The Mama's Den

Black Love Network
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Parenting
  • Updated weekly

Welcome to The Mama's Den! This podcast features R&B singer Melanie Fiona, writer Ashley Chea, and Black Love founder Codie Elaine Oliver - 3 mamas with 9 kids between them - having honest conversations about life, love, and all the messy, magical moments of motherhood and sisterhood. Every week, they’re keeping it real with stories, laughs, lessons, and a little advice that hopefully helps you with your journey in raising kids. This is the show the Mamas wish they had before becoming moms. So whether you’re a mama, daddy, auntie, uncle, or part of the village - tap into The Mama’s Den. They got you!

  1. 8 hr ago

    Summer Crushes & College Dreams: A Mama Check-In from Disneyland

    This week, the Mamas are recording from the Happiest Place on Earth!   Right in the middle of the tour - while Melanie stayed on the east coast - Codie and Ashley are joined by their families at Disneyland Resort for a special summer check-in filled with laughter, reflections, and a little bit of Disney magic. From celebrating Asiyah's birthday and debating the best rides to swapping summer plans and parenting updates, this was the family time the Mamas needed.   The Mamas also open up about the bittersweet reality of watching their children grow up. Ashley shares why this summer is all about supporting Amirah as she prepares for college tours and her future beyond home, while Codie reflects on balancing work, rest, and making meaningful memories with her kids.   And because no Mama conversation stays on one topic for long, the episode ends with stories about first crushes, first boyfriends, and the surprisingly sweet qualities their children value in "a crush". It's a joyful, lighthearted reminder that the seasons of motherhood move fast—and every stage deserves to be savored.   Whether you're planning an epic vacation or just trying to make it through summer break, this episode is your reminder to slow down, enjoy your kids, and make the memories while you can. Because one minute you're pushing a stroller... and the next you're planning college tours. Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco  Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 min

  2. 25 May

    Mom’s Night Out: Chicago, Hormones & Holding On By a Thread

    Over the last 7 days, The Mama’s Den did live shows in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia ANNNNNDDD Ashley and Codie recorded at Disneyland! The Mamas are out here doing this most! The MOM'S NIGHT OUT tour ended this past Saturday but here is your glimpse into the live experience which is filled with the kind of honest, hilarious, healing conversations only the ladies of the Den can deliver. From Ashley hand-expressing breast milk in the club to the mamas juggling parenting schedules, college tours, dance drop-offs, therapy, perimenopause, and the emotional weight of raising kids while still trying to care for ourselves… the Mamas and the Chicago audience keep it all the way real. Ashley, Melanie, and Codie open up about the motherhood stage they’re currently navigating — from parenting teenagers to surviving the “Maycember” chaos, to feeling like marriage and parenting is one long relay race. Plus, the audience shares what it actually took to show up for themselves that night, and trust us… moms are doing THE MOST. The Mamas are also joined by women’s health expert Dr. Jessica Shepherd for an important segment about hormones, mental health, midlife changes, and why women deserve support through every season of life. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, touched out, guilty, exhausted, emotional, grateful, or deeply in need of a night out with your girls… this episode is for you. Grab your snacks, your group chat, and come sit in the Den. Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco  Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1hr 13min

  3. 18 May

    Ashley’s Literal Day One: A Friendship That Has Lasted a Lifetime

    The Mama's Den podcast is still on tour and guess who is with us!!  Ashley’s literal day one, Nalo Wise, of course. This week in the Den, we are running back our conversation with Nalo after she held us down for the first ever Mama's Den live show. Born just days apart and best friends since infancy, Ashley and Nalo have grown up side by side through every stage of life. From childhood memories and teenage growing pains to marriage, motherhood, their bond has endured because of honesty, forgiveness, and a deep commitment to choosing each other again and again. Nothing is off limits in this conversation—including the season when Nalo’s husband wasn’t exactly Ashley’s biggest fan. Together, the Mamas explore what it really takes to maintain decades-long friendships as women and mothers, and why the friendships that know us best can become some of the most important relationships in our lives. If you’ve ever wondered how some friendships survive changing seasons, shifting priorities, and the demands of motherhood, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that the right friends grow with you. There are three more stops on The Mama’s Den tour aka MOM'S NIGHT OUT! Get your tickets.  📍 Chicago - May 18 📍 Pittsburgh - May 19 📍 Philadelphia - May 23 Visit this site for tickets to all dates: https://linktr.ee/themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco  Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    48 min

  4. 11 May

    The Parenting Conversation Most of Us Avoid

    This is one of those conversations every parent needs to hear...so we had to RUN IT BACK. Certified sex educator, intimacy expert, and bestselling author Shan Boodram joins the Mamas for an honest, hilarious, and deeply informative conversation about how to talk to our children about their bodies, boundaries, consent, crushes, and sex—without fear or shame. From toddlers touching themselves to teenagers navigating their first relationships, Shan walks us through what healthy sexual development actually looks like at every age and explains why giving kids the correct language for their body parts can be one of the most powerful ways to protect them. The Mamas also get personal, sharing their own experiences with purity culture, parenting teenagers, and the very real tension between wanting to keep our children safe while preparing them for healthy, loving relationships. Whether you’re raising toddlers, tweens, or teens, this episode is packed with practical guidance, unforgettable laughs, and the kind of information many of us wish our own parents had. Trust us: save this episode, send it to your partner, and share it with every parent you know. ____ The Mama’s Den is on tour throughout May and there are THREE cities left! 📍 Chicago - May 18 📍 Pittsburgh - May 19 📍 Philadelphia - May 23 Visit this site for tickets to all dates: https://linktr.ee/themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco  Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min

  5. 4 May

    Mother’s Day Expectations vs. Reality (And Why We’re Choosing Ourselves)

    Mother’s Day is coming… but what do moms actually want? In this episode, the Mamas get real about the gap between expectation and reality—from breakfast-in-bed moments that still come with responsibility, to the truth that sometimes the best gift is space, rest, and not being needed for a few hours.   We talk about: Why “a day off” doesn’t always feel like a day off Navigating Mother’s Day with partners, kids… and your own mama The guilt (and necessity) of choosing yourself Teaching our kids to care for us the way we care for them And the bigger conversation: setting boundaries, standing in your truth, and loving yourself more   Of course, it wouldn’t be The Mama’s Den without a little chaos, a lot of laughs, and some unfiltered moments along the way.   If you’ve ever felt like Mother’s Day didn’t quite hit the way you hoped… this one is for you.   And don’t forget—we’re outside all May for our Mom’s Night Out Tour. Come celebrate motherhood with us in real life!   📍 Nashville - May 4 📍 St. Louis - May 6 📍 Chicago - May 18 📍 Pittsburgh - May 19 📍 Philadelphia - May 23   Visit this site for tickets to all tour dates: https://linktr.ee/themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco  Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min
  6. How We Pulled Off Our First Live Show (Even When It Felt Impossible) — Updated

    27 Apr

    How We Pulled Off Our First Live Show (Even When It Felt Impossible) — Updated

    Right after our very first live show, we sat down and told the truth about what it actually took to make it happen — the pressure, the fear, the behind-the-scenes chaos… and the moments we weren’t sure we could pull it off at all. We went back and tightened this episode because the message still hits. It’s scary. It’s hard. And it’s exactly what moms do. The Mama’s Den is on tour starting one week from today, May 4th. 📍 Nashville - May 4 📍 St. Louis - May 6 📍 Chicago - May 18 📍 Pittsburgh - May 19 📍 Philadelphia - May 23 The Mamas are GOING ON TOUR ALL OF MAY!! Want to see them?? Visit this site for tickets to all dates: https://linktr.ee/themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco  Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min

  7. 20 Apr

    What Midwives Actually Do (And Why It Changes Everything)

    When our guest was born, her mom’s labor was candles, olive oil, and vibes… Unfortunately, we didn’t have the same experience. In this episode of The Mama’s Den, we’re getting real about childbirth — because between us, we’ve experienced a little bit of everything. The beautiful births. The “this is not what I planned” moments. The amazing providers… and the ones who had us like, wait, is this normal?! And if you’ve ever walked away from a birth experience feeling confused, dismissed, rushed, or just trying to make sense of what happened — you are not alone. We’re joined by Certified Nurse Midwife Jyesha Wren, who breaks down what midwives actually do (spoiler: they don’t just pop in at the end), how they differ from OBs and doulas, and why so many women — especially Black women — deserve more supportive, informed, and respectful care. In true Mama’s Den fashion, we’re sharing: • Our real childbirth stories — the highs, the surprises, and the “nobody told me THIS” moments • The myth vs. reality of birth (because it’s not just crystals and calm breathing, okay?) • What midwives actually do — and why that level of care can change everything • The difference between midwives, OBs, and doulas • Why so many women leave birth feeling unheard — and what should be different • What to expect from your care team (and what you have every right to ask for) • How culturally aligned, community-centered care models are improving outcomes As Jyesha explains, midwifery is rooted in supporting birth as a natural process — while also knowing when to bring in medical care — creating a more balanced, human-centered experience.   This episode will have you laughing, nodding, side-eyeing your past experiences 👀… and maybe even rethinking what’s possible. Because yes — healthy outcomes matter. But so does how you’re treated while you’re getting there. ... The Mamas are GOING ON TOUR ALL OF MAY!!! Want to see them?? Visit this site for all show dates: https://linktr.ee/themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco  Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min

  8. 13 Apr

    Doulas, Medi-Cal & Black Maternal Health: What You Need to Know

    Black mamas deserve support — not just during birth, but before, during, and long after. It's Black Maternal Health Week and, in this powerful episode of The Mama’s Den, we’re joined by doula leaders Khefri Riley and Dr. Sayida Peprah-Wilson to talk about what it really means to be supported in your birth journey — emotionally, physically, and mentally. From breaking down what doulas actually do to unpacking the realities of giving birth on Medi-Cal, this conversation is both eye-opening and empowering. Because here’s the truth: a beautiful, supported birth experience should not be a luxury — and in California, it doesn’t have to be. We talk about: • What doulas do and why they matter for better birth outcomes • Why culturally aligned care is essential, not optional • Postpartum support, mental health, and why care doesn’t stop after birth • The Medi-Cal doula benefit — and how it’s changing access for Black families • The Medi-Cal Doula Hub and how to find support in your community • How advocacy and community are transforming maternal health in California As Khefri shares, “You can be autonomous in your experience… and you don’t have to think you can’t have that because you don’t have money.”   Whether you’re expecting, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand your options — this episode is a reminder that you have choices, you deserve care, and support may already be available to you. If you’re enrolled in Medi-Cal in California, doula services are now covered — and could make a meaningful difference in your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. Because motherhood was never meant to be done alone. The Mamas are GOING ON TOUR ALL OF MAY!!! Want to see them?? Visit this site for all show dates: https://linktr.ee/themamasdenpodcast And be a part of The Mama's Den community. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco  Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    48 min
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Hosts & Guests

About

Welcome to The Mama's Den! This podcast features R&B singer Melanie Fiona, writer Ashley Chea, and Black Love founder Codie Elaine Oliver - 3 mamas with 9 kids between them - having honest conversations about life, love, and all the messy, magical moments of motherhood and sisterhood. Every week, they’re keeping it real with stories, laughs, lessons, and a little advice that hopefully helps you with your journey in raising kids. This is the show the Mamas wish they had before becoming moms. So whether you’re a mama, daddy, auntie, uncle, or part of the village - tap into The Mama’s Den. They got you!

Information

  • Channel
    Black Love Network
  • Creator
    Black Love Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022-2023 Black Love Inc.
  • Show Website
    The Mama's Den

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