Woke Mommy Chatter

The day after Donald Trump was elected the first time, Aja Rutledge made a decision that would change her life. With her young son in tow, she left everything behind and crossed the border—not to another U.S. state, but to Mexico.

In this episode, we sit down with Aja to talk about what it means to choose yourself, your peace, and your child's future when the world feels on fire. From systemic issues in the American education system to motherhood in exile, this is a story about the beauty of the unkown and discovering a peace and community somewhere you never thought you would.

If you're not already signed up for our newsletter, head over to www.wokemommychatter.org and drop us your email. That's where we share updates, reflections, and more ways for us to stay connected.

And if you're on Instagram, LinkedIn, Substack, or TikTok, come find us there too.

We're especially loving TikTok these days—it's where you'll see more of the real, unfiltered side of me and this work.

This episode of Woke Mommy Chatter is a special one—first recorded back in 2018, before the pandemic, before the uprisings, before the global spotlight on the unique challenges of Black motherhood. We're resharing this conversation with Brianne DeRosa, because while so much has changed, the reflections and resonance still hold power.

Listening now, in 2025, you might hear something different. The context has shifted, our language has grown, and our sense of urgency has sharpened. This episode is a time capsule, but it's also a mirror—reminding us of where we were and what we still must carry forward.

If you're not already signed up for our newsletter, head over to www.wokemommychatter.org and drop us your email. That's where we share updates, reflections, and more ways for us to stay connected.

And if you're on Instagram, LinkedIn, Substack, or TikTok, come find us there too.

We're especially loving TikTok these days—it's where you'll see more of the real, unfiltered side of me and this work.

In this emotional reshare from 2018, I sit down with Marsha Hibbert and Taina Mayberry to discuss the complexities of Black women's mental health. Though the conversation was recorded years ago, it still resonates today. As I reflect on what's changed and what hasn't, I share the early findings from my work as the founder of the Black Women's Institute for Health and the Voices Unheard survey. Black women and girls are experiencing high levels of mental distress and thoughts of self-harm. We are not okay, and we need to talk about it. This episode is a call to action to acknowledge our pain, care for ourselves and each other, and challenge the structures that are making us sick.

If you're not already signed up for our newsletter, head over to www.wokemommychatter.org and drop us your email. That's where we share updates, reflections, and more ways for us to stay connected. And if you're on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Substack, LinkedIn, come find us there too. We're especially loving TikTok these days—it's where you'll see more of the real, unfiltered side of me and this work.

We're resharing the very first episode of the podcast: "Making Mom Friends." In this conversation, we talk about the challenges, joys, and real-life struggles of finding your people when you become a mother. It's one of those episodes that still feels so relevant, and we're excited to bring it back for those who might have missed it or want to listen again.

This episode is a little window into how Woke Mommy Chatter started, real talk, honest moments, and the importance of community for Black moms and caregivers. Whether you're new to the podcast or have been with us since the beginning, we hope this episode brings you connection and a little bit of that village feeling we all need.

What's Next:

We're taking a short break to plan for Season 6, but we'll be sharing these early episodes in the meantime. If you haven't already, sign up for our newsletter at www.wokemommychatter.org to stay in the loop, and find us on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Substack, LinkedIn.

Thank you for listening and for being part of this journey with us!

Hey everyone, I just wanted to say thank you for listening to Season 5. We're taking a little break right now, but we'll be resharing some of our favourite past episodes, so you can still tune in and hear some of those conversations and stories that mean so much to us.

If you're not already signed up for our newsletter, head over to www.wokemommychatter.org and drop us your email. That's where we share updates, reflections, and more ways for us to stay connected. And if you're on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Substack, LinkedIn, come find us there too. We're especially loving TikTok these days—it's where you'll see more of the real, unfiltered side of me and this work.

Also please like and subscribe to this podcast and leave a comment! Let us know your thoughts.

Thank you for showing up and listening, for being part of this community. Stay tuned for the replays, and we can't wait to bring you even more in the next season. Sending love to you all.

Motherhood Across Borders – The world is shifting, and not in our favor. As authoritarianism tightens its grip and our rights are stripped away, how do we protect and prepare our children? How do we mother in a world that wants to erase us?

In this no-holds-barred episode, Kearie Daniel (@wokemommychatter) sits down with Bellamy Shoffner (@revolutionaryhumans) and Desna McKenzie to have the raw, urgent conversations that mainstream parenting spaces won't touch. We're talking about what it means to raise Black and racialized children in a time of rising fascism, deepening inequality, and relentless anti-Blackness—whether you're in the U.S., the U.K., or anywhere else.

This is not just another parenting podcast. This is about survival, resistance, and raising the next generation to challenge everything.

🔥 Tune in now. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @wokemommychatter on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and @wmcmotherhood on TikTok.

Episode Description:

In this episode of Woke Mommy Chatter, we have an eye-opening conversation with Nadine Woods, founder of Myana, a socially conscious lingerie brand dedicated to postpartum and menopausal bodies. Nadine shares her personal journey of navigating body changes after childbirth, the challenges of finding functional yet beautiful lingerie, and why she built a brand that prioritizes health, inclusivity, and body positivity—especially for Black women.

We dive deep into the realities of motherhood, menopause, and entrepreneurship, discussing the harmful beauty standards that impact Black women, the misinformation surrounding fabrics and hormonal health, and the systemic barriers in healthcare and insurance. Nadine also opens up about the importance of educating children on race, body image, and self-worth—especially as a mother raising a Black daughter.

This episode is raw, real, and packed with insight on redefining wellness and beauty on our own terms. Whether you're navigating postpartum recovery, perimenopause, or simply trying to balance motherhood and business, this conversation is for you.

Tune in for an honest discussion on reclaiming our bodies, owning our power, and reshaping the narratives around Black women's health and wellness.

💡 Follow & Connect:

📲 @wokemommychatter on TikTok and all social platforms

🌍 Visit us at www.wokemommychatter.org

Episode 6: Navigating the Tween & Teen Years as Black Parents

Parenting tweens and teens is a whole new world—and if you're a Black parent, that world comes with unique challenges and lessons. In this episode of Woke Mommy Chatter, host Kearie Daniel sits down with Dr. Ashley Maxie-Moreman, a licensed clinical psychologist at Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC, and Nicole Emmanuel, writer, parenting expert, and creator of the blog Parenting While Black.

We get into the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence, why our kids' opinions (even when ill-informed!) are part of their growth, and the critical role of communication, identity, and racial pride in raising Black children. Dr. Maxie breaks down what's happening in our kids' developing brains—why they test boundaries, why emotions run high, and how to parent with both love and firm guidance. Nicole shares her experiences as a mom of two teens and how she's navigating independence, social media, and those inevitable teenage tantrums.

We also tackle:

✔️ The difference between compliance vs. commitment in parenting

✔️ How Black parents can balance gentle parenting with necessary discipline

✔️ The impact of social media, racial bias, and identity formation on our kids

✔️ Why Black parents must prepare children for bias—but in moderation

✔️ How to foster racial pride to combat negative stereotypes and internalized anti-Blackness

This episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and expert insight that every Black parent needs as they guide their children through adolescence.

🎧 Listen now.

🔗 Visit www.wokemommychatter.org for more parenting resources and to support the podcast.

You can also check out the Parenting While Black Blog here: https://parentingwhileblack.com/

And connect with Dr. Maxie here: http://www.maxiemoreman.com/

#BlackParenting #RaisingBlackChildren #ParentingWhileBlack #BlackMoms #BlackDads #BlackTeenParenting #TweenParenting #BlackMentalHealth #BlackFamilies

Stop scrolling and press play on an episode that will change the way you see healthcare. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass—a trailblazing OBGYN and President of Black Physicians of Canada—breaks down the harsh realities of maternal health disparities that disproportionately impact Black women. With eye-opening statistics and heartfelt insights, she reveals how systemic racism isn't just a part of history—it's a present-day crisis in healthcare.

Dr. Tunde-Byass shares actionable tips for self-advocacy and navigating a system that often overlooks Black voices, while also exploring inspiring stories of community resilience and the urgent need for change. Whether you're passionate about health equity or simply curious about the untold truths behind everyday statistics, this episode is your call to action. Tune in now to be part of a transformative conversation that's paving the way for a more just future.

Episode Title: Rhythm, Resilience, and Representation: The Story of DOAHL Dance Academy

In this heartfelt episode of the Woke Mommy Chatter Podcast (Season 5, Episode 4), I sit down with Charlene Hines, co-founder of DOAHL Dance Academy (Dance on a Higher Level). Since its humble beginnings in 2003, DOAHL has grown from six students in a community center to a vibrant, multi-disciplinary dance school that's more than just a place to learn choreography—it's a sanctuary for Black children and their families.

Charlene shares DOAHL's journey as a space where children see themselves reflected, feel safe, and thrive in a community built on love, mentorship, and advocacy. We discuss the challenges DOAHL has faced, from breaking racial barriers in competitive dance to pushing for greater equity and representation in the arts.

This episode celebrates DOAHL's commitment to creating a legacy of joy and belonging while championing the beauty of intentional spaces for Black children to grow, learn, and lead.

Tune in to hear how DOAHL Dance Academy is transforming lives, one step at a time, and join us in celebrating a movement for equity, art, and community.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Follow DOAHL Dance Academy: @doahlacademy

For resources tailored to Black families: Visit the Black Women's Institute for Health.

#DanceLife #BlackJoy #RepresentationMatters #DOAHL #HipHopDance #BlackGirlsDance #CommunityMatters