In this episode of Raised By Her, we catch up after a whirlwind week — from a breathtaking family wedding in Chattanooga’s Lookout Mountain to receiving a Social Justice award at the NAACP Freedom Awards.

They share what made the wedding truly special (hint: thoughtful details, live music, and fireworks), reflect on Ed Gordon’s powerful keynote about activism and accountability, and dig into the question: What happens after the march?

From there, the conversation flows into classic Raised By Her territory — family traditions, Halloween memories, fears that follow us into adulthood (yes, spiders), and how therapy and self-awareness help us break cycles we didn’t create.

It’s equal parts laughter, reflection, and real talk — the kind of mother-daughter conversation that reminds you why generational dialogue matters.

In This Episode:

• The beauty (and logistics) of an outdoor wedding done right
• Lessons from the NAACP Freedom Awards and Ed Gordon’s keynote
• The difference between marching and movement
• Systemic bias and the importance of speaking up
• Halloween nostalgia, family memories, and the joy of community
• Facing fears, finding therapy, and growing through self-awareness
• Why shows like This Is Us still matter in an AI world

Listen If You Love: Family conversations, civic engagement, social justice, culture, therapy talk, and the kind of storytelling that feels like home.

📩 Speaking, partnerships, and press: [email protected]

🎤 New episodes every week. Honest conversations between mother and daughter on family, womanhood, and navigating life across generations.

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A surprise call from mom's college boyfriend sparks a deep, personal, and hilarious mother-daughter conversation about love, dating, and marriage.

This week on "Raised by Her," we're sharing it all—from high school dating to 10-year wedding anniversaries. We explore the massive generational differences in parenting, like mom's strict "no dating until 16" rule, and her honest opinion on her daughter's high school friends (and rap music posters).

Join us for a candid chat as we discuss:

• The generational divide on dating, parenting, and giving a 16-year-old a car.
• Mom's traumatic childhood story from church and how it shaped her perceptions.
• The real story of a drunken college breakup call to mom (and learning about trust issues).
• Can you (and should you) stay friends with an ex?
• Why communication is non-negotiable in marriage.
• Discovering The 5 Love Languages (and which one is ours!)

If you're looking for an honest, funny, and warm conversation about navigating relationships, heartbreak, and what makes love last, this episode is for you.

📩 Speaking, partnerships, and press: [email protected]

🎤 New episodes every week. Honest conversations between mother and daughter on family, womanhood, and navigating life across generations.

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How do you build something from nothing - and find the courage to keep going?
In this episode, Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders (broadcasting/arts executive) and Donnica Hawes-Saunders (public affairs CEO) unpack creativity, courage, risk-taking, and intergenerational wisdom - from throwing legendary theme parties and producing campus theater during the civil rights era to building a radio station from the ground up and navigating corporate change with conviction.

You’ll hear practical ways to start small, build momentum, set vision, recruit allies, fund ideas, document playbooks, and pass the lessons forward - so the next generation doesn’t have to fight the same battles alone.

Time Stamps:

0:00 Welcome & The Spa Question That Sparked It All
1:21 Where Building Begins: Creativity, Curiosity & Risk
2:22 The Party Queen: Themes, Purpose & Fun "Guest Labor"
4:04 Design with Intention: "The Party Starts at the Invitation"
5:59 Why We Hated Group Projects (And What It Taught Us About Leadership)
8:05 Left Brain vs. Right Brain: A Mother-Daughter Difference
9:44 Building Out of Necessity: Producing a Play During the Civil Rights Movement
12:22 How to Get the Money: Funding Your Vision by Asking for Help
13:58 Why Your Courage Unlocks Courage in Others
15:14 The Real Meaning of Courage & Navigating Risk
16:25 The Power of a Safety Net: Why Support Systems Are Everything
17:21 Life Lesson: The Debutante Story & Why You Have to Do the Work
19:46 Taking Risks at Work: Pushback, Finding Allies & Writing the Playbook
23:07 Passing It Down: Oral History, Documentation & Intergenerational Legacy
24:02 A Tough Question: Why Didn't Your Generation Do a Better Job?
26:42 Strategy Debate: Is Integration the Only Answer?
27:01 Social Media vs. Depth: Keeping History (and Hope) Alive
29:42 The Power of Mentorship & Sponsorship
30:50 Fighting the Same Fights & How to Measure Progress
32:04 History as Fuel for Hope
33:04 The Mission Behind the "Raised By Her" Podcast
35:03 From the Ground Up: The 10-Year Journey to Build a Radio Station
36:21 The Pre-Internet Hustle: How Research Got Done
37:34 "Do It Afraid": Using Small Steps to Build Your Courage Muscle
38:32 The General Schwarzkopf Moment: If Not You, Who?
41:48 Career Reinvention: How Every Risk Teaches a Lesson
43:12 The Biggest Leadership Lesson: It's Not About You
44:03 Call to Courage & Final Thoughts

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Start where you are: break big visions into small, repeatable steps.
Design with intention: invitations, details, and roles create buy-in.
Recruit & resource: ask for help, fund the vision, and share credit.
Document the playbook: pass knowledge so others can build faster.
Legacy lives in action: your courage gives someone else permission to try.

Speaking, partnerships, or press: [email protected]

🎤 New episodes every week. Honest conversations between mother and daughter on family, womanhood, and navigating life across generations.

👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe to be part of the conversation.

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You’ll learn: the difference between boredom vs. burnout, boundary-setting that actually sticks, creative leadership tactics (retreats, team ideation, fresh projects), why rest is non-negotiable, and how to read your body’s early warning signs.

👉 Question for you: What’s one boundary you’ll set this month to protect your energy? Tell us in the comments.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Intro
01:01 Why burnout happens (and “quiet quitting”)
01:14 Meet the mother–daughter hosts
01:51 Ro Nita’s early career & first experiences of burnout
03:34 Producing TV, “community ascertainment,” and public-service programming
04:48 From TV to hosting a radio call-in show
05:46 Building a radio station (10-year journey) — one of five Black women owners
07:01 Navigating burnout across roles; keeping work fresh
09:16 Team creativity, retreats, and motivation
11:22 Donnica’s wake-up call on Capitol Hill (doctor-ordered rest)
12:36 The stress myth & boundary-setting that works
13:40 Boredom vs. burnout — how they connect
14:18 A lesson from her father at GM: purpose in the product
15:48 Career redesign: founding The Averity Group (remote-first)
18:48 Health, sleep, balance — crafting a life that fits
20:38 Remedies: music, vacations, new projects; listening to your body
23:58 Why we started Raised By Her
25:39 Where to listen & follow

Speaking, partnerships, or press: [email protected]

🎤 New episodes every week. Honest conversations between mother and daughter on family, womanhood, and navigating life across generations.

👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe to be part of the conversation.

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#raisedbyher 

In this episode of Raised By Her, we sit down for an essential mother-daughter conversation about women's health. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we share our family's experiences, the importance of early detection, and the realities of getting a mammogram.

The conversation then unfolds into an honest discussion about fibroids- a condition that affects up to 80% of Black women. We share our individual journeys with fibroid diagnosis, the immense impact of stress on our health, and the difficult path to surgery and recovery. From holistic healing methods like castor oil packs to the frustrating reality of having to be your own medical advocate, we leave no stone unturned.

This episode is a call to action for women everywhere to break the silence, share their stories, and prioritize their well-being. Join us as we explore the critical need for intergenerational health conversations and the life-changing power of self-care.

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Why We're Wearing Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness
0:51 - The Pervasive Impact of Breast Cancer
1:52 - A Personal Story of Losing a Friend in Her 30s
2:25 - The Importance of Self-Exams and Screenings
3:17 - "I Believe Men Designed These Machines": The Mammogram Experience
5:01 - Where Does Cancer Come From?
6:02 - The Critical Role of Family Health History
8:09 - Can You Heal Your Body with Herbs and Wheatgrass?
9:00 - My Women's Health Journey: When Stress Takes Over
9:50 - What Are Fibroids?
10:27 - A Mother's Plea: "Please Take Care of Yourself"
12:00 - Your Body Will Tell You When Something is Wrong
13:28 - The Shocking Statistic: Fibroids Affect 80% of Black Women
14:53 - Grandma's Secret Weapon: Healing Fibroids with Castor Oil Packs
17:40 - The Messy Truth About Holistic Healing
19:11 - "Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This Would Happen?"
20:16 - The Power of Women Sharing Their Health Experiences
23:32 - The Moment I Ignored My Doctor's Warning About Fibroids
25:33 - You Have to Be Your Own Health Advocate
27:31 - The Painful Reality of Surgery Recovery
29:43 - "Is This What I'm Supposed to Feel Like?" Life After Fibroids
32:00 - How I Practice Self-Care Today: Meditation & Movement
34:29 - Learning How to Breathe Through Yoga
38:51 - Discovering I Was a "Mindless Eater"
40:29 - The Doctor Who Changed Our Family's Life
43:09 - "You Eat Like a Football Player"
46:01 - The Cultural Pressure to Finish Your Plate
48:31 - The "Freshman 15" and Dealing with Body Image
51:44 - Don't Be Selfish with Your Wisdom
52:32 - Are You Getting All Your Health Screenings?
55:16 - Final Thoughts: On to Good Health

Reach out to us with questions and/or comments at [email protected]!

🎤 New episodes every week. Honest conversations between mother and daughter on family, womanhood, and navigating life across generations.

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#raisedbyher

In this bonus episode of Raised By Her, Donnica and Ro Nita join the Podcast Business News Network to share a candid mother–daughter conversation on resilience, leadership, and the lessons passed down across generations. From navigating fear as a compass rather than a roadblock, to carrying forward the wisdom of family legacies, this episode explores how generational storytelling helps us heal, grow, and lead with purpose.

Together, they reflect on resilience through grief, the power of empathy, and why authentic connection across generations matters more than ever. Whether you’re navigating your own family dynamics or seeking inspiration to push through life’s challenges, this conversation offers heart, humor, and hard-won wisdom.

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:00 | Bonus Episode: Meet Raised By Her
Mother–daughter duo Donnica & Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders join the Podcast Business News Network.

01:00 – 03:00 | From Pandemic Calls to a Podcast
How daily conversations during lockdown sparked the idea for Raised By Her.

03:00 – 06:00 | Mother–Daughter Dynamics Unplugged
The real talk on how two generations learn, disagree, and grow together.

06:00 – 09:00 | Lessons From the 50s, 60s & Beyond
Ro Nita shares what it meant to be raised in turbulent times and pass down resilience.

09:00 – 12:00 | Fear: Roadblock or Compass?
How fear shaped their journeys - and why they teach others to use it as fuel.

12:00 – 16:00 | Then vs. Now: What’s Changed in Family & Community
Neighborhood bonds of the past vs. today’s global, digital connections.

16:00 – 19:00 | The Humanity Factor in Leadership & Life
Donnica on why focusing on what unites us matters more than ever.

19:00 – 22:00 | Wisdom Worth Sharing
Ro Nita on advice, mistakes, and why younger generations seek her guidance.

22:00 – 24:00 | Our Most Powerful Conversations
From 9/11 memories to global travel - how generational perspectives collide.

24:00 – 25:00 | Where to Find Raised By Her
Stream on Apple, Spotify, YouTube + follow us on TikTok & Instagram.

Send us questions and comments at [email protected]!

Subscribe to Raised by Her for more conversations!

🎤 New episodes every week. Honest conversations between mother and daughter on family, womanhood, and navigating life across generations.

👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe to be part of the conversation.
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#RaisedByHer 

In this episode of Raised by Her, Ro Nita and Donnica dive deep into the real-life experiences that shape us. Why do women often wait for 100% of qualifications to apply for a job, while men apply with only 60%? We tackle this shocking statistic and explore the roots of confidence, from parental belief to the tough lessons learned in sports.

Ro Nita and Donnica get candid about their own parenting disagreements, revealing how they navigated differences in opinion - from a rough "street ball" basketball team to forcing an individual sport. They share powerful insights on public speaking anxiety, how to "own your voice," and the generational shifts in career expectations, from 1970s broadcasting standards to today's remote-work culture.

Whether you're looking for career motivation, parenting wisdom, or just an honest conversation between a mother and daughter, this episode is packed with invaluable life lessons.

Timestamps: 

0:00 Welcome Back to Raised by Her
1:18 The Difference Between Being Busy vs. Being Productive
1:44 The Shocking Confidence Gap: Why Men Apply for Jobs Women Won't
2:20 Where Does True Confidence Come From?
3:06 The Power of Parents Believing in You
3:51 How Sports Build Character and Self-Esteem
4:47 The "Finish What You Start" Rule
5:17 Parenting Disagreement #1: The Rough Basketball Team
7:53 Parenting Disagreement #2: Forcing an Individual Sport
10:42 A Mom's Perspective: Learning Life Lessons from Drill Team
12:42 Fitness, Yoga, and Discovering the Power of Breath
15:47 The Secret to a Powerful Voice: Lessons from Theater
17:24 Powerful Advice for a Woman Insecure About Her High-Pitched Voice
19:54 Donica's #1 Tip: "Own Your Voice"
21:01 Overcoming the Universal Fear of Public Speaking
22:51 Generational Shift: Broadcasting Standards in the 70s vs. Today
24:34 The Disney "Standard of Excellence" in Your Career
26:25 Managing a Remote Team: Outcomes Over Monitoring
30:33 Can You Really Buy a House Sight Unseen?
34:08 Why This Podcast Matters to Us
34:40 Responding to Viewer Comments! (Paris & Ghana)
37:00 Until Next Time!
What was the best (or toughest) life lesson your parents taught you? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Subscribe to Raised by Her for more conversations!

🎤 New episodes every week. Honest conversations between mother and daughter on family, womanhood, and navigating life across generations.

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#RaisedByHer

From puppy-sitting a fluffy “teddy bear” pup to leaping off an 11,000-foot mountain, this episode of Raised by Her is packed with laughter, adventure, and life lessons. 🐶⛰️

Ro Nita and Donnica start with heartfelt memories of family pets — from poodles to a rescued miniature greyhound — and dive into how to choose the right dog for your lifestyle. Then, the mother-daughter duo takes you to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where they experience breathtaking landscapes, spot moose and bald eagles on an “American safari,” and face their fears paragliding for the first time.

These adventures spark a bigger conversation on a lifetime of travel — from Ghana to Australia — and the balance between careful planning and spontaneous leaps of faith.

👉 If you love stories about family, courage, travel, and the joy of saying “yes” to life, this episode is for you. Tune in for a warm, funny, and inspiring conversation that will leave you ready to embrace your own adventures.

Timestamps
(0:12) A discussion about dog-sitting Truffle, the Shih Tzu-Bichon mix.

(1:07) Looking back on childhood pets, from poodles to other breeds.

(2:38) The memorable story of Michelangelo, the miniature greyhound they rescued.

(4:07) How to choose the right dog breed to match your family's lifestyle.

(5:55) Shifting gears to talk about a recent vacation to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

(7:17) Why modern horseback riding trails don't compare to galloping through the woods in Kentucky.

(8:41) Describing the breathtaking, "unbelievable" beauty of the Grand Teton Mountains.

(10:01) Seeking an "American safari" experience with bears, moose, and bald eagles.

(10:49) The family's generational love for travel, inspired by their grandmother's wisdom.

(13:25) Reflecting on a formative first international trip to Ghana as a child.

(14:53) The profound historical impact of visiting the "Gate of No Return."

(17:08) Why a semester abroad in Australia was an unforgettable experience.

(19:50) The art of travel: Is it better to plan a detailed itinerary or be spontaneous?

(22:04) The incredible story of deciding to paraglide off an 11,000-foot mountain on a whim.

(25:03) What does it actually feel like to run off the edge of a mountain and fly?

(28:14) A debate on what qualifies as an "extreme sport" and what adventures are next.

(30:20) Answering the impossible question: "What's the best trip you've ever taken?"

(32:53) The difference between Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone.

(35:05) Recounting all the wildlife spotted on the trip.

(37:35) Do you prefer cruises or land-based travel?

(38:32) The bucket-list Alaska cruise that was perfectly planned... and then canceled.

(41:19) Final thoughts and a life lesson from Grandma Rosa: "Never say never."

🎤 New episodes every week. Honest conversations between mother and daughter on family, womanhood, and navigating life across generations.

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#RaisedByHer

In this episode, Ro Nita and Donnica kick off the conversation with a poignant reflection on the 24th anniversary of September 11th, sharing their personal memories of that day.

The conversation then shifts to a deep dive into emotional intelligence, guided by a recent presentation Donnica gave on the topic. Using psychologist Daniel Goleman's five-component framework, they explore how self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills are not just business buzzwords, but essential tools for navigating everyday life. 

Join them for a discussion on authenticity, pushing past fear, the power of human connection, and Ro Nita’s proposed sixth component of emotional intelligence: Love.

Timestamps
(0:00) - Welcome! Meet your hosts, mother-daughter duo Ro Nita and Donnica.

(0:31) - Reflecting on the 24th Anniversary of September 11th.

(1:00) - "We are being attacked": Ro Nita shares her experience as a radio station owner on 9/11.

(4:22) - Donnica recalls her perspective as a high school student watching the tragedy unfold.

(7:43) - This Week's Big Topic: A Deep Dive into Emotional Intelligence.

(8:40) - The 5 Components: Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Empathy, Motivation, and Social Skills.

(9:26) - Component 1: Self-Awareness - The importance of being your authentic self.

(11:53) - Component 2: Self-Regulation - Staying grounded and pushing past fear.

(12:34) - Ro Nita's Story: Facing a career-defining moment while her baby was sick.

(16:28) - A core memory: Ro Nita recalls the first time she was truly afraid at her kindergarten graduation.

(19:35) - Component 3: Motivation - What drives us to go beyond the minimum?

(22:36) - The secret to Donnica's motivation? Ro Nita's made-up morning songs.

(26:59) - Component 4: Empathy - Understanding another person’s perspective.

(30:22) - A powerful story of empathy and connection with a stranger at the post office.

(35:46) - Component 5: Social Skills - Building relationships in a remote and transactional world.

(40:08) - Ro Nita proposes a sixth, essential component to emotional intelligence: Love.

(42:56) - A Special Kind of Love: A final lesson from Rosa and a tribute to a mother’s love.

🎤 New episodes every week. Honest conversations between mother and daughter on family, womanhood, and navigating life across generations.

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Welcome to the very first episode of "Raised By Her," the podcast where generations connect, reflect, and get real about life. Join mother-daughter duo Ro Nita (74) and Donnica (39) as they dive into the big decision that brought them back to the same city after years apart.

In this episode, Donnica shares the hilarious and strategic story behind convincing her big-city husband to move from Washington D.C. back to her hometown of Dayton, Ohio. They explore the unexpected pros and challenging cons of swapping a bustling metropolis for a mid-size Midwestern city - from the cost of living and lack of direct flights to finding your professional and social footing.

The conversation also touches on crucial life lessons, including setting the right precedents in a marriage (hear the hilarious "she doesn't cook" story!), the debate between pursuing passion versus a paycheck, and the transformative power of attending an HBCU. Ro Nita and Donnica share their personal experiences and perspectives on education, career, and what it truly means to build a happy life.

Tune in for an honest, warm, and insightful chat between a mother and daughter navigating life together.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro: Meet your hosts, mother-daughter duo Ro Nita (74) and Donnica (39), and learn about their new podcast, "Raised By Her."

(1:06) Moving Back Home: Donnica discusses her family's move from Washington D.C. back to her hometown of Dayton, Ohio.

(2:37) The Strategic Move: The funny story of how a conversation at a winery with a sister-in-law was the key to convincing a New Yorker to move to the Midwest.

(5:04) The Day He Learned She Could Cook: Ro Nita shares a hilarious memory of the first time Donnica's husband saw her cook for the family.

(6:45) How to Set the Precedent in Your Marriage: Donnica shares powerful advice about establishing the dynamic you want in your relationship from the very beginning.

(10:14) The Culture Shock of a Smaller City: The real challenges and adjustments of moving from a major city like D.C. to a mid-size one.

(12:52) The 3 Biggest Pros of Living in Dayton: The hosts break down the top benefits, including family, cost of living, and the opportunity to make a real impact.

(16:32) The 3 Biggest Challenges of Living in Dayton: A candid look at the downsides, from the lack of direct flights to navigating a "small town" mindset and finding a community of peers.

(24:24) Choosing an HBCU: Donnica reflects on her journey to choosing Spelman College and the profound, confidence-building experience it provided.

(33:22) The Power and Legacy of HBCUs: Why historically black colleges and universities are critical in producing a high percentage of Black leaders and professionals.

(37:40) Is a College Degree Worth the Debt in 2025? A timely discussion on the value of higher education versus trade school, student loans, and different paths to success.

(42:01) Career vs. Passion: Should your job be the thing you love, or should it be the thing that funds the life and passions you love?

(46:21) In Honor of Rosa: The hosts dedicate the podcast to their family's matriarch and the generational wisdom she passed down.

🎤 New episodes every week. Honest conversations between mother and daughter on family, womanhood, and navigating life across generations.

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