Melanie Fiona

Shows

Episodes

  1. Parenting Through Fear

    11/04/2024

    Parenting Through Fear

    The Mama’s share their tips on how to navigate tough and awkward conversations with their little ones plus a listener letter from a mom who needs advice on how to have the sex talk.

    1h 2m
  2. Kerry Washington on Being A Bad-Ass Mama On the Big Screen and In Real Life

    05/05/2025

    Kerry Washington on Being A Bad-Ass Mama On the Big Screen and In Real Life

    Kerry Washington is in the Den! The Emmy-winning actress, activist, and mom of three joins the Mamas to talk about her latest film, Shadow Force, and what it’s like to play a badass mom on-screen while navigating wife-and-mom life behind the scenes. Kerry gets real about everything from her parenting partnership with her husband, Nnamdi Asomugha, to the moment she learned her father isn’t her biological dad - and how that revelation reshaped her personal and professional journey. Kerry and the Mamas also dive into what it takes to build a support system (it's okay to ask for help!) and how love is the greatest thing we can give ourselves.  ====== We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Felicia - @felicialatour Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  3. Sleep Training for Newborns (and the Whole Family) with Brandi Jordan

    07/07/2025

    Sleep Training for Newborns (and the Whole Family) with Brandi Jordan

    Is your kid’s bedtime routine a sweet dream…or a beautiful nightmare? In this episode, the Mamas are joined by Brandi Jordan - pediatric sleep specialist, postpartum doula, lactation consultant, and professional baby whisperer. Brandi breaks down how sleep actually works, from healthy newborn sleep habits to setting boundaries with big kids who still crawl into your bed. She talks about dream feeds, developmental milestones, co-sleeping vs. the cry-it-out method, and how to create the right environment for restful sleep - for your little ones and yourself. Because yes, Village, your sleep matters too. Check out Brandi’s agency - The Cradle Company, her podcast "Dear Doula", and follow her on Instagram @brandi_jordan_official for more tips. ________________________  We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona ________________________  LOVE BLACK LOVE?  Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/blacklove?s... For more Black Love interviews and articles, visit http://www.BlackLove.com Follow  Facebook: blacklovedoc  Instagram: blacklove  Tiktok: blackloveinc #BlackLoveDoc  #blacklove  #blacklovemagic 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. Saying Yes to Vulnerable Questions, Melanie's Tour, and Reading With Our Kids

    03/17/2025

    Saying Yes to Vulnerable Questions, Melanie's Tour, and Reading With Our Kids

    This episode kicks off with a round of We’re Not Really Strangers - a fun card game designed to spark meaningful conversations. What starts as a friendly Q&A turns XXX-rated (because Ashley….surprise, surprise...). Then, the Mamas dive into a show-and-tell of their favorite kids’ books, celebrating new releases from fellow Black mamas and authors: Tabitha Brown (Hello There, Sunshine), Tamron Hall (Harlem Honey), and Tika Sumpter (I Got It From My Mama). Get the scoop on all the books the Mamas love reading with their little ones - covering everything from diversity and equality to understanding emotions and self-discovery. #MamasAgainstBookSleeves This episode is sponsored by We’re Not Really Strangers. Get 20% off all products (including the Kids edition card game!) with the code: mamasden. A List of The Mamas' Favorite Kids Books ====== We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Felicia - @felicialatour Melanie - @melaniefiona

    42 min
  5. Mothering with Marriage and Family Therapist Nina Westbrook

    09/23/2024

    Mothering with Marriage and Family Therapist Nina Westbrook

    Marriage & Family therapist and wife and mother of three, Nina Westbrook, is in the Mama’s Den and we’re talking about therapy, family, and how to heal from the trauma you may have experienced with your own mother, especially, when you enter motherhood. Visit Nina's mental wellness platform Bene by Nina Westbrook at benebynina.com And don't miss a new podcast we've tapped into to give us helpful insights on our parenting journey, Opportunity Gap: How to Support Kids of Color Who Learn Differently. Give it a listen here --> https://lnk.to/opportunitygapPS!themamasden

    51 min
  6. Mama Glow with Latham Thomas

    05/13/2024

    Mama Glow with Latham Thomas

    Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow is joining The Mama’s Den to talk about self care, wellness and the work she’s doing to advocate for Mama’s everywhere.

    37 min
  7. We Are Hustling Backwards

    05/30/2022

    We Are Hustling Backwards

    This past week has been awful. It's been really, really awful. So much so that the Mamas don't even really know where to begin this conversation. With the mass shooting in Uvalde just 10 days after the shooting in Buffalo, it sometimes feels like it all is too much. Listen in as the Mamas share what they have on their minds about the state of things, and what very real fears they share for their own families. Plus, what have they been sharing (or not sharing) with their own children? This conversation is to serve as a check-in for all Mamas. Time to check in Mamas. How are y'all doing? Connect with the Mamas and let us know. Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Felicia - @felicialatour Melanie - @melaniefiona ======== Have a question for the Mamas? Let us know so we can answer it in a future episode! ======== Season 3 of Couch Conversations is HERE and it's featuring your favorite Auntie and Uncle, Tabitha and Chance Brown! The only place to watch it RIGHT NOW is on  Black Love+  . Black Love+ is the premier destination for all things Black Love. Download it today from your favorite app store and join in on the conversation! Connect with us: @blacklove on Instagram @blacklovedoc on Facebook @blacklovedoc on Twitter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    30 min
  8. Boy Moms Check-In

    06/03/2024

    Boy Moms Check-In

    While Ashley is out this week, Codie, Felicia, and Melanie are talking about the good and challenging parts about being a boy mom....and should Mama's Boys really get a bad wrap?

    54 min
  9. Charles Johnson on Single Dad Life: It’s Beautiful Chaos

    09/01/2025

    Charles Johnson on Single Dad Life: It’s Beautiful Chaos

    The Mamas are joined by Charles Johnson, single dad and founder of the nonprofit 4Kira4Moms. After losing his wife Kira during childbirth, Charles turned his pain into purpose - advocating (all the way to Congress) to end maternal mortality while navigating the hardship and humor of raising his two sons. In this episode, Charles gets real about solo parenting, finding work-life balance, and building the village it takes to do it all. He reminds us that joy and grief can live in the same house - and that showing up for your kids and your purpose is a powerful act of love and legacy. Go to 4Kira4Moms.com to get involved and advocate for better maternal health outcomes. ________________________  We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas: 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.

    1h 2m
  10. We Have 25 Kids Between All of Us with Karen Derrico

    05/20/2024

    We Have 25 Kids Between All of Us with Karen Derrico

    Karen Derrico, mom of the TLC show Doubling Down with The Derrico's joins the Mama’s to talk about the upcoming season and how they make it work with 14 children.

    1h 12m
  11. Setting Kids Up for Success with Youth Behavioral Coach Marnesha Hall

    02/17/2025

    Setting Kids Up for Success with Youth Behavioral Coach Marnesha Hall

    Marnesha is in the Den! If you've listened to The Mamas long enough, you have heard Fee rave about her kids' behavioral coach, Marnesha Hall. She joined the ladies of The Mama's Den to break down what a behavioral coach is and the benefits of having one for your kids. This episode explains the differences between behavioral coaching and therapy, how parenting dynamics impact your kids, and provides some helpful strategies to outsmart your little ones during their most challenging moments. Get your stickers ready because Marnesha’s advice will help both you and your child fill up your sticker chart. ====== Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.  Make sure you connect with our Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Felicia - @felicialatour Melanie - @melaniefiona

    56 min
  12. No is a Complete Sentence

    05/16/2022

    No is a Complete Sentence

    Y'all, Codie needs some help and she has turned to her Mamas for some guidance. She is struggling with her boundaries (lowkey, she's got none). How can she (and all of us) learn how to set them? Listen in as Ashley, Felicia, and Melanie share how they have learned to set their professional and personal boundaries. Plus how they teach the importance of setting boundaries with their children. ALSO can we give it up for Felicia and 3 years of MindfulFee? *cues party horn* What are some of your boundaries? How have you taught boundaries to your kids? Let the Mamas know! Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Felicia - @felicialatour Melanie - @melaniefiona ======== Have a question for the Mamas? Let us know so we can answer it in a future episode! ======== Season 3 of Couch Conversations is HERE and it's featuring your favorite Auntie and Uncle, Tabitha and Chance Brown! The only place to watch it RIGHT NOW is on  Black Love+  . Black Love+ is the premier destination for all things Black Love. Download it today from your favorite app store and join in on the conversation! Connect with us: @blacklove on Instagram @blacklovedoc on Facebook @blacklovedoc on Twitter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    30 min
  13. The Romanticizing of Motherhood

    06/20/2022

    The Romanticizing of Motherhood

    Mamas! Remember when you were younger, pre children, and you would dream about all the amazing things you were going to do with your babies once you became a mom? Maybe you idealized bath time? Or putting your babies to sleep? Maybe just how cool of a mom you were going to be? and then, BAM. These kids get here and it ain't nothing like what you imagined? Well the Mamas got you. Today, Ashley, Melanie, Felicia, and Codie all share what they thought motherhood would be like and what them babies have done instead.  What were your expectations of motherhood? Share with our Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Felicia - @felicialatour Melanie - @melaniefiona ======== Have a question for the Mamas? Let us know so we can answer it in a future episode! ======== Looking for more podcasts to listen to? The Black Love Podcast Network is the premier home for authentically Black conversations, and the best place to find all of them is on  Black Love+  . Black Love+ is the premier destination for all things Black Love. Download it today from your favorite app store and join in on the conversation! Connect with us: @blacklove on Instagram @blacklovedoc on Facebook @blacklovedoc on Twitter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  14. Ask An OBGYN with Dr. Kendra

    04/29/2024

    Ask An OBGYN with Dr. Kendra

    This week in the Mama's Den is OBGYN Dr. Kendra, answering questions about fibroids, when to take your daughters to see an OB and finding the right birth control.

    1h 27m
  15. From PCOS to Pregnancy Success with Candice Bolden

    08/18/2025

    From PCOS to Pregnancy Success with Candice Bolden

    Candice Bolden, entrepreneur and former professional dancer, opens up about her journey with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) - from battling weight gain and skin issues to being told she’d struggle to conceive. With lots of research, faith, and support from her husband, ex-NFL player Omar Bolden, Candice reversed her symptoms through major lifestyle changes - and now they’re proud parents to a baby girl! This episode is a powerful reminder that you can take control of your health and how motherhood can inspire a whole new mindset. Check out The Mama's Den episode with Candice's husband, Omar here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mamas-den/id1616159115?i=1000674715097 ________________________  We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco  Melanie - @melaniefiona For more Black Love interviews and articles, and to watch The Mama's Den podcast, visit www.BlackLove.com

    45 min
  16. Do You Talk to Your Kids About Racism?

    05/23/2022

    Do You Talk to Your Kids About Racism?

    How do you talk to your kids about racism? There's no one answer, and every conversation is different. In this episode,  the Mamas share whether they have discussed the White supremacist mass shooting in Buffalo with their children. Plus, what are the expectations of schools to educate our kids around not only this event, but around racism as a whole? This is a conversation that everyone needs to hear as the Mamas get real about the challenges they have faced while trying to protect and educate their kids. Have you talked to your kids about racism? Let the Mamas know! Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Felicia - @felicialatour Melanie - @melaniefiona ======== Have a question for the Mamas? Let us know so we can answer it in a future episode! ======== Season 3 of Couch Conversations is HERE and it's featuring your favorite Auntie and Uncle, Tabitha and Chance Brown! The only place to watch it RIGHT NOW is on  Black Love+  . Black Love+ is the premier destination for all things Black Love. Download it today from your favorite app store and join in on the conversation! Connect with us: @blacklove on Instagram @blacklovedoc on Facebook @blacklovedoc on Twitter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    32 min
  17. You Gotta Pick Your Battles: Disagreeing with Your Spouse on How to Raise the Kids

    04/21/2025

    You Gotta Pick Your Battles: Disagreeing with Your Spouse on How to Raise the Kids

    In this episode, we’re missing Felicia - one-fourth of our quartet. We miss you Fee! So Codie, Melanie, and Ashley get real about when they disagree with their husbands on parenting decisions - from routines and discipline to visions for their kids’ futures. The Mamas share the importance of self-awareness, how they compromise with their partners, and how sometimes, you just have to pick their battles...Don’t worry fellas, Ashley holds it down for the husbands’ point-of-view! This one’s a good convo for both sides! ====== We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Felicia - @felicialatour Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    40 min
  18. You Are Your Child’s #1 Advocate...Assistant Principal Julian Saavedra on Championing Your Child’s Learning Needs

    04/07/2025

    You Are Your Child’s #1 Advocate...Assistant Principal Julian Saavedra on Championing Your Child’s Learning Needs

    The Mamas welcome Julian Saavedra, Assistant Principal and host of The Opportunity Gap podcast, to discuss learning differences in kids of color and how to support their unique needs. Julian highlights the importance of de-stigmatizing special education, having open conversations with your child about their school experience, and building relationships with administrators to advocate for your child’s success. With Julian’s guidance - and the work of Understood.org - underserved communities can take advantage of the tools available to help kids not only survive but thrive in school and help close the gap. Learn more: Understood.org is a nonprofit that provides free, expert-vetted resources for parents, kids, and individuals who learn and think differently. With their wide range of products, content, tools, and other resources, they’re shaping a world where everyone can reach their potential. ====== We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. And make sure you connect with the Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Felicia - @felicialatour Melanie - @melaniefiona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    37 min
  19. Getting Holiday Ready - Live from Miami

    12/23/2024

    Getting Holiday Ready - Live from Miami

    In this BRAND NEW episode, alongside Victoria Jenn Rodriguez of Banking on Cultura, the Mamas recorded live from Miami to share what tradition means to us in 2024. Baybeee.....it ain't what it used to be. We don't feel the need to make everything perfect year after year but we are sharing the big and small things that do matter to us when the holidays arrive. Mama's Den Village, what holiday traditions are important to you? Is there a specific story you want to share with us? Get in on the conversation and let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenpodcast on Instagram. Make sure you connect with our Mamas: Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Felicia - @felicialatour Melanie - @melaniefiona Follow along to see what city the Mamas end up in next!

    35 min
  20. Q&A With The Village! (BONUS)

    09/16/2024

    Q&A With The Village! (BONUS)

    The Mamas are answering questions from none other than you all, the Village! Codie picked a handful of your questions and she, Ashley, Felicia and Melanie open up about how they all met, and how they manage making new friends while maintaining the old ones. The conversation goes a bit deeper when the Mamas express what they mean to one another and Ashley gets very candid about postpartum and the rules of teenage sleepovers!  So Mama's Den Village, if you have a question you'd like to ask the Mamas, let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenpodcast on IG. Your question just may be on an upcoming episode! And don't miss a new podcast we're excited about offering helpful insights on our parenting journey, Opportunity Gap: How to Support Kids of Color Who Learn Differently. Give it a listen here --> https://lnk.to/opportunitygapPS!themamasden

    39 min
Melanie Fiona on Apple