Brown Ambition

This week on Brown Buzz, Mandi Money is breaking down the headlines shaping our money, careers, culture, and everyday lives. First up, LeBron James’s reported $15 million partnership with Polymarket raises questions about the growing popularity of prediction markets and how these platforms are marketed to people who may already feel financially behind. Mandi explains how prediction markets work, why the line between trading and gambling deserves a closer look, and what you should know about protecting your money if you use these apps. Then, Mandi celebrates some major Black business wins, including Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price returning to an ownership role in the brand she built from her Brooklyn kitchen. She also dives into the Ebony Power 100 list and shares a reminder for anyone who has ever felt overlooked: someone else’s recognition is not evidence that your work is small. Plus, Mandi breaks down what rising home heating costs could mean for your winter budget, gives CultureCon founder Imani…

What happens when you grow up knowing what it feels like to not have enough money? For La La Anthony, that feeling became part of the fuel behind her ambition. Raised by a single mom, La La learned early that she wanted to build a life where she could take care of herself and never have to feel guilty about asking for money. That independent spirit eventually took her from an unpaid radio internship at 16 to a career spanning radio, acting, producing, entrepreneurship, fashion, and philanthropy. In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi Money sits down with La La to talk about the money lessons she had to learn the hard way, from spending her first paychecks on things that made her look successful to negotiating an $80,000 salary at just 18 without a lawyer or agent. La La gets candid about what it took to understand her worth, why she believes you have to stay involved in your finances even when you have financial professionals managing your money, and why asking questions is a critical part of becoming…

This week on Brown Buzz, we’re cutting through the headlines and getting into the stories that affect our money, careers, and lives. First, Mandi discusses the allegations involving Cornell and LSU, why Title IX is not the same thing as a criminal investigation, and what students and survivors should know if they want to explore a report to law enforcement. TW: From 02:21 - 11:05 this episode includes discussion of SA. Then, we get practical: • The career skill employers say matters most in an AI-powered workplace • Why more buyers are considering adjustable-rate mortgages—and the questions to ask before you sign • A listener inherits more than $100,000 from her great-aunt: Should she pay debt, save it, invest it, or spend a little to honor her aunt? • Why $100,000 invested at a hypothetical 7% annual return could grow to nearly $1.5 million over 40 years, before taxes, fees, inflation, or investment volatility Plus, Mandi gives Alexis Nikole Nelson—the Black Forager—her Brown Boost after Alexis’s cookbook,…

What happens when the thing that makes you feel most like yourself doesn’t fit neatly into the version of success you were raised to pursue? For Alexis Nikole Nelson, aka The Black Forager, that question has shaped nearly every chapter of her life. From growing up as a curious, outdoorsy kid who learned about plants in her mother’s garden to studying environmental science and theater, working in marketing, and eventually building a community of millions around her love of foraging, Alexis has never really fit into just one box. And that’s exactly the point. In this episode, Alexis joins Brown Ambition to talk about building a life and business that makes room for all of her interests, identities, and curiosities. She shares how her mother introduced her to foraging as a child, why she initially kept her love of plants and the outdoors to herself, and what it took to stop suppressing the parts of herself that didn’t fit other people’s expectations of Blackness, femininity, or success. Mandi and Alexis also…

Brown Buzz is back! Mandi breaks down the Nikole Hannah-Jones school-choice debate, the latest in the Nolan Wells case, why the AI job apocalypse may be more complicated than it sounds, and what SAVE borrowers need to do now. In this episode • Nikole Hannah-Jones, school segregation, and the emotional cost of impossible parenting choices • Why repair and accountability matter after harm • The latest in the Nolan Wells case • The AI “boomerang” trend and how to strengthen your career resilience • What SAVE borrowers need to do now • Kennedy Ryan’s major adaptation news BA Fam action steps • Parents: Review what your child is bringing home from school, ask questions, document concerns, and organize with other families when systems are not meeting students’ needs. • Workers: Update your résumé with business outcomes, build fluency with the AI tools relevant to your industry. • SAVE borrowers: Check your StudentAid.gov and loan-servicer accounts, find your individual transition deadline, compare repayment…

In this episode, Mandi sits down with Dr. Tasneem “Dr. Taz” Bhatia, a board-certified physician and integrative medicine expert, to talk about women’s health, hormones, healthcare, and what it really means to advocate for yourself. Dr. Taz shares her own experience of becoming a doctor who became the patient after struggling with fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, hair loss, and other symptoms that were initially dismissed as stress. She also explains how her journey into integrative medicine changed the way she thinks about gut health, hormones, nutrition, stress, supplements, and preventive healthcare—and why women need to understand their bodies instead of simply accepting that feeling bad is “normal.” But this conversation goes beyond health. Dr. Taz opens up about building her healthcare business from two rooms in her husband’s dental office, bootstrapping her businesses, navigating money with her husband, and eventually bringing her clinics, supplements, digital platform, and other ventures together…

In this special Friday episode, Mandi celebrates the BA Fam, shares the origin story behind Brown Ambition, and introduces Brown Buzz—your new end-of-week roundup of the headlines shaping your money, career, culture, and life. This week on Brown Buzz: • The Federal Reserve raised interest rates. What does that mean for credit-card debt, variable-rate loans, savings accounts, and your investments? • More job seekers are getting interviewed by AI bots instead of actual humans. Mandi shares how to navigate the robot-filled hiring process—and why your real-life network matters more than ever. • Ed Sheeran’s tour drama: Macklemore was removed from the tour after speaking out for Palestine, other artists walked away, and the controversy raises bigger questions about neutrality, power, and who gets to speak. • Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing backlash after honoring Chris Brown at a Texas concert. Mandi unpacks the difference between fandom, Black joy, public recognition, and accountability. • Plus, a Brown Boost…

What happens when the ambition that helped you build your life starts costing you your well-being? For many ambitious women, especially women of color, success can come with a hidden cost: saying yes when we’re exhausted, pushing through when our bodies are asking us to slow down, and measuring our worth by how much we can accomplish. But wellness isn’t just about massages and self-care days. Sometimes it looks like setting boundaries, asking for help, knowing what you actually need, and giving yourself permission to come back to yourself. In this episode, Koya Webb joins Mandi Money to talk about the connection between wellness, ambition, money, and leadership. She opens up about losing her mother while writing her latest book, how grief changed the way she thinks about success and family, and why she’s learning to embrace a new version of herself. Koya also shares the entrepreneurial lessons she learned building her wellness business—from hiring and structuring a team to finding mentors and creating a…

What happens when you spend years pouring everything into your career, relationships, and success only to realize they aren’t pouring the same love back into you? In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with journalist and author Tiffany D. Cross to talk about her new book, Love, Me: A Letter to Black Women in a Toxic Country, Career, and Relationship. Tiffany opens up about her very public exit from MSNBC, rebuilding her life after career heartbreak, and the difficult process of learning to recognize her own value. Together, Mandi and Tiffany explore the parallels between toxic workplaces and toxic relationships—and why so many of us chase validation through promotions, titles, money, and other people’s approval. They also talk about financial security, building your own table instead of waiting for a seat, the power of community, and why Black women need to think differently about career success, wealth, and what we’re building for the next generation. Plus, Tiffany makes a passionate case for…

September can be a powerful time to get visible, activate your network, and pursue the next role—but smart career strategy is not just about landing a new job. It is also about protecting your options before year-end budget decisions and possible restructurings. In this solo episode, Mandi shares how to use the fall hiring window, make yourself easier to hire, and create a no-panic layoff-readiness plan for your career and your money. In this episode, Mandi covers: • How to get specific about the role and work you want next • Why real conversations can be more useful than online salary data alone • A simple outreach script to reconnect with your network • How to refresh your résumé and LinkedIn without overthinking either one • Why 2–5 strong-fit applications can beat dozens of random ones • How to prepare for possible reorgs or layoffs without spiraling • Why you cannot afford to be the best-kept secret in your industry Get the free September Career Reset Toolkit https://mandimoney.myflodesk.com/september…

This week's BA Q&A, Mandi is joined by friend of the show Naseema McElroy of Financially Intentional to answer a question from Serena, a 28-year-old multi-passionate entrepreneur torn between beauty and holistic health. Naseema drops gems on the power of niching down, embracing your unique story, and positioning yourself as a Key Person of Influence. If you’re feeling stuck between passions and need clarity on how to turn your ideas into a purposeful business, this episode is for you. 🔑 Highlights: Why failing fast is essential to the entrepreneurial journey How to build your business by owning your story and defining your niche 📚 Book rec: Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley (as recommended by Naseema) 💌 Got a question for the show? Email us at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM us on IG @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA Fam! Mandi Money is back with a Brown Boost, Brown Break because there’s simply too much happening to stay quiet. First, Mandi turns her attention to Gary, Indiana, where tens of thousands of residents were left without power following severe storms. She talks about what the crisis reveals about racial inequity, the communities that too often get overlooked by mainstream media, and why voices like Keith Lee and other independent creators have become so important in bringing attention to stories that deserve national coverage. Then, it’s time for a much-needed Brown Boost. Mandi celebrates journalist Karen Attiah’s arbitration victory against The Washington Post after challenging her firing with the support of her union. Her win opens up a bigger conversation about Black women in media, workplace power, racial double standards, press freedom, unions, and what can happen when workers have the resources to fight back. And because we could all use a little inspiration, Mandi closes things out with a Brown…

Mandi responds to a listener trying to help her 59-year-old mother recover from a costly retirement mistake after medically retiring from a job she held for 19 years. After discovering her mom had just $36,000 left and had accidentally withdrawn her retirement balance instead of rolling it into an IRA the listener is left figuring out how to protect what's left without creating an even bigger tax or benefits problem. What starts as a question about a 401(k) withdrawal turns into a bigger conversation about helping aging parents navigate retirement. Mandi breaks down the 60-day rollover window, taxes, income-based assistance, and the questions they need to ask Fidelity before making another move. She also explains why the "perfect" financial advice doesn't always fit real life. Sometimes the goal isn't keeping every retirement dollar untouched it's creating a plan that balances accessible cash, benefits, taxes, and long-term security without putting the entire responsibility on one person's shoulders. See…

Hey BA fam, it’s Mandi Money! Today I’m bringing you a Brown Ambition Rewind featuring my conversation with physician, author, entrepreneur, and health equity advocate Dr. Uché Blackstock. We get real about burnout, identity, ambition, and what it takes to walk away from spaces that no longer serve you. Uché shares why she left a prestigious academic career, the emotional cost of feeling unseen, and how grief, motherhood, caregiving, and entrepreneurship have reshaped her definition of success. We also talk about the backlash against DEI, what patients should know about AI in healthcare, and why listening to your body, prioritizing rest, and making room for joy and community are just as important as chasing the next accomplishment. Resources & Links Dr. Uché Blackstock’s memoir: Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine Follow Dr. Uché Blackstock on Instagram: @ucheblackstockmd Learn more about Dr. Uché Blackstock: Uche Blackstock Official Website Keep Up With Brown Ambition Follow Brown…

This week, Mandi is reporting live from the National Association of Black Journalists convention with reflections, real talk, and a reminder that the best opportunities at a conference rarely come from simply being in the room.First, she breaks down how to turn conferences, industry events, and professional gatherings into meaningful networking opportunities. From preparing before you arrive to making authentic connections in the moment—and actually following up afterward—Mandi shares practical ways to leave an event with more than a tote bag and a stack of business cards. Then, the episode shifts to excerpts from the powerful Nolan Wells plenary at NABJ, featuring comments from his courageous mother, Christine, attorney Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton. The conversation is a moving reflection on community, advocacy, grief, and the importance of telling the stories that matter. In This Episode • A recap of Mandi’s experience at NABJ • How to approach networking without feeling transactional or awkward • Why…

Mandi Money closes out the Summer Money Reboot series by rethinking what ambition looks like when the goals you once chased no longer fit the life you're living today. If you've ever reached a milestone and wondered, Is this still what I want?, this episode is your invitation to redefine success on your own terms. Mandi explores the difference between Brown Ambition and toxic ambition, sharing why changing direction doesn't mean you're giving up. Through the story of a coaching client navigating divorce, financial pressure, and a career crossroads, she breaks down what can happen when you stop chasing bigger titles and start prioritizing flexibility, creativity, financial stability, and peace. Mandi also opens up about her own ambition reboot and the decision to rewrite her book from scratch when she realized the original version no longer reflected who she had become. Whether you're considering a career pivot, letting go of an old goal, or simply questioning what success means in this season, this episode…

Mandi Money continues the Summer Money Reboot series by exploring what happens when your finances look good on paper but your life no longer feels like it fits. If you've ever found yourself questioning a career that once excited you, wondering whether your spending reflects what you actually value, or feeling like you're chasing goals that no longer belong to you, this episode is your invitation to press pause and realign. Drawing from her own journey through burnout, motherhood, health challenges, and career transitions, Mandi shares why your money's purpose should evolve alongside your life. She explains how to recognize when you're in an "alignment season," why financial security alone isn't enough, and how to use your resources to create more peace, flexibility, and fulfillment instead of simply accumulating more. Whether you're considering a career pivot, investing in your health, setting stronger boundaries, or simply trying to make your budget reflect the person you've become, this episode offers…

In this solo episode, Mandi digs into the messy, public fallout around Children of Blood and Bone author Tomi Adeyemi and Insecure alum Amanda Seales — two Black women who chose to speak openly about mistreatment tied to projects that should have been “safe” for them. Using their stories as a lens, Mandi explores how misogynoir shows up when Black women tell the truth at work, why our first reaction is often tone policing instead of empathy, and what a practical (if imperfect) framework for speaking up can look like when protection is not guaranteed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MandiMoney continues the Summer Money Reboot series by shifting the focus from getting out of debt to making your money work harder through investing. If you've been contributing to your 401(k), opened a retirement account years ago, or simply wondered whether your investment strategy still fits the life you're living today, this episode is your invitation to stop investing on autopilot and start investing with intention. Mandi shares how her own financial life has evolved from a 24-year-old with a target-date fund to a business owner, parent, and entrepreneur with completely different priorities. She explains why your investment strategy should grow alongside your life, how to evaluate your risk tolerance, avoid paying unnecessary fees, and make sure your portfolio reflects your current goals instead of the person you were a decade ago. Whether you're investing through a traditional 401(k), building wealth as a solopreneur, or preparing to open your first taxable brokerage account, Mandi breaks down…

Mandi responds to a listener who feels increasingly frustrated by a newly promoted coworker who still comes in late, leaves early, and seems to get more grace because she has kids. What starts as a question about fairness turns into a deeper conversation about working parents, workplace stigma, professional branding, and why resentment at work is often pointing to something bigger underneath. Mandi makes the case for compassion, but also pushes the listener to look at what this situation is revealing about visibility, recognition, and career growth. Join the Summer Money Reboot! Mandi’s six‑week Summer Money Reboot series, designed to help you name your financial season, rebuild financial safety, and then move toward growth and alignment. Download the workbooks for weeks 1: https://mandimoney.myflodesk.com/summermoneyreboot week 2 https://mandimoney.myflodesk.com/vr4mxs90xk And week 3 https://mandimoney.myflodesk.com/kfb44793u2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MandiMoney continues the Summer Money Reboot series by tackling one of the most emotionally charged topics in personal finance: debt. Whether your balances grew because of rising costs, inconsistent income, a family emergency, or simply trying to keep life moving when your paycheck couldn't keep up, this episode is a reminder that debt isn't a character flaw, it's a financial challenge that deserves a plan, not shame. Mandi gets candid about her own experience navigating five-figure credit card debt and why even financial experts sometimes find themselves back at square one. She walks through the exact system she's using to regain control from organizing every account and choosing a payoff strategy to negotiating lower interest rates, cutting recurring expenses, creating healthier spending habits, and finding practical ways to increase cash flow. If you've been avoiding your credit card statements, feeling overwhelmed by minimum payments, or wondering where to even begin, this episode offers the structure,…

In this BA Q&A, Mandi kicks off a brand‑new listener clinic for the Summer Money Reboot series and answers a letter from a listener she calls “Erin,” who is juggling Walmart shifts, side hustles, vending machine dreams, and plans to become a single mom by choice. Mandi shares why she’s finally ready to try stock trading after attending Teri Ijeoma’s New York City book launch and breaks down the real numbers behind vending machines as a business—so you’re not accidentally living life on hard mode in your financial safety season. Listener letter: Erin’s story Erin is 36, divorced, and living in a small town in Texas. She’s transferred to Walmart full‑time, applied to jobs with almost no luck, put a successful vintage booth on pause, and is now working toward her notary license while researching vending machines and planning for single motherhood. Join the Summer Money Reboot! This BA Q&A is part of Mandi’s six‑week Summer Money Reboot series, designed to help you name your financial season, rebuild financial…

MandiMoney continues the Summer Money Reboot series by tackling one of the hardest financial seasons to navigate: rebuilding after life knocks you off course. Whether it was a layoff, medical emergency, divorce, caregiving, or simply an economy that changed faster than your paycheck could keep up, this conversation is about letting go of shame and creating a realistic path forward. Grab the Week 2 Workbook here: https://mandimoney.myflodesk.com/vr4mxs90xk Special guest: Jaspreet Singh, founder of https://theminoritymindset.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA fam, Mandi is back (!) in the studio and kicking off a brand new Summer Money Reboot series. In this kickoff episode, Mandi shares why she rewrote her book into Brown Ambition: How to Reboot Your Career and Money After Life Throws You Off Track and introduces a new framework for thinking about your finances when life is life‑ing: the four financial seasons. You’ll learn: • Why “I did everything right” and still feel stuck is more common than you think. • The four financial seasons: Safety, Growth, Alignment, and Protection—and the main job of each. • Why you cannot and should not try to be in all four seasons at once. • How to start naming your current season (without shaming it) using real questions about your debt, savings, income, and stress level. • Why it’s taking so many of us years, not months, to bounce back from layoffs, caregiving, and health challenges—and why the old “3‑month emergency fund” advice doesn’t match reality anymore. Instead of trying to fix your whole financial life by Labor…

Hey BA fam, it’s Mandi. Today I’m bringing you a Brown Ambition Rewind that feels so on‑time for where a lot of us are in our careers right now. This conversation is with executive coach and author Sabina Nawaz, whose book You’re the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need is all about helping high‑achieving leaders avoid the traps that come with success. We talk about why promotions are actually the riskiest moments in your career, how pressure — not power — can corrupt even the best bosses, and what it really looks like to be the kind of manager your team needs without losing your values or your identity as a woman of color. If you’ve been feeling stretched, misunderstood, or like you’re constantly in a pressure cooker, this one will hit. Let’s get into ‘How to Be the Kind of Boss Your Team Needs’ with Sabina Nawaz.”Follow Sabina Nawaz! Website: https://sabinanawaz.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabinacoaching/?hl=en Have a Question for the show? Email us at…

Hey BA fam! We’re bringing back one of our most powerful conversations with writer, editor, and cultural critic Roxane Gay — just in time as we come out of Pride Month and Juneteenth, and as I celebrate finishing the 12th and final chapter of my manuscript ahead of my July 1 deadline. Even though I had to give up my spot at Roxane’s Black writers convention last weekend because of surgery, I’m grateful we get to sit with her voice again in this feed. Brown Ambition will be back with brand‑new episodes starting July 8, and I can’t wait to update you more on this book journey and what’s next for BA. In this encore episode, Tiffany and I sit down with Roxane to talk about what it means to stand your ground as “a Black, queer, fat woman” in America — her words — and how she thinks about safety, gun ownership, and the reality that no one is coming to save us but us. Roxane walks us through years of threats against her, the decision to buy a gun during the pandemic, and what she learned when she realized Black…

Mandi pops in with a quick life and book update, shares details about the upcoming Brown Ambition Career Reboot Challenge, and then re‑airs one of the most powerful conversations in the BA archive: her interview with Mielle Organics CEO and founder, Monique Rodriguez. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to turn grief into purpose, build a global brand from your kitchen, and navigate the backlash that comes with selling your company as a Black woman, this episode is for you. You’ll hear: • How Monique went from nursing to experimenting with hair oils in her kitchen after the devastating loss of her infant son, Milan—and how that grief became the seed for Mielle Organics. • The story behind Mielle’s sale to Procter & Gamble, why Monique chose to stay on as CEO, and what has and hasn’t changed since the deal. • The criticism Black women founders face when they sell to big conglomerates, and how Monique handles assumptions about “selling out,” formula changes, and being “just the face” of the…

🔥 In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Jessica Cruel, the powerhouse Editor-in-Chief of Allure and SELF magazines, to talk about her journey to the top of the beauty media world and how she’s building wealth through real estate investing as a single woman. 👑 We dive into: ✔️ How Jessica climbed the ranks in the magazine industry ✔️ Her journey to financial independence & the FIRE movement ✔️ The ups and downs of being a single woman in real estate ✔️ Smart investing tips for first-time buyers ✔️ The power of mentorship, executive coaching, and community 💰 Jessica shares the exact team she built to succeed in real estate: ✔️ A real estate agent who understands investment properties ✔️ A reliable general contractor & trusted repair professionals ✔️ A financial team to maximize tax benefits & long-term wealth 🔑 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to start investing—learn as you go! 2️⃣ Build a strong team to support your real estate journey. 3️⃣ Wealth-building is possible at…

Hey BA Fam! Today I’m answering a question from a listener who calls herself “Tired Nanny” — a 27‑year‑old who recently moved to the U.S., has a bachelor’s in education, and is wondering if an MBA is the key to pivoting into business. She’s saved enough to cover grad school tuition and a year of living expenses and is tempted to quit nannying altogether so she can focus on school full‑time. In this throwback Brown Ambition Q&A, I break down: • Why your current job (yes, even nannying) can be a powerful bridge and not a dead end when you’re pivoting careers • How to decide if an MBA is actually worth the time and 50K+ price tag for the kind of business or career you want • Alternatives to grad school: continuing education, mentorship, networking, and learning directly from working entrepreneurs • How to reframe “this is all that’s left for me” into “this is how I’m planting seeds for my future self” as a young immigrant woman building a new life in the Stats See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re heading back into the Brown Ambition vault for a powerful conversation with celebrity hairstylist and image maker Lacy Redway. Lacy may not always be in front of the camera, but you’ve definitely seen her work. From red carpets to fashion campaigns and TV and film, she’s shaping the way Black women show up on screen and in the culture. In this episode, we get into: • Growing up as a Jamaican immigrant, being the “foreign kid,” and learning to do her own hair after a bad relaxer left it broken and damaged • Braiding classmates’ hair for $5–$10 in middle and high school and realizing, in hindsight, that she was already a young entrepreneur • How she transitioned from doing hair in school to assisting in salons, working on photo shoots, and building a real portfolio in the pre‑Instagram era • The behind‑the‑scenes reality of being one of the few Black stylists backstage at fashion week—and why Black models would literally wait in line for Lacy to do their hair • What it actually looks like to…

In this Flashback Friday Brown Ambition Q&A, Mandi and Tiffany tackle two big money dilemmas listeners are facing right now: whether to borrow from a 401(k) to pay off debt, and how to make the most of a 200K inheritance without blowing your shot at building generational wealth. In the first question, they break down when a 401(k) loan can make sense, the major risks if you leave your job, how balance transfer cards and personal loans compare, and why lenders are often “betting against” your behavior with these products. Then they dig into Erica’s inheritance and walk through the tradeoffs between paying off a low‑rate mortgage versus using that cash for an investment property or other investments. They talk through landlord realities, using home equity to scale a real estate portfolio, and why parking a windfall in cash for a few months while you build a plan with a financial pro can be the smartest move. Send your money, career, and business questions via DM to @brownambitionpodcast on Instagram or email…

Debt doesn’t have to be the big bad boogeyman on your back. In this throwback episode of Brown Ambition, I’m joined by two powerhouses in the money space—financial activist Dasha Kennedy (The Broke Black Girl) and National Debt Relief Chief Compliance and Consumer Affairs Officer, Natalia Brown—for an honest, stigma‑free conversation about what debt relief is, who it’s for, and how to finally create a plan you can live with. We unpack the emotional weight of debt, from shame and secrecy to the very real health impacts of chronic financial stress, and we walk through practical options—from DIY payoff and consolidation loans to credit counseling, debt relief programs, and bankruptcy. You’ll hear exactly what happens when you call a company like National Debt Relief, how settlements actually get negotiated, and the red flags to watch for so you don’t fall for scammy debt collectors.If debt is stealing your sleep, this is your permission slip to put the shame down and pick up a plan. For more information on a…

This week on Brown Ambition, we’re joined by none other than HGTV’s powerhouse duo, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, stars of “Married to Real Estate” and hosts of the Marriage & Money podcast. Together, we dive into what it really looks like to build a business, raise a family, and keep a marriage strong—all while staying true to themselves. From juggling show tapings to managing their growing empire (hello, new furniture line Indigo Road!), Egypt and Mike don’t hold back. We talk about: - The honest truth about therapy, teamwork, and choosing love on the hard days - How they navigate marriage without competition just collaboration - The power of understanding your partner’s strengths in life and in business - Their journey raising daughters while modeling a healthy, ambitious partnership - What it takes to build a financial dream team and break the mold on outdated gender roles We also get personal about the importance of communication, leaning on trust, and setting boundaries that protect your…

In this throwback BA Q&A episode, we revisit two powerful listener questions all about leveling up an already strong credit score without losing your sanity in the process. First, we coach Nicole, whose mid-700s scores have plateaued, through a method that uses everyday subscriptions, strategic statement-date timing, and automatic payments to show consistent, responsible card usage that can gently nudge scores higher over time. We also break down what credit “mix” really means, how much weight it carries, and how to safely use tools like credit-builder loans from credit unions instead of taking on unnecessary new debt. Next, we help Shalise think through the impact of consolidating credit card balances into a personal loan—and whether to close those old cards for good—explaining how closing accounts can affect utilization, account age, and overall score. Follow Brown ambition @Brownambitionpodcast on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi Money sits down with physician, author, entrepreneur, and health equity advocate Dr. Uché Blackstock for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to leave spaces that no longer serve you. Dr. Blackstock opens up about her journey from Harvard Medical School to becoming one of the most trusted public voices on racism in medicine and public health. She shares the pivotal moment she realized that prestige and titles weren’t enough and why leaving a secure academic career during one of the most uncertain times in recent history ultimately changed her life. Together, Mandi and Uché talk about: The emotional cost of staying in environments where you feel unseen Why Black women are often taught to tolerate misalignment for too long Navigating the backlash against DEI work in corporate America and healthcare The pressure of caregiving, entrepreneurship, and “holding it all together” Learning to listen to your body before burnout forces…

In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Sheinelle Jones Today Show co-host, journalist, and New York Times bestselling author of Through Mom’s Eyes for an honest conversation about working motherhood, career growth, loss, and finding balance in real life. Sheinelle shares how her journey as a working mom of three shifted while writing her book, and how she continues to show up professionally while processing personal grief after the loss of her husband. This episode explores the realities of: Motherhood and career balance in high-pressure environments Grief and healing while maintaining professional responsibilities Building a career in journalism and media without a clear roadmap The importance of community, support systems, and “the village” Navigating mom guilt, burnout, and emotional overwhelm Why there’s never a perfect time to pursue your goals Drawing from her book Through Mom’s Eyes, Sheinelle also reflects on lessons from mothers of icons like Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Durant, and…

Hey BA fam! In this Q&A episode, we’re diving into two conversations that have been all over your group chats, your timelines, and probably your own thoughts lately: what it really means to “have it all”… and what it costs to keep up the image that you do. First up, we’re unpacking the Emma Grede controversy from her “three-hour mom” comments to her take on working from home being a career killer for women. As a working mom without billionaire resources, Mandi Money breaks down what’s actually realistic, what feels out of touch, and what ambitious women can really take from the conversation without spiraling into guilt or anxiety. Then we shift into a deeply personal listener question from a woman who, on paper, looks like she’s thriving multi-six-figure business, speaking gigs, “that girl” energy. But behind the scenes? She’s carrying overwhelming debt, financial stress, and the constant fear of being “found out.” And if that hits a little too close to home… you’re not alone. Key Takeaways: The quality of…

The week on Brown Ambition Mandi sits down with returning guest and career coach Amina AlTai, author of The Ambition Trap, to unpack what it really looks like to reboot your career in this season of life. Not the cute LinkedIn rebrand version but the real, messy middle where you’re balancing responsibilities, financial pressure, and the fear of starting over. Together, they get honest about navigating burnout, layoffs, and career pivots as women of color—especially when the stakes are higher and the margin for risk feels smaller. From redefining ambition to untangling your identity from your job title, this conversation is about building a career that actually supports your life, your health, and your peace. If you’ve been feeling frozen, overlooked, or unsure of your next move, consider this your reminder: you don’t have to blow everything up but something does need to shift. What We Cover in This Episode: Why career “reboots” feel harder at more senior stages of life The difference between painful ambition…

In this week’s special flashback episode, we’re revisiting a live coaching session with LaKesha J., who is trying to figure out how to position herself for career growth after she was laid off by her company and narrowly escaped unemployment by finding a role on a different team. Next up, we get into the messy, grown-up decision-making that comes with a career crossroads. Do you take the severance and walk away clean—or stay for the long game, with perks like full vesting, pension benefits, and even a company-covered master’s degree? We’re breaking down the pros and cons, talking real numbers, and helping you think through how to align your career moves with your long-term goals. And to close things out, we’re diving into two fields where the future is already here: data analytics and cybersecurity. Whether you’re eyeing a new lane or looking to level up where you are, we’re talking certifications, AI trends, and the skills that’ll keep your résumé future-proof. It’s a reminder that learning is a lifelong…

What happens when you’re doing everything “right” climbing the corporate ladder, getting promoted, securing the salary and still feel completely out of alignment? This week, Mandi sits down with writer and director Rayne Harris, whose journey from pre-med at UPenn to directing episodes of Bridgerton is anything but traditional. Rayne gets real about walking away from stability, navigating financial insecurity, and trusting her instincts even when the path didn’t make sense on paper. From quitting a steady job (twice) to applying to fellowships last minute, she shares how rejection, resourcefulness, and a whole lot of self-awareness helped her break into an industry that isn’t built for easy access especially for women of color. This conversation is a masterclass in betting on yourself responsibly. Rayne breaks down how she funded her pivots, why being “frugal but fearless” mattered, and how mentorship, preparation, and authenticity opened doors she didn’t even know existed. If you’ve ever felt stuck between…

On this week’s episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi keeps it all the way real about something we don’t talk about enough, what happens when your nervous system says, “Yeah… we’re done for today.” After a Monday that looked like being frozen in the car and glued to the couch, Mandi walks us through the emotional aftermath: the shame spiral, the self-talk, and the decision to reframe the entire day as a win instead of a failure. Because sometimes surviving the day is the victory. She breaks down how she found her way back with three small but powerful “day after” wins: A body win reconnecting with herself physically, even in the smallest way An environment win shifting her space to support her energy A future-you win doing one thing that tomorrow’s version of her would be grateful for If you’ve been dealing with long-term stress job searching, money worries, or just carrying too much for too long this episode is your reminder that you’re not broken… you’re overwhelmed. And there’s a way forward that doesn’t…

BA fam, we’re diving deep into the world of credit cards this week! Mandi, Yanely (aka MissBeHelpful), and Chris Browning break down the newest updates to premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and Capital One Venture X. From new streaming perks to rising annual fees (hi, $795!), they weigh in on what’s actually worth it and what’s just hype. If you’re thinking about upgrading your card or just want to travel smarter, this one’s for you. 💳 What You’ll Learn: Which card perks are actually worth the fee Smart ways to use cards for travel, groceries, and rent The real cost of carrying a balance Tips for maximizing rewards with tools like Travel Freely New here? Join us three times a week: 💼 Washday Woosah (Sunday interviews with inspiring guests) 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) 🎤 BA Q&A Fridays + Conversations! (your money + career questions answered) We launched a Patreon, too! 🎥 Get early access, video recordings, and exclusive book club perks: 👉…

Happy BA Wednesday! I hope you enjoy this throwback episode, one of the most popular of 2026 so far. I'm taking some much-needed time to work on the manuscript for my book. See you with a brand new show next week! -Mandi This week on Brown Ambition, MandiMoney is back with a simple, shame‑free money reset for 2026: 3 wealthy habits you can actually stick with, even when life is lifing. Instead of overhauling your entire financial life by February, this episode walks you through small, repeatable moves that quietly build wealth in the background—whether you’re fighting inflation, juggling childcare, stuck in a “starter” home, or piecing together entrepreneurial income. 👉 Want more Brown Ambition? • Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, behind‑the‑scenes content and deeper dives into money, career and entrepreneurship: Join the BA Fam! • Follow us on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast for daily money and career tips, episode updates, and community conversations. This episode originally aired Jan. 26, 2026. See…

This week, on Brown Ambition Mandi Money is joined by financial educator and “Your Rich BFF” Vivian Tu for a real, unfiltered conversation about money, mistakes, and the financial lessons most of us were never taught. From navigating layoffs and economic uncertainty to unlearning toxic money habits, this episode is a reminder that financial literacy isn’t about perfection it’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and giving yourself grace. Vivian opens up about her own journey from overspending in her early career to rebuilding her financial foundation and breaks down practical strategies like negotiating your salary, building credit early, and making smarter long-term decisions. She also challenges the pressure of social media comparison, asking the question we all need to sit with: do you actually want it, or do you just want people to see you have it? Plus, the conversation goes deeper touching on the emotional side of money, the realities of working parenthood, community support, and the truth that even…

Tax season is here, and this week BA QA, Mandi sits down with TurboTax expert Lisa Green-Lewis to break down what you need to know before the filing deadline. From updated tax credits and deductions to changes that could impact your refund, this episode helps you understand how to navigate this year’s taxes without the stress. They cover key updates like the increased child tax credit, new deductions for tips and overtime, expanded benefits for homeowners and seniors, and what entrepreneurs need to know about business write-offs and 1099 changes. Plus, a clear explanation of credits vs. deductions and how each impacts your bottom line. Whether you’re self-employed, a parent, or just trying to avoid last-minute mistakes, this episode is your reminder to get organized, file on time, and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table. Stay Connected - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by Kiersten Saunders and Yanely Espinal for an honest conversation about the real cost of adulting in 2026. From a surprise $2,000 Tesla repair to rising rent and major life decisions, they break down how even the “right” financial choices can come with unexpected expenses. The episode dives into renting vs. homeownership, IVF and fertility costs, and navigating layoffs including what it really means to accept (or رفض) a retention bonus after cuts at Block, Inc.. Plus, they unpack the risks of going viral in your career and why flexibility might be the ultimate financial goal. We also celebrate a major win for women as salaries rise in the WNBA, highlighting the ongoing push for pay equity. If you’ve ever questioned your financial choices or wondered if there’s a “right” way to do adulthood this episode is for you. Stay Connected - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See…

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with returning guest Naseema McElroy, founder of Financially Intentional, for a powerful and transparent conversation about money, survival, and transformation. Naseema opens up about her journey from nearly $1 million in debt including student loans, real estate losses, IRS debt, and the financial aftermath of an abusive marriage to becoming a millionaire. She breaks down exactly how she used zero-based budgeting and the debt snowball method to take control of her finances, even as a single mom navigating one of the most challenging seasons of her life. Beyond the numbers, this episode is about freedom. Naseema shares how financial literacy gave her the power to leave, rebuild, and create a different future for her daughters—and why financial empowerment, especially for women, is truly life-changing. Stay Connected -Watch Naseem’s Accorns commercial -Subscribe to The Financially Intentional Podcast - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a…

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with therapist and bestselling author Oludara Adeeyo, creator of Self-Care for Black Women. Oludara shares her powerful journey from working in New York’s magazine industry to becoming a mental health advocate focused on the wellness of Black women. After years of caregiving for her mother and navigating toxic workplace dynamics, she began to rethink what self-care really means and why it’s essential for long-term health. Mandi and Oludara talk about the hidden impact of stress, the pressure many women feel to always be “the strong one,” and how cultural expectations can shape the way we show up for others—often at the expense of ourselves. Oludara also opens up about learning to set boundaries, pivoting careers, and balancing meaningful work without burning out. Plus, she shares practical self-care strategies from her book and new card deck, offering simple ways to reconnect with yourself, manage stress, and prioritize your well-being even on the busiest days.…

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with award-winning producer, filmmaker, and breakout actress Kiah Clingman for a real conversation about rejection, reinvention, and trusting the long game. From getting rejected by Howard’s theater program to becoming a proud Howard alum who quietly built a producing career… from balancing a demanding corporate job at Deloitte while producing projects at night… to not booking an acting role for four years before landing a major role on Reasonable Doubt on Hulu — Kiah’s story is a masterclass in patience, persistence, and betting on yourself when the timeline doesn’t make sense. And the timing couldn’t be better. The hit series Reasonable Doubt recently took home Outstanding Drama Series at the 57th NAACP Image Awards (2026) — proof that the long road sometimes leads exactly where you’re meant to be. From hotel-room self tapes to Hollywood sets, Kiah shares what it really looks like to build a creative career behind the scenes and in front of the camera. If you’ve…

Hey BA fam! We're digging back in the BA vault for a classic Q&A. Pregnant Penny needs advice on how to ask for a raise while pregnant. From breaking down the importance of standing up for oneself to how to plan ahead of maternity leave, your financial sisters have it covered. We want to hear from you! Drop us a note at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.