition from full-time solopreneurship back to the 9-5 life…and how she’s doing it on her own terms. 

Make sure you stick around till the end when we share our Brown Boosts and Breaks for the week! Special mentions for Oakland, Moesha and Lizzo’s redemption tour. 

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:06) - Brown Ambition With Mandy Woodruff-Santos

(0:04:49) - Financial Reflections and Regrets

(0:18:29) - Realigning Values and Money Habits

(0:26:21) - Navigating Economic Uncertainty and Tariffs

(0:34:07) - Community Building Through Thrift and Bartering

(0:45:56) - Investing Strategies and Debt Management

(0:48:58) - Transitioning to Stable Employment

(0:56:04) - Exploring Oakland's Black and Brown Community

(1:04:37) - Lizzo's Journey to Self-Love

(1:10:05) - Navigating Cancel Culture and Redemption

--

This episode is all about giving yourself grace, finding balance, and building the life you want—with your finances in check and your spirit intact.

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This week, we’re talking all things sales—breaking barriers, building wealth, and securing the bag. Mandi is joined by two powerhouse guests: Chantel George, founder of Sistas in Sales, and her brother Alex Woodruff, Sales Director at Fiddler, an AI software firm. They dive into the unique challenges women of color face in the sales industry, why representation matters, and how to carve out a thriving career in this space.

Chantel shares how Sistas in Sales is creating opportunities and support systems for women navigating the field, while Alex drops gems on career growth, negotiating compensation, and navigating corporate spaces as a Black professional. Plus, we get into personal finance tips, the perks of entrepreneurial ventures, and why understanding your worth is non-negotiable.

If you’re in sales, thinking about jumping in, or just looking for advice on making strategic money moves—this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn: 

💰 Negotiating compensation like a pro
📈 The power of financial planning
🚀 Why entrepreneurial moves might be your next big step

Links + Resources:

📲 Follow on Alex Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/alexjwoodruff/

📲 Follow on Chantel Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/chantelmedia/

🎙️ Stay connected with Brown Ambition →   @brownambitionpodcast

Plus, we get into:
If you're in sales (or thinking about it), this episode is packed with insight to help you thrive!

Timestamps:
📌 00:00 - Intro + Meet Our Guests
📌 01:05 - Challenges for Women of Color in Sales
📌 03:43 - The Current Market & Opportunities
📌 06:30 - Career Growth & Overcoming Barriers
📌 10:34 - Personal Career Journeys
📌 19:06 - Sales Strategies & Success Tips
📌 26:49 - Managing Money in Sales
📌 27:37 - Breaking Down Compensation Structures
📌 32:01 - Why Living Below Your Means Matters
📌 32:49 - Smart Financial Planning for Sales Pros
📌 38:04 - Sisters in Sales: Building a Movement
📌 44:41 - The Power of Networking in Sales
📌 47:28 - Embracing Entrepreneurship

Hit play and get ready to level up! 🎧✨ #BrownAmbition #SalesSuccess #WomenInSales

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BA Fam, she’s back! In this episode We’re  joined once again by the one and only Morgan DeBaun CEO of Blavity, serial entrepreneur, and now a FOUR-time guest on the show! Morgan has been making big moves, and this time, she’s here to talk about her new book, “Rewrite Your Rules”, and how she’s navigating life and business on her own terms.  

We get into the real about entrepreneurship! what it actually takes to build a business from the ground up, the sacrifices no one talks about, and why staying true to your personal values is the ultimate flex. Morgan also gives us a peek into her life outside of work, sharing how she balances being a boss with family, self-care, and a strong support system.  

If you’ve been feeling stuck in your career, business, or just life in general, this episode is for you! Morgan is dropping gems on how to break free from expectations and create success in a way that works for YOU.  

What You’ll Learn: 

✨ How Morgan built Blavity and what’s kept her going  

✨ The biggest lessons from “Rewrite Your Rules”  

✨ Why having the right team (and personal boundaries) is a game-changer  

✨ The real talk on entrepreneurship—beyond the highlight reel  

Links + Resources:

📖 Grab your copy of “Rewrite Your Rules” → Rewriteyourrules.com

📲 Follow Morgan on [Instagram @morgandebaun  

🎙️ Stay connected with Brown Ambition →  @brownambitionpodcast

Don’t miss this one—hit play and get ready to rewrite your own rules! 

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In this heartfelt and hilarious live BA QA session, Mandi Woodruff-Santos sits down with Emily Esquivel, a therapist-turned-entrepreneur who’s navigating the highs and lows of launching her own private practice. Together, they dive into the messy middle of entrepreneurship, from battling imposter syndrome to redefining what it means to run an ethical and sustainable business.

Emily opens up about her journey, including the pivotal moment that pushed her to leave toxic work environments, the emotional weight of using an inheritance to fund her dream, and the challenges of creating a high-ticket offer in a field that often undervalues its practitioners. 

Mandi brings her signature blend of humor and wisdom to coach Emily through refining her business strategy, identifying her ideal client, and building confidence in her offer.Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own business or just trying to figure out your next career move, this episode is packed with relatable moments, actionable advice, and plenty of laughs along the way.

What We Covered:

• Emily’s Career Journey: From working in toxic environments to launching her own private practice.

• The Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship: How grief and family legacy shaped Emily’s decision to go solo.

• Imposter Syndrome & Confidence Building: Why believing in your offer is key to success.

• Ethical Business Models: Emily’s vision for creating a group practice that prioritizes therapists’ well-being over profits.

• High-Ticket Offers: The challenges of pricing and selling services in a way that aligns with your values.

• Marketing 101 for Entrepreneurs: Mandi’s tips on building a sales funnel, creating lead magnets, and nurturing potential clients.

FOLLOW BROWN AMBITION: 

Follow us @BrownAmbition on IG, @brownambition on TikTok, and make sure you're signed up to get our weekly newsletter.

CHECK OUT EMILY ESQUIVEL: 

https://oyanova.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/oyanova-healing-pllc

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Mandi, Yanely, and Chris are celebrating milestones, unpacking celebrity controversies, and diving deep into the relationship between ambition and self-worth. WHEW. Yep. We go there!

BTW, why is Jonathan Majors all over our feeds and how is Meagan Good single-handedly holding up his career rn? We explore the fine line between talent appreciation and moral responsibility in entertainment.  

Finally, we dive into ambition and self-worth. Through personal stories and therapy insights, we reflect on how ambition is often fueled by trauma and can be reshaped into something healthier and more sustainable.  

Don't forget to RATE and REVIEW the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! It's essential to keep us growing and let everyone know how they can join the BA Fam. 

Stay connected: 

Follow us @BrownAmbition on IG, @brownambition on TikTok, and make sure you're signed up to get our weekly newsletter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BA Fam Tiffany is BACK!!!, and we’re celebrating in a big way! She shares the excitement of her new PBS special, “Get Good With Money”, and the unforgettable premiere party at the historic Kruger Scott Mansion. From reconnecting with Mandi to navigating last-minute challenges—like prepping for a teleprompter with 20/50 vision—Tiffany gives us an inside look at this milestone moment.  

That’s not all—we also dive into real financial challenges many are facing today, including managing consumer debt, student loans, and rising childcare costs. We break down practical strategies, highlight tools like Rocket Money to uncover hidden expenses, and explore ways to increase income without dipping into retirement funds. 

Whether you're looking for budgeting tips, motivation to tackle your finances, or just love an inspiring success story, this episode has it all. Take a listen!

Keep up with Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche

@thebudgetnista

@getgoodwithmoney

/youtube.com/@thebudgetnistablog

Watch| Get Good with Money with Tiffany Aliche | PBS

Email your questions to [email protected]

or DM us @brownambitionpodcast on Instagram.

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Hey BA Fam! Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tomara Watkins President of Buttah Skin and Dr. Kristian Edwards Founder of BLK+GRN, two visionary entrepreneurs reshaping the beauty and wellness industry. They share their journeys of building brands that cater to the unique needs of Black consumers while challenging industry norms and creating spaces for empowerment. 

From breaking barriers to redefining success, Tomara and Dr. Edwards discuss the privilege and responsibility of entrepreneurship and the impact of uplifting Black voices through their work.This episode highlights the power of resilience, community, and intentional relationships in navigating challenges and achieving success. We also explore the vital role of mutual support among Black women in business, emphasizing the strength found in collective growth and mentorship.

Discover how Buttah Skin and BLK+GRN are making a lasting impact in competitive markets and why representation, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership matter now more than ever. Tune in for an insightful and empowering discussion!

Follow this week’s Guests:

Buttah Skin: 

• https://www.instagram.com/buttahskin/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@buttahskin
• https://www.youtube.com/@ButtahSkin

Tomara W., President Buttah Skin: https://www.instagram.com/beautyteo/

BLK+GRN: 

• https://www.instagram.com/blkandgrn/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@blkandgrn
• https://www.youtube.com/@blkandgrn

Dr.Kristian E., Founder BLK+GRN: https://www.instagram.com/drkristianh/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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🔥 In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Jessica Cruel, the powerhouse Editor-in-Chief of Allure and SELF magazines, to talk about her journey to the top of the beauty media world and how she’s building wealth through real estate investing as a single woman.

👑 We dive into:

✔️ How Jessica climbed the ranks in the magazine industry

✔️ Her journey to financial independence & the FIRE movement

✔️ The ups and downs of being a single woman in real estate

✔️ Smart investing tips for first-time buyers

✔️ The power of mentorship, executive coaching, and community

💰 Jessica shares the exact team she built to succeed in real estate:

✔️ A real estate agent who understands investment properties

✔️ A reliable general contractor & trusted repair professionals

✔️ A financial team to maximize tax benefits & long-term wealth

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to start investing—learn as you go!

2️⃣ Build a strong team to support your real estate journey.

3️⃣ Wealth-building is possible at any stage of your career.

📌 Follow Jessica Cruel:

📸 Instagram: @JCruel

🌟 Allure: allure.com

🌟 SELF: self.com

💡 Subscribe for more career, wealth, and entrepreneurship insights and don't forget to leave us a review! It's a huge help to get the show seen by more listeners.

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