Brown Ambition

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The Brown Ambition Podcast helps you unapologetically build wealth by saving, investing and making smart career choices — on your own d@mn terms! New episodes Wednesdays and Fridays.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    The Long Game: Rejection, Reinvention & Landing Reasonable Doubt [Replay]

    This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with award-winning producer, filmmaker, and breakout actress Kiah Clingman for a real conversation about rejection, reinvention, and trusting the long game. From getting rejected by Howard’s theater program to becoming a proud Howard alum who quietly built a producing career… from balancing a demanding corporate job at Deloitte while producing projects at night… to not booking an acting role for four years before landing a major role on Reasonable Doubt on Hulu — Kiah’s story is a masterclass in patience, persistence, and betting on yourself when the timeline doesn’t make sense. And the timing couldn’t be better. The hit series Reasonable Doubt recently took home Outstanding Drama Series at the 57th NAACP Image Awards (2026) — proof that the long road sometimes leads exactly where you’re meant to be. From hotel-room self tapes to Hollywood sets, Kiah shares what it really looks like to build a creative career behind the scenes and in front of the camera. If you’ve ever wondered whether you started too late, pivoted too many times, or took the “wrong” path this episode is for you. Spoiler: you didn’t.   What We Get Into Why Kiah almost didn’t submit the audition that changed everything The reality of going years without booking acting work How a hotel-room self tape (trash can + ring light included) helped land Reasonable Doubt Being rejected from Howard’s theater program — and why it became a blessing How Howard University and Delta Sigma Theta shaped her identity and confidence Working a demanding corporate role while producing films on the side What producers actually do — and why the role is often misunderstood Quitting Deloitte two weeks after buying a home and the fear that followed Losing a series regular role after betting everything on acting   Key Takeaways Rejection can be redirection — even when it stings A pivot isn’t failure — it’s strategy You don’t need constant wins to be on the right path Corporate skills can help fund and strengthen creative dreams Seeds planted today may take years to bloom — and that’s okay Betting on yourself often feels reckless before it feels rewarding   👉 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 9m

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    BA QA: How to Negotiate a Raise While Pregnant [Replay]

    Hey BA fam! We're digging back in the BA vault for a classic Q&A. Pregnant Penny needs advice on how to ask for a raise while pregnant. From breaking down the importance of standing up for oneself to how to plan ahead of maternity leave, your financial sisters have it covered. We want to hear from you! Drop us a note at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    17 min

  3. 4 MAR

    How Women of Color Build Wealth in a Broken System Ft. Bernadette Joy & Kiersten Saunders

    Happy Women’s History Month, BA Fam! 🎉 In this powerful roundtable, Mandi Money sits down with money expert Bernadette Joy (author of Crush Your Money Goals) and financial freedom advocate Kiersten Saunders of Rich & Regular for an honest, layered conversation about what it really looks like to build wealth as women—especially women of color—in today’s economy. They break down: The gap between entrepreneurship growth and actual funding Why traditional wealth advice doesn’t always work for us The pressure women face to overwork, over-explain, and over-give How to stop overanalyzing and start executing From angel investing to paying off debt, this episode is about rejecting average outcomes and creating a new playbook. One takeaway: Do something today.Move $10. Sell something. Update your budget. Just start. Because building wealth isn’t about perfection,t’s about momentum.   Stay Connected   - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 9m

  4. 1 MAR

    How to Reclaim Joy and Cure High Functioning Depression ft. Dr. Judith Joseph [WASHDAY WOOSAH]

    In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi Money welcomes Dr. Judith Joseph, a psychiatrist and author of 'High Functioning'. They discuss the concept of high functioning depression, the importance of reclaiming joy in mental health, and Dr. Judith's 5 Vs framework for healing. Mandi shares her personal experiences with depression and anxiety, emphasizing the need for emotional well-being amidst productivity.  The conversation highlights the difference between happiness and joy, encouraging listeners to identify small moments of joy in their daily lives. In this conversation, the speakers explore the concept of joy and its significance in mental health. They discuss practical strategies for cultivating joy, including tracking points of joy, the importance of sleep, and the impact of social media. The conversation also delves into the biopsychosocial model of well-being, the challenges of perimenopause, and the importance of meaningful relationships. The RESET method is introduced as a tool for managing digital well-being, and the speakers highlight the unique struggles of women of color with high functioning depression. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and community support in achieving happiness.   Stay Connected   -Get a copy of High Functioning by Dr. Judith Joseph,- Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 6m

  5. 25 FEB

    How to "Cash Out" of Corporate Life Without Crashing Out ft. Kiersten Saunders

    In this Brown Table chat, Mandi sits down with Kiersten Saunders co‑author of “Cashing Out” and co‑host of Rich & Regular to talk about what it really looks like to walk away from corporate in 2026 without blowing up your life. They get into why the message of “cashing out” hits different now that layoffs, Trump‑era uncertainty, and AI chaos have Black women rethinking their careers all over again. Kiersten shares what surprised her most in six years of entrepreneurship, from detoxing corporate habits to riding out a brutal few years for creators and brand deals. She and Mandi get real about breadwinner fatigue, health insurance math, mom guilt, and the panic‑scrolling nights where LinkedIn starts looking a little too tempting. They also dig into: how to tell the difference between burnout and “I need to quit today,” why your nervous system not just your budget has to be part of your exit plan, and the underrated power of hyper‑local community, borrowing, and free resources when you’re building a softer, more sustainable life. Plus, Mandi and Kiersten confess how they really use AI to talk themselves off the ledge on tough days. If you’ve been side‑eyeing your 9‑to‑5, flirting with creator life, or just craving more freedom without losing your mind (or your money), this episode is your permission slip to rethink what “cashing out” looks like for you.   Stay Connected   - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 6m

  6. 20 FEB

    BA Q&A: Should I Pause Student Loan Payments During Grad School?

    In this week’s  BA Q&A, Mandi answers a listener question about student loan deferment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), emergency savings, and navigating major life transitions without blowing up your financial stability. Sydney, a 34-year-old nurse, is three years away from qualifying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). While pursuing her master’s degree, her loans are currently in in-school deferment. She’s also planning to sell her home, purchase a new one closer to work, and manage a $600 monthly car payment. Her big question:Should she continue making $500 student loan payments during deferment — or pause and focus on building savings?   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) actually works Whether payments made during in-school deferment count toward PSLF How to prioritize between student loans, emergency savings, and a car loan Why a 3-month emergency fund may not be enough in today’s economy How to prepare financially for buying and selling a home What to do if you’re worried about changes to federal student loan forgiveness Stay Connected  - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 min

  7. 18 FEB

    Remote, Hybrid, or Stuck? ColorComm’s CEO on Advancing Your Career in Any Workplace

    On this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Lauren Wesley Wilson, founder of ColorComm, for a powerful conversation on career advancement, entrepreneurship, and building a recession-resistant business. Lauren breaks down what it really takes to secure major corporate partnerships  and why brands like Google  and Delta Air Lines partnered with her not just because of a great idea, but because of consistent execution, responsiveness, and results. We also unpack: How to navigate layoffs and take control of your job search The hidden politics of remote and hybrid work Corporate sponsorship strategy for entrepreneurs The realities Black women founders face when pivoting in today’s economic climate Why sustainability in business is not “selling out” If you’re navigating a career transition, building a brand, or looking to grow a business in a shifting economy, this episode is your masterclass in playing the long game.   Gems from This Episode Visibility is strategic, not accidental. Influence inside companies is often hidden. Corporate partnerships are built on trust and execution. Sustainability is not betrayal. You can expand without abandoning your core.   Stay Connected   -Get a copy of What Do You Need by Lauren-Wesley-Wilson - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min

  8. 13 FEB

    BA Q&A: How do I career pivot in my 50s?

    In this week's  BA Q&A  Mandi is getting real about reinvention, risk, and responsibility. A listener in her 50s is ready to pivot careers but she’s not trying to blow up her financial “safety” to do it. In this economy? Whew. The fear is valid. But as Mandi reminds us, a pivot doesn’t have to be reckless to be powerful. She breaks down how to make bold moves without making jarring ones: Set a minimum salary floor so you know your non-negotiables Max out your retirement catch-up contributions (don’t play about your future) Build savings while creating a real plan to tackle debt strategically And most importantly, pivot in stages (you don’t have to leap without a net) Then she dives into part two of the question: facing down $45,000 in debt. Mandi shares practical best practices for staying ahead of debt, the mindset shifts required, and the common obstacles that trip people up from lifestyle creep to inconsistent income to avoidance. Take a listen. Take notes. And remember, BA Fam—we don’t panic pivot, we plan pivot. Join The 5-Day Career Reboot Challenge   Stay Connected  - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min
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The Brown Ambition Podcast helps you unapologetically build wealth by saving, investing and making smart career choices — on your own d@mn terms! New episodes Wednesdays and Fridays.

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  • Channel
    iHeartPodcasts
  • Creator
    iHeartPodcasts
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    855
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    Brown Ambition
  • Provider
    iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc

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