Brown Ambition

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. 8 hr ago

    Crisis in Gary, Karen Attiah's Huge Win vs Washington Post, plus a Single Mother's $1 Million Debt Payoff

    Hey BA Fam! Mandi Money is back with a Brown Boost, Brown Break because there’s simply too much happening to stay quiet. First, Mandi turns her attention to Gary, Indiana, where tens of thousands of residents were left without power following severe storms. She talks about what the crisis reveals about racial inequity, the communities that too often get overlooked by mainstream media, and why voices like Keith Lee and other independent creators have become so important in bringing attention to stories that deserve national coverage. Then, it’s time for a much-needed Brown Boost. Mandi celebrates journalist Karen Attiah’s arbitration victory against The Washington Post after challenging her firing with the support of her union. Her win opens up a bigger conversation about Black women in media, workplace power, racial double standards, press freedom, unions, and what can happen when workers have the resources to fight back. And because we could all use a little inspiration, Mandi closes things out with a Brown Ambition rewind featuring Nassima McElroy and her incredible journey of paying off nearly $1 million in debt as a single mother. It’s a reminder that sometimes the system fails us, sometimes fighting back works, and sometimes the comeback story is exactly what we need to hear.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode If you’d like to support Gary, Indiana residents impacted by the August storms or find assistance: Greater Gary Storm Recovery and Relief Fund: Donate through Legacy Foundation — Donations support emergency relief and disaster response for Gary residents. The Salvation Army — August 2026 Indiana Disaster Response: Donate and find disaster relief information — Supporting food, shelter, supplies, and other emergency assistance across affected Indiana communities. Indiana August 2026 Disaster Resource Hub: Apply for assistance and find recovery resources — Includes information on the State Disaster Relief Fund and emergency aid grants of up to $5,000 for eligible residents. Indiana 211: Call 211 or 866-211-9966 for assistance and to report storm damage. (Indiana Government) Support Karen Attiah:Mandi also recommends supporting independent journalism by following Karen Attiah’s reader-supported newsletter, The Golden Hour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 14 Aug

    How to Network With Purpose — Plus, Nolan Wells' Parents Speak Out

    This week, Mandi is reporting live from the National Association of Black Journalists convention with reflections, real talk, and a reminder that the best opportunities at a conference rarely come from simply being in the room.First, she breaks down how to turn conferences, industry events, and professional gatherings into meaningful networking opportunities. From preparing before you arrive to making authentic connections in the moment—and actually following up afterward—Mandi shares practical ways to leave an event with more than a tote bag and a stack of business cards.Then, the episode shifts to excerpts from the powerful Nolan Wells plenary at NABJ, featuring comments from his courageous mother, Christine, attorney Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton. The conversation is a moving reflection on community, advocacy, grief, and the importance of telling the stories that matter.In This Episode•    A recap of Mandi’s experience at NABJ•    How to approach networking without feeling transactional or awkward•    Why preparation matters before you step into a conference•    How to introduce yourself in a way people remember•    The follow-up strategy that can turn a quick conversation into a real relationship•    Why community is one of the most valuable things you can build in your career•    Excerpts from the Nolan Wells plenary and reflections from the room Mandi’s Networking Reminders•    Go in with a goal: Know who you want to meet, what you want to learn, and how you can be useful to others•    Lead with genuine curiosity, not a pitch•    Make your introduction clear: Say who you are, what you do, and what you’re interested in•    Do not wait for the “perfect” moment to introduce yourself•    Follow up within a few days, and give people a reason to remember the conversation•    Focus on building relationships, not collecting contacts Listener NoteThis episode includes excerpts from a conversation involving Nolan Wells’s family and themes that may be emotionally difficult for some listeners. Please take care while listening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. 5 Aug

    How to Use Money to Buy Back Your Life [Summer Money Reboot Week #5]

    Mandi Money continues the Summer Money Reboot series by exploring what happens when your finances look good on paper but your life no longer feels like it fits. If you've ever found yourself questioning a career that once excited you, wondering whether your spending reflects what you actually value, or feeling like you're chasing goals that no longer belong to you, this episode is your invitation to press pause and realign. Drawing from her own journey through burnout, motherhood, health challenges, and career transitions, Mandi shares why your money's purpose should evolve alongside your life. She explains how to recognize when you're in an "alignment season," why financial security alone isn't enough, and how to use your resources to create more peace, flexibility, and fulfillment instead of simply accumulating more. Whether you're considering a career pivot, investing in your health, setting stronger boundaries, or simply trying to make your budget reflect the person you've become, this episode offers practical exercises to help you reconnect your finances with your current values. From creating an Alignment Fund and auditing your spending to making intentional financial trade-offs that support your next chapter, Mandi shares approachable strategies to help you build a life that feels just as good as it looks. Summer Money Reboot Week 5 Workbook  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. 29 Jul

    How to Invest in Your 30s and 40s When You’re Not Debt-Free Yet [Summer Money Reboot Week #4]

    MandiMoney continues the Summer Money Reboot series by shifting the focus from getting out of debt to making your money work harder through investing. If you've been contributing to your 401(k), opened a retirement account years ago, or simply wondered whether your investment strategy still fits the life you're living today, this episode is your invitation to stop investing on autopilot and start investing with intention. Mandi shares how her own financial life has evolved from a 24-year-old with a target-date fund to a business owner, parent, and entrepreneur with completely different priorities. She explains why your investment strategy should grow alongside your life, how to evaluate your risk tolerance, avoid paying unnecessary fees, and make sure your portfolio reflects your current goals instead of the person you were a decade ago. Whether you're investing through a traditional 401(k), building wealth as a solopreneur, or preparing to open your first taxable brokerage account, Mandi breaks down practical ways to level up without making investing feel intimidating. From maximizing retirement contributions and understanding HSAs to creating a "Spicy 5%" for individual stock picks, this episode is filled with approachable strategies designed to help you build wealth consistently while keeping risk in perspective. Summer Money Reboot Week 4 Workbook  -https://mandimoney.myflodesk.com/hvbru7gmkx See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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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