Podcasts · Kids & Family · Society & Culture

The Mama's Den

Black Love Podcast Network

192 episodes

Welcome to The Mama's Den! This podcast features R&B singer Melanie Fiona, writer Ashley Chea, and Black Love founder Codie Elaine Oliver - 3 mamas with 9 kids between them - having honest conversations about life, love, and all the messy, magical moments of motherhood and sisterhood. Every week, they’re keeping it real with stories, laughs, lessons, and a little advice that hopefully helps you with your journey in raising kids. This is the show the Mamas wish they had before becoming moms. So whether you’re a mama, daddy, auntie, uncle, or part of the village - tap into The Mama’s Den. They got you!

Episodes page 1 of 4

  1. Finding Love The Third Time Around with Katyrce Pedro - RUNNING IT BACK

    · 55 min · Episode 179

    In this episode of The Mama’s Den, we’re running is back to our chat with Katryce Pedro aka The Funny Momma on IG, who proves that you can tell the truth about hard seasons and laugh your way through them. With humor,…

  2. Boy Mom Goals That Chick Angel in The Den - RUNNING IT BACK

    · 58 min · Episode 178

    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…

  3. The Snapback Journey - RUNNING IT BACK

    · 32 min · Episode 170

    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.…

  4. Getting Laid Off Doesn't Have to be The End with Melissa & Mel - RUNNING IT BACK

    · 1 h 13 min · Episode 169

    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…

  5. Summer Crushes & College Dreams: A Mama Check-In from Disneyland

    · 28 min

    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…

  6. Mom’s Night Out: Chicago, Hormones & Holding On By a Thread

    · 1 h 13 min

    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…

  7. Ashley’s Literal Day One: A Friendship That Has Lasted a Lifetime

    · 48 min

    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…

  8. The Parenting Conversation Most of Us Avoid

    · 49 min

    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…

  9. Mother’s Day Expectations vs. Reality (And Why We’re Choosing Ourselves)

    · 34 min · Episode 167

    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…

  10. How We Pulled Off Our First Live Show (Even When It Felt Impossible) — Updated

    · 31 min · Episode 166

    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…

  11. What Midwives Actually Do (And Why It Changes Everything)

    · 49 min

    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…

  12. Doulas, Medi-Cal & Black Maternal Health: What You Need to Know

    · 48 min

    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…

  13. The Snapback (Part 2): It Was Mental Warfare

    · 32 min

    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…

  14. The Truth About Doing It All: Country Star Mickey Guyton on Burnout, Motherhood & Redefining Success

    · 47 min

    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…

  15. Social Media vs Real Relationships: The Truth No One Shows

    · 46 min

    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…

  16. Tabitha Brown in the Mama's Den - RUNNING IT BACK

    · 45 min

    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…

  17. How That Chick Angel is Raising Four Respectful Boys

    · 58 min

    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…

  18. The Love Comes Back with Donna Jordan

    · 53 min

    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.…

  19. Protecting My Peace (And My Babies) with Apryl Jones

    · 1 h 01 min

    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…

  20. Faith Over Fear: Choosing Motherhood Solo with Kellee Stewart

    · 39 min · Episode 165

    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…

  21. Wait — Is This Perimenopause?! Real Talk With Dr. Jessica Shepherd

    · 55 min · Episode 164

    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…

  22. GOAT Talk: Main Character Mama Moments

    · 37 min · Episode 163

    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…

  23. Hoops, Heart, and God's Timing with Simone I. Smith

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 162

    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…

  24. Choosing Love & Laughter with Katryce Pedro

    · 55 min · Episode 161

    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,…

  25. Dreaming Out Loud in 2026 featuring Corey J. Bradford

    · 44 min · Episode 160

    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…

  26. From Survival to Strategy: Reclaiming Joy at the end of 2025

    · 41 min · Episode 159

    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…

  27. When Your Kids Grow Up: From Toddlers to Teen Drivers

    · 43 min · Episode 158

    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…

  28. Twins on Deck: Codie’s Disney Destiny Adventure ft. Lauren Berty

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 157

    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…

  29. Perimenopause, Plot Twists, and the Power of Letting Go - with Khadeen Ellis

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 156

    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…

  30. Friendship 101 with The Mamas

    · 48 min · Episode 155

    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.…

  31. Behind the Mic, Behind the Magic

    · 38 min · Episode 154

    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…

  32. RUN IT BACK with Michael Ealy

    · 58 min · Episode 153

    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…

  33. From Layoff to Level Up With The Gin & Juice Sisters

    · 1 h 13 min · Episode 152

    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…

  34. Raising 'Em Right with Sean Patrick Thomas

    · 50 min · Episode 151

    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…

  35. She Deserved Better (and So Do We)

    · 49 min · Episode 150

    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…

  36. Love is Freedom: Embracing Change & The Power of Supportive Relationships

    · 39 min · Episode 149

    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…

  37. Mini-sode: We Have An Announcement

    · 6:08 · Episode 148

    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…

  38. RUN IT BACK The Mamas of The Mama's Den (Reintro Part 2)

    · 50 min

    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…

  39. Sex Education for Parents - with Shan Boodram

    · 49 min · Episode 147

    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…

  40. Charles Johnson on Single Dad Life: It’s Beautiful Chaos

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 146

    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…

  41. Would You Rather?...Motherhood Edition

    · 39 min · Episode 145

    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…

  42. From PCOS to Pregnancy Success with Candice Bolden

    · 45 min · Episode 144

    Candice Bolden, entrepreneur and former professional dancer, opens up about her journey with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) - from battling weight gain and skin issues to being told she’d struggle to conceive. With…

  43. AD from Love is Blind on Finding Her Perfect Match

    · 50 min · Episode 143

    AD, reality TV star and podcast host, joins the Mamas to dish on going from a heartbreak on Love is Blind to finding her happily-ever-after on Perfect Match - where she met her fiancé, Ollie Sutherland. Now expecting…

  44. "I Trust You To Make The Right Choice"....RUN IT BACK Parenting One Liners to Get You Through!

    · 38 min

    We are running back a popular episode where Melanie, Ashley, and Codie break down a list of one-liners they found on social media that make parenting a little easier, like “you gotta do what you need to do, before you…

  45. RUN IT BACK Celebrate Yourself!

    · 36 min

    Y'all welcome to this oldie but goodie - we are throwing it back to an conversation that brought out some feelings. Mamas, we often celebrate others and stress ourselves out over our kids' birthdays but, in this…

  46. RUN IT BACK More than "Just" A Mother

    · 38 min

    This is a timeless episode from a time when a then 5-year old Asiyah asked Ashley "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Ashley was not pleased! Codie, Melanie, and Ashley are talking about what it means to be…

  47. RUN IT BACK Secure Relationships with Your Kids, Partners, and Parents

    · 32 min

    We are running it back to this fun conversation from 2023....We all know social media sparks a lot of conversations these days. So Codie, Ashley, and Melanie are giving their opinions about a post shared on Instagram…

  48. Sleep Training for Newborns (and the Whole Family) with Brandi Jordan

    · 48 min · Episode 142

    Is your kid’s bedtime routine a sweet dream…or a beautiful nightmare? In this episode, the Mamas are joined by Brandi Jordan - pediatric sleep specialist, postpartum doula, lactation consultant, and professional baby…

  49. A Mama’s Den Reintroduction, Part 2: Going From Four Mamas to Three

    · 50 min · Episode 141

    A few weeks ago, we dropped Mama’s Den Reintroduction Part 1 - if you missed it, go run that back! In Part 2, we pick up where we left off…but this time, we’re officially down one Mama. Codie, Ashley, and Melanie open…

  50. Bozoma Saint John on Love and Loss...The Small Stuff Doesn’t Matter

    · 1 h 07 min · Episode 140

    Bozoma Saint John is a Badass Mama! From single motherhood to climbing the corporate ladder as a marketing exec, launching her hair brand Eve by Boz, and starring on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Boz has done…

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