AD, reality TV star and podcast host, joins the Mamas to dish on going from a heartbreak on Love is Blind to finding her happily-ever-after on Perfect Match - where she met her fiancé, Ollie Sutherland. Now expecting their first child (we’re screaming!), AD spills all the tea on her pregnancy body changes, planning two weddings, and how she’s carrying her biggest life lessons into motherhood and marriage. The Mamas swap wisdom on breastfeeding, postpartum, and building a partnership...showing that no matter how you become a mama - self-care, support, and communication are everything.

We are running back a popular episode where Melanie, Ashley, and Codie break down a list of one-liners they found on social media 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 cuss! Throughout the convo, the mamas get a few surprise phone 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 or hit us up on IG at @themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona

Y'all welcome to this oldie but goodie - we are throwing it back to an conversation that brought out some feelings. Mamas, we often celebrate others and stress ourselves out over our kids' birthdays but, in this episode, Codie, Ashley, and Melanie discuss the value of experiences versus parties, embracing getting older, and Ashley annual emotional response to her birthday......She opens up about the difficulties of having a birthday around the holidays and how her birthday celebrations have evolved since losing her sister. So Village, what is your ideal birthday celebration? How do you celebrate and embrace getting a year older? Get in on the conversation and let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can always submit a DM on IG @themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona

This is a timeless episode from a time when a then 5-year old Asiyah asked Ashley "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Ashley was not pleased! Codie, Melanie, and Ashley are talking about what it means to be "just" a mother - and more. The Mamas also explore what it means to truly be living in your purpose and supporting your kids’ decisions despite what you may want for them! So, Mama's Den Village, are you fulfilling your childhood dreams or did you figure out your purpose later in life? Let us know your point of view over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can always submit a DM on IG at @themamasdenpodcast. Make sure you connect with our Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona

We are running it back to this fun conversation from 2023....We all know social media sparks a lot of conversations these days. So Codie, Ashley, and Melanie are giving their opinions about a post shared on Instagram that listed 5 things parents should do if they want to have a secure relationship with their children. The Mamas also talk about holding space for their children’s emotions and reflect on their relationships with their own mothers. Mama's Den Village, do you agree with the 5 steps of having a secure relationship with your child? Do you have another step you would add to the conversation? Let us know your point of view over at podcasts@blacklove.com. PLUS you can always hit us up over on Instagram at @themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona

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

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

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

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

Grammy-winning singer, author, and mama Victoria Monét is in the Den! Victoria opens up about how motherhood has shifted her mindset - from navigating the stigma of being pregnant in the music industry to guarding her joy, mastering time management, and finding inspiration for her hit song “On My Mama.” Victoria and the Mamas also talk about the power of having a village, and why leading by example and leaving a legacy matters. Plus, Victoria shares the story behind her new children’s book, Everywhere You Are - a beautiful picture book about the unbreakable connection between kids and their parents. Everywhere You Are is available for pre-order now and in bookstores on June 24, 2025.

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.

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

Stylist Bec Gross joins the Mamas to drop her favorite tips for feeling cute and confident in your clothes - especially for moms learning to love their postpartum bodies. From embracing your shape and dressing for your size, to building a wardrobe with key staples, 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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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 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.**