Mama, We Made It! With DJ & Reg

This week, Dj and Reg uncover how cognitive maps, colonial cartography, and the Mercator projection have shaped the way we see the world, and ourselves. From the distorted size of Africa to the African Union's push for the Equal Earth map, they explore how maps influence power, identity, culture, and storytelling.

Dj breaks down stats on Eurocentric mapping and self-perception, while Reg shares his love for fantasy maps and cartography. The episode also veers into the future with a hilarious debate about driverless cars and trust in machine navigation.

If you've ever wondered how borders are drawn, who gets to tell the story of a continent, or why Africa looks "smaller" on classroom maps—this conversation is for you.

Topics We Cover:

- Why maps are political, not neutral - Mercator vs Equal Earth (and why it matters) - The power of borders, perspective, and representation - How geography education impacts identity - Tech, navigation, and driverless futures

Listen. Reflect. Re-map your world.

Resources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494403000367 https://au.int/en/member_states/countryprofiles2 https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/african-union-urges-adoption-world-map-showing-continents-true-size-2025-08-14/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVqkFjZHQ4Q

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/stbuHDhTG5Q

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!, hosts Dj and Reg take you on a nostalgic journey through the evolution of travel, from their first passport stamps to today's world of digital documentation and biometric borders.

They share personal stories of love, discovery, and transformation on the road, from Dj's whirlwind romance across continents to Reg's life-changing trip to Portugal. Together, they reflect on how travel has shaped their identity, perspective, and growth as Black Americans abroad.

From losing cherished passport stamps to questioning the rise of digital surveillance, Dj and Reg explore what it means to find belonging while preserving tangible memories in an increasingly digital world.

💬 Drop a comment: What's your most memorable travel stamp or moment abroad?

👉 Subscribe for more conversations on culture, identity, and global experiences — only on Mama We Made It.

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

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 guys unpack the hidden cost of "protracted problems"—those little issues we avoid that snowball into major headaches.

From neighbor disputes (like surprise backyard construction and non-stop barking dogs) to the pitfalls of choosing the wrong realtor, Dj and Reg share personal stories about how delaying tough conversations can drain your peace, relationships, and even your wallet.

Together, they dive into: 👉 The balance between grace and accountability 👉 Why conflict feels harder with family and close friends 👉 How shifting perspectives as parents changes decision-making 👉 Finding growth through transparency, self-reflection, and feedback

Of course, they lighten the mood with storytelling, laughs, and a little '70s R&B nostalgia along the way.

🎙️ Mama We Made It! is where real talk, relatable struggles, and honest growth all come together.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b_-D4du-nsI

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

What does it really mean to give someone grace? In this episode, Dj and Reg dive deep into the idea of grace—when to extend it, why it feels so hard, and whether it's truly "unearned."

They keep it raw and relatable, breaking down:

- How ego, respect, and public perception affect our ability to forgive. - A real-life hot yoga incident that tested Dj's patience. - Reg's take on second chances and how upbringing shapes mercy. - The role of race in public confrontations and why being singled out can feel heavy. - Why self-compassion is the first step toward extending grace to others.

Dj and Reg get honest about pausing before reacting, offering forgiveness without waiting for an apology, and learning how grace helps us move forward after being wronged.

👉 If you've ever struggled with letting things go—or wondered how to balance accountability with compassion—this conversation is for you.

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

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 part two of the discussion on mental health on Mama We Made It! with Dj & Reg, they open up about their personal journeys with mental health, wellness, and the everyday rituals that keep them grounded.

From heated yoga sculpt classes and unexpected oat milk misadventures to managing aches, pains, and finding the right community vibe, the two friends share how movement, mindfulness, and humor play a role in staying balanced.

They also highlight their go-to life hacks for thriving: - Daily practices like reading, walking, and eating at home - The underrated power of naps, hydration, and self-check-ins - Gaining fresh perspective from younger generations - Turning travel and time with loved ones into therapy sessions

At the heart of it all, DJ & Reg remind us of the healing power of authentic friendship, accountability, and community.

Tune in for laughs, wisdom, and simple tips to manage the stress of everyday life.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5swOEDV8VNY

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, Dj and Reg get real about mental health red flags and warning signs we often ignore. From LA traffic frustrations to the weight of parental worries, they share personal stories of how stress and anxiety sneak up in everyday life.

They dive into: 👉 How sleep struggles (insomnia, restless nights) are early signals of stress 👉 The hidden impact of retail therapy & instant gratification 👉 Why skipping self-care, exercise, or spiritual practices reveals more than we think 👉The difference between healthy solitude vs. isolating withdrawal 👉 How being introverts shapes their need for alone time and community

With honesty and humor, Dj and Reg explore stress eating, lost patience, and the challenge of staying grounded when life feels heavy. Their message? Pay attention to your own warning signs, check in with yourself, and take care. Come back to continue the conversation in part two.

🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if it resonates. We're all going through it—let's figure it out together.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eHNfk-yFtVc

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 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