Episodes
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Mamas, sometimes we lose track of what it’s like to be children. We forget that we only get a little more than a decade to really be kids before the bills and the responsibilities start rolling in. It’s important to take a little time and remember to slow things down and appreciate the specialness of every day.
Today, I’m getting real with my friend Tabitha Brown. Tabitha is a mama, an actress, an entrepreneur, and a wife—and if you’ve been in a Target lately, you’ve definitely walked past her beautiful designs displayed with a picture of her gorgeous face.
Tune in and listen to episode 77 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Tabitha and I are covering everything from the way veganism changed her life to how she keeps things positive and effervescent in the face of darkness.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
How Tabitha got started on her career glow-up journey (03:46)Tabitha dealt with chronic pain until she had her come to Jesus moment (07:22)Tabitha doesn’t describe herself as an “influencer”—she’s a woman who has influence (16:21)How Tabitha parents her black son in the current state of the world (19:13)The difference between Southeast racism and West Coast racism (22:00)Tabitha still feels challenged even though she’s found her purpose (29:24)Connect with Tabitha:
InstagramWebsiteLet’s Connect!
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One of the reasons I created this platform is because mothering is hard. Being a daughter of a mother is hard and so vitally complicated… It might be the most complicated relationship on the planet. She’s the person from which you came from, she sacrifices everything to make sure that you can enter the world healthy, loved, and nurtured—And then around eight or nine, you're rolling your eyes at her and telling her she’s lame!
Tune in and listen to episode seventy six of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Today, I’m all about connecting with my sassy, brilliant, beautiful, self loving, self empowered daughter.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Our kids give us honest, gut wrenching, savage truths—right to our faces! (01:22)As mothers, we need to remember to share our jewels with our whole mama network (05:09)Right now, I'm in a strange, beautiful, nostalgic phase of looking at where I came from in order to figure out where I'm going (07:27)Let’s Connect!
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Missing episodes?
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As mamas, we give everyone else everything we have before we give ourselves grace. We try to make our kids’ lives full with every possible thing they could love. We pack their schedule because we don’t want their time wasted on screens, but we also often forget to allow them their own sanctuary to figure out how to pass time by themselves. When all that backfires, it can be hard to let everyone breathe and give everyone—including ourselves— space.
Today, I’m welcoming my dear friend from my red carpet days, Michelle Ryan Bathé. Michelle is an actress and an extraordinary mama of two boys.
Tune in and listen to episode 75 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Michelle and I are talking all about shifting and adapting, raising small kids during the pandemic, and some of the positives that came out of all that time at home.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
What it was like for Michelle to film during the COVID-19 pandemic started (04:00)Why neither of us miss homeschooling our kids during the pandemic (08:37)Our kids often don’t have the skills to occupy themselves because we keep them so busy (15:51)How Michelle parents around screens and devices (22:39)What it’s like parenting children so that they’re aware of their privilege (28:25)Connect with Amerie:
InstagramAlliance of MomsLet’s Connect!
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A lot of us are suffering from all different kinds of triggers on Mother's Day… it's a heavy, emotionally charged day at its core. It’s such a beautiful gesture in theory: “Today’s the day that everyone stops and honors the person that keeps all of our shit together.” But in practice, is that even possible?
Tune in and listen to episode seventy four of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Today gets really real mamas. I had the perfect Mother’s Day planned for myself and let’s just say things went pretty much the opposite of the intentions I had set.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Growing up, I didn’t have the greatest example for Mother’s Day (02:27)Last weekend, my daughter learned about her limits—the hard way (04:35)I love my daughter to the moon and back, but mothering is not my favorite job (13:35)Sometimes you gotta keep your business to yourself, even when it comes to your kid (17:08)When you’re having a difficult Mother’s Day, sometimes the best thing you can do is release (19:48)Let’s Connect!
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I’m wishing all you mamas out there a happy belated Mother's Day—And that includes everyone out there who’s in this dang game of raising people, taking care of humans, and staying sane and loving all at the same time. I hope that whatever you did on Mother's Day, it was exactly what you wanted and exactly what you needed… and that you were able to take a break from taking care of anybody that's been in you or that's come out of you!
Today, I’m welcoming superstar Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Amerie. Along with her breakout success as an R&B artist, Amerie is also a fiction author and one incredible mama to her little boy.
Tune in and listen to episode 73 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Amerie is telling me how she got started writing children’s books, the importance of being gentle when we educate our black and brown children, and why she’s come to believe that human beings are tribal at their core.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Amerie started out in the music industry after a very typical military brat childhood (09:40)Amerie is using her books as a way to impart knowledge on her son (13:25)Why it was so important to Amerie to accurately represent her and her sons multiracial background in her book (16:09)How Amerie relates to and owns both her Korean and her Black identities (21:04)About Amerie’s belief in free speech and freedom of information (26:34)Connect with Amerie:
InstagramWebsiteYou Will Do Great ThingsLet’s Connect!
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Mama, May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we are all up in it! I love this month because it’s all about awareness—no one’s asking us to fix it or even take action. But if you are a person that hasn't sought help for any issues, any trauma, any ill that you may have, then this isn't judgment. This month is all about taking another look at where your trauma lies and how you can possibly make it disappear by doing the work of wellness and healing.
Today, I’m talking to Kaywanda Lamb, an author, a speaker, a blogger, and an incredible single mama. Kaywanda started her professional journey when her boys were babes and has spent the last 16 years showing other women that they can parent, thrive, and win.
Tune in and listen to episode 72 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Kaywanda is telling me about why dating shouldn’t be transactional, learning to be a single mom, and what we’re missing out on by not learning a second language.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Trauma doesn’t always have to begin with a capital T—sometimes it’s the quiet stuff (05:11)A little about Kaywanda and her love affair with the Spanish language (14:34)You can be proud to be American and still scared about the direction the country is headed in (26:07)How Kaywanda tackled the George Floyd conversation with her sons (29:58)You can do it on your own and kill it—you shouldn’t have to settle for someone who’s not committed to you (36:50)Connect with Kaywanda:
InstagramKaywandaLamb.comLet’s Connect!
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Mamas, I know I don’t have to tell you: if you're a black woman in America, you know your needs are ignored. That’s why we typically don't trust the medical industry; there's this idea that we're superhuman, that our pain means nothing. Especially for those of us who have experienced pregnancy, we’ve had to make sure that we have a plan in place, that we have friends in the space where we're giving birth, and have people there to truly advocate for us. Here on Mamaste, we're never going to adhere to some fake timeline—Juneteenth is all year round, every month is Black History Month and we’re always in tune to Black Maternal Health.
Today, I’m welcoming an actress, an artist, and my new friend, Megalyn Echikunwoke. Megalyn is a deeply introspective and powerful artist who recently wrote and directed Weathering, a short film that explores the intense and often traumatic experience of Black motherhood, loss, and grief.
Tune in and listen to episode 71 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Megalyn is telling me about her very famous friend that helped her with her artistic process and why the topic of Black maternal health resonates so strongly with her.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
A bit about Megalyn and the process that brought her film to fruition (07:11)How taking a leap of faith opened up the door for her (13:20)The racism in the US healthcare system serves as a microcosm of racism in this country as a whole (16:19)About Megalyn’s writing process and the place she had to go to create her narrative(19:23)Megalyn wrote Weathering for Black women (20:58)Connect with Megalyn:
InstagramWeathering on NetflixLet’s Connect!
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Y’all, we are living through a wild, wild time. There are some times I want to go to the beach just to scream out into the atmosphere! The truth is, the only thing we have the ability to do is to take care of ourselves and the only thing we can control are our own actions.
Tune in and listen to episode seventy of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Today, you’ll hear me flying solo and exploring the idea of trauma. I’m breaking down a lesson from Cory Muscara, an author and former Buddhist monk, on what he learned during his search for enlightenment.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
I’ve never felt the need to apologize for who I am (10:43)There is no understanding or unity or any empathy that can be gained by not being comfortable with the uncomfortable (16:16)There are people who are so afraid of discomfort that they’re stuck in prisons of comfort that they’ve create for themselves (21:51)Real confidence looks like humility, you no longer need to advertise your value because it comes from a place that doesn't require the validation of others (32:52)Demeaning ourselves will get us nowhere, the whole world is already trying to tell us we’re unworthy (36:52)Let’s Connect!
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As Black women, and especially mothers, one of the things we have to come to terms with is how, historically, we’ve often been treated as vessels—completely lacking our own agency. Whether it was our enslaved ancestors made to give birth with no compassion or downtime or the current discrepancies that exist in Black maternal health, there’s no shortage of examples of mistreatment in Black motherhood. Amazingly, though, there are a number of women who are using their time and resources to change that dynamic for others and for our future generations.
Today in honor of Black Maternal Health Week, you’ll hear one of my favorite episodes of Mamaste to date. I brought together five amazing mothers who are pushing the culture forward and taking agency over our own health when it comes to pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum experience.
Join me as I welcome Ericka Dorsey and Tamesha Valverde, co-founders of Flourishing Families, Karesha Boyd, Flourishing Families doula/advocate, Alia McCants, Founder of Spelmoms Facebook group, and Vanessa Simmons, Founder & CEO of Normalize Breastfeeding. We’re talking about their experiences with motherhood, what their time breastfeeding meant to them, and the incredible importance of giving ourselves grace and space as mothers.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
A little about everyone and their passions and superpowers (08:18)
Tamesha’s incredible experience helping out a friend with twins (15:00)
How Ericka became an advocate for breastfeeding (18:16)
The group’s thoughts on formula feeding and its usefulness (22:44)
The issues surrounding selling breast milk for profit, especially in the Black community (24:50)
The group’s advice to soon-to-be mamas and how they can advocate for themselves (31:17)
How the dismissal of Black women’s choice is ingrained in our DNA, but we can reclaim that agency (35:44)
Connect with My Guests:
Flourishing Families
Flourishing Families on Instagram
Ericka Dorsey on LinkedIn
Ericka Dorsey on Instagram
Tamesha Valverde on LinkedIn
Tamesha Valverde on Instagram
New Beginnings Birth Consulting
Alia McCants on Facebook
Alia McCants on Instagram
Karesha Boyd on LinkedIn
Karesha Boyd on Instagram
Vanessa Simmons on Normalize Breastfeeding
Vanessa Simmons on Instagram
Let’s Connect!
Website
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Welcome to spring, mama! It’s Aries season and it’s time to take advantage of all those idea sparks that have been culminating all winter. Get to the things that ignite life into you, put a little fire under your ass, and do the things that you love that you're passionate about. Now is the time.
Today, I’m welcoming Ashley Wright, a mommy who burns with pure fire, creativity, and luminescence. She’s an incredible mama who is working toward empowering others on their parenting and authentic living journey.
Tune in and listen to episode 68 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Ashley is dishing all about building confidence and a sense of empowerment, boundaries, and the expectations around gentle parenting.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
When I first discovered Ashley, she was on a pole breastfeeding her daughter! (05:12)I entered mommyhood totally clueless (07:15)How something as simple as putting up a hammock was a game changer for Ashley and her family (13:44)The way Ashley was raised and how it informs her parenting (17:12)Our kids don’t intentionally try to make us miserable (25:44)Connect with Ashley:
InstagramLet’s Connect!
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Boundaries aren’t just a trending topic. When you step back and tell someone, “I’ve got boundaries,” it’s not a cute saying. If we are intentional about our boundaries, they're very, very effective. It's not only about a man you don't want to be in a relationship with or someone standing too close at the grocery store— they’re a way to create a safe bubble around yourself and those you love.
Tune in and listen to episode sixty seven of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Today, you’ll hear me solo as I talk about all things boundaries. The world may seem unbelievably ugly right now, but if we remember to focus on the light, we’ll only beget more light.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
My conversation in episode 66 with Sheree Zampino inspired some of today’s boundary talk (03:23)In December, I went through something that made me extremely introspective. (07:22)Humans are like sponges—we have to make sure we’re not soaking in negative energy even when we don’t mean to (09:25)Mother’s Day is incredibly complicated for a lot of people and setting boundaries can make or break you (13:24)Find a home with people that are doing empowering things, spreading love, and raising vibrations (18:15)Let’s Connect!
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When you think of “middle age,” where does your mind go? Do you picture Dorothy, Blanche, and the other Golden Girls eating cheesecake down in Miami? Or do you see a gorgeous, fit Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, or Mariah Carey in her mid 50s? It’s 2023 and we’re aging more beautifully and gracefully than ever—the truth is that “middle age” is really just the beginning!
Today, I welcome actress, producer, mama, and inspirational co-parent Sheree Zampino. Sheree has been through all the ups and downs of single motherhood and co-parenting with her famous ex, Will Smith, but she credits much of her success as a mama to the fact that she had a village around her to help her raise her son.
Tune in and listen to episode 66 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Sheree is telling me all about what it means to her to be in alignment, how the noise of social media can be so overwhelming, and why you can’t tell everybody your business.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
How Sheree feels at the age of 55 (07:41)About Sheree’s daily affirmation rituals (11:53)Sheree is a Christian woman AND practices spirituality and meditation (16:06)Sheree raised her son as a single mom—but she definitely didn’t do it alone (21:56)How Sheree kept her son grounded even with a super-famous dad (24:31)Sheree doesn’t just co-parent with her ex husband, she also includes his stepmom (29:51)Connect with Sheree:
Sheree on InstagramLet’s Connect!
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One of the most important things that we learn after we spend a while on this earth is that growth must be continual. We have to continue to grow because stagnancy forms and creates mold and stank... The only way forward is to keep moving.
Today, I welcome best selling author, wellness queen, and incredible single mama Shanicia Boswell. She’s the author of Oh Sis, You’re Pregnant! a guide to Black pregnancy and motherhood for mamas-to-be as well as the founder of Black Moms Blog, an online community with over 500,000 members.
Tune in and listen to episode 65 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Shanicia and I are talking all about red flags—and why we have less tolerance for them the older we get. We’re also covering the beautiful expat community she’s a part of and what it’s like having ZERO time to get into the dating world.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Shanicia left the US and is currently living with her daughter in Colombia (07:15)What it’s like for Shanicia to raise her daughter in Medellín (14:16)There are so many different kinds of femininity—you don’t need to fit into anyone else’s narrow definition (18:38)The reaction Shanicia got when she shaved her head (24:03)What it’s like teaching our daughters to love their hair (28:33)Connect with Shanicia:
Shanicia on InstagramOh Sis, You're Pregnant! by Shanicia BoswellBlack Moms BlogLet’s Connect!
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“If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?!”
These words from the iconic RuPaul have never been truer because the most important thing is love—love of self, love of family, love of friends. We have to cultivate and nurture that love for ourselves as mamas, because try as we might, we can’t mommy from an empty cup.
Today, I’m welcoming Alimi and Dahn Ballard. Alimi and Dahn are actors, light warriors, social activists, and amazing parents to two beautiful children, Cairo and Zion.
Tune in and listen to episode 64 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Alimi and Dahn are joining me to talk about their 20 year(!) marriage, toxic clickbait, and what it was like for Dahn to raise her own siblings.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Where Alimi and Dahn get their relationship inspiration from (12:20)A bit about Dahn’s childhood and her brilliant mother (16:56)How Alimi and Dahn entered into parenthood with intentionality (23:02)How Alimi and Dahn supported their son when he came out to them (33:04)Connect with Alimi and Dahn:
Alimi on IGDahn on IGLet’s Connect!
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Why is it that when dad takes the kids for the day it’s “babysitting,” but when mom has the kids it’s just… well… parenting? As modern mamas, it’s our job to reject that dusty, antiquated way of thinking and make sure our identities aren’t lost once we have babies.
Today, I welcome Simone Shepherd, an Instagram and TikTok superstar, actress, comedian, and mama to a beautiful little boy.
Tune in and listen to episode 63 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Simone and I are talking about Black girl magic, her teammate relationship with her husband, and how her step-daughter taught her how to be a mother.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
About Simone’s husband and their incredible bond (05:22)Why Simone chose her son’s name, Prince Keraun (09:52)Simone’s crazy, traumatic, beautiful birth story (13:42)Simone’s struggle to find medical care to properly treat her reproductive issues (20:29)Why self-empowerment is so important for us as Black women (28:27)Connect with Simone:
InstagramTikTokLet’s Connect!
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The kids, the house, the bills, the partner… let’s face it Mama, between all that, there’s hardly any time left for YOU. When do you get to recharge, relax, and refill your cup?
Today, I’m talking once again to my sister friend Tangie Ambrose, an actress, artist, entrepreneur, and an amazing mommy inspiration. She is the person who introduced me to the concept of conscious parenting and she is the person I can always turn to when mommying tries my energy.
Tune in and listen to episode 62 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. On January 22, 2023, I organized an event for mamas called Made of Magic. For months, I had been dreaming about creating an indulgent experience of self-empowerment for those who deserve it most. In this episode, you’ll hear Tangie and I doing a debrief and meditation on the event.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Wellness is not only for the privileged! Wellness can be found in nature, at the beach, by spending time with yourself in silence… (04:46)As mamas, we go from being number one when we’re on our own to taking a spot in line behind everyone else that we nurture (11:03)In order to rejuvenate, you have to make yourself priority number one (13:08)You cannot pour from an empty cup (19:35)If you ask for little things and get the answers, you’ll then have the strength to ask when it's a big thing (24:35)Connect with Tangie:
InstagramTikTokLet’s Connect!
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We know it’s all about mommying here at Mamaste, but using 2023 as a fresh start, I decided it might just be time to shake things up a little bit with a new perspective…
Today, I’m welcoming our very first dad guest. Shaka Senghor is an author, a lecturer, an incredibly dope thought leader, and a father. Shaka’s story begins in a dark place, but through unbelievable resilience and perseverance, he’s created an amazing source of light.
Tune in and listen to episode 61 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Shaka and I are talking about why he hates labels, the profoundly complicated narrative around Black fatherhood, and how toxicity in the home involves both parents. We’re having a crazy-deep conversation and we don’t always agree—but you’re definitely going to want to tune in for this one!
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
I’m hosting an event to celebrate my beautiful mommy tribe, and I couldn’t be more excited (01:54)How Shaka sees himself in his career and his sphere of influence (11:19)Why the “absent Black father” stereotype isn’t necessarily true (16:03)My experience dating men without a strong father role model (26:11)Shaka’s story about running away from home when he was just a child (38:55)Connect with Shaka:
WebsiteInstagramTwitterLet’s Connect!
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Therapist, receptionist, chauffeur, culinary artist, butt wiper… Some days, it really feels like we work for our kids and that mommying should require a graduate degree!
Today I have with me mommy gangster Dr. Raquel Martin, a psychologist, fellow podcaster, and TikTok queen. Raquel’s passion is spreading empowerment and education about mental health, anti-racism, Black identity development, and health disparities & inequalities.
Tune in and listen to episode 60 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Raquel and I are talking about how differently we were treated while pregnant, single mommyhood, and why being married isn’t necessarily an advantage in the parenting game.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Everyone believes they’re a bad mom at one point or another—even licensed mental health professionals! (02:20)Not every moment of motherhood is a beautiful, magical journey… and that’s totally okay (05:32)Raquel’s mom’s story of having twins(!) at just 18 (08:50)How unhealthy nutrition choices have been ingrained in our culture—and how its a cycle that needs to be stopped (18:28)We’re allowed to be annoyed by our kids (24:51)Connect with Raquel:
WebsiteInstagramTikTokLet’s Connect!
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This episode contains discussion of self-harm and suicide that some listeners may find disturbing.
Sometimes, after the unexpected passing of someone who looks and seems happy in their life, it can send those of us left behind into introspection mode. The truth is that life will always have highs and lows—and that’s okay. It’s what we do in the moments between that matters most.
Today, I’m back and flying solo after a bit of a December hibernation.
Tune in and listen to episode fifty nine of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. I’m talking about life’s gray areas, embracing the human experience, and my experience working a job that seemed glamorous on the outside but was really anything but.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
We lost so many beautiful people in December, it made for a very unusual holiday season (05:39)We’re not supposed to be joyful all the time (07:37)It’s a waste of energy to think your life won’t have bumpy moments (09:27)Just because we’re parents doesn't mean we have to throw out everything else (13:13)I’m sharing the oath of manifestation (15:18)Let’s Connect!
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How many of us have the job today that we dreamt of when we were kids? If life happened that way, there would be an awful lot of ballerinas and firefighters! Of course, we evolve as humans and learn to take on new roles, even ones we never imagined ourselves in. But oftentimes, the key to success is simply to shift—and to not be afraid of doing it!
Today I have Tamala Lewis with me, my sister-from-another-mister and mama of two. Tamala serves as Senior Director of Community Affairs for AEG's Dignity Health Sports Park. She also has her hands in the music business, fashion design, and is a former professional backup dancer.
Tune in and listen to episode 58 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Tamala is telling me all about having a massive new project come to fruition 2 days before lockdown started, her crazy career path, and how she integrates her family into the work that she does for the community.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
A little about Tamala’s background—and about being roommates with Rosie Perez (04:54)How Tamala makes time for her family with her busy schedule (10:43)It’s all a learning experience! (13:41)About Tamala’s relationship with her husband (14:41)The biggest challenge to raising kids in 2022 (18:16)Connect with Tamala:
InstagramLet’s Connect!
WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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