This week, Mandi sits down with the brilliant Jasmine Marie breathwork practitioner, founder of Black Girls Breathing, and author of Black Girls Breathing: Heal from Trauma, Combat Stress, and Find Your Freedom. From surviving the corporate grind to creating wellness spaces rooted in cultural relevance, Jasmine gets real about her journey into entrepreneurship, healing work, and what it truly takes to hold space for Black women’s mental and emotional wellbeing.  

We talk about everything from the power of a deep breath and surviving burnout, to funding a business on your own terms and growing a team the *smart* way. Jasmine even leads us through a mini oceanic breath session at the end — don’t miss it

We talk about: 

- Jasmine’s transition from corporate beauty marketing to breathwork and mental wellness

- Why most wellness spaces *don’t* center Black women's lived experiences — and what she's doing about it

- Building a company without VC funding: how Jasmine bootstrapped and scaled BGB

- The importance of listening to your body (and your breath) when trauma speaks

- Balancing healing work with entrepreneurship and how not to burn out

- Tools in Jasmine’s toolkit: EMDR therapy, acupuncture, daily walks, and more

- Real talk on grief, generational trauma, and creating new blueprints for Black wellness

Join the Movement:

• Visit https://www.blackgirlsbreathing.com to learn more and access free mental health resources  

- Follow Jasmine on IG @blackgirlsbreathing  

- Subscribe to *Brown Ambition* and leave us a 5-star review if this episode gave you life!

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BA Fam, we’re back at the Brown Table!  This week, Mandi is joined by our faves Yanely and Naseema for a good ol' catch-up and trust, it’s been a minute. We're talking about all things mental health, money moves, and why Naseema’s plotting a mini-retirement (yes, you heard that right).  

Plus, we dive deep into the messy student loan situation (spoiler alert: the bills are coming due) and what you actually need to know before you freak out. 

We also show love to some brilliant Black authors and entrepreneurs making big waves in the mental health and financial wellness space. 

Oh, and we might get a little sidetracked talking about breathwork,  the movie that everyone is talking about Sinners, and why leaning on your community is the biggest flex right now. 

Pull up a seat, you’re gonna want in on this one. 💛

Links + Resources:

📲 Follow on Yanely Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/missbehelpful/

📲 Follow on Naseema Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/financiallyintentional/

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: [@brownambitionpodcast](https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast )  

Website: [brownambitionpodcast.com](https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com )  

Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!

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In this week’s episode, we’re getting real about navigating career highs, lows—and everything in between.

Mandi hosts a live coaching session with LaKesha J., a member of the Mandi MoneyMakers community, who is trying to figure out how to position herself for career growth after she was laid off by her company and narrowly escaped unemployment by finding a role on a different team.

Next up, we get into the messy, grown-up decision-making that comes with a career crossroads. Do you take the severance and walk away clean—or stay for the long game, with perks like full vesting, pension benefits, and even a company-covered master’s degree? We’re breaking down the pros and cons, talking real numbers, and helping you think through how to align your career moves with your long-term goals.

And to close things out, we’re diving into two fields where the future is already here: data analytics and cybersecurity. Whether you’re eyeing a new lane or looking to level up where you are, we’re talking certifications, AI trends, and the skills that’ll keep your résumé future-proof. It’s a reminder that learning is a lifelong flex and staying curious is the best career insurance out there.

This episode is a celebration of courage, clarity, and the power of making moves—even when it’s scary. Tap in for real talk, big insights, and a whole lot of motivation to keep betting on yourself.

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: [@brownambitionpodcast](https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast)  

Website: [brownambitionpodcast.com](https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com)  

Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!

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This week on Brown Ambition, we’re joined by none other than HGTV’s powerhouse duo, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, stars of “Married to Real Estate” and hosts of the Marriage & Money podcast.

Together, we dive into what it really looks like to build a business, raise a family, and keep a marriage strong—all while staying true to themselves. From juggling show tapings to managing their growing empire (hello, new furniture line Indigo Road!), Egypt and Mike don’t hold back.

We talk about: 

- The honest truth about therapy, teamwork, and choosing love on the hard days  

- How they navigate marriage without competition just collaboration  

- The power of understanding your partner’s strengths in life and in business  

- Their journey raising daughters while modeling a healthy, ambitious partnership  

- What it takes to build a financial dream team and break the mold on outdated gender roles  

We also get personal about the importance of communication, leaning on trust, and setting boundaries that protect your peace—drawing inspiration from Michelle Obama, Tabitha Brown, and the many women redefining relationship goals on their own terms.

This one’s for anyone balancing love, legacy, and leveling up

🎧 Tap in and don’t forget to check out Egypt and Mike on YouTube and follow Egypt's newest venture, Indigo Road, for more of her signature style and vision.

Links + Resources:

📲 Follow Egypt on [Instagram https://www.instagram.com/egyptsherrod/ ]

📲 Follow Mike on [Instagram https://www.instagram.com/djfadelf/ ]

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: @brownambitionpodcast 

Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com

Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re sitting down with Raye Shurice, an amazing member of the MandiMoney Makers community, who went from juggling two jobs to landing a major salary bump and leveling up her entire career. She’s breaking down her journey, from tough interviews to tough decisions, and how community, clarity, and confidence helped her boss up and get what she deserved.

We’re also digging into one of the trickiest parts of the professional world: salary negotiation especially when you're trying to level up within the same company. Sound familiar? We got you.

From figuring out your market value to knowing how to leverage that next offer (yes, even in nonprofits!), we’re talking strategy, self-worth, and how to have the conversation without losing your cool.

Plus: We’re sharing real-world scripts, role-play tips, and ways to make sure your PTO, bonuses, and benefits get the same love as your paycheck.

If you’ve ever second-guessed your ask, struggled to advocate for your worth, or just needed that push to go after more—this episode is your reminder: You can do this, and you deserve every bit of it.

Links + Resources:

📲 Follow on Raye Instagram - @raye.shurice

🎙️ Stay connected with Brown Ambition →   @brownambitionpodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show, we’re bringing you a powerful mix of money talk, passion projects, and straight-up sisterhood.

Jamila Souffrantt yes,Jamila from Journey to Launch pulls up to share how she turned her financial freedom dreams into reality and how you can too. She drops gems from her book and reminds us all that reclaiming our financial futures is not just possible, it's necessary.

She’s joined by her sisters, Shaina McGregor and Imani Manning, for a soulful catch-up that’s long overdue (last podcast link-up was 2021—whew!). Shaina, a former pro dancer turned life coach, walks us through her shift into wellness and building a community with Inward Space. And Imani? She’s holding it down in the kitchen and beyond, juggling entrepreneurship and a career that centers joy, kids, and flavor.  

The vibe is pure love, family memories, deep dives into Jamaican-American identity, and what it really looks like to chase purpose while staying grounded. Whether it’s money, creativity, motherhood, or just figuring out what’s next—these three women keep it real and relatable.

Plus: Shaina closes out the episode with a calming breathing exercise that’ll have you exhaling stress and inhaling peace.

Tap in for a beautifully layered convo that’ll leave you laughing, reflecting, and inspired to move boldly in your own lane.

Links + Resources:

📲 Follow on Jamila Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/jamilasouffrant     

📲 Follow on Journey to Launch Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/journeytolaunch/

📲 Follow on Shaina Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/shaina.mcgregor

📲 Follow on inward space Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inward.space/

📲 Follow on Imani Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/yaadchef_45

🎙️ Stay connected with Brown Ambition →   @brownambitionpodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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