The Mama's Den

Some moms just get it… and Angel Laketa Moore (aka That Chick Angel) is one of them.

In this episode, we are RUNNING IT BACK to when comedian, actress, podcaster, and mama of four boys pulled up to the Den and gave us the real on raising kind young men, balancing a full career with motherhood, and why parenting with intention matters.

From the story of how she literally trained her son for his first homecoming date (PowerPoint included) to the sweet way she sings to him before school every morning, Angel shows that raising co...

This conversation? It’s deeper than surgery.

We are running back The Mama’s Den SECOND snapback convo, talking about the mental warfare of body image—the quiet, constant battle so many women face in their own minds.

This year, Melanie and Codie opened up about their decision to get tummy tucks—not from a place of vanity alone, but from a place of healing, functionality, identity, and finally choosing themselves. Because for some women, this isn’t just about how you look…It’s about how you live. From abdominal separation and physical discomfort to the emotion...

In this special crossover episode, The Mama's Den linked up with powerhouse sisters and moms, Mel Goolsby and Melissa Fredericks.

Ashley and Codie dug into how these two turned life's curveballs into purpose and profit. After being laid off WHILE on maternity leave in 2022, Mel built a thriving social media platform called "I'm Not A Lawyer, But" while Melissa stood beside her—both in sisterhood and entrepreneurship—as they launched their hit podcast, Gin & Juice.

At a time when so many have been navigating job loss and reinvention, this conversation reminds us that sometimes the end...

This week, the Mamas are recording from the Happiest Place on Earth!

Right in the middle of the tour - while Melanie stayed on the east coast - Codie and Ashley are joined by their families at Disneyland Resort for a special summer check-in filled with laughter, reflections, and a little bit of Disney magic. From celebrating Asiyah's birthday and debating the best rides to swapping summer plans and parenting updates, this was the family time the Mamas needed.

The Mamas also open up about the bittersweet reality of watching their ch...

Over the last 7 days, The Mama’s Den did live shows in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia ANNNNNDDD Ashley and Codie recorded at Disneyland! The Mamas are out here doing this most!

The MOM'S NIGHT OUT tour ended this past Saturday but here is your glimpse into the live experience which is filled with the kind of honest, hilarious, healing conversations only the ladies of the Den can deliver. From Ashley hand-expressing breast milk in the club to the mamas juggling parenting schedules, college tours, dance drop-offs, therapy, perimenopause, and the emotional weight of raising kids while still tr...

The Mama's Den podcast is still on tour and guess who is with us!!  Ashley’s literal day one, Nalo Wise, of course.

This week in the Den, we are running back our conversation with Nalo after she held us down for the first ever Mama's Den live show.

Born just days apart and best friends since infancy, Ashley and Nalo have grown up side by side through every stage of life. From childhood memories and teenage growing pains to marriage, motherhood, their bond has endured because of honesty, forgiveness, and a deep commitment to cho...

This is one of those conversations every parent needs to hear...so we had to RUN IT BACK.

Certified sex educator, intimacy expert, and bestselling author Shan Boodram joins the Mamas for an honest, hilarious, and deeply informative conversation about how to talk to our children about their bodies, boundaries, consent, crushes, and sex—without fear or shame.

From toddlers touching themselves to teenagers navigating their first relationships, Shan walks us through what healthy sexual development actually looks like at every age and explains why giving kids the correct language for their body parts can be...

Mother’s Day is coming… but what do moms actually want?

In this episode, the Mamas get real about the gap between expectation and reality—from breakfast-in-bed moments that still come with responsibility, to the truth that sometimes the best gift is space, rest, and not being needed for a few hours.

We talk about:

Why “a day off” doesn’t always feel like a day off

Navigating Mother’s Day with partners, kids… and your own mama

The guilt (and necessity) of choosing yourself

Teaching our kids...

Right after our very first live show, we sat down and told the truth about what it actually took to make it happen — the pressure, the fear, the behind-the-scenes chaos… and the moments we weren’t sure we could pull it off at all. We went back and tightened this episode because the message still hits.

It’s scary. It’s hard. And it’s exactly what moms do.

The Mama’s Den is on tour starting one week from today, May 4th.

📍 Nashville - May 4

📍 St. Louis - May 6

📍 Chicago - May 18...

When our guest was born, her mom’s labor was candles, olive oil, and vibes… Unfortunately, we didn’t have the same experience.

In this episode of The Mama’s Den, we’re getting real about childbirth — because between us, we’ve experienced a little bit of everything. The beautiful births. The “this is not what I planned” moments. The amazing providers… and the ones who had us like, wait, is this normal?!

And if you’ve ever walked away from a birth experience feeling confused, dismissed, rushed, or just trying to make sense of what happened — you ar...

Black mamas deserve support — not just during birth, but before, during, and long after.

It's Black Maternal Health Week and, in this powerful episode of The Mama’s Den, we’re joined by doula leaders Khefri Riley and Dr. Sayida Peprah-Wilson to talk about what it really means to be supported in your birth journey — emotionally, physically, and mentally.

From breaking down what doulas actually do to unpacking the realities of giving birth on Medi-Cal, this conversation is both eye-opening and empowering. Because here’s the truth: a beautiful, supported birth experience should not be a luxury —...

This conversation? It’s deeper than surgery.

This week on The Mama’s Den, we’re talking about the mental warfare of body image—the quiet, constant battle so many women face in their own minds.

Melanie and Codie open up about their decision to get tummy tucks—not from a place of vanity alone, but from a place of healing, functionality, identity, and finally choosing themselves.

Because for some women, this isn’t just about how you look…It’s about how you live.

From abdominal separation and physical discomfort to the emotional...

In this episode of The Mama’s Den, the Mamas are joined by Mickey Guyton—Grammy-nominated country star, trailblazer, and one of the most powerful voices changing the face of country music.

From her breakout anthem “Black Like Me” to becoming the first Black woman to host the Academy of Country Music Awards and delivering a stunning National Anthem performance at the Super Bowl, Mickey has built a career full of historic moments. But in this conversation, we are talking about burnout. She brings us behind the headlines—and into real life.

This conversation is for the co...

This week in The Mama’s Den, we’re getting honest about relationships—and why social media often gets it wrong.

From judging couples online to loving a version of someone instead of their full self, the Mamas unpack the real, nuanced reasons relationships work… and why they don’t.

Because not everything you see online tells the full story—and sometimes, neither does love alone.

If you’ve ever looked up and thought, “Wait… who have you become?”—this one is for you.

The Mamas are building our community and ways to keep in touch...

The last year or so have been hard for a lot of us - SO if you’ve ever felt like you were stuck in the hard part of your story, we are running it back to when Tabitha Brown dropped into The Mama's Den to remind us all—it’s okay to put yourself first! Tab's journey is a masterclass in faith, being present, and trusting that your moment is coming—even when it feels impossible.

Tab got real about the tough seasons in her marriage and how she and Chance got through them. She also shares h...

Some moms just get it… and Angel Laketa Moore (aka That Chick Angel aka the One Margarita Lady) is one of them.

In this episode, the comedian, actress, podcaster, and mama of four boys pulls up to the Den and gives us the real on raising kind young men, balancing a full career with motherhood, and why parenting with intention matters.

From the story of how she literally trained her son for his first homecoming date (PowerPoint included) to the sweet way she sings to him before school every morning, Angel shows that raising confident, re...

There are mothers… and then there are matriarchs.

This week in the Den, we sit down with Donna Jordan — lifelong visual artist, educator, proud grandmother, mother of three — and yes, the mother of Michael B. Jordan.

But this conversation? It’s about her.

Donna shares what it really looked like to raise three creative children while nurturing her own artistry — creating art between caregiving and callbacks working in hand-painted silk and design to help support her family, and making sure her children saw her creating even when life was full.

She opens up a...

This week in The Mama’s Den, we’re kicking it with Apryl Jones — single mama of two, entrepreneur, creative, and yes… someone many people think they know from reality TV, but trust us, there’s so much more to her story.

Apryl gets real about doing the work to release old relationship hurt and issues with her father so she can show up lighter, freer, and fully present for herself and her kids. We talk motherhood hustle, protecting your peace, dating as a single mom, what still scares her, and what she’s truly looking for in this next...

This week in The Mama’s Den, actress, storyteller, and new mama Kellee Stewart joins us for a deeply honest conversation about faith, timing, motherhood, and trusting your own path.

After a seven-year relationship ended in her 30s, Kellee made the powerful decision to freeze her eggs — a choice that would shape her future in ways she never expected. Thirteen years later, through what she describes as a divine nudge delivered through her mother, she embraced motherhood on her own terms - at 50 years old - and is now navigating life as a newborn mom.

We t...

Hot flashes, hormones, mood swings… oh my. 😅

This week in the Mama’s Den, OB-GYN, menopause expert, and Generation M author Dr. Jessica Shepherd joins us for a honest, funny, and super informative convo about perimenopause, menopause, and everything in between.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s happening to your body (or what’s coming next), this episode is packed with clarity, reassurance, and practical gems. Honestly? Required listening for every woman — and the people who love us.

Keep up with Dr. Shepherd on IG: @jessicashepherdmd

Learn more about her and even buy he...

This week on The Mama’s Den, we’re coming together in our LA studio in the best way — with a conversation inspired by the upcoming animated film GOAT, a story all about dreaming big, overcoming expectations, and discovering the greatness already inside you.

Using themes from the movie, the Mamas ask each other powerful questions about legacy, pressure, confidence, setbacks, and what it really means to keep going — not just for our kids, but for ourselves.

And because we hadn’t been in the same room together in months, this episode turns into something even more...

This week on The Mama’s Den, we’re joined by the radiant Simone I. Smith — jewelry designer, mother of four, grandmother of four, devoted wife to LL Cool J, and a true embodiment of sisterhood.

Simone is the definition of a girl’s girl: a woman whose brand and spirit are rooted in community, friendship, and showing up for other women. From her signature hoop designs under Simone I. Smith Jewelry to the wisdom she carries as a cancer survivor, Simone’s story is one of resilience, grace, and deep faith.

In this conversation, we talk ab...

On this episode of The Mama’s Den, we’re joined by Katryce Pedro aka The Funny Momma, who proves that you can tell the truth about hard seasons and laugh your way through them. With humor, honesty, and zero fluff, Katryce opens up about being a mom of two by two different fathers, what she learned from two failed marriages, and why she’s still choosing love as she steps into 2026 engaged and embracing a well-deserved soft life.

She also shares the very real—but often heavy—experience of parenting a child on the autism spectrum, explaining...

In the first episode of the year, The Mama’s Den reflects on the post-holiday pause and the intention we’re bringing into a new season. We’re also joined by Corey J. Bradford, star of Hercules aboard the Disney Destiny Cruise, whose story deeply moved us.

Corey shares what it means to follow his passion, the powerful support of his mother, and embracing being both soft and strong as a Black man. His journey sparks an honest conversation about how we support our children’s dreams — even when they aren’t experts yet — and how growth often comes fr...

2025 pushed us to our limits. In this episode, the hosts of The Mama’s Den share what helped us survive a difficult year — and how we’re shifting into a future built on intention, clarity, and joy. We talk about recognizing our talents, letting go of what no longer serves us, and choosing joy without guilt. If you’re ready to move from survival mode into purpose, this conversation is for you.

Follow The Mama's Den on Instagram at @TheMamasDenpodcast

Write us at podcasts@blacklove.com

We can't wait to hear from you!

When The Mama’s Den podcast first began, two of our 9 children hadn’t even been born yet. Fast-forward to today, and those two babies are now 4 years old, three of them are 7, three are 9, and one is 16 — and the emotional weight of that growth is hitting us in real time.

This week, we open up about what it feels like to watch our children grow up right before our eyes. From the excitement (and fear) of driver’s licenses to overnight trips and realizing that some of our kids are no longer “little,” we talk honestly about the jo...

On this week’s episode of The Mama’s Den, Codie is fresh off the inaugural Disney Destiny Cruise — and she’s giving the inside scoop on cruising with kids, creating core memories, and convincing the Mamas to join next time. While onboard, Codie sat down with fellow twin mom Lauren Berty, host of That Twin Mama podcast and beloved social media creator known for her hilarious, honest takes on raising three kids - including 5-year-old twins girls! Together, they talk about the surprise of twins and when things *actually* get easier with multiples.

The mamas also recap th...

Buckle up, mama. This week we’re joined by our girl, podcaster, actress, mom of 4 whole boys, and wife Khadeen Ellis, and the conversation goes there. From the soaring highs to the gut-check lows of 2025, we peel back every layer — marriage, motherhood, perimenopause, grief, growth, and the freedom of finally letting go. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s funny, it’s honest, it’s healing — and it’s exactly the sisterhood we need right now.

We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect w...

This week in the Den, the Mamas finally bring on Ashley's LITERAL day one—Nalo, her best friend since birth, Nalo Wise. After years of stories, references, and inside jokes, the audience gets to meet the woman herself. Together, Melanie, Codie, Ashley and Nalo take us deep into what it really takes to make a friendship last for decades: the honesty, the maturity, the forgiveness, and the intentionality that adult friendships demand—especially for women and moms.

With maintaining new and old friendships being such a hot topic among moms and on social media, this conversation couldn’t come...

The Mamas are fresh off their live show and whew — it was a ride! This week they’re sharing what it really took to make it happen: long days, late nights, and the sisterhood that kept them going. From planning and promotion to showtime nerves, they talk about pouring your heart into something you love, leaning on your people, and how mamas always finds a way to get it done.

We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

@t...

Michael Ealy is the Daddy in the Den! Earlier this year, actor, husband, and father of two, Michael Ealy joined the Mamas to talk about raising a boy and a girl. Michael shares lessons learned, from recognizing double standards - why are girls called sassy but boys are assertive - to reminding us that dads juggle some of the same challenges moms do, and they dig into the importance of communication between parents, and the need to appreciate each parent’s role. This episode is for everyone working to build safe spaces for kids and for parenting partners.

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In this special crossover episode, The Mama’s Den links up with The Gin & Juice Podcast—hosted by powerhouse sisters and moms, Mel Goolsby and Melissa Fredericks. Together, we dive into how these two turned life’s curveballs into purpose and profit. After being laid off on maternity leave 2022, Mel built a thriving social media platform called "I'm Not A Lawyer, But" while Melissa stood beside her—both in sisterhood and entrepreneurship—as they launched their hit podcast, Gin & Juice. 

At a time when so many are navigating job loss and reinvention, this conversation is a reminder that someti...

Husband and father of two, Sean Patrick Thomas, is in The Mama's Den talking about the emotional experience parenting 15 and 17-year olds who are making some very grown up decisions about their lives, feeling proud of how he and his wife, Aonika, have raised them, and playing a grieving father in season two of the Amazon Prime series Gen V. Buckle up because this episode has laughs, tears, incredible parenting lessons, and even some roti and curry! (You'll get that later.)

REMEMBER: If you're in Atlanta on November 3rd, come see The Mamas live! https://citywinery.com...

This week, the mamas are talking about self scrutiny and the public scrutiny of women - Yes, we're talking about Ayesha Curry. But we are also talking about Codie's eldest's recent birthday, Ashley's anniversary, and the realities of all the mamas still being in transition. As always - this is a safe space. We all deserve the space and grace to grow, evolve, and speak our truth. So bring your mom guilt and insecurities and let's worth through them together! 

REMEMBER: If you're in Atlanta on November 3rd, come see The Mamas live! https://citywinery.com/atlanta/e...

Forgive us for being all "woo woo" but we are in our feelings this week as we catch up 1 month after Melanie's move. We read your messages and comments on every platform and couldn't leave our Mama's Den fam hanging on the morning commute. This week, we discuss our recent transitions and the impact of change on family dynamics, the importance of supportive relationships, the even power of manifestation. Tap in with us as we embrace some beautiful changes TOGETHER!

And if you're in Atlanta on November 3rd, come see us live! https://citywinery.com/atlanta/events...

This episode is a little different than most.....OK, a lot different. We snuck into our studio over the weekend just two days before Melanie was set to move her whole family across the country because we wanted to deliver a message to YOU! Things are changing in the Den, but like motherhood, we adapt. Make sure you're following the podcast on all platforms for updates on new episodes, live shows, and community events!

And if you're in Atlanta on November 3rd, come to our live show! https://citywinery.com/atlanta/events/the-mamas-den-podcast-live-6vpkv0

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This summer, we said hello to the Mama's Den village as a party of 3 and we are running this episode back for everyone new to the Den AND because in exactly 7 weeks, Melanie, Ashley, and Codie will be LIVE in Atlanta at City Winery. Get to know where we've been, who we are, and how we are rolling with the changes 2025 has brought us.

Now more than ever, these mamas are juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth - still doing their best to choose joy and lean on community. If you’re out here doing the best wi...

Get ready for a crash course in sex ed! Sexologist and certified sex educator Shan Boodram breaks down what healthy sexual development looks like for kids and teens. From teaching body awareness to navigating first crushes, romantic relationships, and intimacy - Shan shares how to have open, age-appropriate conversations with your children. Trigger Warning: the conversation also offers advice and insights around sexual assault and how to empower children to speak up. This episode is packed with tools and resources to help parents guide their kids through one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of growing up.<...

The Mamas are joined by Charles Johnson, single dad and founder of the nonprofit 4Kira4Moms. After losing his wife Kira during childbirth, Charles turned his pain into purpose - advocating (all the way to Congress) to end maternal mortality while navigating the hardship and humor of raising his two sons. In this episode, Charles gets real about solo parenting, finding work-life balance, and building the village it takes to do it all. He reminds us that joy and grief can live in the same house - and that showing up for your kids and your purpose is a...

Would you rather your kid have lice…or the stomach flu?? In this episode, the Mamas play a game of Would You Rather? - unpacking everything from funny hypotheticals to real-life boundaries and the many messy moments in parenting. It’s a lighthearted convo full of laughs, real talk, and proof that every mama has her own way of handling motherhood in the wild.

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We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

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