The Mama's Den

Dr. Arlene Hollingsworth - psychologist, Youtube creator, and mama of three - shares how she and her husband, Javoris (PhD), turned a family dream into Gracie's Corner - the viral YouTube series that celebrates Black culture through animated kids' songs. But the road wasn't 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.======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona

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.======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona

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, Bec's here to help you rediscover your personal style. If you're trying to be outside this season, Bec's got the fashion hacks to make sure you look good and feel good!======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona

Producer, Actor, Choreographer, and Momager - Brittany Perry-Russell is THAT GIRL! From dancing with icons like Ciara and Beyoncé to raising a successful kid actor (Isaiah Russell-Bailey), Brittany joins the Mamas to discuss managing her son's career while still chasing her own dreams. There's no blueprint for motherhood, but for Brittany, being spirit-led has always kept her aligned with a higher purpose. If you've ever thought about giving up on your own dreams, this episode is your reminder to keep going - because Brittany is the Momager who's survived the hustle, come out on top, and still she rises!======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona

Kerry Washington is in the Den! The Emmy-winning actress, activist, and mom of three joins the Mamas to talk about her latest film, Shadow Force, and what it's like to play a badass mom on-screen while navigating wife-and-mom 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 isn't 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. ======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona

School's almost out and summer's 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.======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona

In this episode, we're missing Felicia - one-fourth 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 self-awareness, how they compromise with their partners, and how sometimes, you just have to pick their battles...Don't worry fellas, Ashley holds it down for the husbands' point-of-view! This one's a good convo for both sides!======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona

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, bite-sized 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 won't want to miss!======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona

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 de-stigmatizing special education, having open conversations with your child about their school experience, and building relationships with administrators to advocate for your child's success. With Julian's 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, expert-vetted resources for parents, kids, and individuals who learn and think differently. With their wide range of products, content, tools, and other resources, they're shaping a world where everyone can reach their potential.======We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.And make sure you connect with the Mamas:Ashley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona

We got a Doctor in the Den! Psychiatrist, researcher, and author Dr. Judith Joseph joins the Mamas for a powerful convo about high-functioning 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 high-functioning challenges faced by high-achieving women, particularly Black women. If you've ever felt the pressure to have it all together while struggling silently, you're 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 06:45 - 08:00, which may be triggering for some listeners.**======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona

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.======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @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. #MamasAgainstBookSleevesThis episode is sponsored by We're Not Really Strangers. Get 20% off all products (including the Kids edition card game!) with the code: mamasden.======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @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!======Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.Make sure you connect with our Mamas:Ashley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @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!======Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.Make sure you connect with our Mamas:Ashley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefionaFor 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.======Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas:Ashley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @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.======Send any thoughts or questions for the mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas:Ashley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @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.======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @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.======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 - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @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!

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!

Ahhh, motherhood.....the new baby smell, the cuddles, the cute questions, sweet tiny voices saying I love you.....the 1000 questions at bedtime, dragging 3 carseats on vacation, paying thousands of dollars at an amusement park to stand in long lines at the bathroom more than actually ride rides.....What did you think motherhood was going to be???Don't worry, we will go first as we run it back to one of our all time favorite episodes about what we romanticized about motherhood before becoming moms.Get in on the conversation and let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM to @themamasdenpodcast on Instagram.Make sure you connect with our Mamas:Ashley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona

In this BRAND NEW episode, the Mamas recorded live from Miami to share what tradition means to us in 2024. Baybeee.....it ain't what it used to be. We don't feel the need to make everything perfect year after year but we are sharing the big and small things that do matter to us when the holidays arrive.Mama's Den Village, what holiday traditions are important to you? Is there a specific story you want to share with us? Get in on the conversation and let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenpodcast on Instagram.Make sure you connect with our Mamas:Ashley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefionaFollow along to see what city the Mamas end up in next!

Want to know what we were like before we became moms? From the club - or stage - to jet setting, the Mamas of the Den are running it back to an early episode where we talked about our lives before becoming moms. It was a TIME! 

We are in that post-Thanksgiving, not-yet-Christmas period where many of us are playing supermom trying to do it all, so we figured you could use a reminder from one of our favorite episodes that this is a season....the holiday season AND a season in your and your family's life. Whether it's our kids growing and evolving or us as adults in all of our complexity, y'all know the saying....The only thing constant in life is change.  Be present, learn what you can, and make the most of it. Most importantly - you are not alone! 

It's the holidays so we decided to go down memory lane to one of the first episodes we recorded introducing ourselves to our audience. We recorded this one before we decided on a name for our podcast - it's so funny to play this one back. Ashley only had 3 kids and Melanie was a mom of 1! Melanie even shares the origin of her love story with Jared! We hope you enjoy listening to this one as much as we enjoyed revisiting it.

The Mama's have a candid conversation with Dahn Ballard about her journey of raising her transgender child.

Author and attorney Erica Grace joins the Mamas to to provide valuable insight to anyone looking for advice on how to date a parent to develop healthy blended families.

The Mama's share their tips on how to navigate tough and awkward conversations with their little ones plus a listener letter from a mom who needs advice on how to have the sex talk.

Omar Bolden, host of the podcast "Nice and Neat," joins The Mama's Den to share his unique perspective as a new father. Omar discusses his parenting journey, the challenges and joys of being a dad, and the importance of creating spaces where men can be authentically themselves.

The Mamas recorded live from the Black Love Summit in Los Angeles, jumping into a candid conversation about the importance of building communities where you can be seen and heard, especially during the journey of motherhood. From Melanie entering the music business without any pre-existing relationships, to Felicia and Ashley being the first of their friends to have babies, and Codie desire to explore Black love, the four of them discuss pressing past fear and anxiety to create what they seek.The Mama's Den live conversation at the Black Love Summit was presented by Akina Connect, an incredible network that's redefining how Black women, mothers and entrepreneurs connect, grow, and thrive. Akina isn't just a community; it's a tech-driven platform that offers innovative solutions for the unique needs of women, providing, including mental health support, mentorship programs, and tools designed to help us succeed in all areas of life. Right now they are in beta and you can join Akina for the low low price of free! Akina leverages data and cutting-edge digital tools to provide personalized support, whether it's through their app, which gives you access to a wealth of resources right at your fingertips, or their AI-powered features that connect you with the right mentors and resources based on your goals and interests. It's all about harnessing technology to create meaningful connections and make a real impact on our lives as mothers, entrepreneurs, and women on the go.Learn more at AkinaConnect.com

The Mama's are sharing inspiration to chase your dreams and live in your purpose.

Hot flashes, body changes, mood swings…oh my! Dr. Kendra Segura is in the The Mama's Den to chat all things perimenopause and menopause.

Actress and mother Tika Sumpter joins The Mama's to chat about her new podcast The Adventures of Curiosity Cove and everyone shares how their motherhood journey has inspired their creativity.

Marriage & Family therapist and wife and mother of three, Nina Westbrook, is in the Mama's Den and we're talking about therapy, family, and how to heal from the trauma you may have experienced with your own mother, especially, when you enter motherhood.Visit Nina's mental wellness platform Bene by Nina Westbrook at benebynina.comAnd don't miss a new podcast we've tapped into to give us helpful insights on our parenting journey, Opportunity Gap: How to Support Kids of Color Who Learn Differently. Give it a listen here --> https://lnk.to/opportunitygapPS!themamasden

The Mamas are answering questions from none other than you all, the Village! Codie picked a handful of your questions and she, Ashley, Felicia and Melanie open up about how they all met, and how they manage making new friends while maintaining the old ones. The conversation goes a bit deeper when the Mamas express what they mean to one another and Ashley gets very candid about postpartum and the rules of teenage sleepovers! So Mama's Den Village, if you have a question you'd like to ask the Mamas, let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenpodcast on IG. Your question just may be on an upcoming episode!And don't miss a new podcast we're excited about offering helpful insights on our parenting journey, Opportunity Gap: How to Support Kids of Color Who Learn Differently. Give it a listen here --> https://lnk.to/opportunitygapPS!themamasden

You're going to want to listen to this one, Village! Melanie, Ashley, Codie, and Felicia talk about their feelings on plastic surgery, being pregnant, and medical integrity. Plus, you're going to want to stick around for our special guest today - Codie's husband, Tommy! Tommy joins the Mamas to answer one of Fee's pressing questions and share his opinion on having more kids.So Mama's Den Village, how do you feel about plastic surgery? Do you have a story about your pregnancy or recovery you want to share with us? Get in on the conversation and let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenodcast on IG. Also, there is a new podcast we've tapped into to give us helpful insights on our parenting journey, Opportunity Gap: How to Support Kids of Color Who Learn Differently. Check it out here --> https://lnk.to/opportunitygapPS!themamasden

Summer is coming to an end... The Mamas are doing some girl chat and checking in with each other on mom guilt and how we manage it all. And don't miss a new podcast we've tapped into to give us helpful insights on our parenting journey, Opportunity Gap: How to Support Kids of Color Who Learn Differently. Give it a listen here --> https://lnk.to/opportunitygapPS!themamasden

Before we were mothers, we looked at things a little differently. These are our honest opinions now that our lives have changed.

The Mama's chat about how to handle when your child asks for a cell phone and access to social media.

Marie Telusma aka Blue Centric is joining The Mama's Den this week with tips on how to embrace the change you're entering into a new chapter in your life.

CMS Administrator, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure is in the den to give the details on what the current administration is doing to combat the maternal healthcare crisis in the US.

Hey Mama's Den family! Our ladies are out this week, but you're in for a special treat today because we want to introduce you to our friend Lizzy Mathis, TV host, former model, mama of 3, COOL MOM, and host of The Cool Mom Code podcast!  Every week, Lizzy invites some of the coolest and most influential moms around to have candid convos about their journey before kids and after: how has motherhood impacted, elevated, or even imploded their relationships, career and all the in between. Her guest this week is the one, the only, mama of 4 and our sister and co-host, Ashley Chea!! Follow Lizzy at @lizzymathis on IG and enjoy The Cool Mom Code Podcast, where motherhood is your keycard to the coolest spot in town. 

Celebrity hairstylist Angela C.Stevens, is joining The Mama's Den to talk about life as a new mom, black women's hair care, as well as her children's book, “Hair.”

Elaine Welteroth has joined the Mamas to chat about her new initiative BirthFund, to show love to midwives, and to answer a critical question in new friendships.....to FaceTime or not to FaceTime.