Episodes
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Hey BA fam, it’s Mandi. Today I’m bringing you a Brown Ambition Rewind that feels so on‑time for where a lot of us are in our careers right now.
This conversation is with executive coach and author Sabina Nawaz, whose book You’re the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need is all about helping high‑achieving leaders avoid the traps that come with success.
We talk about why promotions are actually the riskiest moments in your career, how pressure — not power — can corrupt even the best bosses, and what it really looks like to be the kind of manager your team needs without losing your values or your identity as a woman of color.
Website: https://sabinanawaz.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabinacoaching/?hl=en
If you’ve been feeling stretched, misunderstood, or like you’re constantly in a pressure cooker, this one will hit. Let’s get into ‘How to Be the Kind of Boss Your Team Needs’ with Sabina Nawaz.”Follow Sabina Nawaz!Have a Question for the show?
Email us at [email protected] or DM us @brownambitionpodcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hey BA fam! We’re bringing back one of our most powerful conversations with writer, editor, and cultural critic Roxane Gay — just in time as we come out of Pride Month and Juneteenth, and as I celebrate finishing the 12th and final chapter of my manuscript ahead of my July 1 deadline.
Even though I had to give up my spot at Roxane’s Black writers convention last weekend because of surgery, I’m grateful we get to sit with her voice again in this feed. Brown Ambition will be back with brand‑new episodes starting July 8, and I can’t wait to update you more on this book journey and what’s next for BA.
In this encore episode, Tiffany and I sit down with Roxane to talk about what it means to stand your ground as “a Black, queer, fat woman” in America — her words — and how she thinks about safety, gun ownership, and the reality that no one is coming to save us but us. Roxane walks us through years of threats against her, the decision to buy a gun during the pandemic, and what she learned when she realized Black women are the fastest‑growing group of gun owners in the U.S.
We also get into the heart of Brown Ambition: Black women’s ambition, entrepreneurship, education, and generational wealth. Roxane talks about multiple income streams, negotiating her worth in publishing and media, and why she still has to fight for her value even with a “media empire” and a team of top‑tier agents and lawyers behind her. Tiffany shares her own journey selling hundreds of thousands of books and doing 90% of her own marketing, and I ask Roxane for advice as I write my first book with Legacy Lit.
Along the way, we discuss:
• Roxane’s book Hunger and how it cracked me open and helped me love myself.[Attachment]
• Growing up in gun‑saturated environments and raising Black boys in a country obsessed with guns.
• Sonya Massey, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, and why police violence remains a constant threat no matter what we do to protect ourselves.
• Black women’s dominance in degrees, entrepreneurship, and readership — and what that means for wealth‑building.
• The importance of Black editors, hiring independent publicists, and insisting that your book still sounds like you.
• The power of “living in the gray” instead of pretending life is black‑and‑white.[Attachment]
Content note: This episode includes discussion of gun violence, police killings, and anti‑Semitic threats. Please listen when you feel emotionally ready and take care of yourself as you do.
Resources & mentions:
• Roxane Gay – Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body and Bad Feminist (essay collection).
• Roxane’s essay series on gun ownership and power on Everand (formerly Scribd).
If you enjoy this encore, please share it with a friend, grab Roxane’s books, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so more BA fam can find the show. Supporting our living legends — and the storytellers in progress — matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Missing episodes?
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Mandi pops in with a quick life and book update, shares details about the upcoming Brown Ambition Career Reboot Challenge, and then re‑airs one of the most powerful conversations in the BA archive: her interview with Mielle Organics CEO and founder, Monique Rodriguez.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to turn grief into purpose, build a global brand from your kitchen, and navigate the backlash that comes with selling your company as a Black woman, this episode is for you.
You’ll hear:
• How Monique went from nursing to experimenting with hair oils in her kitchen after the devastating loss of her infant son, Milan—and how that grief became the seed for Mielle Organics.
• The story behind Mielle’s sale to Procter & Gamble, why Monique chose to stay on as CEO, and what has and hasn’t changed since the deal.
• The criticism Black women founders face when they sell to big conglomerates, and how Monique handles assumptions about “selling out,” formula changes, and being “just the face” of the brand.
• How she uses faith, submission, and feminine energy in ways that actually support her as a CEO, wife, and mom—and why she wanted to tell a more nuanced story than social media soundbites allow.
• The legacy work she and her husband are doing now, including angel investing in other Black‑owned brands.
Mandi also shares why this conversation hits differently now as she writes her own book about ambition, grief, and career reboots—and why Monique’s story is such a powerful example of turning “why me?” into “what now?.”
🎉Brown Ambition Career Reboot Challenge Kicks off June 22-26!
Feeling stuck in your job, underpaid, bhttps://instagram.com/brownambitionpodcasturned out, or just unsure what’s next for your career? Mandi is hosting the Brown Ambition Career Reboot Challenge—a 5‑day, guided experience to help you:
• Get honest about where you are in your career right now
• Gather your receipts so you can clearly see your value
• Explore what a true “reboot” could look like (raise, role change, new field, or better boundaries)
• Build a simple 90‑day experiment to start making moves, not just dreaming about them
The challenge includes daily prompts and trainings, a reusable workbook, and two live coaching calls with Mandi on Day 1 and Day 5, plus replays.
👉 Learn more and grab your spot here: https://www.mandimoney.com/career-reboot-2026
If you enjoyed this episode
• Share it with a friend who’s building something from a hard season
• Tag @brownambitionpodcast and @mandimoney with your takeaways
• Leave a rating or review—it helps other Brown Ambition fam find the show!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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🔥 In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Jessica Cruel, the powerhouse Editor-in-Chief of Allure and SELF magazines, to talk about her journey to the top of the beauty media world and how she’s building wealth through real estate investing as a single woman.
👑 We dive into:
✔️ How Jessica climbed the ranks in the magazine industry
✔️ Her journey to financial independence & the FIRE movement
✔️ The ups and downs of being a single woman in real estate
✔️ Smart investing tips for first-time buyers
✔️ The power of mentorship, executive coaching, and community
💰 Jessica shares the exact team she built to succeed in real estate:
✔️ A real estate agent who understands investment properties
✔️ A reliable general contractor & trusted repair professionals
✔️ A financial team to maximize tax benefits & long-term wealth
🔑 Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to start investing—learn as you go!
2️⃣ Build a strong team to support your real estate journey.
3️⃣ Wealth-building is possible at any stage of your career.
📌 Follow Jessica Cruel:
📸 Instagram: @JCruel
🌟 Allure: allure.com
🌟 SELF: self.com
💡 Subscribe for more career, wealth, and entrepreneurship insights and don't forget to leave us a review! It's a huge help to get the show seen by more listeners.
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Hey BA Fam! Today I’m answering a question from a listener who calls herself “Tired Nanny” — a 27‑year‑old who recently moved to the U.S., has a bachelor’s in education, and is wondering if an MBA is the key to pivoting into business. She’s saved enough to cover grad school tuition and a year of living expenses and is tempted to quit nannying altogether so she can focus on school full‑time.
In this throwback Brown Ambition Q&A, I break down:
• Why your current job (yes, even nannying) can be a powerful bridge and not a dead end when you’re pivoting careers
• How to decide if an MBA is actually worth the time and 50K+ price tag for the kind of business or career you want
• Alternatives to grad school: continuing education, mentorship, networking, and learning directly from working entrepreneurs
• How to reframe “this is all that’s left for me” into “this is how I’m planting seeds for my future self” as a young immigrant woman building a new life in the StatsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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This week, we’re heading back into the Brown Ambition vault for a powerful conversation with celebrity hairstylist and image maker Lacy Redway.
Lacy may not always be in front of the camera, but you’ve definitely seen her work. From red carpets to fashion campaigns and TV and film, she’s shaping the way Black women show up on screen and in the culture.
In this episode, we get into:
• Growing up as a Jamaican immigrant, being the “foreign kid,” and learning to do her own hair after a bad relaxer left it broken and damaged
• Braiding classmates’ hair for $5–$10 in middle and high school and realizing, in hindsight, that she was already a young entrepreneur
• How she transitioned from doing hair in school to assisting in salons, working on photo shoots, and building a real portfolio in the pre‑Instagram era
• The behind‑the‑scenes reality of being one of the few Black stylists backstage at fashion week—and why Black models would literally wait in line for Lacy to do their hair
• What it actually looks like to take yourself seriously as a business: investing back into your craft, getting representation, and positioning yourself for bigger brand and editorial work
• How rates really work in fashion and celebrity styling, why there’s no union protecting hair and makeup artists in her lane, and how that impacts pay and job security
• The power and pressure of being an “image maker” for Black women, and why getting the hair right can make or break a character or campaign
We also talk about the evolution of Black hair care, the shift from relaxers to curls and coils, and how much access to education and products has changed since the 90s.
If you’re a creative, service provider, or anyone trying to turn a skill into a sustainable business, this conversation will give you both inspiration and a real look at the money and power dynamics behind the glam.
Tune in to hear how Lacy built her career, claimed her value, and continues to advocate for herself and other artists in an industry that doesn’t always see their worth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this Flashback Friday Brown Ambition Q&A, Mandi and Tiffany tackle two big money dilemmas listeners are facing right now: whether to borrow from a 401(k) to pay off debt, and how to make the most of a 200K inheritance without blowing your shot at building generational wealth.
In the first question, they break down when a 401(k) loan can make sense, the major risks if you leave your job, how balance transfer cards and personal loans compare, and why lenders are often “betting against” your behavior with these products.Then they dig into Erica’s inheritance and walk through the tradeoffs between paying off a low‑rate mortgage versus using that cash for an investment property or other investments. They talk through landlord realities, using home equity to scale a real estate portfolio, and why parking a windfall in cash for a few months while you build a plan with a financial pro can be the smartest move.
Send your money, career, and business questions via DM to @brownambitionpodcast on Instagram or email us at [email protected].
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Debt doesn’t have to be the big bad boogeyman on your back. In this throwback episode of Brown Ambition, I’m joined by two powerhouses in the money space—financial activist Dasha Kennedy (The Broke Black Girl) and National Debt Relief Chief Compliance and Consumer Affairs Officer, Natalia Brown—for an honest, stigma‑free conversation about what debt relief is, who it’s for, and how to finally create a plan you can live with.
We unpack the emotional weight of debt, from shame and secrecy to the very real health impacts of chronic financial stress, and we walk through practical options—from DIY payoff and consolidation loans to credit counseling, debt relief programs, and bankruptcy. You’ll hear exactly what happens when you call a company like National Debt Relief, how settlements actually get negotiated, and the red flags to watch for so you don’t fall for scammy debt collectors.If debt is stealing your sleep, this is your permission slip to put the shame down and pick up a plan.
For more information on a variety of debt topics, feel free to visit National Debt Relief’s Resource page for more information on individual debt situations: https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/resources/
Note: These show notes may contain link to affiliate products, from which we derive revenue.
We want to hear from you! Drop us a note at [email protected] or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast
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This week on Brown Ambition, we’re joined by none other than HGTV’s powerhouse duo, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, stars of “Married to Real Estate” and hosts of the Marriage & Money podcast.
Together, we dive into what it really looks like to build a business, raise a family, and keep a marriage strong—all while staying true to themselves. From juggling show tapings to managing their growing empire (hello, new furniture line Indigo Road!), Egypt and Mike don’t hold back.
We talk about:
- The honest truth about therapy, teamwork, and choosing love on the hard days
- How they navigate marriage without competition just collaboration
- The power of understanding your partner’s strengths in life and in business
- Their journey raising daughters while modeling a healthy, ambitious partnership
- What it takes to build a financial dream team and break the mold on outdated gender roles
We also get personal about the importance of communication, leaning on trust, and setting boundaries that protect your peace—drawing inspiration from Michelle Obama, Tabitha Brown, and the many women redefining relationship goals on their own terms.
This one’s for anyone balancing love, legacy, and leveling up
🎧 Tap in and don’t forget to check out Egypt and Mike on YouTube and follow Egypt's newest venture, Indigo Road, for more of her signature style and vision.
Links + Resources:
📲 Follow Egypt on [Instagram https://www.instagram.com/egyptsherrod/ ]
📲 Follow Mike on [Instagram https://www.instagram.com/djfadelf/ ]
LET’S STAY CONNECTED
Instagram: @brownambitionpodcast
Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com
Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!
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In this throwback BA Q&A episode, we revisit two powerful listener questions all about leveling up an already strong credit score without losing your sanity in the process.
First, we coach Nicole, whose mid-700s scores have plateaued, through a method that uses everyday subscriptions, strategic statement-date timing, and automatic payments to show consistent, responsible card usage that can gently nudge scores higher over time.
We also break down what credit “mix” really means, how much weight it carries, and how to safely use tools like credit-builder loans from credit unions instead of taking on unnecessary new debt.
Next, we help Shalise think through the impact of consolidating credit card balances into a personal loan—and whether to close those old cards for good—explaining how closing accounts can affect utilization, account age, and overall score.
Follow Brown ambition @Brownambitionpodcast on Instagram
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This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi Money sits down with physician, author, entrepreneur, and health equity advocate Dr. Uché Blackstock for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to leave spaces that no longer serve you. Dr. Blackstock opens up about her journey from Harvard Medical School to becoming one of the most trusted public voices on racism in medicine and public health. She shares the pivotal moment she realized that prestige and titles weren’t enough and why leaving a secure academic career during one of the most uncertain times in recent history ultimately changed her life.
Together, Mandi and Uché talk about:
The emotional cost of staying in environments where you feel unseen Why Black women are often taught to tolerate misalignment for too long Navigating the backlash against DEI work in corporate America and healthcare The pressure of caregiving, entrepreneurship, and “holding it all together” Learning to listen to your body before burnout forces you to stop Motherhood, ambition, grief, and redefining success on your own terms AI in healthcare and what patients should know before their next doctor’s appointment Why joy, rest, creativity, and community are all part of wellness tooDr. Blackstock also reflects on the legacy of her late mother, becoming older than the age her mother was when she passed away, and how that experience reshaped the way she thinks about health, purpose, and living fully.
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 WebsiteKeep Up With Brown Ambition
Follow Brown Ambition on Instagram: Brown Ambition Podcast Listen to more episodes: Brown Ambition Official WebsiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Sheinelle Jones Today Show co-host, journalist, and New York Times bestselling author of Through Mom’s Eyes for an honest conversation about working motherhood, career growth, loss, and finding balance in real life.
Sheinelle shares how her journey as a working mom of three shifted while writing her book, and how she continues to show up professionally while processing personal grief after the loss of her husband.
This episode explores the realities of:
Motherhood and career balance in high-pressure environments Grief and healing while maintaining professional responsibilities Building a career in journalism and media without a clear roadmap The importance of community, support systems, and “the village” Navigating mom guilt, burnout, and emotional overwhelm Why there’s never a perfect time to pursue your goalsDrawing from her book Through Mom’s Eyes, Sheinelle also reflects on lessons from mothers of icons like Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Durant, and more, highlighting themes of resilience, faith, parenting, and personal growth.
Key takeaway:
Tomorrow isn’t promised. Do the thing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hey BA fam! In this Q&A episode, we’re diving into two conversations that have been all over your group chats, your timelines, and probably your own thoughts lately: what it really means to “have it all”… and what it costs to keep up the image that you do.
First up, we’re unpacking the Emma Grede controversy from her “three-hour mom” comments to her take on working from home being a career killer for women. As a working mom without billionaire resources, Mandi Money breaks down what’s actually realistic, what feels out of touch, and what ambitious women can really take from the conversation without spiraling into guilt or anxiety.
Then we shift into a deeply personal listener question from a woman who, on paper, looks like she’s thriving multi-six-figure business, speaking gigs, “that girl” energy. But behind the scenes? She’s carrying overwhelming debt, financial stress, and the constant fear of being “found out.”
And if that hits a little too close to home… you’re not alone.
Key Takeaways:
The quality of time matters more than the quantity especially in motherhood You can be successful and struggling at the same time Debt is a situation, not an identity Transparency builds trust with yourself first, then others You don’t have to maintain an image that’s costing you your peaceJoin the Conversation:
Got a question you want answered on the show?
DM us @brownambitionpodcast or @mandimoney, or email [email protected]See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The week on Brown Ambition Mandi sits down with returning guest and career coach Amina AlTai, author of The Ambition Trap, to unpack what it really looks like to reboot your career in this season of life. Not the cute LinkedIn rebrand version but the real, messy middle where you’re balancing responsibilities, financial pressure, and the fear of starting over.
Together, they get honest about navigating burnout, layoffs, and career pivots as women of color—especially when the stakes are higher and the margin for risk feels smaller. From redefining ambition to untangling your identity from your job title, this conversation is about building a career that actually supports your life, your health, and your peace.
If you’ve been feeling frozen, overlooked, or unsure of your next move, consider this your reminder: you don’t have to blow everything up but something does need to shift.
What We Cover in This Episode:
Why career “reboots” feel harder at more senior stages of life The difference between painful ambition vs. purposeful ambition How burnout, boredom, and misalignment show up (and what to do next) The role of core wounds (rejection, betrayal, abandonment) in career decisions Why your “messy middle” is actually part of the process not failure How to rebuild your career one “right action” at a time Letting go of shame and rewriting your career story with confidence Why you’re not meant to navigate big transitions aloneKey Takeaways:
Your career is allowed to evolve, even if it doesn’t make sense on paper. Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing, it may mean you’re outgrowing something. You don’t need a perfect plan just your next right step. Healing your relationship with ambition is key to sustainable success. The way you tell your story can open (or close) doors.Connect With Us:
We want to hear from you, BA Fam. Have you been navigating a career pivot or feeling the pull to start over? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast or email [email protected].See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this week’s special flashback episode, we’re revisiting a live coaching session with LaKesha J., who is trying to figure out how to position herself for career growth after she was laid off by her company and narrowly escaped unemployment by finding a role on a different team.
Next up, we get into the messy, grown-up decision-making that comes with a career crossroads. Do you take the severance and walk away clean—or stay for the long game, with perks like full vesting, pension benefits, and even a company-covered master’s degree? We’re breaking down the pros and cons, talking real numbers, and helping you think through how to align your career moves with your long-term goals.
And to close things out, we’re diving into two fields where the future is already here: data analytics and cybersecurity. Whether you’re eyeing a new lane or looking to level up where you are, we’re talking certifications, AI trends, and the skills that’ll keep your résumé future-proof. It’s a reminder that learning is a lifelong flex and staying curious is the best career insurance out there.
This episode is a celebration of courage, clarity, and the power of making moves—even when it’s scary. Tap in for real talk, big insights, and a whole lot of motivation to keep betting on yourself
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!
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What happens when you’re doing everything “right” climbing the corporate ladder, getting promoted, securing the salary and still feel completely out of alignment? This week, Mandi sits down with writer and director Rayne Harris, whose journey from pre-med at UPenn to directing episodes of Bridgerton is anything but traditional.
Rayne gets real about walking away from stability, navigating financial insecurity, and trusting her instincts even when the path didn’t make sense on paper. From quitting a steady job (twice) to applying to fellowships last minute, she shares how rejection, resourcefulness, and a whole lot of self-awareness helped her break into an industry that isn’t built for easy access especially for women of color.
This conversation is a masterclass in betting on yourself responsibly. Rayne breaks down how she funded her pivots, why being “frugal but fearless” mattered, and how mentorship, preparation, and authenticity opened doors she didn’t even know existed. If you’ve ever felt stuck between security and purpose, this episode will challenge you to rethink what’s actually possible.
Key Takeaways:
You don’t have to have it all figured out clarity often comes after you make the move Financial stability matters, but so does alignment find a balance that works for your risk tolerance Rejection isn’t a stop sign it’s part of the process (and sometimes the strategy) Mentorship doesn’t always come from where you expect—seek proximity, not perfection Being yourself is the advantage authenticity opens doors that performance can’tStay Connected
- Email your questions: [email protected].
- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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On this week’s episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi keeps it all the way real about something we don’t talk about enough, what happens when your nervous system says, “Yeah… we’re done for today.”
After a Monday that looked like being frozen in the car and glued to the couch, Mandi walks us through the emotional aftermath: the shame spiral, the self-talk, and the decision to reframe the entire day as a win instead of a failure. Because sometimes surviving the day is the victory.
She breaks down how she found her way back with three small but powerful “day after” wins:
A body win reconnecting with herself physically, even in the smallest way An environment win shifting her space to support her energy A future-you win doing one thing that tomorrow’s version of her would be grateful forIf you’ve been dealing with long-term stress job searching, money worries, or just carrying too much for too long this episode is your reminder that you’re not broken… you’re overwhelmed. And there’s a way forward that doesn’t require you to have it all together.
What You’ll Take Away:
Why “crash days” happen and what your body is trying to tell you How to interrupt the shame spiral with compassion and honesty Simple, realistic ways to start moving again when you feel stuck Permission to redefine productivity and celebrate small winsStay Connected
- Email your questions: [email protected].
- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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BA fam, we’re diving deep into the world of credit cards this week! Mandi, Yanely (aka MissBeHelpful), and Chris Browning break down the newest updates to premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and Capital One Venture X.
From new streaming perks to rising annual fees (hi, $795!), they weigh in on what’s actually worth it and what’s just hype. If you’re thinking about upgrading your card or just want to travel smarter, this one’s for you.
💳 What You’ll Learn:
Which card perks are actually worth the fee Smart ways to use cards for travel, groceries, and rent The real cost of carrying a balance Tips for maximizing rewards with tools like Travel FreelyNew here?
Join us three times a week:💼 Washday Woosah (Sunday interviews with inspiring guests)
🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always)
🎤 BA Q&A Fridays + Conversations! (your money + career questions answered)
We launched a Patreon, too!
🎥 Get early access, video recordings, and exclusive book club perks:
👉 patreon.com/brownambitionStay Connected:
🔗 @brownambitionpodcast
🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com
💌 Leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam!Let’s keep rising, building, and showing out. 💼💰✊🏾
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Happy BA Wednesday! I hope you enjoy this throwback episode, one of the most popular of 2026 so far. I'm taking some much-needed time to work on the manuscript for my book. See you with a brand new show next week! -Mandi
This week on Brown Ambition, MandiMoney is back with a simple, shame‑free money reset for 2026: 3 wealthy habits you can actually stick with, even when life is lifing. Instead of overhauling your entire financial life by February, this episode walks you through small, repeatable moves that quietly build wealth in the background—whether you’re fighting inflation, juggling childcare, stuck in a “starter” home, or piecing together entrepreneurial income.
👉 Want more Brown Ambition?
• Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, behind‑the‑scenes content and deeper dives into money, career and entrepreneurship: Join the BA Fam!
• Follow us on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast for daily money and career tips, episode updates, and community conversations.
This episode originally aired Jan. 26, 2026.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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This week, on Brown Ambition Mandi Money is joined by financial educator and “Your Rich BFF” Vivian Tu for a real, unfiltered conversation about money, mistakes, and the financial lessons most of us were never taught. From navigating layoffs and economic uncertainty to unlearning toxic money habits, this episode is a reminder that financial literacy isn’t about perfection it’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and giving yourself grace.
Vivian opens up about her own journey from overspending in her early career to rebuilding her financial foundation and breaks down practical strategies like negotiating your salary, building credit early, and making smarter long-term decisions. She also challenges the pressure of social media comparison, asking the question we all need to sit with: do you actually want it, or do you just want people to see you have it?
Plus, the conversation goes deeper touching on the emotional side of money, the realities of working parenthood, community support, and the truth that even when things look successful on the outside, many of us are still figuring it out in real time. Because at the end of the day, wealth isn’t just about what’s in your account it’s about alignment, honesty, and building a life that actually feels good.
Key Takeaways:
You can’t always “budget your way out” of systemic or economic hardship Financial literacy = being resourceful, not perfect Stop spending to impress—start spending with intention Build wealth early (credit, negotiation, education planning) Community and honesty matter just as much as money Everyone is figuring it out—even the people who look like they have it all togetherStay Connected
- Email your questions: [email protected].
- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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