Brown Ambition
The Brown Ambition Podcast helps you unapologetically build wealth by saving, investing and making smart career choices — on your own terms. New episodes Wednesdays and Fridays.
Episodes
Single AF and Building a Real Estate Empire ft. Allure Magazine Editor-in-Chief Jessica Cruel
🔥 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 finan
From Nanny to CEO: Do You Really Need an MBA?
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 c
Mandi's Life Update + How Celebrity Hairstylist Lacy Redway Turned $10 Braids Into a Six‑Figure Career
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 int
Using a 401(k) Loan to Tackle Debt: Smart or Risky? [BA QA]
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
I Make Six Figures and I’m Still Drowning: Debt Relief Options No One Explains
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
How Our Marriage & Business Survived Reality TV ft Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson
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 sho
You’ve Got a 750+ Credit Score… Now What?
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 ge
Dr. Uché Blackstock on Burnout, Purpose & Walking Away
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
How TODAY Show Host Sheinelle Jones Manages Motherhood, Grief & Career Success
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 u
The Reality of “Having It All” [BA QA]
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” commen
Ambition Reboot ft. Amina AlTai
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
How She Leveled Up After a Layoff: LaKesha’s Story
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 t
The Director Behind Bridgerton’s Viral Dance on Money, Mentors & Saying 'No' to the C‑Suite
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, n
The Day After the Crash: How I Move After a Full System Shutdown
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 de
How to Avoid Credit Card Honey Traps [BA QA]
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’r
3 Wealthy Habits That Will Make You Richer in 2026 [Rewind]
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
How Multi-Millionaire Mogul Vivian Tu Can Help You Become "Well-Endowed"
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&rsqu
How to Get a Bigger Tax Refund in 2026 With New Tax Breaks [BA QA]
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 d
Adulting Ain’t Cheap: Cars, Careers & Costly Decisions Ft. Kiersten Saunders Yanely Espinal
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
How She Paid Off $955,000 Worth of Debt As a Single Mom of 3 ft. Naseema McElroy
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 milliona
Self-Care for Black Women with Oludara Adeeyo [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
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 reth
The Long Game: Rejection, Reinvention & Landing Reasonable Doubt [Replay]
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 produc
BA QA: How to Negotiate a Raise While Pregnant [Replay]
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 @brownambitionpod
How Women of Color Build Wealth in a Broken System Ft. Bernadette Joy & Kiersten Saunders
Happy Women’s History Month, BA Fam! 🎉 In this powerful roundtable, Mandi Money sits down with money expert Bernadette Joy (author of Crush Your Money Goals) and financial freedom advocate Kiersten Saunders of Rich & Regular for an honest, layered conversation about what it really looks like to build wealth as women—especially women of color—in today’s economy. They bre
How to Reclaim Joy and Cure High Functioning Depression ft. Dr. Judith Joseph [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi Money welcomes Dr. Judith Joseph, a psychiatrist and author of 'High Functioning'. They discuss the concept of high functioning depression, the importance of reclaiming joy in mental health, and Dr. Judith's 5 Vs framework for healing. Mandi shares her personal experiences with depression and anxiety, emphasizing the need for emotional well-being amidst pro
How to "Cash Out" of Corporate Life Without Crashing Out ft. Kiersten Saunders
In this Brown Table chat, Mandi sits down with Kiersten Saunders co‑author of “Cashing Out” and co‑host of Rich & Regular to talk about what it really looks like to walk away from corporate in 2026 without blowing up your life. They get into why the message of “cashing out” hits different now that layoffs, Trump‑era uncertainty, and AI chaos have Black women rethinking
BA Q&A: Should I Pause Student Loan Payments During Grad School?
In this week’s BA Q&A, Mandi answers a listener question about student loan deferment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), emergency savings, and navigating major life transitions without blowing up your financial stability. Sydney, a 34-year-old nurse, is three years away from qualifying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). While pursuing her master’s degree,
Remote, Hybrid, or Stuck? ColorComm’s CEO on Advancing Your Career in Any Workplace
On this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Lauren Wesley Wilson, founder of ColorComm, for a powerful conversation on career advancement, entrepreneurship, and building a recession-resistant business. Lauren breaks down what it really takes to secure major corporate partnerships and why brands like Google and Delta Air Lines partnered with her not just because of a great i
BA Q&A: How do I career pivot in my 50s?
In this week's BA Q&A Mandi is getting real about reinvention, risk, and responsibility. A listener in her 50s is ready to pivot careers but she’s not trying to blow up her financial “safety” to do it. In this economy? Whew. The fear is valid. But as Mandi reminds us, a pivot doesn’t have to be reckless to be powerful. She breaks down how to make bold m
The Gifts of Grief: Tiffany Aliche on Love, Loss and What Came After
This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by the one & only Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche and it feels like a homecoming. Tiffany is back to catch us up on everything happening behind the scenes. From exciting updates about the evolution (and new name!) of the Live Richer Academy to the release of the paperback edition of her New York Times bestselling book Get Good With Mone
BA Q&A: Are Company Background Checks Legit?
In this week’s BA Q&A Mandi answers a listener question that gets straight to the point: How do employers actually verify where we’ve worked and what information are they collecting about us behind the scenes. We dive into the world of work verification and big data, including platforms like WorkMarket, and unpack how employers confirm employment history, income, and background det
How to Turn a Layoff into Your Full‑Time Creative Career ft. Kaisha Huguley
In this episode of Brown Ambition, MandiMoney sits down with actor, content creator, and entrepreneur Kaisha Huguley (aka Kaisha Creates) for a real conversation about layoffs, self-belief, and choosing yourself—especially when the plan falls apart. Kaisha opens up about being laid off from her 9–5, navigating seasonal depression, and the mindset shifts that helped her bet o
BA Q&A: Should I Keep Paying My Student Loans While PSLF?
Mandi is back for a solo BA Q&A, answering a juicy listener question about balancing student loans, grad school, a possible home move, and a new car payment—all while chasing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). She breaks down how PSLF *actually* works, why “qualifying payments” matter so much, and when it can make sense to pause extra payments and redirect cash toward sa
How We Protect Our Freedom in an Authoritarian America ft. Stacey Abrams
This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by author, activist, and democracy defender Stacey Abrams for a powerful, timely, and deeply grounding conversation about where we are as a country and what we can actually do about it. Recorded during a moment of collective grief, fear, and exhaustion, this episode centers honesty over platitudes and action over despair. Stacey breaks down her 10 Steps
How to Heal Burnout Through Breathwork ft. Jasmine Marie of Black Girls Breathing
This week, I'm revisitng my interview with the brilliant Jasmine Marie breathwork practitioner, founder of Black Girls Breathing, and author of Black Girls Breathing: Heal from Trauma, Combat Stress, and Find Your Freedom. From surviving the corporate grind to creating wellness spaces rooted in cultural relevance, Jasmine gets real about her journey into entrepreneurship, healing work, and what it
4 Strategies to Save Your Money from Inflation, AI & Student Loans in 2026
In this episode of Brown Ambition, host Mandi Woodruff-Santos dives into the pressing financial trends of 2026, focusing on inflation, interest rates, the job market, and student loans. Mandi emphasizes the importance of understanding these trends and how they impact personal finances, encouraging listeners to adopt manageable habits to protect their financial well-being. She highlights the signif
BA Q&A: Should I Sell My Shares of Target ($TGT) Stock?
This week on Brown Ambition’s Friday BA QA, Mandi answers a listener question that hits right at the intersection of money, values, and activism. A listener asks: If we’re boycotting a company, should we also sell the stock? Using Target as a real-life example, Mandi breaks down what it really means to invest during a boycott, the difference between individual stocks and index funds, a
How "Reasonable Doubt" Rebooted My Acting Career ft. Kiah Clingman
This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with award-winning producer, filmmaker, and breakout actress Kiah Clingman for a powerful conversation about rejection, reinvention, and trusting the long game. From getting rejected by Howard’s theater program to becoming a Howard alum who quietly built a producing empire… from working a demanding corporate job at Deloitte to quitting two
3 Wealthy Habits That Will Make You Richer in 2026
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, stu
How to Ditch the Shame Spiral and Set Financial Intentions That Stick ft. Aja Evans
It's January and the pressure is on to go harder, save more, invest more, and transform your entire life by next year. But piling on intense goals doesn’t always lead to motivation — often it leads straight to anxiety, comparison, and money shame when life inevitably throws a curveball. In this episode, Mandi welcomes back listener‑favorite board‑certified therapist, speaker, writer, a
How to Rethink Your Financial Strategy During Tr*mp Tariff SZN
Happy New Year, BA Fam! In our most popular episode of 2025, Mandi was joined by two of our faves in the finance space: Chris Browning of “Popcorn Finance” and Berna Anat, author of the amazing book “Money Out Loud”. If you’re looking to level up your money game and feel good doing it, this episode’s for you. We get into: - The highs and lows of aggressively sav
How to Set Real Financial Goals + Find the Right Financial Planner for You
It’s time for another BA Q&A, where we answer your money and career questions straight from the inbox! This week, we're rewinding to a couple of our favorite questions from this year.💫 “How do I set and stick to financial goals?” — Listen up, Unicorn! We’re breaking down how to get clear on your money priorities, stay consistent when life gets messy, and fina
How to Make a Career Pivot in 2026
Thinking about switching careers but not sure where to start? In this episode, Mandi Money breaks down what it really takes to make a successful career pivot in 2026 — without burning yourself out or making impulsive moves. We talk about why self-care and self-trust are non-negotiable during career transitions, how to investigate new paths without rushing the process, and the minds
BA Q&A: Should I Pay Off My $2200 Credit Card With a Balance Transfer?
What's up BA Fam! Mandi's back with a new BA QA, taking listener Tina's question about managing credit card debt, specifically focusing on balance transfers. She explains the benefits and risks associated with transferring balances to 0% interest cards, the importance of comparing offers, and the potential pitfalls of deferred interest. Mandi emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to de
How a Psychic Reading Made Me Rethink My Business [Solo Ep]
In this week’s solo episode, Mandi Money invites the BA Fam into a deeply personal, deeply revealing moment of reflection. After attending an intimate one-day mastermind retreat hosted by friend of the show Amina Altai, Mandi found herself sitting with something she rarely lets linger: discomfort. What started as a simple business check-in turned into a powerful lesson on alignment, limiting
How to Plan Your Next Act in Your 50s (Without Burning It All Down)
In this BAQA episode, Mandi Money is joined by legendary money expert and Money Coach, Lynnette Khalfani‑Cox, to answer a powerful question from listener Raquel: “I’m 56, I like my paralegal job, I love my podcast, and I know I can’t afford to fully retire… so what does my next act even look like?” Together, we talk honestly about purpose vs. profit, identity beyond
No-Contact Family Trend, Record Black Friday Spending, Chris & Yanely Are Back!
This week on the show, we’re getting real about the holiday season at the Brown Table because as much as we love the food, the vibes, and a good family kiki, the holidays can bring up a lot. From navigating messy family dynamics to redefining traditions, the hosts open up about what it means to protect your peace, your energy, and yes…your bank account, during one of the most emo
A World Without White People? ft. Sky Full of Elephants Author Cebo Campbell [BA Rewind]
Hi BA Fam - I hope you had the loveliest, peaceful Thanksgiving week and weekend. I will be back with a brand new Brown Table this Weds, and I am recording new BA Q&A episodes as well! So please submit any questions to brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM me on IG @brownambitionpodcast. In the meantime, enjoy this rewind episode of my conversation with THEE incredible Cebo Campbell, a cr
Thanksgiving Crossover: Brown Ambition x Nerdwallet's SmartMoney Podcast
Happy Thanksgiving week, beloved BA Fam! As a special treat, I wanted to share a crossover episode with Nerdwallet's SmartMoney Podcast, featuring their incredible hosts Sean Piles and Elizabeth Ayoola. We had SUCH a good conversation about career strategies, salary negotiations, and how to navigate this wild job market we’re in right now.We talked about everything—from how I 10x
Is Your Achievement Ladder Holding You Back? ft. Monique Shields [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
This week, Mandi Money sits down with powerhouse executive coach and host of Ambition Without Compromise, Monique R. Shields a woman whose mission is simple but profound: to liberate the professional imaginations of women of color. From being a “lost English major” to coaching leaders across mental health, tech, and corporate spaces, Monique shares the honest, unfiltered truth abo
BA QA: A Husband's $50,000 Loss; Sexually Harassed at Work and HR Dropped the Ball
Hey, hey BA fam! This week we're revisiting two intense listener questions: Financial Infidelity: When Your Partner Invests Behind Your Back Listener Robin's husband made an over $50,000 investment on credit cards without telling her—and lost it all. Mandi breaks down how to protect yourself: separate your finances, secure bank accounts with strong authentication, and get a family law
Best of BA: C-Suite Edition ft. Black Girls Code CEO Christina Mancini
This week, Mandi Money brings the BAFAM a special “Best Of” mash-up episode featuring two powerhouse women who’ve carved out space in the C-suite and beyond. From boldly leaving corporate America to building whole new tables (not just getting a seat at one), these conversations are all about self-belief, wealth-building, and trusting your gut—even when everyone else t
What it Means to Be Black In Tech in the Age of AI ft. C.J. Farley [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
In this week’s episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi Money sits down with author C.J. Farley to unpack his new book Who Knows You by Heart a story that hits right at the intersection of ambition, identity, and the harsh realities of working in big tech. Farley takes us behind the curtain of corporate life through the journey of Octavia, a young Black woman navigating discrimination, mountin
One Couple's $13,000 Debt Dilemma, plus Are HSAs Worth It? [BA QA]
On today's BA QA, where I take your questions about life, money, career and everything in between (!), we're revisiting past questions on managing debt as a couple, navigating military benefits during a cross-country move, and figuring out whether high-deductible health plans are actually worth it . Quick reminder: if you want YOUR question featured on the show, head to brownambitionpodcast.com an
How to Boycott Big Business This Holiday Season
Hey BA Fam! As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, Mandi Money is keeping it real about what this season can bring emotionally, financially, and politically. In this episode, she dives into how seasonal changes can impact our moods and motivation, why planning ahead for the holidays can save both your sanity and your wallet, and how collective action like economic boycotts can actually
How To Thrive More and Suffer Less In a Leadership Role ft. C-Suite Coach Muriel Wilkins [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
In this week’s Washday Woosah episode, Mandi Money sits down with executive coach and author Muriel Wilkins for a powerful conversation about leadership, self-efficacy, and the internal work required to truly step into your power. Muriel host of Harvard Business Review’s Coaching Real Leaders podcast and author of Leadership Unblocked, pulls back the curtain on what it really
How to Cope with Financial Uncertainty in 2025 [Solo Ep]
Hey BA Fam! this week Mandi Money is flying solo with a heart-to-heart about what it really looks like to find peace in uncertain times. Between election night energy, economic anxiety, and personal challenges with depression and anxiety, I’ve been reminded how important it is to slow down, show yourself compassion, and stay connected to your people.I’m breaking down how I’m copi
Can I Risk Bringing My "Authentic Self" to Work? ft. Jodi-Ann Burey [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
In this powerful conversation, Mandi Woodruff-Santos sits down with writer and speaker Jodi-Ann Burey to unpack what it truly means to be authentic in the workplace—especially for women of color. Together, they explore how authenticity evolves over time and the ways mental health, disability, and capitalism intersect to shape our professional and personal identities. Jodi-Ann opens up about
Mental Health Update, SNAP Crisis & Trump’s $300M Ballroom [Solo Ep]
This week, Mandi opens up about her healing journey—sharing how slowing down, softening up, and getting real rest have transformed her mental health and daily rhythm. From battling depression and anxiety to finally finding peace through sleep, nourishment, and support. Plus, she gives updates on the Brown Ambition book (you can help pick the cover!), her new free mini course, and what’
Uncompete ft, Ruchika T. Malhotra [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
This week, Mandi sits down with leadership and inclusion strategist Ruchika T. Malhotra — author of Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Radical Success. In a world obsessed with winning, Ruchika’s message is a breath of fresh air: true success comes from rest, collaboration, and community not from constant competition. Together, they unpack what it means to unlearn scarcity, how
Finding Joy in the Messy Middle of Motherhood
In this unfiltered Brown Ambition mama check-in, Mandi sits down with fellow podcasters and moms Jessica Norwood and Rana Campbell for an honest conversation about motherhood, depression, grief, survival mode, and rediscovering joy amidst the chaos. Mandi opens up about her battle with depression and what it means to mother while navigating mental health challenges. Rana shares her journey th
Painful Ambition vs. Purposeful Ambition ft. Amina AlTai [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
This week, Mandi sits down with Amina AlTai — executive coach, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living. Amina’s story takes us from burnout and near organ failure to a full-on breakthrough that reshaped her entire relationship with success. She shares how growing up as the daughter of immigrants shaped her drive, why so many high-
Taking off the Mask: My Lifelong Battle with Depression [Solo Ep]
⚠️ Hey BA fam, before we jump in, just a heads-up: today we’ll be talking about depression and mental health. These topics matter and can hit close to home. What you’ll hear is real talk, but it’s not medical advice—we’re sharing stories and information, not diagnoses. If you or someone you care about needs support, please reach out. You can call or text 988anytime fo
Hope After Heart Attack: Trymaine Lee's Journey [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, author, and MSNBC contributor Trymaine Lee to discuss his powerful new book, A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America. From reporting on Trayvon Martin and Ferguson to confronting his own family’s legacy of gun violence, Trymaine opens up about what happens when decade
Gov’t Shutdown, Bad Bunny Rage, & Hoa-Hoa Szn [BROWN TABLE]
Hey BA Fam! It’s been a minute, but Mandi, Yanely, and Chris are back at the table with a rich, reflective conversation on life, culture, and community. This week’s episode dives into how our identities, skills, and values shape the way we move through an ever-changing world. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Cultural Identity & Authenticity — Why staying true to yo
How to Survive Your Season of Surrender ft. “The Residence” star Edwina Findley [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by the radiant and multi-talented Edwina Findley, actress, author, and faith-driven creative, for a deeply inspiring conversation about walking in purpose, trusting divine timing, and showing up for the vision on your life. From her early beginnings in Washington, D.C. to her breakout roles in Hollywood, Edwina shares how her journey has been s
An Ex-Hip-Hop Video Director Turns Her Lens on Black Women's Health Ft. Lisa Cunningham
In this week’s episode, Mandi sits down with Lisa Cunningham, a powerhouse creative and the Head of Marketing at the Black Women’s Health Imperative, to unpack her incredible journey from directing music videos to becoming a champion for health equity. Lisa shares how personal loss and self-discovery shaped her purpose, leading her to use storytelling as a tool for change—especia
Is Now The Time to Buy or Sell A Home? Ft. Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather [BAQA]
The U.S. housing market feels impossible to navigate — high prices, rising taxes, low inventory, and mortgage rates that just won’t budge. This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, to cut through the noise and explain what’s really going on. From the “lock-in effect” keeping homeowners stuck, to why renting ma
How to Buy a House With Your BFF (and Her Kids!) ft. Ayesha Rascoe & Jasmin Melvin Hudson
What does it look like to redefine family and build a support system rooted in friendship? In this episode of Brown Ambition, host Mandi Woodruff-Santos sits down with NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe and her best friend Jasmin Melvin Hudson to talk about their bold decision to buy a home together and raise their five children under one roof. From meeting as young journalists to becoming inseparable
Legacy, Resilience, and Building America with Cheryl McKissick Daniel [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Cheryl McKissick Daniel — President and CEO of McKissick & McKissick, the oldest Black- and women-owned design and construction firm in the U.S. With five generations of legacy behind her, Cheryl has literally changed skylines while paving the way for women and people of color in an industry that wasn’t built for us. In this in
Karen Attiah Firing Explained + When Your Voice Can Cost You Your Job
Welcome back for a special episode 10 years in the making. Today, Mandi unpacks the real cost of speaking out in a climate where your voice can cost you your job, especially if you’re a Black woman. She celebrates 10 years of Brown Ambition (yes, 800+ episodes!), but the focus quickly shifts to the headlines: journalists, teachers, and professionals are losing their livelihoods for what they
How to Launch & Monetize a Blog in 2025 Ft. Jannese Torres of Yo Quiero Dinero
This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi welcomes back powerhouse guest Jannese Torres entrepreneur, author of Financially Lit, host of the award-winning Yo Quiero Dinero podcast, and now, a new mom. Together, Mandi and Jannese sit at the “Brown Table” to get real about: How motherhood reshapes entrepreneurship, boundaries, and time management Breaking free from people-pleasing and
Bet on Black: Eboni K. Williams on Freedom, Finances & Finding Joy [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with powerhouse lawyer, author, and TV host Eboni K. Williams for an inspiring and transparent conversation about life, career, and motherhood. Eboni opens up about her journey to becoming a solo mom by choice, navigating a 45-hour labor, and the support system that helped her through postpartum. She also shares hard truths about the maternal health cri
I Owe The IRS $5,000 and Have $11,000 of Credit Card Debt — Now What?
This week’s listener, “Beth,” is stuck between tax debt and credit card debt—plus the anxiety that comes when you’re a little bit of a rebel, chasing that nonprofit art life immigrant parents never signed off on. (We see you, Beth!) Mandi shares lessons from her own contractor journey, breaks down why the IRS is no joke, and gets honest about how hard it is to face do
How Did The Government Get The Jobs Data So Damn Wrong? [Solo Ep]
On this week’s episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi dives into the latest jobs report and how the government issued ANOTHER correction that shows we actually added 911,000 FEWER jobs than they calculated last year. That's half as many jobs as they reported. WTF?She also digs into what the data really says about the state of the economy, especially for Black women. With over 300,000 Black wo
How The Budgetnista And Anjali Jariwala Became a Financial Planning Power Couple [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
BA Fam, we’ve got a special one for you today! 🎉 Tiffany is back in the studio and she didn’t come alone — she brought along her powerhouse financial advisor Anjali Jariwala. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to build wealth after financial setbacks, this convo is for you. Tiffany opens up about her journey from foreclosure to financial freedom, and how she
The Double Tax & Why It’s So Damn Expensive to Be a Woman of Color Ft. Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with the brilliant Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman award-winning researcher, speaker, and author of The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid. Anna breaks down the reality of the “double tax” that compounded cost of racism + sexism that women of color know all too well. From hair discrimination to pay inequity, res
How Digital Nomads Can Move to Spain in 2025 ft. The First Gen Mentor Gigi Gonzalez [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
BA Fam, today’s Wash Day Woosah is a treat. We’ve got our girl Giovanna “Gigi” Gonzalez aka The First Gen Mentor, author of Cultura & Cash, and three-time BA guest back on the mic. But this time, she’s not joining us from Chicago… she’s calling in from Spain! In this episode, Gigi shares the money moves and life decisions that made it possible f
Best of Summer 2025: My Top 5 Summer Standouts
This week, we’re doing something different, BA Fam! Mandi takes us on a trip down memory lane, looking back at her five favorite moments from the summer of 2025. From thought-provoking conversations to laugh-out-loud guest appearances, these episodes stood out not just while recording, but even more when listening back with fresh ears. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: -Why replaying p
The Business of Black Girls Who Love Anime ft. Victoria L. Johnson [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
It's the podcast crossover you probably never saw coming, BA Fam. For today's Washday Woosah show, I sit down with Victoria L. Johnson, founder of the Sailor Moon Fan Club podcast. In each episode of the Sailor Moon Fan Club, Victoria L. Johnson interviews incredible fans of the '90s anime including bestselling authors, comic book and manga creators, influencers, musicians --baddies like
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