Episodes
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Mother's Day should be everyday, well not exactly, but mothers shouldn't have to wait for one day to be celebrated for all they do as moms. Too often we wait for others to come along, give us a pat on the back and say, "you're doing a great job." But in reality, we know our worth, we know how much we put into raising and nurturing our children, and we know how we want to be treated! In this episode, Alana and Xia empower all momfriends to show yourself some compassion, uplift other moms along the way, and to nurture yourself first. It's time we HONOR ourselves! And do it on more than just a special holiday. We hope you have a wonderful and Happy Mother's Day!
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The coronavirus pandemic has added an extra layer of uncertainty and everything around us is telling us to fight through it by teaching us different coping skills. Many of us have been dealing with stress, worry, and anxiety, yet we have worked hard to cope and manage through it. While we are unable to control the outcomes that have transpired due to COVID-19, Alana and Xia came to a realization that they have been coping and not actually managing the things they have control over. In this episode, they help other momfriends identify the difference between coping and managing, and understand it is okay to take back their power, set healthy boundaries, and change what you can control. The one thing we have control over is ourselves. We get to say yes, no, or not now, which is why RMT is saying, sometimes we need to take a break! This current pandemic is not a normal situation, we did not choose this, and like we stated in episode 25, sometimes we are NOT ok!
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They say April Showers bring May Flowers! And showers, baby showers that is, are what Alana and Xia discuss in this episode. Are you a mom-to-be? Then this episode will help you decide how to choose a host, build your registry, and more. And for those who trying to decide what to do about baby shower plans because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the momfriends share creative tips on how to throw a safe social distancing shower. If you've been there, done that relate with your favorite momfriends as they reminisce about their own showers and the themes they chose. And for the auntie or bff, this episode will help you be the host your friend needs during this exciting, yet stressful time. Tune in Now!
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In this episode, Alana and Xia interview Tamishio Hawkins, mom of 13-year-old kid entrepreneur, Tamia Hawkins. Tamia is the CEO of Mia's Treats Delight, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. Some parents not only have a regular 9-5 job while raising their kids, but they also spend time assisting their children's business ventures. Parents of kidpreneurs often face challenges attempting to balance it all, but Tamishio provides advice to help moms get through it. She shares details of her personal journey as a momager, provides encouragement, and reminds all momfriends they don't need entrepreneurial experience to help their child become successful. Tamishio has been a momager for the last five years and is a co-author of the book #MomBoss, thus her advice is extremely helpful for those who may be considering the momager journey. Tune in to learn how you can support your child's kidpreneur dreams!
More About Our Guest:
Tamishio Hawkins is a mother, philanthropist, best selling co-author of #MomBoss, and momager to Tamia Hawkins, founder and CEO of Mia's Treats Delights, a baking company located in St. Louis, MO. Outside of her career and being a momager, Tamishio serves on the Board of Directors for Young Biz Kidz as the Parent Recruiter. She attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where she studied Social Work & Psychology and often organizes events that focus on feeding the homeless. Tamishio’s passion and mission is to help others and she aspires to start her own non-profit serving the homeless population.
Follow Mia and Tamisho:
Mia's Treats Delight
Tamishio's Instagram
Join the Conversation:
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RMT Instagram
Email: [email protected] -
As moms we each arrived at parenthood through various ways; some of us planned to the day when we would begin trying to start a family, while others were met with a surprise conception and baby. Either way, we became first time parents and from there it was history. But what happens when you begin thinking it's time to expand your family? How do you know when you're ready? What things should you consider when making that decision?
In episode 48, Alana and Xia discuss some of the fears, doubts, and challenges parents face when it comes to deciding if/when they should have more children. The hosts share some of the things they considered before deciding whether or not to have more children.
Ultimately, Alana and Xia believe parents should decide what is most important for their personal family situation when deciding to expand their family. But in reality, as much as you try to prepare, you may never be completely ready for another kid, so you should just go for it, if more children is what you really want!
Let us know how you approached deciding whether or not to have more kids. Join the conversation by emailing us or share your thoughts on our social media pages.
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Email: [email protected] -
Many parents have been charged with the task of working from home while also homeschooling their children during this time of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. To assist parents with this task, Alana and Xia interview Chanel Smith, former teacher, mother of three, philanthropist, and wife to retired NFL wide receiver Torrey Smith, to discuss creative and helpful tips on how to tackle distance and online learning with their children. Chanel reminds parents that they have to do what works best for them and encourages moms to give themselves some grace as they shouldn't feel pressured to become super teachers in a few short weeks.
If you have some fun and creative tips and activities for "homeschooling", please share with us on the Real Moms Too social media pages.
More About our Guest:
Chanel Smith is a former teacher, wife, and currently a stay-at-home mom to three energetic kids: Torrey-5, Kameron-3, and Kori-1. She spends a lot of time creating hands-on learning experiences for her kids to share with her Instagram family. In her "free time", she is a track and field coach, mentor, and the Vice President of the Torrey Smith Family fund, where she and her husband, Torrey, create programs and opportunities for underserved communities.
Follow Chanel Smith on Instagram: @chanelsmith_22Join the Conversation:
RMT Facebook Page
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Email: [email protected] -
In episode 46, Alana and Xia discuss how they handling social distancing and share some of fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has taken many of us out of our comfort zone and created a lot of uncertainty. Because of the uncertainty, many states and countries are encouraging and mandating, social distancing. With social distancing comes school closings and life is temporarily changed. Alana and Xia share activities they are doing with their kids to keep them learning and entertained, as well as discussing some resources they have taken advantage of to ensure they are practicing self-care. Tune in to hear how your favorite momfriends are coping through social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Note From Our Hosts:
We, would like to be an encouragement to all during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many cities, states, and countries have issued stay-at-home orders to help reduce the spread of the virus. We hope our podcast can bring joy, motivation, and comfort to all moms no matter our backgrounds, ethnicity, or religion. We are all Real Moms Too and this has been a scary time for many of us, but we are hopeful that family bonds are being strengthened and love is being spread. Tune in to old episodes to help you get through this time "alone". And feel free to email us or message us on social media for episode ideas or general conversation as we hope we are creating a mommy village for all. We love to hear from you and we hope you are taking care of yourselves! As your favorite momfriends always say, you cannot be a good mom, until you are a good you!
- Alana and XiaJoin the Conversation:
RMT Facebook Page
RMT Instagram
Email: [email protected] -
In episode 45, Real Moms Too interview mother and fellow podcaster, Shakisha Morgan, Estate Planning Attorney with the Griffin Firm PLLC in Washington, D.C. Shakisha discusses the importance of having a Will, Trust, and/or an Estate Plan.
Shakisha drops so many gems throughout the entire episode whether you are riding solo dolo, a new parent, or a grandparent the information she shares is extremely valuable. Shakisha debunks myths, gives tips on how to choose who is the guardian of your children, and encourages people of all ages to be prepared, not only for themselves, but for their family's sake! This episode is for all generations to help protect and secure what and who we all work so hard to provide for, our families.
More About Our Guest:
Shakisha Morgan is an advocate and educator who uses values-based estate planning strategies to empower individuals and families to create, protect, and transfer wealth. She helps guide families through the complex and draining process of probate administration and litigation. She is a workshop facilitator, guest lecturer, and has been a keynote speaker on various topics within estate planning, multigenerational wealth, millennial wealth building, and leadership. She has been featured at the Association of Black Estate Planning Professionals' Creating a Legacy Conference, and has appeared on the Gettin' Grown podcast and local news.
Shakisha's Instagram
Shakisha's Twitter
Mary & Martha Podcast - Outside of being an attorney, Shakisha is also a co-host on the Mary & Martha Podcast! Check it out Here!
A Note From Our Hosts:
We, Alana and Xia, would like to be an encouragement to all during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many cities, states, and countries have been quarantined and asked to use social distancing to help reduce the spread of the virus. We hope our podcast can bring joy, motivation, and comfort in knowing that we are all Real Moms Too no matter our backgrounds, ethnicity, or religion. This has been a scary time for many of us, but we are hopeful that family bonds are being strengthened and love is being spread. Tune in to old episodes to help you get through this time "alone". Feel free to email us or message us on social media for episode ideas or general conversation as we hope we are creating a mommy village for all. We love to hear from you and we hope you are taking care of yourselves! As your favorite momfriends always say, you cannot be a good mom, until you are a good you!
- Alana and XiaJoin the Conversation:
RMT Facebook Page
RMT Instagram
Email: [email protected] -
Did you know the 2020 Census takes place this year, starting TODAY? If you did not, it is okay, Real Moms Too is here to remind you that this is the year to complete the application. In episode 44, Alana and Xia interview Susan Licate, Media and Partnership Specialist, from the United States Census Bureau to discuss and learn more about the 2020 Census. Susan informs listeners of all the programs the 2020 Census impacts such as: highway development, government funded programs (such as W.I.C.),local schools, and more.
There are many misconceptions about the census and Susan debunks them all. She also provides information about how to complete the Census and ensures listeners the application is safe, secure, and non-political. She stresses the importance of completing the Census as an opportunity to help support those who live in our community, especially our children. Children are the most unaccounted for on the Census, yet will be the most impacted by the results. In this episode, listeners are reminded we all play a part to ensure everyone is counted.
More Information about the 2020 Census:
2020 Census Website
Sample Census Form
Why We Ask Each Question
Counting Children Fact Sheet
Join the Conversation:
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It is officially Women's History Month, thus Alana and Xia dedicate a an entire episode to discussing womanhood, sisterhood, and why each are important in our society. The hosts discuss how childhood experiences shaped their idea of womanhood, little girls being labeled as a "Tom-Boy," and how this impacted their ability to create women friendships in adulthood. Alana reveals that she did not realize she needed sisterhood until she was about 25 years old; and Xia discusses some of the challenges she faced as she began to build relationships with women. They also discuss how women are portrayed in the media and on this plays into the comparison and competition among women.
The goal of this episode: to remind women and mothers that even through our differences, we can connect on the simple fact that we are women.
Happy Women's History Month!
Join the Conversation:
What challenges did you face growing up as a girl and how did it shape your idea of what what it means to be a women?
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To conclude Black History Month, Real Moms Too interviewed one of their favorite local Facebook groups, BLaC, Black Lactation Circle of Central Ohio. In this episode, two of BLaC's founding leaders, Yolanda Owens and Kimberly Quachey, discuss the history behind black women breastfeeding, the importance of having a black breastfeeding group, and they debunk some myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding. This is a fun, relatable, and informative conversation for moms of all races and backgrounds.
BLaC is an in-person and online community serving black pregnant and nursing mothers, birth workers, and health professionals within the Columbus Metropolitan area. The group aims to empower and support women to help them meet their breastfeeding goals.Not only has this BLaC impacted Alana and Xia’s breastfeeding journey, they have assisted and encouraged over 700 black moms through their journey as well!Tune in to learn how galactagogues, also known as milk boosters, can be problematic, why you may receive conflicting information from your pediatrician, and tips on how to start your own breastfeeding group.
Join the Conversation:
Black Lactation Circle of Central Ohio Facebook PageRMT Facebook Page
RMT Instagram
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In this episode, your favorite momfriends continue the conversation on Black History Month by discussing black doulas. Often times, the idea of using a doula throughout a pregnancy, labor, and delivery seems more like a "luxury" rather than a necessity. And within the black community, many families may not even consider using a doula because they do not know the significance of the role of a doula or the services they provide. For this reason, Real Moms Too interviewed Jessica Roach, co-founder and the CEO of Restoring Our Own Through Transformation (ROOTT). In episode 41, Jessica explains the history of black doulas, how to involve the whole family in the labor and delivery process, and teaches moms how to advocate for themselves throughout the pre and postnatal process. Jessica reminds listeners that black doulas have been around for centuries and discusses the benefits of utilizing a doula service such as ROOTT.
More About our Guest:
Jessica M. Roach, LPN, MPH is the co-founder and CEO of Restoring Our Own Through Transformation, (ROOTT) a Non-Profit, Black Women led Reproductive Justice Organization focused on Maternal Child Health and Birthing Justice Columbus, Ohio. Her work has spanned over 20 years in areas such as clinical nursing, public health advocacy, and independent scholarship. Ms. Roach has a deeply experiential perspective in her research both personally and professionally, regarding the effects of stress related to structural determinants, and the social determinants created as consequence of those structures, with a focus on inter-generational and historical trauma as it relates to policy development. Ms. Roach currently serves as the co-lead of the care working group for the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and has been featured in Rewire, The Atlantic, Columbus Underground, and Columbus Alive. She has served as a full-spectrum doula, home birth midwife and assistant, consultant to various organizations and is the mother of three young women, one of which was a pre-term infant.
ROOTT Website:
https://www.roottrj.org/
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February is the month of love! Some of us mamas are trying to get our sexy back and the rest of us are trying to figure out what the heck is wrong and why is my sex drive so out of wack. Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Chante Meadows, helps moms and their partners understand what changes are occurring within our bodies after we’ve had a baby and she gives listeners amazing tips on how to increase your libido, if it has decreased at all.
Chante explains that Sex isn’t just about Sex! Real Moms Too listeners will learn that some mom’s libdo increases postpartum while other mom’s libido decreases! There are so many factors that go into our sexual desires from mental triggers, chemical changes, to learning to love your new body! Stop letting society tell you how to enjoy sex and open your mind to new ideas, tricks, and tips on communicating with your partner in this episode! Chante charges our listeners with an intimate challenge to do with your Valentine. So tune in so you can prepare a fun night for Valentine’s Day with your boo!
More About Our Guest:Chante Meadows is a speaker, trainer, licensed mental health therapist and owner of Meadows Counseling Group. She specializes in people of color, women, college age, adults, and couples. Defeating mental health stigma is her passion. Chante works from a collaborative and person-centered approach to provide a safe space where her clients can tell their story, heal, make positive changes, and feel empowered. Chante earned her Masters in Social Work from The Ohio State University and completed her Sex Therapy Certification at University of Michigan. Chante is a wife and mother of four boys.
Meadows Counseling LLC Website
Meadows Counseling LLC Facebook Page
REAL MOMS TOO INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/realmomstoo/
REAL MOMS TOO FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RealMomsToo/?ref= -
To celebrate Black History Month, Real Moms Too interview Dr. Melissa Crum, artist, education consultant, diversity practitioner, and founder of Mosaic Education Network LLC. Dr. Crum shares with listeners how to have difficult conversations with children about skin color, discovering and learning in different environments, and the importance of helping children control their own narrative.
“Parenthood is an experiment, but the hope is that our children love and understand who they are at the core,” said Dr. Crum. She encourages parents to know that no matter what environment our children are in, what narrative society portrays about them and culture, with the right exposure and having courageous conversations, we can help empower our children.
Dr. Melissa Crum’s Bio:
Dr. Melissa Crum is an artist, author, researcher, and founder of Mosaic Education Network, LLC. She leads a consulting company that infuses the arts, research, storytelling and critical thinking into professional development, community building and curriculum development. Dr. Crum works with her team of experts to act as engaging and collaborative resources to schools, nonprofits, and companies helping them gauge the collective impact of our unconscious bias on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals.
With her team, she facilitates and encourages thought-provoking conversations addressing difficult topics on supporting, interacting, and partnering with diverse communities. She works hard to help you become informed of and feel secure about using everyday practical applications of DEI strategies to positively impact your work and learning environment. To make this happen she creates a "brave space" where you can ask the tough questions, admit faults and celebrate successes. Her national and international experiences working with educators, museums, and businesses has allowed her to help you make social change from your desk, to your living room and beyond.
You may have heard her amazing TedxTalk title, A Tale of Two Teachers, where Dr. Crum discusses cultural differences she experienced as a child and how she assists educators with their unconscious biases through an art-based professional development program.
Credentials
MBE/EDGE certifiedB.A. Visual Art Studies from the University of FloridaMasters in African-American and African Studies from The Ohio State University Ph.D in Art Administration, Education, and Policy from The Ohio State UniversityTedxTalk: A Tale of Two Teachers
https://youtu.be/sgtinODaW78
Mosaic Education Network
https://www.mosaiceducationnetwork.com/about-usInstagram
@mosaic_education_networkFacebook
https://www.facebook.com/MosaicEducationNetwork/Scene On Radio Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scene-on-radio/id1036276968JOIN THE CONVERSATION
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Some mothers have amazing ideas and businesses brewing in their minds, but between juggling motherhood and feeling inadequate, often times we do not even attempt to get started. The moms who have mustered up enough confidence to at least start, are not quite sure how to market and brand themselves, so their amazing ideas go unnoticed. In this episode, Real Moms Too interview their new momfriend, Jasmine Chanelle, owner of The J. Chanelle Group, LLC and host of the Mom2Mogul podcast.
As a personal brand coach for mompreneurs, Jasmine helps corporate moms launch online businesses so they can replace their income in order to leave their 9 to 5 and return home with their kids. When she is not working on branding projects, Jasmine inspires millennial moms to have it all, by sharing her life on YouTube and Instagram. She is a wife and mom of three with more than 350,000 views on her YouTube channel, The Journey Continues. On the channel, she highlights what it takes to be a boss in her business and at home. In 2016, Jasmine was recognized by the Black Pages South as a Top 20 Under 40 award recipient. She has been featured on various TV shows, podcasts and events.Jasmine leaves Real Moms Too listeners with three very important brand takeaways that she delves in deeper in this episode: Mindset, Messaging, and Method. If you are hoping to better brand yourself or your business, this episode is for you!
Contact Jasmine Chanelle:
www.jasminechanelle.com
https://www.instagram.com/_jasminechanelle/
https://www.youtube.com/user/thejourneycontinue
Jasmine’s Faves:
Side Hustle Pro Podcast
https://www.sidehustlepro.co/
The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level/dp/0061735361
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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Real Moms Too Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RealMomsToo/
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In the workplace, this is often the time of year when employers begin completing year-end reviews with their employees. Whether you are in the midst of a review with management or interviewing for a new job, like our co-host, Alana, you have to be prepared to negotiate the salary you believe you deserve. To help listeners walk into their annual review or interview with confidence and the skills to negotiate, Real Moms Too interviewed career and leadership development expert, Julia Rock, owner of Rock Career Development. Rock Career Development is a career solutions firm that empowers ambitious professionals to unlock and achieve their full career potential.
Julia shares career advice that is transferable for any industry and any person listening. Having negotiation conversations can be scary, and being a woman and mother may add to the nervousness, but Julia encourages listeners to focus on the value you bring to the company, research the market, and have your receipts ready to help you earn top dollar within a company. Tune in to episode 37 now and listen as your favorite momfriends learn all about how to negotiate in the workplace.
More About Julia Rock:
Julia C. Rock is the owner of Rock Career Development, a career solutions firm that empowers ambitious professionals to unlock and achieve their full career potential. Julia is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP), and a career and leadership development expert.Through her coaching, clients are able to secure dream positions while earning their worth and then some. Julia is passionate about helping others find and pursue their passions because she believes that if you can change your career, you can change your life.
Julia has also achieved corporate career success working for one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world. She is currently the Lead Controller for three major chemical plants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, overseeing ~$1B in operating expenses.
To date, Julia has been featured in several major publications, including Fortune Magazine, Business Insider, Monster, Blavity, and xoNecole. She is also a current contributor for xoNecole, informing women of color on how to level up in their careers. Julia also serves as a speaker, panelist, and workshop presenter for various professional, religious, and community organizations.
Contact Julia Rock:
Social Media: FB / IG / Twitter: @rockcareer
Website: www.RockCareer.com
Email Address: [email protected]
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We're halfway through the month of January and still fresh into the new year. Real Moms Too thinks this is the perfect time to help mamas get organized. Studies show that clutter can cause stress, anxiety, and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Your favorite momfriends want to help you avoid the stress and get rid of the mess! In episode 36, RMT equips moms with tips on how to tackle organizing and decluttering their homes, and also share tips on how to get the entire family involved in the process. Tune in to hear from your favorite momfriends as you not only prepare yourself, but your home in 2020!
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January is a great time to discuss financial goals for you and your family. Thus, Real Moms Too devotes an entire episode to discuss how to create a spending plan, why having a plan is beneficial, and provide tips on how to save. Real Moms Too hopes listeners learn how budgeting and saving is not a means of limiting how to spend money, but provides freedom to accomplish goals and aspirations through having a plan.
In this episode, Alana and Xia share insight on how to create a spending plan and encourage moms by providing real life examples from their experiences. Real Moms Too believes creating a spending plan is attainable for everyone and is essential to beginning the financial journey to freedom!
Financial Resource Blogs:
https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/the-truth-about-budgeting
https://twocents.lifehacker.com/10-good-financial-rules-of-thumb-1668183707
https://clubthrifty.com/mint-com-alternatives/
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To kick-off the New Year and new decade the hosts of RMT interview Dr. Amber Thornton, a Clinical Psychologist and Personal Development Coach, to discuss tips for moms seeking to set realistic goals. We've all been there before, we begin the new year with the intention to tackle new goals and tasks and then life happens. When you throw in all the things that come along with motherhood, the tasks can seem even more daunting. In episode 34, Dr. Thornton provides realistic tips to help Real Moms Set Personal Goals in 2020. It's time we prioritize ourselves for once. What better time to do that, than the start of a new decade! Happy New Year Mamas!
About Dr. Thornton
Dr. Amber Thornton is a Clinical Psychologist and Personal Development Consultant. She is also a mom and wife who lives in Washington, DC. Dr. Amber loves helping all women achieve their own personal and professional development goals. To learn more about her and her work visit, dramberthornton.com.
Dr. Amber Thornton Instagram Page:
https://www.instagram.com/dramberthornton/?hl=en
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As we approach the New Year and a new decade, Alana and Xia take a moment to pause and reflect on the last decade. In episode 33, your momfriends share where they were in life 10 years ago (2009-2010), and how they have evolved since then. They also discuss some of the lessons they learned throughout the last decade and how each of those lessons and decisions have molded them into the women they are today. Everyone has goals and dreams and sometimes it is good to reflect on how far you've really grown. Your momfriends hope their time of reflection and sharing their desires for the new decade help others moms to reflect and be encouraged for the future. Happy New Year from Real Moms Too Podcast!
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