PODCAST · kids
The Mama's Den
by Black Love Podcast Network
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
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The Snapback Journey - RUNNING IT BACK
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…
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Getting Laid Off Doesn't Have to be The End with Melissa & Mel - RUNNING IT BACK
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...
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Summer Crushes & College Dreams: A Mama Check-In from Disneyland
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...
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Mom’s Night Out: Chicago, Hormones & Holding On By a Thread
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…
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Ashley’s Literal Day One: A Friendship That Has Lasted a Lifetime
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...
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The Parenting Conversation Most of Us Avoid
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…
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Mother’s Day Expectations vs. Reality (And Why We’re Choosing Ourselves)
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...
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How We Pulled Off Our First Live Show (Even When It Felt Impossible) — Updated
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...
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What Midwives Actually Do (And Why It Changes Everything)
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...
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Doulas, Medi-Cal & Black Maternal Health: What You Need to Know
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...
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The Snapback (Part 2): It Was Mental Warfare
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...
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The Truth About Doing It All: Country Star Mickey Guyton on Burnout, Motherhood & Redefining Success
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...
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Social Media vs Real Relationships: The Truth No One Shows
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...
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Tabitha Brown in the Mama's Den - RUNNING IT BACK
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...
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How That Chick Angel is Raising Four Respectful Boys
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…
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The Love Comes Back with Donna Jordan
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…
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Protecting My Peace (And My Babies) with Apryl Jones
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...
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Faith Over Fear: Choosing Motherhood Solo with Kellee Stewart
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...
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Wait — Is This Perimenopause?! Real Talk With Dr. Jessica Shepherd
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...
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GOAT Talk: Main Character Mama Moments
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...
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Hoops, Heart, and God's Timing with Simone I. Smith
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,...
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Choosing Love & Laughter with Katryce Pedro
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…
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Dreaming Out Loud in 2026 featuring Corey J. Bradford
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...
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From Survival to Strategy: Reclaiming Joy at the end of 2025
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...
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When Your Kids Grow Up: From Toddlers to Teen Drivers
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...
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Twins on Deck: Codie’s Disney Destiny Adventure ft. Lauren Berty
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...
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Perimenopause, Plot Twists, and the Power of Letting Go - with Khadeen Ellis
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…
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Friendship 101 with The Mamas
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…
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Behind the Mic, Behind the Magic
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...
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RUN IT BACK with Michael Ealy
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...
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From Layoff to Level Up With The Gin & Juice Sisters
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…
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Raising 'Em Right with Sean Patrick Thomas
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...
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She Deserved Better (and So Do We)
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...
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Love is Freedom: Embracing Change & The Power of Supportive Relationships
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…
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Mini-sode: We Have An Announcement
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...
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RUN IT BACK The Mamas of The Mama's Den (Reintro Part 2)
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...
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Sex Education for Parents - with Shan Boodram
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,...
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Charles Johnson on Single Dad Life: It’s Beautiful Chaos
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…
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Would You Rather?...Motherhood Edition
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...
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From PCOS to Pregnancy Success with Candice Bolden
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 lots of research, faith, and support from her husband, ex-NFL player Omar...
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AD from Love is Blind on Finding Her Perfect Match
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 their first child (we’re screaming!), AD spills all the tea on her pregnancy…
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"I Trust You To Make The Right Choice"....RUN IT BACK Parenting One Liners to Get You Through!
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 get to do what you wanna do” (a Melanie Fiona original). They also discuss...
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RUN IT BACK Celebrate Yourself!
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 episode, Codie, Ashley, and Melanie discuss the value of experiences versus parties,...
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RUN IT BACK More than "Just" A Mother
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 "just" a mother - and more. The Mamas also explore what it means to truly be living...
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RUN IT BACK Secure Relationships with Your Kids, Partners, and Parents
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 that listed 5 things parents should do if they want to have a secure…
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Sleep Training for Newborns (and the Whole Family) with Brandi Jordan
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 whisperer. Brandi breaks down how sleep actually works, from healthy newborn…
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A Mama’s Den Reintroduction, Part 2: Going From Four Mamas to Three
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 up about Felicia’s decision to step away from the show to pursue her next…
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Bozoma Saint John on Love and Loss...The Small Stuff Doesn’t Matter
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 it all! But behind the glam is a woman shaped by hard-earned lessons in...
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A Mama's Den Reintroduction, Part 1: We Do It For the Village
We recently put out a listener survey and the results are in...y’all want more from the Mamas! So in this episode, while Felicia’s off handling her business (we’re so proud of you, Fee!), Codie, Melanie, and Ashley reintroduce themselves, reflecting on how they became the women and mothers they…
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Victoria Monét on a Joy-Filled Life in Motherhood and Beyond
Grammy-winning singer, author, and mama Victoria Monét is in the Den! Victoria opens up about how motherhood has shifted her mindset - from navigating the stigma of being pregnant in the music industry to guarding her joy, mastering time management, and finding inspiration for her hit song “On My...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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!
HOSTED BY
Black Love Podcast Network
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Mama's Den have?
The Mama's Den currently has 192 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Mama's Den about?
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,...
How often does The Mama's Den release new episodes?
The Mama's Den publishes regularly with 192 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Mama's Den?
You can listen to The Mama's Den on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Mama's Den?
The Mama's Den is created and hosted by Black Love Podcast Network.
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