The Mama's Den

Black mamas deserve support — not just during birth, but before, during, and long after. It's Black Maternal Health Week and, in this powerful episode of The Mama’s Den, we’re joined by doula leaders Khefri Riley and Dr. Sayida Peprah-Wilson to talk about what it really means to be supported in your birth journey — emotionally, physically, and mentally. From breaking down what doulas actually do to unpacking the realities of giving birth on Medi-Cal, this conversation is both eye-opening and empowering. Because here’s the truth: a beautiful, supported birth experience should not be a luxury — and in California, it doesn’t have to be. We talk about: • What doulas do and why they matter for better birth outcomes • Why culturally aligned care is essential, not optional • Postpartum support, mental health, and why care doesn’t stop after birth • The Medi-Cal doula benefit — and how it’s changing access for Black families • The Medi-Cal Doula Hub and how to find support in your community • How advocacy and community are transforming maternal health in California As Khefri shares, “You can be autonomous in your experience… and you don’t have to think you can’t have that because you don’t have money.” Whether you’re expecting, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand your options — this episode is a reminder that you have choices, you deserve care, and support may already be available to you. If you’re enrolled in Medi-Cal in California, doula services are now covered — and could make a meaningful difference in your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. Because motherhood was never meant to be done alone. The Mamas are GOING ON TOUR ALL OF MAY!!! Want to see them?? Visit this site for all show dates: https://linktr.ee/themamasdenpodcast And be a part of The Mama's Den community. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This conversation? It’s deeper than surgery. This week on The Mama’s Den, we’re talking about the mental warfare of body image—the quiet, constant battle so many women face in their own minds. Melanie and Codie open up about their decision to get tummy tucks—not from a place of vanity alone, but from a place of healing, functionality, identity, and finally choosing themselves. Because for some women, this isn’t just about how you look…It’s about how you live. From abdominal separation and physical discomfort to the emotional weight of “snapback” culture, comparison, and shame—this episode unpacks what it really means to feel disconnected from your body… and what it takes to reclaim it. The Mamas get honest about: • The mental warfare of not feeling at home in your body • The difference between repair, vanity, and personal choice • Why transparency matters—but also why every woman gets to choose her story • Letting go of shame, judgment, and the pressure to “earn” your body And maybe most importantly: Why suffering in silence shouldn’t be the standard for women. Whether you would never consider surgery, have thought about it privately, or are navigating your own body journey—this conversation creates space for honesty, freedom, and grace. Because at the end of the day: you deserve to feel good in your body—whatever that looks like for you. The Mamas are GOING ON TOUR ALL OF MAY!!! Want to see them?? Visit this site for all show dates: https://linktr.ee/themamasdenpodcast And be a part of The Mama's Den community. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Mama’s Den, the Mamas are joined by Mickey Guyton—Grammy-nominated country star, trailblazer, and one of the most powerful voices changing the face of country music. From her breakout anthem “Black Like Me” to becoming the first Black woman to host the Academy of Country Music Awards and delivering a stunning National Anthem performance at the Super Bowl, Mickey has built a career full of historic moments. But in this conversation, we are talking about burnout. She brings us behind the headlines—and into real life. This conversation is for the country music fans, the Black women holding it down in spaces that weren’t built for us, and the mamas trying to do everything—and still find time for themselves. The Mamas and Mickey get into: • What it really took to break into (and stay in) country music • The emotional weight of speaking out about racism while pregnant • The terrifying moment she almost lost her son—and how it changed everything • Redefining success, ambition, and what a “home run” looks like now • Burnout, boundaries, and learning to choose yourself too As always, it’s giving sisterhood, honesty, laughter, and those “whew, I needed this” moments. Because sometimes the biggest shift isn’t in your career—it’s in your heart. Follow our girl Candace Mycale Guyton aka Mickey Guyton on social media at MickeyGuyton on all platforms. The Mamas are GOING ON TOUR ALL OF MAY!!! Want to see them?? Visit this site for all show dates: https://linktr.ee/themamasdenpodcast And be a part of The Mama's Den community. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week in The Mama’s Den, we’re getting honest about relationships—and why social media often gets it wrong. From judging couples online to loving a version of someone instead of their full self, the Mamas unpack the real, nuanced reasons relationships work… and why they don’t. Because not everything you see online tells the full story—and sometimes, neither does love alone. If you’ve ever looked up and thought, “Wait… who have you become?”—this one is for you. The Mamas are building our community and ways to keep in touch with you. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The last year or so have been hard for a lot of us - SO if you’ve ever felt like you were stuck in the hard part of your story, we are running it back to when Tabitha Brown dropped into The Mama's Den to remind us all—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. Tab got real about the tough seasons in her marriage and how she and Chance got through them. She also shares how losing her mother shaped her and 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 are building our community and ways to keep in touch with you. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some moms just get it… and Angel Laketa Moore (aka That Chick Angel aka the One Margarita Lady) is one of them. In this episode, the comedian, actress, podcaster, and mama of four boys pulls up to the Den and gives us the real on raising kind young men, balancing a full career with motherhood, and why parenting with intention matters. From the story of how she literally trained her son for his first homecoming date (PowerPoint included) to the sweet way she sings to him before school every morning, Angel shows that raising confident, respectful kids doesn’t happen by accident — it’s love, consistency, and a little strategy. We also talk about: And of course… we laugh a LOT along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how some moms raise kids who are kind, thoughtful, and grounded — this conversation is for you. Keep up with Angel on IG: @ThatChickAngel The Mamas are building our community and ways to keep in touch with you. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are mothers… and then there are matriarchs. This week in the Den, we sit down with Donna Jordan — lifelong visual artist, educator, proud grandmother, mother of three — and yes, the mother of Michael B. Jordan. But this conversation? It’s about her. Donna shares what it really looked like to raise three creative children while nurturing her own artistry — creating art between caregiving and callbacks working in hand-painted silk and design to help support her family, and making sure her children saw her creating even when life was full. She opens up about being diagnosed with lupus in 1997, navigating fear and uncertainty, and “faking it” through pain so her children wouldn’t carry the weight of her illness. She talks about what it means to mother through invisible disease, to show up when your body doesn’t want to, and how watching her push through shaped her children’s empathy and work ethic. And now? We see the fruit. Her children don’t just succeed — they show up. They place her art on sets. They manage her business. They honor her publicly. They protect the woman she is and the legacy she built quietly for decades. This episode is about reciprocity. About raising children who return the love. About taking your “$10” for yourself. About reclaiming your time — at any age. If you’ve ever wondered whether your sacrifices matter… this one will sit with you. Keep up with Donna Jordan on IG: @dj_kree8tive The Mamas are building our community and ways to keep in touch with you. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week in The Mama’s Den, we’re kicking it with Apryl Jones — single mama of two, entrepreneur, creative, and yes… someone many people think they know from reality TV, but trust us, there’s so much more to her story. Apryl gets real about doing the work to release old relationship hurt and issues with her father so she can show up lighter, freer, and fully present for herself and her kids. We talk motherhood hustle, protecting your peace, dating as a single mom, what still scares her, and what she’s truly looking for in this next chapter. And honestly? Her energy surprised us in the best way — fun, carefree, thoughtful, and grounded in family first. It turned into one of those conversations where you laugh, reflect, and leave feeling a little softer about your own journey. Healing, honesty, and good mama energy all around. Keep up with Apryl on IG: @aprylsjones The Mamas are building our community and ways to keep in touch with you. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week in The Mama’s Den, actress, storyteller, and new mama Kellee Stewart joins us for a deeply honest conversation about faith, timing, motherhood, and trusting your own path. After a seven-year relationship ended in her 30s, Kellee made the powerful decision to freeze her eggs — a choice that would shape her future in ways she never expected. Thirteen years later, through what she describes as a divine nudge delivered through her mother, she embraced motherhood on her own terms - at 50 years old - and is now navigating life as a newborn mom. We talk about heartbreak, hope, egg freezing as an option every woman deserves to understand, and the beauty of building a family in a way that feels right for you. It’s vulnerable, inspiring, faith-filled, and full of the real talk you expect from The Mama’s Den. Keep up with Kellee Stewart on IG: @kstew222 The Mamas are building our community and ways to keep in touch with you. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hot flashes, hormones, mood swings… oh my. 😅 This week in the Mama’s Den, OB-GYN, menopause expert, and Generation M author Dr. Jessica Shepherd joins us for a honest, funny, and super informative convo about perimenopause, menopause, and everything in between. If you’ve ever wondered what’s happening to your body (or what’s coming next), this episode is packed with clarity, reassurance, and practical gems. Honestly? Required listening for every woman — and the people who love us. Keep up with Dr. Shepherd on IG: @jessicashepherdmd Learn more about her and even buy her book, Generation M, here: https://www.jessicashepherdmd.com The Mamas are building our community and ways to keep in touch with you. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on The Mama’s Den, we’re coming together in our LA studio in the best way — with a conversation inspired by the upcoming animated film GOAT, a story all about dreaming big, overcoming expectations, and discovering the greatness already inside you. Using themes from the movie, the Mamas ask each other powerful questions about legacy, pressure, confidence, setbacks, and what it really means to keep going — not just for our kids, but for ourselves. And because we hadn’t been in the same room together in months, this episode turns into something even more special: a chance to truly catch up, laugh, get honest, and go deep about the seasons we’ve been living through as women, moms, and friends. It’s heartfelt, it’s fun, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the best conversations happen when you give yourself space to reflect — and the people who know you best are right there beside you. Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on The Mama’s Den, we’re joined by the radiant Simone I. Smith — jewelry designer, mother of four, grandmother of four, devoted wife to LL Cool J, and a true embodiment of sisterhood. Simone is the definition of a girl’s girl: a woman whose brand and spirit are rooted in community, friendship, and showing up for other women. From her signature hoop designs under Simone I. Smith Jewelry to the wisdom she carries as a cancer survivor, Simone’s story is one of resilience, grace, and deep faith. In this conversation, we talk about God’s timing, trusting the seasons of motherhood, and learning to lean into the kind of mom you truly are — not the one you think you’re supposed to be. Simone shares what it means to build a life grounded in love, purpose, and sisterhood, and why every chapter unfolds exactly when it’s meant to. This episode is a reminder that motherhood isn’t one-size-fits-all… and that sometimes, the greatest strength comes from embracing your own journey — right on time. Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of The Mama’s Den, we’re joined by Katryce Pedro aka The Funny Momma, who proves that you can tell the truth about hard seasons and laugh your way through them. With humor, honesty, and zero fluff, Katryce opens up about being a mom of two by two different fathers, what she learned from two failed marriages, and why she’s still choosing love as she steps into 2026 engaged and embracing a well-deserved soft life. She also shares the very real—but often heavy—experience of parenting a child on the autism spectrum, explaining how taking a hands-on, informed approach helped her youngest son make meaningful progress. This conversation is filled with laughs, lessons, and reminders that community matters in motherhood. It’s proof that joy and resilience can exist right alongside the hard stuff. Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the first episode of the year, The Mama’s Den reflects on the post-holiday pause and the intention we’re bringing into a new season. We’re also joined by Corey J. Bradford, star of Hercules aboard the Disney Destiny Cruise, whose story deeply moved us. Corey shares what it means to follow his passion, the powerful support of his mother, and embracing being both soft and strong as a Black man. His journey sparks an honest conversation about how we support our children’s dreams — even when they aren’t experts yet — and how growth often comes from trying anyway. Inspired, the hosts each commit to a bold personal dream for 2026. This episode is about resetting, dreaming out loud, and stepping into the new year with intention. We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2025 pushed us to our limits. In this episode, the hosts of The Mama’s Den share what helped us survive a difficult year — and how we’re shifting into a future built on intention, clarity, and joy. We talk about recognizing our talents, letting go of what no longer serves us, and choosing joy without guilt. If you’re ready to move from survival mode into purpose, this conversation is for you. Follow The Mama's Den on Instagram at @TheMamasDenpodcast Write us at podcasts@blacklove.com We can't wait to hear from you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When The Mama’s Den podcast first began, two of our 9 children hadn’t even been born yet. Fast-forward to today, and those two babies are now 4 years old, three of them are 7, three are 9, and one is 16 — and the emotional weight of that growth is hitting us in real time. This week, we open up about what it feels like to watch our children grow up right before our eyes. From the excitement (and fear) of driver’s licenses to overnight trips and realizing that some of our kids are no longer “little,” we talk honestly about the joy, nerves, pride, and anxiety that come with each new milestone. We reflect on how motherhood evolves as our kids become more independent — and how their growth forces us to confront our own: learning to let go, redefining our roles, and holding space for nostalgia while celebrating who our children are becoming. This conversation is for every parent navigating the bittersweet reality of raising kids who don’t stay kids forever. Whether your child is a toddler, a tween, or on the brink of adulthood, this episode will make you feel seen — and remind you that you’re not alone in this season. Follow The Mama's Den on Instagram at www.instagram.com/themamasdenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s episode of The Mama’s Den, Codie is fresh off the inaugural Disney Destiny Cruise — and she’s giving the inside scoop on cruising with kids, creating core memories, and convincing the Mamas to join next time. While onboard, Codie sat down with fellow twin mom Lauren Berty, host of That Twin Mama podcast and beloved social media creator known for her hilarious, honest takes on raising three kids - including 5-year-old twins girls! Together, they talk about the surprise of twins and when things *actually* get easier with multiples. The mamas also recap their Thanksgiving highs and lows, reflect on how parenting is shifting in this season and offer real-life insight for moms balancing multiple little ones at once. If you’re a twin mom, a Disney lover, or just craving sisterhood and some much-needed validation, this episode is full of laughs, transparency, and community. Follow The Mama's Den on Instagram at www.instagram.com/themamasdenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Buckle up, mama. This week we’re joined by our girl, podcaster, actress, mom of 4 whole boys, and wife Khadeen Ellis, and the conversation goes there. From the soaring highs to the gut-check lows of 2025, we peel back every layer — marriage, motherhood, perimenopause, grief, growth, and the freedom of finally letting go. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s funny, it’s honest, it’s healing — and it’s exactly the sisterhood we need right now. We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week in the Den, the Mamas finally bring on Ashley's LITERAL day one—Nalo, her best friend since birth, Nalo Wise. After years of stories, references, and inside jokes, the audience gets to meet the woman herself. Together, Melanie, Codie, Ashley and Nalo take us deep into what it really takes to make a friendship last for decades: the honesty, the maturity, the forgiveness, and the intentionality that adult friendships demand—especially for women and moms. With maintaining new and old friendships being such a hot topic among moms and on social media, this conversation couldn’t come at a better time. As we head into Thanksgiving, a season centered on love, gratitude, and the people who feel like home, this episode is a beautiful reminder that chosen family matters just as much as the ones we’re born into. Prepare to laugh, reflect, and maybe text a friend after this one. We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Mamas are fresh off their live show and whew — it was a ride! This week they’re sharing what it really took to make it happen: long days, late nights, and the sisterhood that kept them going. From planning and promotion to showtime nerves, they talk about pouring your heart into something you love, leaning on your people, and how mamas always finds a way to get it done. We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.