Episodios

  • How Zarna Got Her Groove Back
    May 28 2025

    Hey BA Fam! In this episode, Mandi sits down with the unstoppable comic genius and *Official!* New York Times Bestselling author Zarna Garg to unpack her remarkable journey from stay-at-home mom to comedy superstar in her mid-40s.

    Less than a decade ago, Zarna was packing snacks for her kids' sports teams and tracking down missing socks in the laundry. Today, she's celebrating the release of her new book, "This American Woman: A One in a Billion Memoir", helming a sitcom pilot with comedy icons like Mindy Kaling and Kevin Hart and performing for sold-out audiences around the country.

    In this candid interview, Zarna gets real about the highs and lows of juggling motherhood, cultural expectations, and a career in the pressure cooker of New York City. She shares hard-earned wisdom on self-acceptance, resilience, and why women should never be afraid to think big.

    Follow Zarna:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@zarnagarg

    https://www.instagram.com/zarnagarg

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    56 m
  • From Single Mom to TV Host: Page Turner Is the Queen of the Pivot
    May 26 2025

    This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with the powerhouse that is Page Turner—real estate broker, single mom, and the magnetic new host of HGTV’s Love It or List It. Page opens up about her incredible journey from hustling as a single mom to owning her spotlight on national TV. She gets real about what it takes to bounce back from life’s curveballs, trust your gut, and pivot with purpose.

    We talk motherhood, money moves, and why it’s never too late to bet on yourself. Page drops gems on building confidence, tackling fear head-on, and leaving a legacy for the next generation. Plus, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the wild world of home renovations—what really goes down when family needs, budgets, and dreams collide.

    If you’re ready for a dose of inspiration with a side of real talk, this one’s for you.

    Watch Love It or List It Mondays at 10/9c on HGTV or stream it on Max.

    Key Moments:

    05:21 The Journey of Resilience
    13:35 Legacy and Raising Daughters
    16:03 Career Shifts and Timing
    18:25 Inspiration for Women in Their 50s
    26:19 The Dynamics of Love It or List It
    28:55 Navigating Home Renovations and Family Needs
    41:26 Navigating Career Transitions
    43:46 Embracing Self-Care and Softness
    46:17 Finding Balance in a Demanding World
    48:30 Legacy and New Beginnings
    51:24 The Journey of Personal Growth

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    47 m
  • Student Loans Got You Stressed? Here’s How to Navigate the Chaos [BA QA]
    May 23 2025

    Student loan repayments are officially back, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just plain confused, you’re not alone. This week on Brown Ambition, we’re diving deep into the chaos with two of our favorite money minds: Yanely Espinal, author of Mind Your Money, and Chris Browning from Popcorn Finance.

    We break down what’s really going on inside the federal student loan system from glitchy portals to a laundry list of repayment plans and why so many borrowers are left in the dark.

    Here’s what we’re unpacking:

    -🔍 How to spot and avoid shady loan forgiveness scams

    - 💸 What income-driven repayment plans actually mean for your wallet

    - 🧩 Why the student loan simulator on studentaid.gov should be your new best friend

    - 🧾 The IRS confusion that’s messing with people’s payment plans

    - 💬 The power of community when you’re navigating money decisions solo

    Whether you're just restarting payments or knee-deep in the forgiveness process, this episode is packed with tips, real talk, and the support you need to take back control of your student loans.



    LET’S STAY CONNECTED

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    Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com

    Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    18 m
  • How to Navigate the Chaos of Life, Leveraging AI and Personal Growth
    May 21 2025

    BA Fam we’re back at the Brown Table! It’s been a minute, but the original crew Mandi, Yanely, and Chris are together again and catching up on everything. From West Coast travels and birthday plans to coaching updates and sleep podcast dreams (yes, really), this episode is full of laughs, life, and hard-earned lessons.

    Mandi shares the behind-the-scenes of launching her new 12-week VIP coaching program and why one-on-one coaching needs more than just one call. We also get real about the job market and how AI is already shifting the game especially for new grads and folks trying to break in. The tea? Relationships matter more than ever.

    Chris is dreaming up a new show (spoiler: it might put you to sleep—in the best way, and Yanely is out here living her best life… and finally seeing Beyoncé live in her hometown.

    And of course, we round it all out with a good ol’ Brown Boost / Brown Break—featuring a Pulitzer Prize-winning book and a sobering reminder that hiring bias is still alive and well.

    What We Talk About:

    - Life & travel updates (hi, Portland! hey, Hawaii!)

    - Why Mandi’s shifting back into one-on-one coaching

    - Coaching horror stories + how to find the right fit

    - AI’s takeover and what that means for your career

    - How side projects can keep your creativity flowing

    - Book recs, Beyoncé, and a big announcement 👀

    Links + Resources:

    ✨ Apply for Mandi’s VIP coaching: https://mandymoney.com)

    📖 James by Percival Everett (Chris's Brown Boost pick)

    📱 Essence article: “Black, Qualified, and Ignored” by Aaliyah Jones

    BA Fam, do us a solid:

    Leave a review. Share this episode with your favorite group chat. And don’t forget—your dreams (and your coins) deserve strategy and support.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    55 m
  • From Grief to Glory: Building Mielle Organics & A Billion-Dollar Legacy with Monique Rodriguez
    May 19 2025
    This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with the incredible Monique Rodriguez, founder of the powerhouse haircare brand Mielle Organics and author of the new book, The Glory in Your Story: Activating a Fearless Faith to Change Your Life, Your Career, and the World. From her kitchen table to a billion-dollar acquisition by P&G, Monique's journey is a masterclass in faith, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. This episode is for anyone who's ever faced adversity and dared to dream bigger, for the aspiring entrepreneur needing that push, and for every Black woman who knows the power of her own story and is navigating partnership in all its forms. Tune in to hear Monique's transparent take on:* The P&G acquisition: What *really* changed (and what absolutely didn't!), her non-negotiables in the deal, and her message to the community.* Staying true to her vision: How she remains CEO and the driving force behind Mielle's DNA.* The "Tariff Tea": How global trade impacts Black-owned businesses and what it could mean for your beauty budget.* Paying it Forward: How Monique and her husband, Melvin, are now angel investing in other Black-owned businesses.* Building a Brand Beyond Social Media: The power of community, networking (and a little "healthy stalking"!).* **Partnership, Femininity & Faith:** Monique shares her perspective on embracing feminine energy in leadership and dives into the often-triggering word "submission" within her marriage – what it means to her and what it absolutely doesn't.* Her new book, "The Glory in Your Story": Why she penned this powerful guide and how owning your narrative can change your life.* The complexities of sisterhood in the business world.* Balancing a billion-dollar brand, marriage (to her business partner!), and motherhood. ### Guest Spotlight:**Monique Rodriguez** is the founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, a global beauty brand she launched in 2014. A former registered nurse, Monique built Mielle from the ground up, fueled by her passion for healthy hair and her deep faith. Her brand was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2023, with Monique remaining at the helm. She is also the author of "The Glory in Your Story: Activating a Fearless Faith to Change Your Life, Your Career, and the World." ### Key Discussion Points:* **[01:41] The P&G Acquisition Unpacked:** Monique addresses the critics, shares what it's *really* like working with a conglomerate, and why it was crucial for her to remain CEO and protect Mielle's formulas.* **[05:25] A Call for Community Support:** Monique discusses the impact of criticism on Black brands seeking investment and acquisition.* **[08:17] Leading Lady:** Monique clarifies her role – she works for Mielle and her customers, not P&G.* **[10:43] Tariffs & Your Wallet:** How international trade policies can affect the price of your favorite products.* **[13:27] From Mentee to Mentor:** The story of Richelieu Dennis's early investment and how Monique is now supporting other Black founders.* **[16:04] Faith as a Foundation:** How Monique's faith guided her through profound grief and inspired the creation of Mielle.* **[19:46] Beyond Analysis Paralysis:** Actionable advice on networking and getting your product into the right hands.* **[21:46] "The Glory in Your Story":** Monique shares the inspiration behind her new book and its message of hope and empowerment.* **[26:06] Social Media Sanity:** Monique's evolved relationship with social media and tips for maintaining balance.* **[30:19] Building Community Offline:** The importance of in-person engagement for brand growth.* **[32:00] Navigating Sisterhood & Business:** Monique's honest take on support (and lack thereof) from other women.* **[36:27] Partnership in Business & Life:** Monique shares gems on navigating business and marriage with her husband, Melvin, emphasizing grace, shared mission, complementing strengths, and respecting boundaries.* **[42:00] Feminine Energy & Redefining Submission:** Monique delves into the power of embracing her femininity in business and personal life. She offers her perspective on the biblical concept of submission in marriage, clarifying it as trusting her husband's earned leadership while retaining her voice and strength, rather than shrinking herself. Memorable Quotes:* "No one knows what goes on in that negotiating room... It's in my contract that I wanted to still be CEO and still make the decisions for the brand." - Monique Rodriguez* "When someone received the abundance of what we're complaining that we don't have, we tear them down for that... It causes investors...to now take a pause and say, 'Do we want to acquire black brands?'" - Monique Rodriguez* "I felt that God was using one of our darkest painful moments to birth purpose." - Monique Rodriguez* "Stop wandering and just go. Start going out there, meeting people...stop trying to worry or figure out how it's gonna ...
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    50 m
  • How to Pay off $11,000 of Credit Card Debt [BA QA]
    May 16 2025

    BA Fam, we’re back with a classic BA Q&A, and this week’s episode is all about the kind of debt that just hits different credit cards with sky-high interest rates. A listener wrote in with a heartfelt message and a tough reality: nearly $12K in credit card debt spread across multiple cards, with APRs climbing over 30 percent.

    Mandi breaks down:

    • When debt consolidation actually makes sense
    • How to avoid the trap of solving a short-term problem without fixing the root issue
    • What happens to your credit score (for better or worse)
    • The difference between snowballing your debt vs. avalanching it
    • And why it’s time to stop avoiding your balances

    You’re not alone, BA fam. And no, you're not failing. You're just one plan away from a financial reset. Let’s talk about it.

    📩 Got a question? Email brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM @brownambitionpodcast

    Resources + Links:

    • Investor.gov Compound Interest Calculator

    https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator

    • Apps for tracking expenses: Rocket Money, spreadsheets, or whatever helps you
    • Credit unions for lower-interest personal loans
    • Debt snowball vs. debt avalanche

    LET’S STAY CONNECTED

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast

    Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com

    Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    19 m
  • How I'm 'Posed to Pay Off Debt When I'm Depressed? Ft. Aja Evans
    May 14 2025

    BA Fam, we’ve got a good one for you today! Mandi is joined by licensed financial therapist Aja Evans for an eye opening convo about something we all deal with but rarely talk about money feelings.

    From stress-spending and avoiding your inbox to doom-scrolling at 6 a.m., Aja breaks down how our emotions drive financial behavior and why learning to sit with discomfort might just be your most powerful money move yet. We also talk about getting dressed just to open your laptop, journaling out your rage , and why the stretch that makes you cry might be exactly what you need.

    In this episode, we get into:

    -What it really means to self-soothe with spending and what to do instead

    -Why romanticizing boring tasks (like budgeting) actually works

    - How financial avoidance shows up and what it’s costing you

    -The deep-rooted shame so many of us carry, no matter how much is in your bank account

    -How Aja helps clients rewrite their money stories

    About Aja:

    Aja Evans is a licensed financial therapist, President of the Financial Therapy Association, and author of Feel Good Finance. She helps people explore the emotional side of money so they can spend, save, and live from a place of clarity instead of chaos.

    Resources + Links:

    -Follow Aja on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ajaetherapy

    -Her website: https://www.ajaevanscounseling.com

    -Grab her new book Feel Good Finance - Feel-Good Finance Untangle Your Relationship with Money for Better Mental, Emotional, and Financial Well-Being

    LET’S STAY CONNECTED

    Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast

    Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com

    Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    51 m
  • How Do I Invest In The Age of Tr*mp, Tariffs and Total Chaos?
    May 9 2025

    BA Fam, we’re in our investing bag today—and who better to guide us through this unpredictable market than Racquel Oden, Head of U.S. Wealth and Personal Banking for HSBC (yes, that HSBC)? With 30 years of experience under her belt, Racquel breaks it all the way down: why now *isn’t* the time to panic, how to pivot smartly, and what staying “active” with your money really means (spoiler: it’s not staring at your account every five minutes).

    Mandi gets personal about her own portfolio (yes, she opened the statement during the episode), and Racquel walks her—and all of us—through what to look for, what questions to ask, and why we all need to stop avoiding our finances like that dentist appointment we keep pushing back. If you've been wondering whether you should move money, sit tight, or finally talk to a pro—this episode is your sign.

    What We Discuss :

    • Why market dips can actually be buying opportunities (especially in sectors like AI, healthcare, and utilities).

    • The real definition of “active investing” (and why it doesn’t mean day trading).

    • Why diversification > putting all your eggs in one stock basket.

    • How to figure out your risk tolerance and time horizon like a grown-up.

    • Why now is the perfect time for a financial check-in, not a freak-out.


    LET’S STAY CONNECTED

    Instagram: [@brownambitionpodcast](https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast)

    Website: [brownambitionpodcast.com](https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com)

    Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    50 m
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