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Brown Ambition

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The Brown Ambition Podcast helps you unapologetically build wealth by saving, investing and making smart career choices — on your own d@mn terms! New episodes Wednesdays and Fridays.

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Friday · 28 min
Brown Buzz: Billionaire Babies, Election Anxiety & Who’s Really Winning in This Economy?
This week on Brown Buzz, Mandi Money is breaking down everything from billionaires promising to make our babies stockholders to Gen Z investors letting election anxiety get a little too close to their retirement accounts. And while everybody keeps telling us the economy is doing great, why are our grocery bills, rent payments, and bank accounts telling a completely different story?! First up, Elon Musk wants to give every child in America a share of SpaceX. Sounds generous, right? Well, Mandi has some questions! We're talking about the fine print, the risks of tying a child's financial future to one company, and why building generational wealth should be about more than billionaire promises.Then, we're getting into why your 401(k) is NOT a ballot box! With investors making major money moves ahead of the midterm elections, Mandi explains why panic-selling could cost you more than you think and why she's standing ten toes down on her tried-and-true, set-it-and-forget-it investing strategy. Plus, what exactly is a K-shaped economy, and why does it feel like wealthy Americans are thriving while everybody else is just trying to make it to payday? Mandi breaks down the growing wealth divide and reminds us that you can't budget your way out of every systemic problem. We're also talking about the corporate ladder and why, despite a record number of women leading Fortune 500 companies, Black and Latina women are still being left out of the executive suite. Because being excellent at your job is one thing, but having somebody willing to open doors for you? That's a whole different conversation. And on a more serious note, Mandi calls for justice and transparency for baby Kohen Wiley and his family, reminding us why accountability matters and why we cannot afford to look away. Finally, we're ending with some much-needed joy! Mandi is giving her Brown Boost to the Atlanta Dream, celebrating the power of women showing up, showing out, and making everybody around them shine a little brighter. 🏀 IResources & Links: Justice for Baby Kohen Wiley — Visit Benjamin Crump's Justice for Baby Kohen Wiley campaign page to support the family's call for transparency. Mississippi Attorney General's Office: 601-359-3680 Pre-order Mandi's book, Brown Ambition: How to Reboot Your Career and Money When Life Knocks You Off Track, at BrownAmbitionBook.com Follow Brown Ambition on Instagram: @BrownAmbitionPodcast Follow Mandi on Threads: @MandiMoney See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Wednesday · 1 hr 35 min
From $21K to $3.7 Million: Paula Pant's Wealth-Building Playbook
This week, Mandi Money is joined by Paula Pant, real estate investor, entrepreneur, and host of the Afford Anything podcast, for a conversation that's equal parts money masterclass and millionaire mindset check. Paula went from earning just $21,000 a year as a newspaper reporter to building a $3.7 million net worth by age 42. And no, she didn't get there by chasing the hottest stocks or trying to become an overnight millionaire.Instead, she focused on increasing her income, investing consistently, and making intentional financial decisions. She's breaking down how she bought her first triplex for $225,000, turned it into a property now worth more than $1 million, and built a portfolio of seven paid-off rental properties. But don't get it twisted. Paula is the first to admit that building wealth comes with mistakes, expensive lessons, and some serious money mindset work. Mandi and Paula get into the real numbers behind real estate investing, why renting isn't always throwing money away, and the difference between being self-employed and actually building a business. Plus, Paula introduces her Double-I FIRE framework, explains why your financial psychology matters just as much as your investment portfolio, and shares why she's still investing in herself and her business even after reaching millionaire status. And because this is Brown Ambition, we're asking the bigger questions: What's the point of financial independence if you never let yourself enjoy the money? And when you've already built millions, what keeps you ambitious? In This Episode, We're Talking About: How Paula went from a $21K salary to a $3.7 million net worth House hacking 101: buying a multifamily property and letting rental income offset your housing costs The price-to-rent ratio and how to evaluate whether buying or renting makes financial sense Why $11,400 in gross monthly rental income doesn't mean $11,400 in profit Building wealth with index funds, retirement accounts, and real estate The difference between investing, speculating, and straight-up gambling Breaking free from scarcity mindset and learning when it's okay to spend Paula's Double-I FIRE approach to financial independence Why estate planning and family money conversations can't wait forever The power of optimism, adaptability, and continuing to grow after reaching financial freedom Connect with Paula Pant: Podcast: Afford Anything Website: https://affordanything.com Stay Connected with Brown Ambition: Subscribe, rate, and review Brown Ambition, and share this episode with somebody who's ready to stop just thinking about building wealth and start making moves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 16 · 33 min
Brown Buzz: WNBA History, Netflix Layoffs, Midterm Election Stakes & Mandi’s Big Book News
On this week's Brown Buzz, Mandi Money is breaking down the stories affecting our money, our careers, our communities, and our everyday lives. First up, the WNBA is making history, with the Atlanta Dream heading to the finals and fans showing up in record numbers. But with all that momentum comes a bigger question: Will the investment, respect, and compensation finally match the talent these women bring to the court? Then, Mandi gets real about career security in the wake of Netflix’s reported 1,000 job cuts. Even when a company is worth billions, your job isn’t guaranteed. She shares why we can’t rely on a company’s success to determine our own financial stability and how unexpected setbacks can change the way we approach our careers and money. Plus, it’s time to talk politics. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Mandi breaks down the high stakes of Georgia’s gubernatorial race, the investigation involving Representative Ilhan Omar, and Kamala Harris’s recent conversation with Keke Palmer about the importance of showing up to vote. Because the decisions made at the ballot box have real consequences for our paychecks, schools, neighborhoods, and families. And in a deeply personal Brown Boost, Mandi shares the story behind her upcoming book, Brown Ambition: How to Reboot Your Career and Money When Life Knocks You Off Track. After navigating her own challenges with anxiety, depression, motherhood, and the pressures of being a breadwinner, Mandi realized that traditional career and money advice doesn't always account for what happens when life gets overwhelming. Her new book is about rebuilding your finances, your career, and your confidence without shame or burnout. In this episode, we get into: The Atlanta Dream’s run to the WNBA finals, the league’s record-breaking viewership, and why women's sports deserve greater investment and compensation. What Netflix’s layoffs teach us about career security, corporate profits, and preparing financially for the unexpected. Why Mandi started over on her book and created a more compassionate, realistic approach to rebuilding your career and money after a setback. The 2026 midterm elections, Georgia’s closely watched gubernatorial race, and why local elections matter just as much as presidential elections. The investigation involving Representative Ilhan Omar and the broader concerns surrounding political targeting and accountability. Kamala Harris on Keke Palmer’s podcast, protecting your joy, and refusing to apologize for who you are. A heartbreaking incident involving a Black toddler at a public library, the importance of making children feel seen and valued, and the responsibility of public institutions to serve everyone. Brown Boost: Celebrating librarian and literacy advocate Michael Threets as he takes the lead on the Reading Rainbow reboot. Plus: Mandi shares why pre-ordering Brown Ambition matters, how your support helps get books into bookstores and libraries, and why being knocked off track doesn’t mean you’re broken. 📚 Pre-order Mandi’s book, Brown Ambition: How to Reboot Your Career and Money When Life Knocks You Off Track, arriving June 15, 2027 Resources mentioned: Georgia voter information: https://sos.ga.gov Check your voter registration and find election resources: https://www.vote.org Watch the Reading Rainbow reboot on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingRainbowOfficial See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 14 · 44 min
Build a Career You Don’t Have to Compete for ft. Ruchika T. Malhotra
What if getting ahead didn’t require you to outwork, outperform, or out-hustle everyone around you? This week, we’re revisiting Mandi's conversation 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 the toxic myth that somebody else’s win has to mean your loss—and offer a more sustainable path to ambition rooted in community, self-trust, rest, and collaboration. They also get real about career comparison, envy, burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to keep proving yourself in a world that constantly tells women to do more. If you’ve ever watched someone else land the opportunity you wanted and immediately wondered whether you need to work harder, be better, or push yourself past your limits, this episode is for you. 📘 About the Guest Ruchika T. Malhotra (she/her) is a globally recognized inclusion strategist, speaker, and founder of CANDOR, a consulting practice helping organizations build equitable and inclusive workplaces. Her latest book, Uncompete, challenges the myth that success must come from rivalry and invites us to build from a place of joy, rest, and abundance. Follow Ruchika: Instagram: @rtulshyan Website: ruchikatulshyan.com 📚 Resources Mentioned Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Radical Success — available November 4 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 9 · 28 min
Brown Buzz: Prediction Markets, Black Business Wins & Rising Heating Costs
This week on Brown Buzz, Mandi Money is breaking down the headlines shaping our money, careers, culture, and everyday lives. First up, LeBron James’s reported $15 million partnership with Polymarket raises questions about the growing popularity of prediction markets and how these platforms are marketed to people who may already feel financially behind. Mandi explains how prediction markets work, why the line between trading and gambling deserves a closer look, and what you should know about protecting your money if you use these apps. Then, Mandi celebrates some major Black business wins, including Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price returning to an ownership role in the brand she built from her Brooklyn kitchen. She also dives into the Ebony Power 100 list and shares a reminder for anyone who has ever felt overlooked: someone else’s recognition is not evidence that your work is small. Plus, Mandi breaks down what rising home heating costs could mean for your winter budget, gives CultureCon founder Imani Ellis her flowers for responding to attendee feedback, and celebrates authors Tayari Jones and Julie Leung for their literary accomplishments. In this episode, we discuss: LeBron James and the prediction market boom: What Polymarket is, how these platforms work, and why celebrity endorsements can make risky financial products feel more legitimate. When betting gets dressed up as investing: The potential risks of prediction markets, crypto security concerns, and why these apps should never be treated as a savings plan or side hustle. Lisa Price and the return to Carol’s Daughter: What her return to an ownership role means for the founder of a pioneering Black beauty brand and the legacy she built. The Ebony Power 100 list: Celebrating Black excellence without allowing industry awards and recognition to determine your sense of accomplishment. Winter heating costs: What projected increases in home heating expenses could mean for your household budget, plus practical ways to reduce energy costs. CultureCon and founder accountability: Why Mandi is giving Imani Ellis and her team credit for listening to attendee feedback and making changes. A Brown Boost for Black and women authors: Celebrating Tayari Jones’s literary achievement with Kin and Julie Leung’s work as a children's book author. Resources and reminders: If you use prediction market apps, enable two-factor authentication, use unique passwords, and never keep rent money or emergency savings in a betting account. Explore ways to lower your winter energy bills, including weatherstripping doors and windows, sealing drafts, and improving attic insulation. Remember: your work matters even when the spotlight hasn't found you yet. Listener question CTA Have a money or career question for a future Brown Buzz? Email brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or send a DM to @brownambitionpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 7 · 28 min
La La Anthony on Money, Motherhood, and Making Ends Meet
What happens when you grow up knowing what it feels like to not have enough money? For La La Anthony, that feeling became part of the fuel behind her ambition. Raised by a single mom, La La learned early that she wanted to build a life where she could take care of herself and never have to feel guilty about asking for money. That independent spirit eventually took her from an unpaid radio internship at 16 to a career spanning radio, acting, producing, entrepreneurship, fashion, and philanthropy. In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi Money sits down with La La to talk about the money lessons she had to learn the hard way, from spending her first paychecks on things that made her look successful to negotiating an $80,000 salary at just 18 without a lawyer or agent. La La gets candid about what it took to understand her worth, why she believes you have to stay involved in your finances even when you have financial professionals managing your money, and why asking questions is a critical part of becoming financially literate. Mandi and La La also talk about building wealth as a Black entrepreneur, the importance of access and capital for Black and brown founders, and La La's growing interest in supporting innovative businesses. Plus, La La opens up about raising her son Kiyan to understand the importance of paying attention to his money from a young age, and the ongoing challenge of learning how to balance a relentless work ethic with rest, family, and actually enjoying the life she's worked so hard to build. In this episode, we get into: • How growing up without much money shaped La La's entrepreneurial spirit • The lessons she learned from her first paychecks and early money mistakes • Why knowing your worth matters when negotiating your salary and contracts • The importance of being actively involved in your finances, even when you have a financial team • Why financial literacy also means being willing to admit what you don't know • Supporting Black and brown founders who don't have easy access to startup capital • Teaching the next generation about saving, investing, and financial responsibility • The tension between ambition, work ethic, motherhood, and making time to actually live • Learning to give yourself grace when you're figuring it all out La La's biggest money lesson? Give yourself grace. None of us get a roadmap for being an entrepreneur, a parent, an employee, or simply trying to build a life that feels good. We're all learning as we go. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 2 · 32 min
Brown Buzz: Can $100K Become $1.5 Million? Plus Cornell, AI Career Skills & Risky Mortgages
This week on Brown Buzz, we’re cutting through the headlines and getting into the stories that affect our money, careers, and lives. First, Mandi discusses the allegations involving Cornell and LSU, why Title IX is not the same thing as a criminal investigation, and what students and survivors should know if they want to explore a report to law enforcement. TW: From 02:21 - 11:05 this episode includes discussion of SA. Then, we get practical: • The career skill employers say matters most in an AI-powered workplace • Why more buyers are considering adjustable-rate mortgages—and the questions to ask before you sign • A listener inherits more than $100,000 from her great-aunt: Should she pay debt, save it, invest it, or spend a little to honor her aunt? • Why $100,000 invested at a hypothetical 7% annual return could grow to nearly $1.5 million over 40 years, before taxes, fees, inflation, or investment volatility Plus, Mandi gives Alexis Nikole Nelson—the Black Forager—her Brown Boost after Alexis’s cookbook, Happy Snacking, Don’t Die!, lands on the New York Times bestseller list. In this episode • Cornell and LSU: What the reporting raises about campus accountability and Title IX • How a Title IX process differs from reporting to campus or local police • RAINN resources for support and reporting options • IBM’s survey on critical thinking and discernment in the AI workplace • Fixed-rate mortgages vs. adjustable-rate mortgages • How to handle a $100,000 inheritance without rushing into a decision • Emergency funds, high-interest debt, investing, and getting flat-fee financial advice • Brown Boost: Alexis Nikole Nelson, the Black Forager Resources mentioned • RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) • RAINN: rainn.org • Alexis Nikole Nelson / The Black Forager: Happy Snacking, Don’t Die! • Listen to Mandi’s interview with Alexis Nikole Nelson in the previous Brown Ambition episode. Listener question CTA Have a money or career question for a future Brown Buzz? Email brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or send a DM to @brownambitionpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 30 · 55 min
Black Joy, Big Dreams & Being Fully Yourself ft. Alexis Nikole Nelson (The Black Forager)
What happens when the thing that makes you feel most like yourself doesn’t fit neatly into the version of success you were raised to pursue? For Alexis Nikole Nelson, aka The Black Forager, that question has shaped nearly every chapter of her life. From growing up as a curious, outdoorsy kid who learned about plants in her mother’s garden to studying environmental science and theater, working in marketing, and eventually building a community of millions around her love of foraging, Alexis has never really fit into just one box. And that’s exactly the point. In this episode, Alexis joins Brown Ambition to talk about building a life and business that makes room for all of her interests, identities, and curiosities. She shares how her mother introduced her to foraging as a child, why she initially kept her love of plants and the outdoors to herself, and what it took to stop suppressing the parts of herself that didn’t fit other people’s expectations of Blackness, femininity, or success. Mandi and Alexis also get into the less whimsical side of turning a passion into a business, from navigating taxes and forming an LLC to saying no to brand deals, managing burnout, and learning how to treat your creativity like a business without losing the joy that made you love it in the first place. They also talk about connecting with Black ancestry through food and the land, the importance of curiosity in adulthood, and why getting to know the world around us can make our lives feel a little more magical. In this episode, we get into: Growing up with a mother who was a Black corporate leader and finding connection with her through gardening and the outdoors How Alexis discovered foraging at five years old and never really stopped being curious about plants The pressure to pursue a traditional, “successful” career and what happened when Alexis realized environmental engineering wasn’t for her Going from environmental science and theater to marketing and eventually becoming a full-time creator Why Alexis chose the name Black Forager and the importance of making Blackness visible in spaces where it hasn’t always been expected Challenging narrow ideas about Black femininity, identity, hobbies, and what Black people are “supposed” to be interested in Finding a deeper connection to Black history and ancestry through plants, gardening, and the land The complicated history of Black people and the outdoors and what it means to reclaim those spaces What happens when your hobby becomes your livelihood, including burnout and the pressure to always create Building a business around your personality without losing yourself in the process Why curiosity is a muscle we have to keep exercising, especially as adults Making everyday life more magical by getting to know the natural world around us Giving yourself permission to be playful, weird, creative, and fully yourself Alexis’ new cookbook, Happy Snacking, Don’t Die, and the community that helped bring it to life Plus, Alexis shares a few beginner-friendly foraging tips, the plant she thinks we should stop calling a weed, why we might want to rethink our relationship with black walnuts, and her official ranking of some very whimsical activities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 25 · 35 min
Brown Buzz: Nikole Hannah-Jones, Nolan Wells & AI Jobs
Brown Buzz is back! Mandi breaks down the Nikole Hannah-Jones school-choice debate, the latest in the Nolan Wells case, why the AI job apocalypse may be more complicated than it sounds, and what SAVE borrowers need to do now. In this episode • Nikole Hannah-Jones, school segregation, and the emotional cost of impossible parenting choices • Why repair and accountability matter after harm • The latest in the Nolan Wells case • The AI “boomerang” trend and how to strengthen your career resilience • What SAVE borrowers need to do now • Kennedy Ryan’s major adaptation news BA Fam action steps • Parents: Review what your child is bringing home from school, ask questions, document concerns, and organize with other families when systems are not meeting students’ needs. • Workers: Update your résumé with business outcomes, build fluency with the AI tools relevant to your industry. • SAVE borrowers: Check your StudentAid.gov and loan-servicer accounts, find your individual transition deadline, compare repayment options, and submit an application before that deadline. RESOURCES: Explore federal income-driven repayment options SAVE-plan transition information 🎁 FREE LINK to "In Fighting for Every Black Child, Did I Betray My Own? By Nikole Hannah-Jones See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 23 · 58 min
The Doctor Is In: Dr. Taz on Hormones, Women’s Health & Advocating for Yourself
In this episode, Mandi sits down with Dr. Tasneem “Dr. Taz” Bhatia, a board-certified physician and integrative medicine expert, to talk about women’s health, hormones, healthcare, and what it really means to advocate for yourself. Dr. Taz shares her own experience of becoming a doctor who became the patient after struggling with fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, hair loss, and other symptoms that were initially dismissed as stress. She also explains how her journey into integrative medicine changed the way she thinks about gut health, hormones, nutrition, stress, supplements, and preventive healthcare—and why women need to understand their bodies instead of simply accepting that feeling bad is “normal.” But this conversation goes beyond health. Dr. Taz opens up about building her healthcare business from two rooms in her husband’s dental office, bootstrapping her businesses, navigating money with her husband, and eventually bringing her clinics, supplements, digital platform, and other ventures together under Whole Plus. In this episode: Why women need to stop normalizing exhaustion, brain fog, weight gain, and other health symptoms Dr. Taz’s experience of becoming a doctor who became the patient The connection between stress, gut health, hormones, and overall wellness What women in their 30s and 40s should know about hormone health Understanding thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, and other health markers How to become a better advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office Why your medical appointment should be treated like a business meeting The difference between conventional, functional, and integrative medicine What to know before adding supplements to your routine Why supplements shouldn’t simply be chosen because they’re trending How preventive and proactive healthcare can change the way we approach wellness The financial realities of accessing personalized and integrative healthcare Why healthcare providers need more time with patients How Dr. Taz built her first practice while still working in the ER Bootstrapping a healthcare business and betting on yourself How Dr. Taz and her husband navigated money, business, and entrepreneurship together The evolution of Dr. Taz’s businesses into Whole Plus Why women need to make time for quiet, reflection, and self-care Connect With Dr. Taz Learn more about Dr. Taz and Hol+ at holplus.co Connect With Brown Ambition Follow Brown Ambition on Instagram: @brownambitionpodcast Follow Mandi Money: @mandimoney If this episode spoke to you, share it with a woman who’s been told she’s “just stressed,” “just getting older,” or needs to simply power through—and remind her that asking questions about her health is part of taking care of her wealth, her future, and herself. Note: This is for informational purposes and not meant to be medical advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 18 · 25 min
Brown Buzz: What the Fed, Ed Sheeran, and Jasmine Crockett Have in Common
In this special Friday episode, Mandi celebrates the BA Fam, shares the origin story behind Brown Ambition, and introduces Brown Buzz—your new end-of-week roundup of the headlines shaping your money, career, culture, and life. This week on Brown Buzz: • The Federal Reserve raised interest rates. What does that mean for credit-card debt, variable-rate loans, savings accounts, and your investments? • More job seekers are getting interviewed by AI bots instead of actual humans. Mandi shares how to navigate the robot-filled hiring process—and why your real-life network matters more than ever. • Ed Sheeran’s tour drama: Macklemore was removed from the tour after speaking out for Palestine, other artists walked away, and the controversy raises bigger questions about neutrality, power, and who gets to speak. • Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing backlash after honoring Chris Brown at a Texas concert. Mandi unpacks the difference between fandom, Black joy, public recognition, and accountability. • Plus, a Brown Boost for Rep. Joyce Beatty after her response to President Donald Trump. Join the BA Book Club The Brown Ambition Book Club is back! Our September/October pick is Love, Me: A Letter to Black Women in a Toxic Country, Career, and Relationship by Tiffany D. Cross. Join the book club here: https://mandimoney.myflodesk.com/r77pw75z5q Sign up to receive details about the virtual October book-club meetup. The invitation and event details will go to BA Fam who join through the link. Stay connected Have a headline, question, or topic you want on a future Brown Buzz? Email brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com, tag @brownambitionpodcast on Instagram, or send a DM @brownambitionpodcast Follow and subscribe to Brown Ambition, and come back every Wednesday for guest conversations and every Friday for Brown Buzz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 16 · 1 hr 11 min
Rituals To Help You Heal When Life is Too Much ft. Koya Webb
What happens when the ambition that helped you build your life starts costing you your well-being? For many ambitious women, especially women of color, success can come with a hidden cost: saying yes when we’re exhausted, pushing through when our bodies are asking us to slow down, and measuring our worth by how much we can accomplish. But wellness isn’t just about massages and self-care days. Sometimes it looks like setting boundaries, asking for help, knowing what you actually need, and giving yourself permission to come back to yourself. In this episode, Koya Webb joins Mandi Money to talk about the connection between wellness, ambition, money, and leadership. She opens up about losing her mother while writing her latest book, how grief changed the way she thinks about success and family, and why she’s learning to embrace a new version of herself. Koya also shares the entrepreneurial lessons she learned building her wellness business—from hiring and structuring a team to finding mentors and creating a financial design that helps her determine what she actually needs to earn and how much her time is worth. Plus, we talk about the rituals that can help us manage stress, process difficult experiences, and stop abandoning ourselves in the name of ambition. In this episode: Why ambition can sometimes lead to self-abandonment What grief taught Koya about success, family, and living authentically Building a wellness business from the ground up Why you don’t need a huge team to build a successful business The importance of structure, mentorship, and knowing when to ask for help Koya’s approach to financial well-being and “financial design” How to determine what you actually need to earn Using breathwork, affirmations, and other rituals to regulate stress Why women of color need tools to navigate difficult workplaces and relationships Learning to process pain instead of carrying it How to recognize when you’re self-abandoning for the sake of success Why sometimes the goal isn’t to leave—it’s to learn how to stay without losing yourself Finding the wisdom in your wounds and remembering that you can always come back Connect With Koya Follow Koya Webb on Instagram: @koyawebb Learn more about Koya’s work and get her new book, Well-Being Rituals: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394387229?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Connect With Brown Ambition Follow us on Instagram: @brownambitionpodcast Follow Mandi: @mandimoney If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who is building a big life — and needs permission to protect her peace while she does it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 9 · 1 hr 7 min
Build a Life You Can Fall Madly in Love With ft. Tiffany D. Cross
What happens when you spend years pouring everything into your career, relationships, and success only to realize they aren’t pouring the same love back into you? In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with journalist and author Tiffany D. Cross to talk about her new book, Love, Me: A Letter to Black Women in a Toxic Country, Career, and Relationship. Tiffany opens up about her very public exit from MSNBC, rebuilding her life after career heartbreak, and the difficult process of learning to recognize her own value. Together, Mandi and Tiffany explore the parallels between toxic workplaces and toxic relationships—and why so many of us chase validation through promotions, titles, money, and other people’s approval. They also talk about financial security, building your own table instead of waiting for a seat, the power of community, and why Black women need to think differently about career success, wealth, and what we’re building for the next generation. Plus, Tiffany makes a passionate case for putting down the phone, picking up a book, and remembering that the algorithm is not the blueprint. In this episode: Tiffany Cross on leaving MSNBC and starting over Career burnout, workplace validation, and knowing your worth Toxic relationships and toxic workplaces Financial security and building wealth Creating your own opportunities instead of waiting for a seat Community, Black women, and building for the next generation Why reading and learning still matter in the age of social media BOOK CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT: Also, we're thrilled to announce the Brown Ambition Book Club is back! And Tiffany's book is our September/October selection. We're giving 5 lucky listeners a FREE copy -- be sure to listen to the full episode to find out how to get yours! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 2 · 41 min
The September Hiring Bump Is Here—Here’s How to Use It.
September can be a powerful time to get visible, activate your network, and pursue the next role—but smart career strategy is not just about landing a new job. It is also about protecting your options before year-end budget decisions and possible restructurings. In this solo episode, Mandi shares how to use the fall hiring window, make yourself easier to hire, and create a no-panic layoff-readiness plan for your career and your money. In this episode, Mandi covers: • How to get specific about the role and work you want next • Why real conversations can be more useful than online salary data alone • A simple outreach script to reconnect with your network • How to refresh your résumé and LinkedIn without overthinking either one • Why 2–5 strong-fit applications can beat dozens of random ones • How to prepare for possible reorgs or layoffs without spiraling • Why you cannot afford to be the best-kept secret in your industry Get the free September Career Reset Toolkit https://mandimoney.myflodesk.com/september Want every script and checklist from this episode in one place? Download Mandi’s free September Career Reset Toolkit, including the target-role Mad Lib, networking and reconnect-message templates, résumé and LinkedIn refresh checklist, job-search pipeline tracker, raise and promotion conversation prompts, and layoff-readiness plan. >>> Start here: two scripts from today’s episode Define your target role “I am targeting [role] opportunities in [industry or type of company] where I can use [two to three skills] to help solve [a specific business problem].” Reconnect with someone in your network “Hey [Name], I hope you had a good summer. I’ve been thinking about the work I want to focus on next, and I’m exploring [target role or field]. I’ve always respected your perspective on [specific reason]. If you have 20 minutes this month, I’d love to catch up and hear what you’re seeing in the industry. No pressure at all if your calendar is packed.” The 15-second LinkedIn test: If a hiring manager saw your LinkedIn profile for 15 seconds, could they tell what you do, who you help, and what results you create? Stay connected • Download Mandi’s Nail Your Negotiation Toolkit for 25+ scripts to help you negotiate compensation and advocate for yourself.: https://www.mandimoney.com/shop/p/nail-the-negotiation-17-word-for-word-scripts-to-help-you-negotiate-like-a-boss-without-ever-leaving-money-on-the-table-again • Subscribe to the Brown Ambition newsletter. • Watch full-length Brown Ambition video episodes on YouTube. • Follow Brown Ambition on Instagram: @brownambitionpodcast • Follow Mandi on Instagram: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 28 · 22 min
REWIND: 27 Years Old And Starting Over — Where Do I Begin? [BA QA]
This week's BA Q&A, Mandi is joined by friend of the show Naseema McElroy of Financially Intentional to answer a question from Serena, a 28-year-old multi-passionate entrepreneur torn between beauty and holistic health. Naseema drops gems on the power of niching down, embracing your unique story, and positioning yourself as a Key Person of Influence. If you’re feeling stuck between passions and need clarity on how to turn your ideas into a purposeful business, this episode is for you. 🔑 Highlights: Why failing fast is essential to the entrepreneurial journey How to build your business by owning your story and defining your niche 📚 Book rec: Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley (as recommended by Naseema) 💌 Got a question for the show? Email us at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM us on IG @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 26 · 59 min
Karen Attiah's Huge Win vs Washington Post, plus a Single Mother's $1 Million Debt Payoff
Hey BA Fam! Mandi Money is back with a Brown Boost, Brown Break because there’s simply too much happening to stay quiet. First, Mandi turns her attention to Gary, Indiana, where tens of thousands of residents were left without power following severe storms. She talks about what the crisis reveals about racial inequity, the communities that too often get overlooked by mainstream media, and why voices like Keith Lee and other independent creators have become so important in bringing attention to stories that deserve national coverage. Then, it’s time for a much-needed Brown Boost. Mandi celebrates journalist Karen Attiah’s arbitration victory against The Washington Post after challenging her firing with the support of her union. Her win opens up a bigger conversation about Black women in media, workplace power, racial double standards, press freedom, unions, and what can happen when workers have the resources to fight back. And because we could all use a little inspiration, Mandi closes things out with a Brown Ambition rewind featuring Nassima McElroy and her incredible journey of paying off nearly $1 million in debt as a single mother. It’s a reminder that sometimes the system fails us, sometimes fighting back works, and sometimes the comeback story is exactly what we need to hear. Resources Mentioned in This Episode If you’d like to support Gary, Indiana residents impacted by the August storms or find assistance: Greater Gary Storm Recovery and Relief Fund: Donate through Legacy Foundation — Donations support emergency relief and disaster response for Gary residents. The Salvation Army — August 2026 Indiana Disaster Response: Donate and find disaster relief information — Supporting food, shelter, supplies, and other emergency assistance across affected Indiana communities. Indiana August 2026 Disaster Resource Hub: Apply for assistance and find recovery resources — Includes information on the State Disaster Relief Fund and emergency aid grants of up to $5,000 for eligible residents. Indiana 211: Call 211 or 866-211-9966 for assistance and to report storm damage. (Indiana Government) Support Karen Attiah: Mandi also recommends supporting independent journalism by following Karen Attiah’s reader-supported newsletter, The Golden Hour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 21 · 24 min
My mom's $36,000 retirement [BA QA]
Mandi responds to a listener trying to help her 59-year-old mother recover from a costly retirement mistake after medically retiring from a job she held for 19 years. After discovering her mom had just $36,000 left and had accidentally withdrawn her retirement balance instead of rolling it into an IRA the listener is left figuring out how to protect what's left without creating an even bigger tax or benefits problem. What starts as a question about a 401(k) withdrawal turns into a bigger conversation about helping aging parents navigate retirement. Mandi breaks down the 60-day rollover window, taxes, income-based assistance, and the questions they need to ask Fidelity before making another move. She also explains why the "perfect" financial advice doesn't always fit real life. Sometimes the goal isn't keeping every retirement dollar untouched it's creating a plan that balances accessible cash, benefits, taxes, and long-term security without putting the entire responsibility on one person's shoulders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 19 · 48 min
Health, Healing, and Knowing Your Worth ft. Dr. Uche Blackstock [Rewind]
Hey BA fam, it’s Mandi Money! Today I’m bringing you a Brown Ambition Rewind featuring my conversation with physician, author, entrepreneur, and health equity advocate Dr. Uché Blackstock. We get real about burnout, identity, ambition, and what it takes to walk away from spaces that no longer serve you. Uché shares why she left a prestigious academic career, the emotional cost of feeling unseen, and how grief, motherhood, caregiving, and entrepreneurship have reshaped her definition of success. We also talk about the backlash against DEI, what patients should know about AI in healthcare, and why listening to your body, prioritizing rest, and making room for joy and community are just as important as chasing the next accomplishment. Resources & Links Dr. Uché Blackstock’s memoir: Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine Follow Dr. Uché Blackstock on Instagram: @ucheblackstockmd Learn more about Dr. Uché Blackstock: Uche Blackstock Official Website Keep Up With Brown Ambition Follow Brown Ambition on Instagram: Brown Ambition Podcast Listen to more episodes: Brown Ambition Official Website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 14 · 27 min
How to Network With Purpose — Plus, Nolan Wells' Parents Speak Out
This week, Mandi is reporting live from the National Association of Black Journalists convention with reflections, real talk, and a reminder that the best opportunities at a conference rarely come from simply being in the room.First, she breaks down how to turn conferences, industry events, and professional gatherings into meaningful networking opportunities. From preparing before you arrive to making authentic connections in the moment—and actually following up afterward—Mandi shares practical ways to leave an event with more than a tote bag and a stack of business cards. Then, the episode shifts to excerpts from the powerful Nolan Wells plenary at NABJ, featuring comments from his courageous mother, Christine, attorney Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton. The conversation is a moving reflection on community, advocacy, grief, and the importance of telling the stories that matter. In This Episode • A recap of Mandi’s experience at NABJ • How to approach networking without feeling transactional or awkward • Why preparation matters before you step into a conference • How to introduce yourself in a way people remember • The follow-up strategy that can turn a quick conversation into a real relationship • Why community is one of the most valuable things you can build in your career • Excerpts from the Nolan Wells plenary and reflections from the room Mandi’s Networking Reminders • Go in with a goal: Know who you want to meet, what you want to learn, and how you can be useful to others • Lead with genuine curiosity, not a pitch • Make your introduction clear: Say who you are, what you do, and what you’re interested in • Do not wait for the “perfect” moment to introduce yourself • Follow up within a few days, and give people a reason to remember the conversation • Focus on building relationships, not collecting contacts Listener Note This episode includes excerpts from a conversation involving Nolan Wells’s family and themes that may be emotionally difficult for some listeners. Please take care while listening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 12 · 24 min
How to Reboot Your Ambition [Summer Money Reboot Week #6]
Mandi Money closes out the Summer Money Reboot series by rethinking what ambition looks like when the goals you once chased no longer fit the life you're living today. If you've ever reached a milestone and wondered, Is this still what I want?, this episode is your invitation to redefine success on your own terms. Mandi explores the difference between Brown Ambition and toxic ambition, sharing why changing direction doesn't mean you're giving up. Through the story of a coaching client navigating divorce, financial pressure, and a career crossroads, she breaks down what can happen when you stop chasing bigger titles and start prioritizing flexibility, creativity, financial stability, and peace. Mandi also opens up about her own ambition reboot and the decision to rewrite her book from scratch when she realized the original version no longer reflected who she had become. Whether you're considering a career pivot, letting go of an old goal, or simply questioning what success means in this season, this episode is a reminder that changing the plan doesn't make you less ambitious. Sometimes it means your ambition is finally working for you. Summer Money Reboot: Week 6 — Ambition Reboot See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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