Welcome back to Mama We Made It! with Dj & Reg.

In this episode, we dive into childhood memories, family legacies, and the lessons that shape who we are today. From stuffed animals and childhood homes to vulnerable stories about parents, loss, and raising kids,  this conversation blends humor with heart.

✨ Highlights: - Dj’s moving story of a letter from his mother - Reg on fatherhood, loss, and blending families - How vulnerability, compassion, and masculinity evolve across generations - A reflection on community, grace, and the women who shaped us

Join the conversation: What childhood memory shaped you the most? Drop it in the comments, we’d love to continue the conversation with you. 

👍 If this episode resonates, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a conversation that matters.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9RmfZpA5yec 

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939         

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f       

In this episode of Mama We Made It, Dj and Reg go deep on the meaning of freeing and decolonizing the mind. 

The hosts share personal journeys around mentorship, parenting, and how their upbringings as Black men shape their skepticism and curiosity about mainstream narratives, especially in education. Reg details taking “two sets of notes” in school, one for the grade, one for survival, and how a lifetime of voracious reading, from Nikki Giovanni to Toni Morrison to W. E. B. Du Bois, has been foundational to his consciousness.

Dj reflects on familial lessons about economic self-reliance, early experiences with being objectified in classrooms, and how those shaped his framework for resisting exploitation. The two examine shifting forms of content consumption among younger generations, the often invisible forces within public education that mold how Black youth see themselves and the world, and the power of intentionally diversifying what and how we learn. 

They highlight authors like Dr. Grada Kilomba and the importance of tools like Google Scholar for grounding knowledge in research—not just opinion. Ultimately, this conversation is a call for ongoing curiosity, critical thinking, and creating more space for self-determined Black intellectual tradition.

When and Where I Enter by Paula Giddings - https://www.amazon.com/When-Where-Enter-Impact-America/dp/0688146503  

The ISIS Papers by Frances Cress Welsing - https://www.amazon.com/Isis-Yssis-Papers-Keys-Colors/dp/1602819599  

Race for Profit by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor - https://www.amazon.com/Race-Profit-Industry-Undermined-Homeownership/dp/1469653664 

Plantation Memories by Dr. Grada Kilomba - https://www.amazon.com/Plantation-Memories-Episodes-Everyday-Racism/dp/1771135506/ 

Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon - https://www.amazon.com/Black-White-Masks-Frantz-Fanon/dp/0802143008/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NwQumFBr7JA 

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939         

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f       

This week on Mama We Made It! With Dj & Reg, the conversation gets real about competition, community, and survival in corporate America. Drawing from their time at Nike, they open up about what it means to be underrepresented in high-pressure spaces, the subtle ways connection shows up at work, and how professional relationships shift over time.

Dj and Reg share personal stories about introversion, struggles with networking, and the difference between dealing with haters and finding true allies. They also dive into the impact these systems have on mental health, from stress and constant evaluation to the importance of boundaries and learning not to let corporate expectations define your worth.

The episode explores what it looks like to find freedom beyond the 9-to-5, why friendship and intentional connection matter, and how to build a career without losing yourself in the process. Packed with honesty, humor, and lessons earned the hard way, it’s a conversation for anyone chasing success while still wanting balance, self-care, and authentic community.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T-G3rLNyuwc 

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939         

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f       

In this episode of Mama We Made It, Dj and Reg break down the landmark NCAA settlement that could change college sports forever, allowing colleges and universities to pay student-athletes a share of revenue.

From college athlete compensation and student-athlete unions to the future of youth sports, this conversation dives deep into the real impact on players, especially Black student-athletes, and the ongoing fight for equity in athletics.

🎧What you’ll hear in this episode:

- How the new NCAA ruling on student-athlete pay could transform college sports - Dj’s journey as a student-athlete vs. Reg’s perspective as a lifelong fan - The decline in youth sports participation among Black and low-income kids - Opportunities for athletes at top sports brands after college - The rising impact of women student-athletes and representation in leadership - Why student-athlete unions & collective bargaining might be the next big step - Whether you’re an athlete, fan, parent, or just curious about the future of college sports, this episode is packed with insights on identity, equity, and life after the game.

Additional resources:

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/nsch.html 

https://www.umb.edu/media/umassboston/editor-uploads/new-balance-innovative-leadership-in-sport/National-Black-Sport-Participation-Physical-Activity-Report.pdf?utm_source=perplexity 

https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/ncaas-house-settlement-approved-ushering-in-new-era-where-schools-can-directly-pay-athletes-011814078.html 

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/e9dba8ce-d9f1-4a50-971b-77f2daaafacb 

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/b9ae70ae-e7e3-4496-a418-c0556ce304acc 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xx4LRSLomqE 

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939         

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f       

This week on Mama We Made It! With Dj & Reg, they dig into the meaning behind being called “black and bougie,” especially in light of Ralph Lauren’s recent Martha’s Vineyard collection and its stirring up cultural conversation. 

While Reg checks in from a vacation at the Vineyard, they unpack class, race, and the politics of “bougie” identity within the Black community, dispelling myths and addressing both the history and misconceptions tied to places like Martha’s Vineyard.

Dj and Reg reflect on personal experiences, family stories, and why striving for comfort and excellence shouldn’t always come with negative labels. The episode explores the importance of community, legacy, and safe spaces where Black folks can gather, from summer reunions to cultural festivals, all wrapped in honest laughs and thoughtful debate. Historic touchpoints, like the roots of the Black bourgeoisie and the lasting impact of respectability politics, keep things grounded and nuanced. The duo also shines a light on the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural vibrancy that make Martha’s Vineyard unique, while urging listeners to rethink presuppositions about “bougie” spaces. This episode is for anyone wrestling with Black identity, class, and the power of collective joy—don’t miss it.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CFruqy0xrgA 

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939        

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f      

Welcome back to Mama We Made It! with Dj & Reg. Today, they peel back the layers on the concept of legacy, unpacking whether it’s something we create it or have it defined for us by others. 

The duo discusses how their years in corporate America shaped, but didn’t define, their sense of self or legacy. Dj considers the difference between achievements and true legacy—framing legacy as less about what you build and more about the impact and inspiration you leave behind for others, especially in community.

Reg shares the powerful symbolism of receiving a “clean name” from his family and passing those values forward, emphasizing that his real legacy lives outside of job titles and more in the coaching, mentorship, and family traditions he upholds. Together, they riff on how the podcast itself is becoming a piece of their legacy—part of the broader tradition of Black oral storytelling, liberation, and authenticity. 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lmDpLm7j7bs 

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939       

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f     

In this episode of Mama We Made It with Dj & Reg! the hosts respond to the shocking and untimely death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, reflecting on the profound impact he had beyond his iconic role as Theo Huxtable. The hosts open up about how Warner’s work shaped their personal journeys, resonating with Black male adolescence and coming-of-age experiences in the 1980s. They discuss the cultural importance of The Cosby Show, the legacy left by Warner, and the unique space he held for those who didn’t fit traditional molds on television.

Reg and Dj move the conversation to the broader theme of premature Black celebrity deaths, unpacking the collective ways communities grieve and what these losses reveal about resilience, joy, and legacy. The episode touches on parasocial relationships, the power of seeing yourself reflected in media, and the inspiration Warner’s art and authenticity offered to generations. They wrap with a candid discussion on what it means to leave a legacy—whether it’s shaped by what you do or how others remember you—making this an intimate and thoughtful tribute to a life well-lived.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_fPKsNqoP2c 

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939       

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f       

Welcome back to Mama We Made It! with Dj & Reg. Today, they dive deep into the complexities of marriage, love, and partnership. They share personal stories about their own marriages and unpack surprising research on satisfaction, divorce rates, and how factors like friendship, financial alignment, and discipline play pivotal roles in lasting relationships.

They discuss the realities behind trends in different communities, the importance of modeling love, and the challenges faced by successful women in the dating world. Dj brings in stats on prenups and explains why he sees them as essential, while Reg offers a heartfelt perspective on marriage as a covenant rooted in faith and friendship. Together, they emphasize the value of humor, open communication, commitment, and self-discipline for building healthy, enduring marriages. Wrapping up with gratitude, Reg and Dj remind listeners that, despite the challenges, they’re both big believers in the power of love.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EQ4UyAmQ5Sc 

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939      

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f      

Welcome back to Mama We Made It with Dj and Reg! In this episode, Dj and Reg are joined by the creative muse and friend of the show, Nakeia Medcalf, for a rich conversation about Black migration trends across the U.S. and how culture, identity, and community take root in unexpected places. From personal stories of growing up Black in the Midwest to navigating predominantly white spaces, the trio reflects on everything from Boys & Girls Clubs and basketball courts to family reunions that helped shape who they are.

They explore what it means to build community in places like Portland, Arizona, and Mexico City, and how technology has helped amplify and connect Black culture across state lines. Digging into the latest Pew Research data, they discuss the fast-growing Black populations in Utah, Arizona, and Minnesota, the reasons behind these moves, and the cultural and political shifts they bring. From NBA Youngboy settling in Utah to the everyday joy of finding your people, this conversation is both deeply personal and eye-opening.

The hosts close with reflections on wellness, outdoor living, and how Blackness isn’t just something they carry—it’s something that grows, wherever it is. Whether you're in a city, a suburb, or somewhere in between, this episode reminds us that Black culture always finds a way.

Pew Research Center - Key facts about the U.S. Black population - https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/01/23/key-facts-about-black-americans/ 

Pew Reserach Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/ 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8EqVE3SP1C8 

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939     

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f     

Welcome back to  Mama We Made It! With Dj & Reg. In today's episode, they get candid about the real-life pivots that have shaped their careers—and ultimately, their lives. The duo opens up about moments when everything seemed set, only for circumstances to shift, forcing tough choices and leaps of faith, from Dj’s almost-move to New York being suddenly pulled back, to Reg’s journey out of Orlando and into new opportunities after personal loss. Both hosts share the critical role of timing, friendship, and personal values in making career decisions, reflecting on how sometimes doors close so even better ones can open.

They explore what it means to "stand on business," wrestle with the tension between patience and knowing when to move on, and reveal how professional setbacks can lead to personal growth, new communities, and even unexpected love. The episode also tackles why career pivots matter, how to own your own path (especially in a rapidly changing job market), and why liberation—financial, emotional, and communal—stays front and center. With vulnerability and wisdom, Reg and Dj dive into how embracing the unknown led them to richer, fuller lives. This is an episode about transformation, resilience, and the power of making bold moves, both for yourself and the ones you care about.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/istqbzMhzWs 

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939     

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f