We got a Daddy in the Den! Actor and father of two, Michael Ealy, joins the Mamas to talk about raising a boy and a girl. Together, they highlight the value of fathers being involved in their kids’ lives (to all the dads at ballet class - we see you!), the importance of communication between parents, and the need to appreciate each parent’s role. Michael shares lessons learned, from recognizing double standards (why are girls called sassy but boys are assertive?) to reminding us that dads juggle the same challenges moms do.

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We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

This episode kicks off with a round of We’re Not Really Strangers - a fun card game designed to spark meaningful conversations. What starts as a friendly Q&A turns XXX-rated (because Ashley….surprise, surprise...). Then, the Mamas dive into a show-and-tell of their favorite kids’ books, celebrating new releases from fellow Black mamas and authors: Tabitha Brown (Hello There, Sunshine), Tamron Hall (Harlem Honey), and Tika Sumpter (I Got It From My Mama). Get the scoop on all the books the Mamas love reading with their little ones - covering everything from diversity and equality to understanding emotions and self-discovery. #MamasAgainstBookSleeves

This episode is sponsored by We’re Not Really Strangers. Get 20% off all products (including the Kids edition card game!) with the code: mamasden.

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We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

In this episode, the Mamas relive their unforgettable girls trip to NYC — a trip that almost didn’t happen after Melanie hurt her back! From sisterhood sleepovers and Brooklyn meetups, to all the family and friends who showed up for them, the Mamas take a moment to soak it all in. What a journey going from a podcast born during the pandemic to representing Black motherhood on national TV. We love to see it!

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Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

Melanie, Ashley, and Codie are back in the Den! Even though Felicia’s out this week, she still makes a stunning appearance—be sure to check out the YouTube channel for the visual!

In this episode, the mamas break down a list of one-liners that make parenting a little easier, like “you gotta do what you need to do, before you get to do what you wanna do” (a Melanie Fiona original). They also discuss teaching their kids about respect, validating their emotions while disciplining them, and giving kids autonomy in making decisions — even when they want to curse! Throughout the convo, the mamas get a few surprise calls that tie right into a heartfelt Listener Letter — this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

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Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

For more Black stories and articles, go to blacklove.com. 

Marnesha is in the Den! If you've listened to The Mamas long enough, you have heard Fee rave about her kids' behavioral coach, Marnesha Hall. She joined the ladies of The Mama's Den to break down what a behavioral coach is and the benefits of having one for your kids. This episode explains the differences between behavioral coaching and therapy, how parenting dynamics impact your kids, and provides some helpful strategies to outsmart your little ones during their most challenging moments. Get your stickers ready because Marnesha’s advice will help both you and your child fill up your sticker chart.

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Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. 

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

This week, the Mamas tackle Listener Letters on balancing romance, friendships, and managing meddling grandparents.

They get real about the struggles of keeping their dating life alive — because for some, dating has left the chat! — and they share fun ideas for a cute date night (or a little afternoon delight!). The Mamas also dive into the importance of setting boundaries when grandparents are doing the MOST, and discuss the challenge of holding onto old friendships while your kids' social life forces you to befriend other moms. Thanks to the Listener Letters because this episode is packed with practical advice for moms trying to keep their relationships—and their sanity—intact.

Should the Mamas get a Listener Letter hotline? Let us know and send us questions at podcasts@blacklove.com and on Instagram @themamasdenpodcast.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

If you’ve ever felt like you were stuck in the hard part of your story, Tabitha Brown is in The Mama's Den to remind you—it’s okay to put yourself first! Tab's journey is a masterclass in faith, being present, and trusting that your moment is coming—even when it feels impossible. This week, Tabitha gets real about the tough seasons in her marriage, the moments she and Chance weren’t sure they’d make it, and what it really took to rebuild their relationship. She also shares how losing her mother shaped her, how she went from struggling in LA to retiring her husband and building an empire. Get your tissues and your journal because all the mamas left inspired after this conversation.

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Send any thoughts or questions for the mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. 

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

The Mamas reminisce about their journey to adding baby #2 (or babies #2 and #3 for Codie!), and share the ups and downs of managing the unique logistics and personalities that come with a growing family. From pregnancy stories to juggling schedules and sibling dynamics, this episode dives into the tools, challenges, and unforgettable memories that come with expanding your crew.

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Send any thoughts or questions for the mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

2025 is already doing the most! From navigating the impacts of the LA wildfires while parenting, to facing the realities of a new president, and trying to survive sleep amidst the middle of the night needs of kids, the Mamas discuss how - and if - they can find JOY when the world feels heavy.

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So Village, how do you find joy when your world is heavy? Let us know! Send any thoughts or questions for the mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. 

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

Are you happy with all of your accomplishments? Far too often, we find ourselves reflecting on everything we have done and have the nerve to think we haven’t done enough. But let’s get real, Mama’s Den family, sometimes getting up in the morning IS the accomplishment. It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that we should be further than where we are right now OR that it's too late to accomplish all the things and dreams we've had. The Mamas share not only what they accomplished, but what they had hoped to have done at this point in their lives.

Soon…..we will be back to talk about what we are proud of in 2025. We have enjoyed running back some of our favorite episodes with you. Get ready for a new episode next week!