Brown Ambition

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 years without booking acting workhotel-room self tape (trash can + ring light included)Reasonable DoubtHoward UniversityDelta Sigma Thetaactuallytwo weeks after buying a home Key Takeaways redirectionfund and strengthen creative dreams 👉 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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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 -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.

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: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)in-school deferment Stay Connected - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: 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 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.

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.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by the one & only Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche and it feels like a homecoming. Tiffany is back to catch us up on everything happening behind the scenes. From exciting updates about the evolution (and new name!) of the Live Richer Academy to the release of the paperback edition of her New York Times bestselling book Get Good With Money, she shares what this current season of life and business looks like. But this conversation goes deeper than accolades and announcements.Mandi and Tiffany take a walk down memory lane, reflecting on the early days of Brown Ambition and the foundation that built the BA community we know today. Then the conversation shifts into something more personal and powerful. Tiffany opens up about her ongoing journey with grief, how it has reshaped her perspective, and what healing looks like in real time. And because this is BA, we also get the tea on what’s next including what Tiffany is cooking up for her next book.This episode is heartfelt, reflective, and full circle. For the OG BA Fam, it truly feels like coming back home. Stay Connected - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s BA Q&A Mandi answers a listener question that gets straight to the point: How do employers actually verify where we’ve worked and what information are they collecting about us behind the scenes. We dive into the world of work verification and big data, including platforms like WorkMarket, and unpack how employers confirm employment history, income, and background details in today’s digital-first hiring process. In this episode, we cover: Because being financially informed also means being data-aware. Stay Connected - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi Money sits down with actor, content creator, and entrepreneur Kaisha Huguley (aka Kaisha Creates) for a real conversation about layoffs, self-belief, and choosing yourself—especially when the plan falls apart. Kaisha opens up about being laid off from her 9–5, navigating seasonal depression, and the mindset shifts that helped her bet on herself and build multiple income streams. From acting and content creation to brand deals and financial planning with a partner, this episode is packed with honesty, strategy, and encouragement for anyone moving through an uncertain career season. Whether you’ve been laid off, are considering entrepreneurship, or just need a reminder that your worth isn’t tied to a job title this one’s for you. What We Get Into 00:0000:37Brown Ambition00:4701:0102:0603:13Brown Ambition’s04:14Kaisha 07:1809:4316:1224:2028:5240:4742:0343:3944:3045:2155:3157:1701:09:3201:13:4201:16:30 Key Takeaways and Stay Connected - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandi is back for a solo BA Q&A, answering a juicy listener question about balancing student loans, grad school, a possible home move, and a new car payment—all while chasing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). She breaks down how PSLF *actually* works, why “qualifying payments” matter so much, and when it can make sense to pause extra payments and redirect cash toward savings and other priorities instead. What we dive into: - How PSLF really works and what counts as a qualifying payment. - Whether you should keep paying loans that are in in-school deferment. - How to prioritize between: - Building a 3–6 month emergency fund. - Saving for moving and homebuying costs. - Paying down a high car note. - Why three months of savings may no longer be enough in today’s economy. - Practical next steps to confirm your PSLF status and get your paperwork right. Listener Question Highlight Sydney, a 34‑year‑old nurse working toward PSLF, asks whether she should keep making a $500 monthly student loan payment while her loans are in deferment—or pause to focus on savings, a future move, and her car note. Links: Federal student aid and PSLF info: studentaid.gov Stay Connected - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by author, activist, and democracy defender Stacey Abrams for a powerful, timely, and deeply grounding conversation about where we are as a country and what we can actually do about it. Recorded during a moment of collective grief, fear, and exhaustion, this episode centers honesty over platitudes and action over despair. Stacey breaks down her 10 Steps Campaign, explains how authoritarianism takes root in real time, and offers a clear framework for resistance, resilience, and rebuilding without pretending this moment isn’t heavy. Together, Mandi and Stacey talk about protecting your peace without disengaging, finding joy as an act of resistance, navigating financial shame and career disruption, and why your power doesn’t disappear just because your platform changes. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, frozen, or unsure where to start this conversation is for you. What We Get Into by designStacey Abrams’ 10 Steps to Autocracy 10 Steps to Freedom & Powerstatus is no longer safety Key Takeaways everythingsomethingpower stays with you Resources Mentioned Stacey Abrams’ 10 Steps Campaign Assembly Required podcastLevel Up by Stacey AbramsStacey Abrams’ children’s book series (Stacey Speaks Up)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I'm revisitng my interview with the brilliant Jasmine Marie breathwork practitioner, founder of Black Girls Breathing, and author of Black Girls Breathing: Heal from Trauma, Combat Stress, and Find Your Freedom. From surviving the corporate grind to creating wellness spaces rooted in cultural relevance, Jasmine gets real about her journey into entrepreneurship, healing work, and what it truly takes to hold space for Black women’s mental and emotional wellbeing. We talk about everything from the power of a deep breath and surviving burnout, to funding a business on your own terms and growing a team the *smart* way. Jasmine even leads us through a mini oceanic breath session at the end — don’t miss it We talk about: - Jasmine’s transition from corporate beauty marketing to breathwork and mental wellness - Why most wellness spaces *don’t* center Black women's lived experiences — and what she's doing about it - Building a company without VC funding: how Jasmine bootstrapped and scaled BGB - The importance of listening to your body (and your breath) when trauma speaks - Balancing healing work with entrepreneurship and how not to burn out - Tools in Jasmine’s toolkit: EMDR therapy, acupuncture, daily walks, and more - Real talk on grief, generational trauma, and creating new blueprints for Black wellness Join the Movement: https://www.blackgirlsbreathing.com - Follow Jasmine on IG @blackgirlsbreathing - Subscribe to *Brown Ambition* and leave us a 5-star review if this episode gave you life! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Brown Ambition, host Mandi Woodruff-Santos dives into the pressing financial trends of 2026, focusing on inflation, interest rates, the job market, and student loans. Mandi emphasizes the importance of understanding these trends and how they impact personal finances, encouraging listeners to adopt manageable habits to protect their financial well-being. She highlights the significance of tracking spending, conducting inflation audits, and being proactive about budgeting to navigate the economic landscape effectively. Mandi also discusses the challenges posed by rising interest rates and the cooling job market, particularly due to AI-driven layoffs. She advocates for a 'career resilience hour' where listeners can research industry trends and network to enhance their job security. Additionally, she addresses the looming issue of student loan wage garnishment, urging listeners to stay informed about their loan status and take proactive steps to manage their debt. By the end of the episode, listeners are equipped with actionable strategies to take control of their finances amidst these economic challenges. WHAT WE GET INTO KEY TAKEAWAYS 👉 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.

This week on Brown Ambition’s Friday BA QA, Mandi answers a listener question that hits right at the intersection of money, values, and activism. A listener asks: If we’re boycotting a company, should we also sell the stock? Using Target as a real-life example, Mandi breaks down what it really means to invest during a boycott, the difference between individual stocks and index funds, and why long-term investing often requires emotional discipline. She also dives into the ethics of investing, socially responsible portfolios, and how to decide when holding — or selling — is the right move for you. As always, this is not financial advice — but it is real talk about aligning your money with your values. 👉 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.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with award-winning producer, filmmaker, and breakout actress Kiah Clingman for a powerful conversation about rejection, reinvention, and trusting the long game. From getting rejected by Howard’s theater program to becoming a Howard alum who quietly built a producing empire… from working a demanding corporate job at Deloitte to quitting two weeks after getting a mortgage… from not booking an acting role for four years to landing a nine-episode arc on Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt — Kiah’s story is a masterclass in resilience, patience, and betting on yourself even when the timeline doesn’t make sense. This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered if they waited too long, started too late, or took the “wrong” path. Spoiler: you didn’t. WHAT WE GET INTO didn’t submityears without booking workReasonable Doubtreallytwo weeks after buying a home KEY TAKEAWAYS 👉 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.

This week on Brown Ambition, MandiMoney is back with a simple, shame‑free money reset for 2026: 3 wealthy habits you can actually stick with, even when life is lifing. Instead of overhauling your entire financial life by February, this episode walks you through small, repeatable moves that quietly build wealth in the background—whether you’re fighting inflation, juggling childcare, stuck in a “starter” home, or piecing together entrepreneurial income. 👉 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.

It's January and the pressure is on to go harder, save more, invest more, and transform your entire life by next year. But piling on intense goals doesn’t always lead to motivation — often it leads straight to anxiety, comparison, and money shame when life inevitably throws a curveball. In this episode, Mandi welcomes back listener‑favorite board‑certified therapist, speaker, writer, and financial therapist Aja Evans, author of Feel Good Finance. Aja helps us rethink how we set money and career goals so they actually fit our real lives — kids, cold weather, surprise plumbing bills and all — instead of sending us into a shame spiral when we “fall off.” You’ll hear Mandi and Aja talk about: • Why January might not be the best time for your most ambitious goals, especially if you’re in hibernation mode and running on low energy. • How to get brutally honest about your time, energy, and responsibilities so your goals reflect the life you actually have, not the one Instagram says you should have. • The mindset shift from “I’m starting back at zero” to “I handled that emergency and I’m still on my path,” even when a surprise $1,000 home repair blows up your plans. • How “under‑promise and over‑deliver” with your money goals can quiet that inner “shitty committee” and help you feel proud of your progress instead of chronically behind. • Simple reminders from Aja — “be realistic and be nice” — and why it really isn’t that serious if your timeline moves from March to July. If you’ve ever looked at your accounts and thought, “I should be further along by now,” or felt like one unexpected bill erased all your progress, this conversation will help you reset your goals with more compassion, more honesty, and way less shame. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for Mandi’s note about how to send in your juiciest money and career questions for upcoming BA Q&A Fridays in 2026. -- Get listener perks and bonus content on our Patreon! Join the BA Fam here: https://www.patreon.com/c/brownambition/ Follow us on IG @brownambitionpodcast Follow Aja on IG @ajaetherapy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year, BA Fam! In our most popular episode of 2025, Mandi was joined by two of our faves in the finance space: Chris Browning of “Popcorn Finance” and Berna Anat, author of the amazing book “Money Out Loud”. If you’re looking to level up your money game and feel good doing it, this episode’s for you. We get into: - The highs and lows of aggressively saving money - Gen Z’s "we’re gonna have fun & save money" energy -Your financial strategy in the age of Tr*mp Tariffs -Are solopreneurs heading back to Corporate America? We also chat about what’s going on in the world—from economic uncertainty and tariffs to the importance of staying informed without losing your peace. And when it comes to career shifts, Berna talks about her transition from full-time solopreneurship back to the 9-5 life…and how she’s doing it on her own terms. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:04:49) - Financial Reflections and Regrets (0:18:29) - Realigning Values and Money Habits (0:26:21) - Navigating Economic Uncertainty and Tariffs (0:34:07) - Community Building Through Thrift and Bartering (0:45:56) - Investing Strategies and Debt Management (0:48:58) - Transitioning to Stable Employment (0:56:04) - Exploring Oakland's Black and Brown Community (1:04:37) - Lizzo's Journey to Self-Love (1:10:05) - Navigating Cancel Culture and Redemption -- This episode is all about giving yourself grace, finding balance, and building the life you want—with your finances in check and your spirit intact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.