Mama, I Made It! with Samantha Chatman

Samantha Chatman
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Mama, I Made It! is an entertainment and lifestyle talk show hosted by Chicago News Anchor Samantha Chatman. From Tina Knowles and Common to Tamron Hall and Monique Rodriguez, this show is coming in HOT. These high profile  guests are sharing their unique journeys of success and perseverance.   The path to pursuing purpose isn’t always a smooth one, so we are getting into the nitty-gritty of the sacrifices that come with going after your dreams. What does it take to keep the pursuit alive? We’re covering all of it! Each and every one of you will walk away feeling inspired by these conversations. Join Samantha Chatman on this journey today! #MamaIMadeIt! 

  1. Sep 29

    The J. Ivy Story: From Chicago Poet to 3X Grammy Winner | Kanye West, John Legend & More

    Three Grammys. A legendary verse on The College Dropout. A hand in giving John Legend his name. And a journey that started with a shy kid from Chicago who wasn’t even sure he wanted to perform poetry. On this episode of Mama, I Made It!, Samantha Chatman sits down with Chicago’s own J. Ivy, the three-time Grammy Award-winning poet, artist and writer whose words have taken him from Def Poetry Jam to collaborations with Kanye West and Jay-Z, performances on some of the biggest stages in the world, and a historic fight to create a Grammy category for spoken word poetry. But this conversation goes far beyond the accolades. J. Ivy opens up about the mother who first recognized his gift, the teacher who changed his life, growing up without his father for 10 years, the prayer that led to their reunion, and how forgiveness eventually helped inspire his unforgettable contribution to Kanye West’s “Never Let Me Down.” He also shares the incredible story of meeting a young John Stevens and giving him the name John Legend, what it was really like creating alongside Kanye during The College Dropout era, where their relationship stands today, and why his wife Tarrey has been one of the most important people in his journey. This is a conversation about Chicago, purpose, faith, forgiveness, love, friendship, perseverance and what it really takes to make it. CHAPTERS 00:00 J. Ivy: The Story Behind the Success 02:02 Meet 3X Grammy Winner J. Ivy 04:13 The Woman Who Saw His Gift First: Lady P 08:00 The Teacher Who Changed His Life 13:50 Forgiving His Father After 10 Years Apart 15:49 The Phone Call That Changed Everything 20:00 “Dear Father,” Healing & “Never Let Me Down” 30:49 How J. Ivy Landed on Kanye West’s The College Dropout 36:30 How J. Ivy Gave John Legend His Name 39:00 What It Was Really Like Working With Kanye West 41:30 Where J. Ivy & Kanye’s Relationship Stands Today 45:44 Meeting His Wife Tyree & Finding His Person 54:58 Why Everybody Can’t Come With You 1:01:41 How J. Ivy Created a Grammy Category AND Won It 1:08:27 From Dreaming in His Mom’s Basement to the United Center 1:10:37 J. Ivy’s Advice for Anyone Chasing a Dream 1:12:12 The Lesson From His Mom He’ll Never Forget Mama, I Made It! is hosted by two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Samantha Chatman and features candid conversations with some of the biggest names in entertainment, culture, business and beyond about the road to their “I made it” moment. If this conversation moved you, LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of Mama, I Made It! FOLLOW SAMANTHA CHATMAN: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 #JIvy #MamaIMadeIt #SamanthaChatman #KanyeWest #JohnLegend #TheCollegeDropout #Chicago #SpokenWord #GrammyAwards Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Website: samanthachatman.com CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

  2. Aug 4

    LisaRaye McCoy on The Players Club, Marriage, Chicago & Coming Home

    Hollywood icon. Chicago royalty. One of LisaRaye McCoy's most candid conversations ever. From becoming Diamond in The Players Club to serving as First Lady of Turks & Caicos, LisaRaye sits down with Emmy Award-winning host Samantha Chatman for an unfiltered conversation about the moments that shaped her life—and the woman she's become. She opens up about: • Why The Players Club changed her life forever—and why she has zero regrets about playing Diamond. • The emotional story behind leaving Chicago after the murder of her father to find herself in Hollywood. • Growing up as the daughter of legendary Chicago businessman David Ray McCoy. • The truth about her marriage, divorce, forgiveness, and what really ended her relationship with the former Premier of Turks & Caicos. • Why she's spending more time back home in Chicago and what she hopes to build for the next generation. • Faith, therapy, baptism, and the healing that changed her life. • Dating, standards, and the viral comments that sparked conversations across the internet. • Her relationship with Da Brat, family, motherhood, legacy, and what success means today. Throughout the interview, LisaRaye reflects on loss, resilience, ambition, and purpose with the honesty, humor, and confidence that have made her one of entertainment's most recognizable women. Whether you know her as Diamond, Keisha Greene, First Lady of Turks & Caicos, or simply LisaRaye, this conversation reveals the woman behind the icon. Subscribe to Mama, I Made It! for new conversations with the world's most influential voices in entertainment, sports, business, politics, and culture. Follow Samantha Chatman: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.chatman Follow Mama, I Made It!: Instagram: @MIMITalkShow YouTube: @MamaIMadeIt100 Website: www.samanthachatman.com  Business & Media Inquiries: bookings@samanthachatman.com  If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, leave a five-star review, and share it with someone who loves authentic conversations. Watch on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@MamaIMadeIt100 Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Website: samanthachatman.com CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

    LisaRaye McCoy on The Players Club, Marriage, Chicago & Coming Home

  3. Jul 13

    IL Governor JB Pritzker Gets Personal: Family, Weight Loss, His Political Future & Chicago Bears

    What is Illinois Governor JB Pritzker really like when the cameras aren't focused on politics? In this exclusive episode of Mama, I Made It!, Samantha Chatman sits down one-on-one with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for a conversation that goes far beyond the headlines. Governor Pritzker opens up about the woman who inspired his life of public service, sharing the powerful story of his mother and the impact her battle with alcoholism had on his family. He also reflects on growing up as a Pritzker, the lessons he learned from his family's business legacy, and how he became one of America's most successful entrepreneurs. Of course, we dive into some politics too. Governor Pritzker discusses leading Illinois, his public clashes with President Donald Trump and responds to the question so many people are asking about his political future. We also talk about....THE BEARS! Is he really going to lose the team to Indiana? But this interview isn't just about policy. We also talk about the remarkable weight loss that has everyone talking, what's been working for him, how he's approached his health and what his wife thinks about his transformation. He shares how he and First Lady MK Pritzker keep the spark alive after decades of marriage and what life is like now that they're empty nesters. And because this is Mama, I Made It!, we wrap things up with a fun lightning round covering everything from favorite foods, guilty pleasures, hidden talents and the questions you didn't know you wanted answered. Whether you're interested in politics, leadership, business, family or simply getting to know the man behind the title, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. If you enjoyed this interview, be sure to like, comment and subscribe to Mama, I Made It! for more in-depth conversations with some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, business and public life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:41 What JB Pritzker is like at home 05:09 The family business and becoming a billionaire 09:14 His mother's influence and public service 13:34 His mother's addiction 15:58 How JB Pritzker keeps the spark alive with wife MK 18:55 Weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes 21:20 Chicago Bears and possible move to Indiana 26:24 A possible presidential run? 27:25 President Donald Trump and political disagreements 32:10 Lightning Round Hosted by Samantha Chatman. Samantha Chatman is a 2x Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, News Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago and the talk show host for Mama, I Made It! Visit samanthachatman.com for all things Samantha and Mama, I Made It! Follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman & @mimitalkshow TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Powered by: CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC. 🎥Shot and edited by: @LifeMadeStill Special Thanks:  @morallycinfulpro &  @vietfive   #JBPritzker #GovernorPritzker #Illinois #MamaIMadeIt #SamanthaChatman #ABC7Chicago #Politics #ChicagoBears #WeightLoss #Interview Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Website: samanthachatman.com CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

    IL Governor JB Pritzker Gets Personal: Family, Weight Loss, His Political Future & Chicago Bears

  4. Jun 15

    Juvenile on Cash Money, Touring with No Limit & Why Family Comes First | Mama, I Made It!

    Most people know Juvenile as the legendary rapper behind "Back That Azz Up," one of the most iconic records in hip-hop history. But in this episode of Mama, I Made It!, you'll meet a different side of the New Orleans legend. From his rise with Cash Money Records to becoming a husband, father and family man, Juvenile opens up about the lessons he's learned throughout his career, the importance of Black love, and how he and his wife have built a strong marriage in an industry where relationships often struggle to survive. We also talk about: 01:23 The impact of "Back That Azz Up" decades later 03:15 Growing up in New Orleans 09:00 The early days of Cash Money Records 09:40 One of the most legendary Verzuz battles the culture has seen 11:20 Breaking news: a special announcement you won't hear anywhere else! 12:05 How his iconic Tiny Desk performance became a cultural phenomenon 16:03 Advice for couples trying to build a lasting relationship 16:25 The importance of including your partner in major decisions 16:40 The key to maintaining a successful marriage in the entertainment industry 18:00 Family, legacy and what matters most today This isn't just a conversation about music. It's a conversation about growth, longevity, family, love and what success looks like when the cameras stop rolling. Whether you're a longtime Juvenile fan or discovering his story for the first time, this episode offers a rare look at the man behind the music. Watch the full episode and join the conversation in the comments. What part resonated with you most? #SUBSCRIBE, like, share, comment and let us know what you think. If you enjoy conversations about hip-hop, culture, entrepreneurship, family, relationships and personal growth, be sure to like, comment and subscribe. New episodes of Mama, I Made It! drop regularly featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, business and culture. Hosted by Samantha Chatman. Samantha Chatman is a 2x Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, News Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago and the talk show host for Mama, I Made It! Visit samanthachatman.com for all things Samantha and Mama, I Made It! Follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman & @mimitalkshow TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Powered by: CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC. 🎬 Produced by: Morally Cinful Productions, @morallycinfulpro, @sweetsind 🎥Shot and edited by: @LVLSCreative #Juvenile #CashMoney #MamaIMadeIt #BlackLove #HipHop #NewOrleans #Podcast #Interview #TinyDesk #Family #Marriage #RapLegend #SamanthaChatman Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Website: samanthachatman.com CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

  5. May 18

    Naturi Naughton Opens Up About 3LW, Finding Love & Reclaiming Her POWER | Mama, I Made It!

    From 3LW to POWER, Naturi Naughton-Lewis has lived through some of the highest highs and most public challenges in entertainment. But this conversation goes far beyond the headlines. On this episode of Mama, I Made It!, Naturi opens up about heartbreak, growth, finding love, motherhood, protecting her peace, and what it took to rebuild her confidence after some of the most defining moments of her career. There are stories she’s never shared this openly before. Some moments will make you laugh. Others will stay with you long after the interview ends. This is Naturi like you’ve never seen her before. In this episode: 0:32 The legendary, multi-talented Naturi Naughton-Lewis 1:30 3LW legacy and Naturi's career start 25+ years ago 2:52 Tasha St. Patrick and the St. Patrick influence on local restaurant 3:51 Knowing 'Power' was special from the first script read 4:36 Not landing the Tasha role at first 7:16 "When you met me, what did you think I was going to be?" A Power moment 9:44 Was Angela a better fit for Ghost? 10:45 Power car scene with Tasha and Shawn  13:03 How did 3LW get started? 16:11 Navigating the 3LW breakup as a teen 18:32 The importance of being a representation for Black women 20:02 Reconciling with former group member, Adrienne Bailon  22:48 Naturi's new project on Starz, "The Nowhere Man" 25:00 Securing deal with Starz for new show at Chicago film festival 26:07 New production company in partnership with her husband 27:03 Balancing being a mom and business owner 28:07 Mr. Lewis' one year rule 32:57 Knowing she found the one 35:36 Is there any music on the way from Naturi? 37:52 Naturi's fitness routine Watch the full episode and join the conversation in the comments. What part resonated with you most? #SUBSCRIBE, like, share, comment and let us know what you think. Samantha Chatman is a 2x Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, News Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago and the talk show host for Mama, I Made It! Visit samanthachatman.com for all things Samantha and Mama, I Made It!  Follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman & @mimitalkshow TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Powered by: CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC. 🎬 Produced by: Morally Cinful Productions, @morallycinfulpro, @sweetsind 🎥Shot and edited by: @LifeMadeStill #MamaIMadeIt #NaturiNaughton #3LW #PowerTV #SamanthaChatman #CelebrityInterview #BlackWomenInEntertainment #WomenInMedia #PodcastInterview #entertainmentnews Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Website: samanthachatman.com CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

    Naturi Naughton Opens Up About 3LW, Finding Love & Reclaiming Her POWER | Mama, I Made It!

  6. 12/17/2025

    Kelly Rowland opens up about new music, marriage, reconnecting with father, Destiny’s Child & more

    The true definition of a SUPERSTAR: Singer, actress, songwriter, producer and the list goes on. The iconic KELLY ROWLAND sits down with talk show host Samantha Chatman on Mama, I Made It! The renowned music sensation is best known for being a part of legendary girl group, Destiny’s Child, and is opening up about everything from being a mom and wife to balancing fame and health while performing at a high level. Kelly is wearing her heart on her sleeve in this interview, diving deep into what it means to evolve as a woman, how she lost her mom to heart disease, and what it was like to connect with her father after 30 years. She even describes the feeling of being blessed with two mothers, including Ms. Tina Knowles, the mother of superstars Beyoncé and Solange.  We’re also learning more about her marriage to music executive Tim Weatherspoon, the unconditional love they share with one another, and how she knew the her was THE ONE. As the Boy Is Mine Tour nears its end, Samantha sat down with Kelly in NYC to talk about what the tour experience has been like, and what projects Kelly is most excited about next. On the horizon of a new film with incomparable artist and actor, Method Man, Kelly is letting us in on how she keeps everything balanced and positions herself to get it all done. This interview is an icon’s story of passion, love, faith, and family. If you’ve ever worried that it’s not possible to have it all - the career, the family, the friends - think again as Kelly Rowland shares just what you have to do and remember to make it happen! In this interview with Samantha, Kelly Rowland is talking all about: ✔️ Sharing the stage with R&B music stars, Brandy and Monica - and who the greatest vocalist of all time is ✔️ Evolving as a woman and taking care of her body ✔️ Performing while still being a wife and a mother, and how her husband is her “G” ✔️ Being blessed with two loving mothers and what it was like to rekindle with her dad after three decades ✔️ Her thriving career, how she finds the balance, and what projects are next for her #SUBSCRIBE, like, share, comment and let us know what you think. Samantha Chatman is a 2x Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, News Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago and the talk show host for Mama, I Made It! Follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman & @mimitalkshow TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Powered by: CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC. Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Website: samanthachatman.com CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

  7. 12/14/2025

    Robert Townsend on directing The Five Heartbeats, Hollywood Shuffle, and three things creatives must do to win BIG | Mama I Made It

    Credited as the pioneer of Black Hollywood, legendary filmmaker Robert Townsend sits down with talk show host Samantha Chatman on Mama, I Made It! The film and TV icon talks about his incredible career as a director and actor, his classic films like The Five Heartbeats and Hollywood Shuffle, and how he built his empire with little money but lots of HEART and FAITH. Robert Townsend is pulling back the curtains, detailing his childhood and growing up on the West Side of Chicago, to overcoming doubt around his career path, especially from those closest to him. Working with icons like Keenan Ivory Wayans, Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry and more, Robert’s resume is truly unmatched - but it’s his hard work and dedication that has crafted his reputation. This interview is a legend’s story of perseverance. If you’ve ever wondered how timeless classics like The Five Heartbeats and Hollywood Shuffle were made, sit back, relax and get ready for this master class! 0:33 Legendary director and filmmaker, Robert Townsend 2:08 Growing up on the west side of Chicago and getting started in show business 6:29 Robert speaks on his grandmother being a “hater”, not supporting his film dreams 8:40 Robert on teaching and inspiring upcoming filmmakers 10:42 Why a pop up film festival in Chicago? 13:13 The power of words 14:55 Directing The Five Heartbeats movie 19:16 Struggling to get the green light for The Five Heartbeats, the movie’s doc and auditions 20:34 Eddie Murphy’s RAW, could it happen in 2025? 22:13 Townsend’s Mt. Rushmore of comedians 23:50 Actors that have blown Robert away 25:00 The importance of mentorship and advice from Sidney Poitier 27:06 Finding a job in the arts in this climate 28:30 “Day shift vs. night shift” 32:19 The key to success 36:59 Value of collaboration 37:58 AI- good or bad? 39:01 Townsend’s spectrum of work, what his work means and his Mama, I Made It! moment #SUBSCRIBE, like, share, comment and let us know what you think. Samantha Chatman is a 2x Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, News Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago and the talk show host for Mama, I Made It! Follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman & @mimitalkshow TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman Powered by: CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC. 🎬 Produced by: Morally Cinful Productions Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Website: samanthachatman.com CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

  8. 11/29/2025

    Joseph Sikora talks Tommy Egan, Power IV Force, 50 cent & acting (Full Interview) | Mama, I Made It!

    Known to fans worldwide as Tommy Egan, actor Joseph Sikora sits down with host Samantha Chatman on Mama, I Made It! to talk about his new and final season of Power Book IV: Force. He's covering everything from his Chicago upbringing to his thriving career as a renowned actor and working with 50 Cent. But his rise to fame was no cakewalk... Sikora is opening up about his long road in the business, working for more than two decades before landing his big role as Tommy. In fact, he reveals that Los Angeles almost broke him. Constant industry pressures to change his looks nearly got the best of Sikora, but he fought back. Fresh off the Hulu hit series Reasonable Doubt and back in Chicago where it all began, Sikora joins us for an exclusive conversation with his brother, Albin Sikora! The brothers break down their joint business venture Black Fox Productions, an idea that came from their love and passion for storytelling. This is story full of pursuit, perseverance and POWER! In this interview with Samantha, Joseph and his brother Albin are sharing all about: ✔️ Growing up in Chicago ✔️ Joseph’s long, hard rise to Tommy Egan ✔️ The importance of authentic storytelling ✔️ What it takes to survive in the business ✔️ Their new company, Black Fox Productions 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Chicago Roots 03:02 Joseph’s start to acting 04:45 Learning technique to perfect his craft 06:40 Life advice from the yoga teacher 8:00 How LA almost broke Joseph 11:03 Joseph on getting the role of Tommy 14:45 Did you foresee getting your own show? 16:54 Joseph vs Tommy 19:40 Is Tommy capable of finding and keeping love? 22:10 Being famous and still living a practical life 22:52 Season 3 of Force 25:21 Joseph’s other ventures, Meet Albin Sikora 27:10 What makes the Sikora brothers nervous about their work 29:00 Words of encouragement for aspiring actors and creatives 30:58 Importance of telling authentic (Chicago) stories Samantha Chatman is a 2x Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, News Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago and the talk show host for Mama, I Made It! Follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman & @mimitalkshow TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Website: samanthachatman.com CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

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Mama, I Made It! is an entertainment and lifestyle talk show hosted by Chicago News Anchor Samantha Chatman. From Tina Knowles and Common to Tamron Hall and Monique Rodriguez, this show is coming in HOT. These high profile  guests are sharing their unique journeys of success and perseverance.   The path to pursuing purpose isn’t always a smooth one, so we are getting into the nitty-gritty of the sacrifices that come with going after your dreams. What does it take to keep the pursuit alive? We’re covering all of it! Each and every one of you will walk away feeling inspired by these conversations. Join Samantha Chatman on this journey today! #MamaIMadeIt! 

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