Mahogany Moms

On today's podcast,  we are talking with Arielle Ryan.  Arielle is a copy editor, podcast host, and mom of multiples.  She shares with us her journey into motherhood- both the high and lows.  She discusses how pregnancy and motherhood changed her perspective on her career aspirations.  She also shares her experience in the industry while pregnant and after.  Arielle really gives us the tea on her experience and how difficult it can be to navigate working and motherhood. If you're looking for an inspiring, funny, and transparent account of motherhood, tune in!

On today's episode of the podcast,  we are talking with Dr. Juan Michelle Martin.  Dr. Martin is a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, doula, wellness coach, and mom of two.  She shares with us what a physical therapist does and how she may be able to help women with issues from the belly button on down.  She discusses what drew her to physical therapy and how she loves to take her patients from the point of pain to being functional.  Dr. Martin talks with about diastasis recti, ligament pain in pregnancy, and the mind-body-connection.  She takes us to school and drops many gems for us.  If you have questions about bladder leakage, pain in pregnancy, numbness after caesarean birth, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Be sure to check out the resources below, if you are dealing with mental health challenges and/or grief of a child.  Also, help a postpartum mom out and buy her a journal !

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On today's episode of the podcast,  we are talking with Shavonne Jones.  Shavonne is a licensed clinical social worker, a mom of two, and the self-care bestie.  She shares with us her journey into motherhood and the unexpected loss she experienced losing her spouse.  She discusses the changes for her and her boys as she went from a household of two parents to one.  She talks to us about how she recovered, healed, and found love again.  Her loss spurred her on the path to all things self-care. Shavonne has a  line of self-care products.  She is not only the self-care bestie but the host of Self-Care after Dark.  If you're looking to find hope after loss, this is just the episode for you. 

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 On today's episode of the podcast,  we are talking with Coach Maggie.  Maggie is a mom of a four, a grandmother, and a health and wellness coach.  She shares with us the importance of taking care of ourselves mentally and physically.  She discusses the effects that foods have on our overall health.  Maggie grew up eating healthy but strayed away from it in the busyness of raising a family and working.  She regained her footing after realizing how her additional weight gain impacted her agility and mood.  She also shares with us how a debilitating physical condition fueled her passion for coaching other women into better health and wellness.  If you need a boost to get you out of your unhealthy eating rut, tune in!  

Thanks for listening!

On today's episode of the podcast,  we are talking with Rev. Dr. Tamla Wilson.  Dr. Tamla is a mom of two, a minister, and a business woman.  She shares with us her journey to motherhood using IVF, not once but twice.  She discusses the intersection of her faith and the choice to do IVF.  She gives us a true glimpse of what this journey entails. It is by no means easy and requires tremendous support.  In true fashion, Rev. Tamla encourages moms to pursue their dreams, even while on this motherhood journey.  If you want the real, uncut version of the IVF process, tune in and tell a friend.

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On this episode of the podcast we talk about the struggles of infertility.   Dr. Shana, executive wellness coach and entrepreneur, is a mom of two teens and joins us on the podcast today.  She  shares with us her journey into motherhood both the highs and lows.  She discusses what it took for her to get pregnant and what extraneous variables caused her to go the route she did.  Infertility affects 1 in eight couples in the United States.  We know that infertility can be a difficult path to travel but know that you are not alone.     The road to motherhood and motherhood alone is not for the faint of heart!   If you need hope and encouragement on your path to parenthood, this episode is for you!

Thanks for listening!

We are still in the month of February, the month of love and talking about loving ourselves.  On this episode of the podcast, I talk with Diamond, a cosmetologist.  She shares with us all things hair.  Diamond discusses how our hair impacts how we feel about ourselves and why taking care of it is so important.  She tells us how she got into the beauty industry and what it has meant for her and her family.  The health of our hair is so important, not just for us but for our children, as well.  Diamond tells us some hair secrets (maybe not secrets) that I wasn't aware of, even after all these years of dealing with my hair.  If you are looking for hair inspiration or hair motivation, tune in!

On this first podcast in February 2022, we are celebrating love, loving ourselves.  This love includes loving the skin you're in and the clothes you wear.  I talk with Stacy the Survivor, a fashion stylist and blogger, about all things fashion.  She shares with us not only fashion tips but what led her to pursue her passion unabashedly.  Her story serves as a reminder that we only have one life and need to live out our purpose daily.  Stacy discusses the importance of decluttering your closet before filling it up and the necessity of knowing your style.   She says identifying your style is key to not being overwhelmed with dressing yourself.  Stacy states that one way to identify your style is to choose someone's (a celebrity, blogger, etc.) style that you like and want to imitate.  She lets us in on the essential items every mom needs in her wardrobe.  Grab a sheet a paper and take notes!

On the first episode of 2022, we are talking about vaccinating our children.  This episode was a Facebook Live discussion not soon after the vaccine for children 5 -11 years old was released.  There were concerns and questions voiced by parents as to what to do, myself included.  So we asked Dr. Lisa Hardy, public health expert to join us in talking about those concerns from a public health perspective, as well as from that of a mom.  Dr. Hardy discussed the research, the pros and cons of the vaccine, and ultimately what led her to make the decision to get her five year old vaccinated.  If you are on the fence about the vaccine for your child, tune in and share, you may hear something that helps you to decide.

Hi moms, Happy New Year.  There is no episode today but I do have an ASK.  I have created a listener survey to gather more information about what's working and what's not working as far as topics- actually the podcast in general.  I want to know what you all want to hear more of and what you can do without.  If you all would take the survey, I would greatly appreciate it!  The survey takes less than two minutes!   Thank you so much! 

This is another one of our favorite episodes from 2020.  On this episode, I talk to a mom who had no interest or desire in motherhood at all.  She made a decision early that she did not want kids and she found a partner who shared the same sentiments.  Let's just be honest, motherhood- parenting is not for everyone and we should celebrate with both women and men who choose not to have children.  Join us as  Crystal shares her story and all the twists and turns that came with her journey into motherhood.  Get ready to be surprised and inspired!

If you could use some encouragement throughout the week, text MOTIVATE to 1.833.638.5442

I am looking to start a book club for the mahogany mom podcast listeners, if you are interested, send a text to 1.833.638.5442 and let me know you're in.

On today's conversation starter, we are discussing self-care.  However, it's not the self-care you think or hear most often.  Self-care is taking care of our physical bodies so that we can be physically healthy and mobile to take care of our families.  Moms are nurturers and caretakers, so taking care of others comes easy, but taking care of ourselves not so much.  We often neglect our well woman's exam, mammograms, annual blood work-up, etc for what we deem as more important.  As we close out 2021 and move into 2022, I want moms, myself included to make a commitment to take care of ourselves- our physical bodies.  So, the actionable step is to make a doctor's appointment today! 

Today's episode is a throw back from 2020.  On this episode, I talked with Ms. Miaya Allen, a mom of 3 and a Speech Language Pathologist. She provided insight and tips on ways to parent after divorce.  This is no easy feat but she acknowledged how having a willing and involved co-parent decreased some of those challenges!  She gave us the scoop on raising three kiddos close in age and her management techniques as a now single mom.  This is an episode you don't want to miss!

If you could use some encouragement throughout the week, text MOTIVATE to 1.833.638.5442

Today's conversation starter and actionable step is all about renewing your partnership.  In the hustle and bustle of motherhood and parenting, our relationships with our spouses can get neglected.  It so important to nurture your first relationship-- the relationship with your spouse or significant other-without it, the family unit you created can often fall by the wayside.  Trips, staycations, etc. can serve as an opportunity to reconnect and remember how it all began.  It can provide a time to set goals for your family and/or yourselves individually and collectively.  Your actionable step is to plan some time with your significant other to get away from the kids and everyday chores to focus on the two of you!  Let me know how it goes!

Today's episode is another one of our favorite episodes from 2020.  On this episode, we talked with Mrs. Sheila Jackson, a fitness trainer, wife, mom, and Camp Gladiator franchisee.  She shares her story of how she got into fitness training and what we as busy moms can do to get started. It helps that she is a mom and understands how challenging it can be to make time for ourselves.  Listen in, grab a pen, and take some notes  on how to make fitness a priority for you! 

Sheila Jackson's email: sheilajackson@campgladiator.com

If you could use some encouragement throughout the week, text MOTIVATE to 1.833.638.5442

Today's conversation starter and actionable step is on how to find a therapist.  This is a question that many people often ask and the reason why so many people don't pursue therapy. Finding a therapist can be a daunting task.  I share with you how to simplify the task and narrow down the criteria.  Here are the three things I mention:

•  Know what you want in a therapist
•  Know how you want to have therapy (in-office or virtual)
• Know how you want to pay for therapy (insurance, out-of-pocket)

Answering these questions in detail before you begin the process will make the task less daunting and will help narrow down your choices when looking through therapy directories.  Your actionable step is to ask yourself these questions and jot down your responses.

Mahogany Moms has been in existence a little over a year now and I am so excited that you have joined me on this journey!  In this last quarter of 2021, we are replaying our top episodes!  This was our first podcast episode with Ms. Shulunda Gibson, a Speech Language Pathologist, who became a mom in an unconventional, non-traditional way.  Motherhood came unexpectedly for Ms. Gibson but she rose to the challenge and gave it all she got.  She shares some great nuggets from what she has learned on this parenting ride.  If you're a mom and questioning if you can do it, listen in and get inspired.

*Mom, if you could use some weekly encouragement, text MOTIVATE, to 1.833.638.5442*

On today's conversation starter, we are discussing postpartum depression.  Statistics say 10 to 20% of mothers experience postpartum depression, I personally believe that number is much higher because so many women don't report it.  In the last few weeks, I have seen an outpouring of moms struggling with depression and the challenges of mothering.  One mom in particular committed suicide because she said she just couldn't do it anymore.  This breaks my heart, not only because I know the feeling firsthand but that more isn't done to help moms, especially moms of color.  Awareness, education, and support is definitely needed.  Your actionable step this week is to be watchful of your friends, family, and co-workers who have recently had a baby and to help them in some way (i.e., dropping food off).  I know this is a hard topic but would love to hear your thoughts on how we can help other moms and prevent moms from feeling so alone that they take their life. Meet us in the FB group to discuss!

On today's episode of the podcast,  we are talking with Mrs. Shae Bynes.  Shae is an author, speaker, wife, and mom of three.   She is most known as the chief fire igniter with Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur.   Shae shares with us her experience with miscarriage.  She talks with us in detail about the process and all that it entailed. Shae also discussed the hope she had in the midst of her pain.  During this episode, we also talk about some of the highs and lows of parenting and what Shae is learning about herself as she parents her children.  This episode will have you crying and praying all at the same time.

*Mom, if you could use some weekly encouragement, text MOTIVATE, to 1.833.638.5442*

On today's conversation starter, we are discussing negative self talk.  I recently did a bible study based on our thinking.  The book we used was titled Get Out of Your Head.  How often do we allow our thoughts to control our behaviors and relationships?  Most of the time we do it before we even are aware of it.  What I found to be so interesting was how those thoughts spiral out of control so quickly and change the trajectory of our day.  There is hope, we have ways to combat those negative thoughts and keep the spiral from happening.  Your actionable step is to decide on one way you will combat your negative thoughts or thinking today.  Meet us in the FB group to discuss!

On today's episode of the podcast,  we are talking with Ms. Cedreka Baggett, active duty military, entrepreneur, and mother of three.  She shares with us how she handles motherhood and active duty military life.  She also shares how her active duty status impacted the relationship with her oldest daughter and how she worked to improve it.  She talks with us about the miraculous birth of her youngest daughter.  This episode will have you both crying and laughing, don't miss it! 

*Mom, if you could use some weekly encouragement, text MOTIVATE, to 1.833.638.5442*

On today's conversation starter, we are discussing letting out what you witness.  A week or so ago, I witnessed a disturbing event and it left me reeling long after the incident was over.  I know that we often keep things in and don't talk about them but it's so important to talk about those incidents that we witness that are disturbing.  (For those events that are traumatizing, meaning you witness a disturbing event and it effects your daily functioning, a professional is needed. )  Your actionable step is to find a go to person that you have on speed dial when you witness these types of events.

On today's episode of the podcast,  we are talking with Mrs. Elle Cole, a wife, mother, advocate, and podcaster.  Elle shares with us her daughter's diagnosis of sickle cell disease.  She discusses her initial reaction and how she went from overwhelm to action.  She talks about her decision to not let this define her daughter or their family and how she went about learning more about the disease.  This episode is for you, if you find yourself at a crossroads with a new life-changing diagnosis for your child, or even for yourself.  

Today on our conversation starter we are discussing grace for your assignment.  I heard a sermon by Nona Jones that had me thinking.  As moms, we find ourselves doing all the things, I know I have.  In doing all the things, it is easy to find yourself overwhelmed and overtaxed, so the question I have for you is, has the grace for that assignment been lifted or has the season for that assignment ended. I want to challenge you to get quiet and ask yourself is this task/assignment one that is God given and/or has my season for this assignment lifted.

Join us for another episode of the Mahogany Moms podcast.  Today we are talking with Mrs. Krista Curtis, a wife, mother, and teacher.  Krista shares with us her birthing experience and what it was like to be diagnosed with pre-eclampsia.  She talks about having to advocate for her daughter when something didn't seem quite right and her newborn baby had to be rushed to the NICU.  She discusses the challenges of motherhood and what is has been like to be pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic! If you are a new mom or having a baby, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Join us for another episode of the Mahogany Moms podcast.  Today we are talking with Mrs. La'Vista Jones, a wife, mother, business owner and podcaster.  La'Vista shares her experience of loss through miscarriage.  She discusses the impact the miscarriages had on her, her husband, and her son.  La'Vista gives us a glimpse on what can happen if we allow ourselves to stay in the murk and mire of our painful experiences.  She takes on a journey of how she overcame the losses and why she now openly shares her experience with other women and families.  Her experiences have led her to create a self-care regime that other women can follow.  If you or someone you know has experienced or is experiencing miscarriage, this is an episode you'll want to listen to.

Join us for another episode of the Mahogany Moms podcast.  On this episode, we do something different and bring a dad into the conversation.  We talk with Michael Dangerfield, a Licensed Professional Counselor, author, and father of two girls.  He discusses the impact of fatherhood on men and shares some of his own challenges learning how to father his daughters.  He also provides a look into the male psyche and why communication can be difficult for a man...a father.  He drops several gems!  This episode will hopefully give you greater insight into your husband's role as a father, your son's role as a father, and possibly your own father!

Let us know what you think of the podcast by leaving a rating and a review, it really helps us out!

Thanks for listening!

Join us for another episode of the Mahogany Moms podcast.  On this episode, I share my own experience with burn out this year and the steps I took to keep it at bay.  I know that this has been a difficult year for most people, especially moms.  I hope that this episode helps others moms to identify burn out and implement some of the coping skills shared.  If you still are questioning whether burn out is what your experiencing, take the burn out survey (link below).  If it is indeed burn out, join our love yourself mom challenge and take the steps to begin to rejuvenate yourself (link below)!

* If you are experiencing burn-out, join our love yourself mom challenge (link below)!*

Let us know what you think of the podcast by leaving a rating and a review, it really helps us out!

Thanks for listening!

Join us for another episode of the Mahogany Moms podcast.  Today we are talking with Dr. Cassandre Dunbar, a wife, mother, medical doctor,  educator, and podcaster.   Cassandre shares with us the difference between wellness and medicine.  She shares with us her journey into the medical field and the pivots she made once getting there.  She discusses the challenges that she experienced trying to be a physician and fully present mom.  Dr. Dunbar talks about the struggles and complications with her second child and how doing all the things led her to burn out.  Cassandre drops several gems and reminds moms that they have choices, even if their difficult to make.  This episode will lead you into self-reflection, asking yourself if you are experiencing burn out and what shifts you may need to make.

* If you are experiencing burn-out, join our love yourself mom challenge (link below)!*

Let us know what you think of the podcast by leaving a rating and a review, it really helps us out!

Thanks for listening!

Dr. Dunbar's website: https://thebewellsis.com/contact/

Join us for another episode of the Mahogany Moms podcast.  Today we are talking with RC Riley, writer, performer, storyteller and mom of one.   RC shares with us her struggles with mental illness pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, and postpartum.  She discusses her concerns about having a child and being the best mom for her child.  She also shares her journey of healing.  RC sheds a fresh and authentic perspective on mental illness in motherhood that many moms don't speak about.  This episode will have you looking for Kleenex and  a notepad to jot down the nuggets shared all at the same time!

Let us know what you think of the podcast by leaving a rating and a review, it really helps us out!

Thanks for listening!

RC Riley website: https://www.rcrileyempowers.com

RC IG: rcrileyempowers

Let us know what you think of the podcast by leaving a rating and a review, it really helps us out!

Thanks for listening!

Join us for another episode of the Mahogany Moms podcast.  This episode is a panel discussion held last year after the death of George Floyd when so many moms were in fear for their sons.  The panel discussion consisted of local successful African American men in the community that could shed light on their experiences as Black men in America and offer wisdom to moms.  Unfortunately, almost a year later we find ourselves back in a similar place with the death of Daunte Wright.  Moms of Black sons are once again asking what can be done and how can they prevent this from happening to their sons and other Black boys.  This discussion is timely as we find ourselves here yet again.

Let us know what you think of the podcast by leaving a rating and a review, it really helps us out!

Thanks for listening!

Join us for another episode of the Mahogany Moms podcast.  Today we are talking with Nichelle McElmore, Project Manager and mom of one. Nichelle shares with us her challenges with fibroids in pregnancy, premature delivery, and finding out her daughter had hearing loss.  She  discusses the journey to getting an accurate diagnosis and the rareness of her daughter's condition.  She is an expert on all things concerning her daughter and her hearing disability.  Her story reminds us of why moms are at the expert at their children and the importance of advocating for your child  This episode will leave you ready to fight the good fight on behalf of your child!  

Let us know what you think of the podcast by leaving a rating and a review, it really helps us out! 

Thanks for listening!

Join us for another episode of the Mahogany Moms podcast.  Today we are talking with financial advisor, Tessa Betterway.  Tessa shares with us how to mind our money.  She defines what a financial advisor is, how they help, and where to find one.  She discusses budgeting, retirement plans, savings plans, and the need for insurance!  This episode will definitely help you mind your money!  If you would like more information about her services, check out her website.   Let us know what you think of the podcast by leaving a rating and a review, it really helps us out!

Thanks for listening!

Join us for another episode of the Mahogany Moms podcast.  Today Dr. Chelle discusses her career journey and all the bumps and bruises that came with it.  She discusses imposter syndrome in graduate school and being the only African-American in all of her psychology programs.  She talks about what it was like to defer her dream of pursuing her doctoral degree in the way she planned for God's plan.  She encourages moms that they can have both a family and career even if the path is not one they envisioned.  Her story is eye-opening, honest, and filled with gems that will help any mom in pursuit of their goal, despite the challenges.

Thanks for listening!