Brown Ambition

We’re back at the Brown Table with Yanely & Chris, BA Fam! And we cover everything from unexpected pigeon encounters to major shifts in the job market, media, and entrepreneurship.This week, we dive into: Elon Musk’s proposed job cuts to federal agencies and what it could mean for the workforce and economy Navigating job loss and career transitions, plus how to bounce back and build new opportunities Why civic engagement matters, especially in local elections and policies that impact your finances Media shake-ups and what the cancellation of Joy Reid’s show means for representation The rise of TikTok creators and how digital media is shifting The realities of entrepreneurship and why collaboration beats going solo Financial literacy and wealth-building strategies for uncertain times Marvel’s new Captain America movie and whether it lived up to the hype Boosts and Breaks of the week—because life keeps life-ing Hit play and join the conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review!Follow

In this raw, heartfelt episode, Mandi tackles listener questions about layoffs, debt, and rebuilding after financial mistakes – all while sharing her own reflections on friendship, motherhood, and weathering life’s storms.Key Topics Covered • Why showing up for friends matters (even in sleet!) + Mandi’s hilarious The Read live show recap • Federal layoffs & corporate cuts: 75K+ gov jobs axed, Meta’s shady “performance review” purge • Listener Q&A: • “Should I abandon public health after a rescinded job offer?” → Transferable skills, LLC tips & side hustle tax hacks (featuring listener Bri’s Pilates pivot!) • “I’m drowning in debt from my 20s!” → Debt negotiation tips, credit counseling resources & mindset shifts for new moms • Mandi’s unfiltered take: Why no job is safe + protecting yourself with “receipts”Actionable Takeaways •

Mandi Woodruff hosts Dr. Key Hallmon (founder of The Village Market) and Renae Bluitt (creator of She Did That) for a candid conversation about empowering Black and minority-owned businesses through community, intentionality, and economic liberation. They explore systemic challenges, the power of collaboration, and practical strategies for entrepreneurs to thrive in uncertain times.Purchase Dr. Key's book > The Village Market Atlanta > Follow Dr. Key on IG @DrKeyHallmonCheck out Renae's upcoming She Did That events > Follow Renae on IG @IamRenaeBluitt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's BA QA Time! This week, Mandi is joined by Naseema McElroy of Financially Intentional to get real about the messy, beautiful, and sometimes awkward conversations we need to have about money and love.We’re talking about why early financial convos are a must (yes, even before the wedding bells), how to merge finances without losing your mind, and why transparency is the key to avoiding money drama down the line. Plus, we’re answering listener questions on everything from prenups to handling different money mindsets in a relationship.If you’ve ever side-eyed your partner’s spending habits or wondered how to raise financially savvy kids, this one’s for you. Tap in for real talk, practical tips, and a few laughs along the way!Check out Naseema's podcast, Financially Intentional > Read The Prenup Prescription by Aarron Thomas > Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Brown Ambition, we’re getting real about everything from navigating the healthcare system as a Black woman to securing your financial future—whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between.Mandi, Naseema, and Yanely kick things off with a deep dive into Naseema’s experience as a labor and delivery nurse, unpacking the harsh realities of maternal healthcare for Black women and why financial literacy is a critical tool for empowerment.Then, we get into Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance—because when culture and artistry collide on the biggest stage, you know we have thoughts! We break down why moments like this matter and how they tie into the broader fight for representation and equity.And if you’ve ever wondered whether you really need a prenup (or a post-nup), divorce attorney Aaron Thomas joins us to drop some serious gems. We talk about why financial transparency in relationships is non-negotiable and how to protect your money, no matter your relationship status.Tune in for

Hey BA fam! For this edition of the BA QA, Mandi highlights her conversations with best friend duo Marc Russell and Chris Corinthian. Chris shares how he teaches families how to land scholarships, while Marc keeps it real on managing money as an entrepreneur and investing in 2025. We want to hear from you! Drop us a note at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandi is joined at the Brown Table by best friend duo Marc Russell and Chris Corinthian. Marc is an investing expert @ BetterWallet and Chris is a college scholarships and grants expert @ Your Debt-Free Degree. Together, we're diving deep into their journeys with money—tackling student debt, making that scary leap from corporate to entrepreneurship, and why community support is EVERYTHING.Chris shares how he leveled up his finances, teaches families how to land scholarships and juggles parenting with his first full year of entrepreneurship. Marc keeps it real on managing money as an entrepreneur, and Mandi reminds us why resilience (and a good budget) can carry us through life’s wildest transitions.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Watch: My Money Mentors (PBS)Read: Financial Literacy 101 for College StudentsWork with Chris: Your Debt-Free DegreeFree Investing Guide:DOWNLOAD: financesincheck.com/checklist Free Passive Investing Class: financesincheck.com/registration-page  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch

S/o to Teal, the AI resume builder and cover letter writer that will simplify your job search! Use our link to check 'em out and let em know Brown Ambition sent you!Q: “How do I set and stick to financial goals?”
Listen up, Unicorn! Q: “Help me find a financial planner!”
Solange, we got you! Here’s how to find your money match.Don’t forget to:• Share your favorite BA episodes• Follow us @BrownAmbitionPodcast on IG• Send your questions to BrownAmbitionPodcast@gmail.comUntil next time, keep stacking that paper and living your best life!

Is it STILL January? On today's show: Mandi and Chris are at the Brown Table talking about his new move to SF, how he navigated dating after divorce (babe!) and we quickly cover the stock market tumble for tech giants and how bird flu is decimating our wallets. Then...we're joined by the curl queen herself, Kim Lewis, the founder of CurlMix, to share an insider's POV on the retail rollercoaster: With big retailers like Target rolling back their DEI initiatives, Kim’s keeping it real about the impact on Black-owned brands. Will boycotting work? What's the bigger picture here? How can we best support the brands we love without feeding into companies that don't love us? How can new entrepreneurs stay motivated when funding is drying up and Voldemort is bullying corporations into dropping commitments to diversity?--Send us your questions if you want to be featured on the show! @brownambitionpodcast on IGor email us brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@brownamb

OK BA Fam, in this episode of the BA Q&A Mandi gets personal, opening up about the emotional toll of job uncertainty and how recent executive orders have directly impacted her husband and other family members. She takes us on a deep dive into the realities of over-employment, especially for women of color, and sheds light on why so many Black women are juggling multiple jobs just to stay afloat.The tea:  The emotional toll of commuting, job uncertainty, and workplace inflexibility. The hard truths about over-employment and why Black women are out here doing the most just to make ends meet. Salary negotiation tips for all our nonprofit baddies trying to get that bag. A reminder that you don’t have to carry your struggles alone—community is everything. Why You’ll Love This Episode:It’s real, relatable, and packed with practical gems. Whether you’re navigating work-life chaos or just need a reminder to breathe, Mandi’s here to let you know you’re not alone. Plus, we’re flipping the script on the “strong Blac

Okay, BA fam—the same week you-know-who was sworn in for another term in office, we are doing what we do best — giving the 92% a platform where we can stand tall, be proud and lift one another up! This is a heartfelt, funny, and real conversation featuring BA host Mandi Woodruff-Santos along with guests Deesha Dyer and Errin Haines. This episode is giving: The tea on gatekeeping in corporate America. Lessons on owning your identity unapologetically. Why finding joy and laughter is a radical act of self-care. Deesha shares highlights from her time as a White House social secretary (yes, she was running things for the Obama Administration) and the challenges of transitioning to life post-White House. Errin reflects on her career as a trailblazing journalist and her mission to amplify marginalized voices through her work with The 19th. Why You’ll Love This Episode:It’s inspiring, empowering, and straight-up hilarious at times. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders, this one’s for

Hey BA fam! It's time for another BA QA. This week, Mandi is joined by Yanely Espinal and Chris Brown to tackle everything from auto refinancing, work-life balance, and credit card debt. Get the lowdown on shopping around for the best financial options, the complexities of managing debt versus investments, and more!We want to hear from you! Drop us a note at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA fam! It's time for another BA roundtable. Chris Browning of Popcorn Finance andYanely Espinal of MissBeHelpful are back and this week, we’re diving into everything from the burnout of multitasking to the impacts of California wildfires and shady home insurance practices. We tackle economic disparities, climate change’s effect on vulnerable communities, and pop culture drama—like Bad Bunny’s authenticity and Hollywood’s ongoing Me Too reckoning.Plus, we explore journaling for mental health, the magic of minimalism, and frustrations with AI in customer service. Don’t miss our take on financial literacy education and navigating gender dynamics in the workplace. It’s real talk, fresh insights, and a sprinkle of inspiration—don’t sleep on this one!HELP BLACK & BROWN HOMEOWNERS IMPACTED BY LA WILDFIRE:This spreadsheet is going around with a list of funds for Altadena's Black families. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview?usp=sharing#GoFundMe for Alt

Kanoa Greene, the founder of Nakoa Adventure, a travel company dedicated to creating inclusive adventure experiences for the plus-size community is in the studio today, BA fam!Kanoa shares her personal journey from corporate recruiter to entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. The discussion delves into the importance of representation in adventure sports, the need for better gear and resources for plus-size individuals, and the transformative power of movement and fitness. Kanoa emphasizes the significance of finding joy in physical activity and the importance of self-care in entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating their own journey of self-acceptance and empowerment.Chapters01:43 Nakoa: A Plus-Size Adventure Community03:34 Overcoming Barriers in Adventure Sports06:34 The Impact of Body Image on Adventure08:45 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship14:50 Embracing Adventure as a Visually Impaired Person26:56 Mental Health and Movemen

Hey BA fam! It's time for another BA QA. This week, Mandi is joined by special guest, Popcorn Finance's Chris Browning, to navigate all of your burning financial questions. Wondering if you really need life insurance? We're breaking down what you should consider first, and the best options to look into. Plus, a look at the importance of understanding one's financial needs and the value of experience in the workplace. We want to hear from you! Drop us a note at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Hey BA fam! Mandi here. This week, I'm joined by Chris Browning of Popcorn Finance and Yanely Espinal of MissBeHelpful for the first ever BA Fam Roundtable. During roundtables, I'm going to bring in a mix of friends, experts and maaaaybe a celeb or two(!?) and catch up on the latest topics in finance, career, pop culture, news and, yes, our real lives out here tryna survive in 2025 OK! I am SO excited for this new era of BA and can't thank BA Fam enough for sticking by me! Moving forward, you can still expect to hear solo episodes from me, as well as episodes featuring one guest who can share their personal finance and career journeys. I'm gonna keep it fresh and keep mixing it up. SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR BA Q&A:The 2025 mailbag is EMPTY! Ahhh... send us your questions e-mail us at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcastSUPPORT OUR SHOW: Check out our partners: Squarespace (Get 10% off your purchase of a website or domain)Teal Resume AI Builder - Create an incredib

Hey BA fam! It's time for another throwback! In this week's How-To Monday, learn how to advance in your industry with a live career coaching call. In this episode, Mandi is joined by her cousin, Anna, a full-time college student with dreams of working in the med-spa industry. Listen in for some expert tools on how to set yourself apart in your field -- a key strategy for success. This is a great episode for anyone who are looking for creative ways to move up in your industry. Give it a listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey, BA Fam! Are you ready to level up your career and make 2025 your most ambitious year yet? If you’re nodding along, I’ve got something amazing for you!It’s called the Career Reboot Challenge. This 5-day challenge kicks off on January 15, and it’s packed with strategies to help you tackle the job market like a pro.Here’s the part I’m most excited about: this challenge includes daily emails with exclusive video lessons from me, Mandi! Every day, I’ll walk you through actionable steps to make your career reboot a success. It’s like having your personal coach cheering you on every step of the way. And, you’ll also get two live group coaching calls with me, where we’ll dive deeper into your questions and challenges so you can get personalized advice.So, if you’re ready to transform your career, don’t wait. Head over to mandimoney.com/career-reboot to sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listene

Happy New Year BA fam! It's time for another BA QA. To start the year off, we're offering key career advice that tackles everything from staffing changes to department uncertainty, and how to always take full control of your position within a company. Give it a listen!We want to hear from you! Drop us a note at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA fam! To start the new year with a bang, Mandi is tackling debt head on. Special guests Dasha Kennedy & Natalia Brown of National Debt Relief are hear to talk you through everything you need to know about debt relief. From the misconceptions surrounding debt relief services, and the emotional states of those seeking help, to the various options available for managing debt -- the discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding one's financial situation, recognizing fraudulent practices, and knowing when to seek professional assistance.For more information on a variety of debt topics, feel free to visit National Debt Relief’s Resource page for more information on individual debt situations: https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/resources/Note: These show notes may contain link to affiliate products, from which we derive revenue.We want to hear from you! Drop us a note at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho