We are running it back to this fun conversation from 2023....We all know social media sparks a lot of conversations these days. So Codie, Ashley, and Melanie are giving their opinions about a post shared on Instagram that listed 5 things parents should do if they want to have a secure relationship with their children. The Mamas also talk about holding space for their children’s emotions and reflect on their relationships with their own mothers.

Is your kid’s bedtime routine a sweet dream…or a beautiful nightmare? In this episode, the Mamas are joined by Brandi Jordan - pediatric sleep specialist, postpartum doula, lactation consultant, and professional baby whisperer. Brandi breaks down how sleep actually works, from healthy newborn sleep habits to setting boundaries with big kids who still crawl into your bed. She talks about dream feeds, developmental milestones, co-sleeping vs. the cry-it-out method, and how to create the right environment for restful sleep - for your little ones and yourself. Because yes, Village, your sleep matters too.

A few weeks ago, we dropped Mama’s Den Reintroduction Part 1 - if you missed it, go run that back! In Part 2, we pick up where we left off…but this time, we’re officially down one Mama. Codie, Ashley, and Melanie open up about Felicia’s decision to step away from the show to pursue her next chapter (we love you and love this for you, Fee!). The Mamas also get real about where they are now - juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth - while doing their best to choose joy and lean on community. If you’re out here doing the best with what you’ve got, this is your reminder: joy is still on the table.

Bozoma Saint John is a Badass Mama! From single motherhood to climbing the corporate ladder as a marketing exec, launching her hair brand Eve by Boz, and starring on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Boz has done it all! But behind the glam is a woman shaped by hard-earned lessons in self-love, loss, and unstoppable growth. In this episode, Boz opens up about losing a child, becoming a widow, and being a Black woman in the boardroom...and how these moments empowered her to stand on business in every role she takes on. Through it all, Boz has not just survived, but thrived - led by intuition, divine timing, and trust in divine intervention.

We recently put out a listener survey and the results are in...y’all want more from the Mamas! So in this episode, while Felicia’s off handling her business (we’re so proud of you, Fee!), Codie, Melanie, and Ashley reintroduce themselves, reflecting on how they became the women and mothers they are today. From unplanned pregnancies and navigating pregnancy without health insurance, to finding purpose in motherhood and building community through The Mama’s Den - the Mamas open up about why honest conversations matter and why they keep showing up for the Village.

Grammy-winning singer, author, and mama Victoria Monét is in the Den! Victoria opens up about how motherhood has shifted her mindset - from navigating the stigma of being pregnant in the music industry to guarding her joy, mastering time management, and finding inspiration for her hit song “On My Mama.” Victoria and the Mamas also talk about the power of having a village, and why leading by example and leaving a legacy matters. Plus, Victoria shares the story behind her new children’s book, Everywhere You Are - a beautiful picture book about the unbreakable connection between kids and their parent.

Dr. Arlene Hollingsworth psychologist, Youtube creator, and mama of three shares how she and her husband, Javoris PhD, turned a family dream into Gracies Corner the viral YouTube series that celebrates Black culture through animated kids songs. But the road wasnt easy! From failed businesses and financial stress to finding their way as a family during the pandemic, Arlene reflects on how staying rooted in their purpose led to their breakout hit, The Phonics Song. This episode is for every parent chasing a dream while raising little ones proof that with patience and resilience, ordinary people can build extraordinary things.

In this episode, the Mamas confess about the struggle of teaching kids good hygiene. Because baby! Keeping the house clean and dealing with ashy, stinky bodies is tough and tough situations call for tough love. Hear how the Mamas are trying to instill responsibility and independence without completely losing their cool.

Stylist Bec Gross joins the Mamas to drop her favorite tips for feeling cute and confident in your clothes especially for moms learning to love their postpartum bodies. From embracing your shape and dressing for your size, to building a wardrobe with key staples, Becs here to help you rediscover your personal style. If youre trying to be outside this season, Becs got the fashion hacks to make sure you look good and feel good!

Producer, Actor, Choreographer, and Momager Brittany PerryRussell is THAT GIRL! From dancing with icons like Ciara and Beyonc to raising a successful kid actor Isaiah RussellBailey, Brittany joins the Mamas to discuss managing her sons career while still chasing her own dreams. Theres no blueprint for motherhood, but for Brittany, being spiritled has always kept her aligned with a higher purpose. If youve ever thought about giving up on your own dreams, this episode is your reminder to keep going because Brittany is the Momager whos survived the hustle, come out on top, and still she rises!

Kerry Washington is in the Den! The Emmywinning actress, activist, and mom of three joins the Mamas to talk about her latest film, Shadow Force, and what its like to play a badass mom onscreen while navigating wifeandmom life behind the scenes. Kerry gets real about everything from her parenting partnership with her husband, Nnamdi Asomugha, to the moment she learned her father isnt her biological dad and how that revelation reshaped her personal and professional journey. Kerry and the Mamas also dive into what it takes to build a support system it's okay to ask for help! and how love is the greatest thing we can give ourselves.

Schools almost out and summers almost here! In this episode, the Mamas share their summer break plans for the months ahead. From sports camps and play dates, to family vacations and lazy days at home the Mamas break down how they balance keeping the kids busy and letting them chill.

In this episode, were missing Felicia onefourth of our quartet. We miss you Fee! So Codie, Melanie, and Ashley get real about when they disagree with their husbands on parenting decisions from routines and discipline to visions for their kids futures. The Mamas share the importance of selfawareness, how they compromise with their partners, and how sometimes, you just have to pick their battles...Dont worry fellas, Ashley holds it down for the husbands pointofview! This ones a good convo for both sides!

The Mamas are joined by Blair Imani, creator of Smarter in Seconds, to talk about everything from working at Planned Parenthood to going viral in 2020 with her powerful, bitesized videos. She also opens up about her experience with pregnancy loss and how she's currently trying to conceive complete with a hot pregnancy tip from her auntie!. In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, Blair schools us on reproductive justice, and how to better support Black women and mothers for stronger maternal health outcomes. Get ready to take notes Blair drops gems and resources you wont want to miss!

The Mamas welcome Julian Saavedra, Assistant Principal and host of The Opportunity Gap podcast, to discuss learning differences in kids of color and how to support their unique needs. Julian highlights the importance of destigmatizing special education, having open conversations with your child about their school experience, and building relationships with administrators to advocate for your childs success. With Julians guidance and the work of Understood.org underserved communities can take advantage of the tools available to help kids not only survive but thrive in school and help close the gap. Learn more Understood.org is a nonprofit that provides free, expertvetted resources for parents, kids, and individuals who learn and think differently. With their wide range of products, content, tools, and other resources, theyre shaping a world where everyone can reach their potential.

We got a Doctor in the Den! Psychiatrist, researcher, and author Dr. Judith Joseph joins the Mamas for a powerful convo about highfunctioning depression, grief, and the struggle to find joy in daily life. Dr. Judith keeps it real about her own experience with depression and explains the highfunctioning challenges faced by highachieving women, particularly Black women. If youve ever felt the pressure to have it all together while struggling silently, youre not alone and this episode is for you! Dr. Judith's book, High Functioning Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy, is available everywhere on April 8, 2025. Warning This episode contains mention of suicide from 0645 0800, which may be triggering for some listeners.

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 parents 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.

This episode kicks off with a round of Were Not Really Strangers a fun card game designed to spark meaningful conversations. What starts as a friendly QA turns XXXrated because Ashley.surprise, surprise.... Then, the Mamas dive into a showandtell 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 selfdiscovery. MamasAgainstBookSleeves This episode is sponsored by Were Not Really Strangers. Get 20 off all products including the Kids edition card game! with the code mamasden.

In this episode, the Mamas relive their unforgettable girls trip to NYC a trip that almost didnt 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!

Melanie, Ashley, and Codie are back in the Den! Even though Felicias out this week, she still makes a stunning appearancebe sure to check out the YouTube channel for the visual! In this episode, the mamas break down a list of oneliners 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 wont want to miss!

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 Marneshas advice will help both you and your child fill up your sticker chart.

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 podcastsblacklove.com and on Instagram themamasdenpodcast.

If youve ever felt like you were stuck in the hard part of your story, Tabitha Brown is in The Mama's Den to remind youits okay to put yourself first! Tab's journey is a masterclass in faith, being present, and trusting that your moment is comingeven when it feels impossible. This week, Tabitha gets real about the tough seasons in her marriage, the moments she and Chance werent sure theyd 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.

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.

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.

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 havent done enough. But lets get real, Mamas 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!

The holidays are behind us and some of us are thinking New Year, New Me and whatnot. But when you have had a baby or two....or four, there can be challenges beyond just hitting the gym. So, The Mamas are running back an episode where we talked about our pre and post baby bodies. Hear what we think about everything from snapping back to diastasis recti, cosmetic surgery and more. This episode was recorded before Tata and Kaia were even born, so things have changed. But give it a listen and then tell us if you want us to talk about how we feel about our bodies now!