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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.

Brown Ambition

BA Fam, this week’s BA QA Mandi is joined by her girl, Yanely Espinal aka Miss Be Helpful and author of Mind Your Money — to answer a listener question that so many of us can relate to: How do you financially support aging parents when there’s little to no retirement savings in place?
 
Yanely shares the systems she and her eight siblings built to cover their parents’ expenses, including:
 
 • Setting up a 
joint family fund • to automate bill payments.
 • Creating a fair way for siblings to contribute different amounts without judgment.
 • Why a 
high-yield savings account beats investment accounts • for immediate needs.
 • Balancing financial support with maintaining their parents’ 
dignity and independence • .
 • How to set allowance boundaries when one parent struggles with gambling.
 • Tips for 
protecting elderly parents from scams • and keeping finances transparent among siblings.
 
Let’s Connect:
IG: @brownambitionpodcast | @mandimoney
Email: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com
 
We launched a Patreon! 🎉
🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Do I Save for My 70-Year-Old Mom? [BA QA]

Hey BA Fam! Mandi, Yanely, and Chris are back at the Brown table with real talk about life, business, and the news that’s shaping our money and our sanity.
 
This week, Mandi kicks things off with a story about her busted laptop, a wild Apple Store experience, and how she stumbled onto a secret financing program for small business owners. From cracked screens to unexpected leases, we’re breaking down the ways solopreneurs can stretch their resources without drowning in debt.
 
But that’s not all — we go from tech fixes to life updates:
 
 • Yanely is thinking about their next big move (Miami? Barcelona? Van life?)
 • Chris gets a crash course in babysitting two kids under four — and gains a whole new respect for parents.
 • Mandi opens up about stress, sleep struggles, and why she’s finally considering a CPAP machine.
 
Then, we shift gears and dig into the hard stuff happening in the world right now — including DC’s state of emergency, over-policing in Black and brown neighborhoods, and how authoritarian tactics abroad are starting to feel way too familiar here at home.
 
It’s equal parts personal, political, and practical — the way we always do on Brown Ambition.
 
 
 
Links + Resources Mentioned
 
 • Apple’s 
hidden business leasing program Info on Dun & Bradstreet (DNB) numbers for small business credit 
• • Defectors by Paola Ramos (recommended reading on Latinx politics + authoritarianism)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solopreneur Secrets, Life Updates, and Hard Conversations

This week, BA fam—grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s talk all things The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery, our official August/September book club pick! Mandi Woodruff-Santos sits down with none other than Clarence Haynes, author, publishing pro, and all-around NYC icon for a bold, joyful, and real convo packed with gems.
 
Want to join the BA Book Club? All you've got to do is become a free member of our Patreon >
 
Show recap:
 
 • Mandi introduces Clarence and gets real about what inspired the Brown Ambition Book Club and her own book altar game. 
 • Clarence shares how the powerful women of NYC—and some serious Shirley Chisholm style—sparked his creation of Gwendolyn Montgomery. 
 • Dive deep into the book’s plot: a high-powered publicist with mystical secrets, a fashion event gone wild at the Brooklyn Museum, and a botanica in the South Bronx run by an Afro-Latine queer psychic
 • Discussion on breaking generational trauma, mother wounds, fierce ambition, and why we’re all haunted by more than just ghosts. 
 • A real talk about dating as a queer Black man in NYC—Clarence gets candid on finding intimacy in the big city and the sometimes wild, sometimes isolating dating scene.
 • The realities of Black-centered speculative fiction—why it matters and what hustle it takes to get these stories out there.
 
Follow Clarence on IG @clarenceahaynes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery" Author Clarence Haynes [WASHDAY WOOSAH]

BA Fam, this week’s BAQA is personal, I brought in my friend and financial powerhouse, Sharon Epperson, CNBC’s Senior Personal Finance Correspondent, to unpack a buzzy headline that had my eyebrow raised: the president’s executive order that could open the door for private equity (and other alternative investments) in your 401k.
 
We break down what this actually means, why you probably won’t be adding a private equity fund to your plan tomorrow, and why you need to know exactly what’s in your portfolio before chasing shiny new investment options. Sharon drops gems on:
 
 • 

The $12.2 trillion “nest egg” private firms have their eyes on — and what’s at stake.
 • 
 • 

How to “stay on your mat” financially and focus on your own goals before getting distracted by market hype.
 • 
 • 

The real risks of alternative investments: higher fees, less transparency, and lower liquidity.
 • 
 • 

Why even she had an “oops” moment with her own 401k rollover (and how to avoid it).
 • 
 • 

When it’s worth hiring a financial advisor — and how to find one that fits your needs and budget.
 • 
 
Whether you’re just starting your 401k journey or sitting on years of contributions, this convo is your reminder to slow down, check your allocations, and make sure your money is truly working toward your goals — not just Wall Street’s.
 
Resources & Links Mentioned:
 
 • 

Subscribe to Sharon’s free CNBC Money 101 newsletter: CNBC.com/money101
 • 
 • 

Follow Sharon on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for more money tips.
 • 
 
Let’s Connect:
IG: @brownambitionpodcast | @mandimoney
Email: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com
 
We launched a Patreon! 🎉
🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private Equity in Your 401k? Slow Your Roll with CNBC’s Sharon Epperson [BA QA]

Hey BA Fam, pull up a chair at the Brown Table! This week Mandi is joined by two returning guests: Jonquilyn Hill from Vox Media and Yvie Saint-Louis from Blavity. Fresh from NABJ’s 50th anniversary conference in Cleveland, the ladies swap stories on conference strategy, avoiding burnout, and why the hotel bar might just be your best networking move. 
 
 
 
We get into:
 
 • 

NABJ 2024 recap — from career fairs to that family reunion energy, and why you don’t need to hit every event to make it count.
 • 
 • 

Networking tips that actually work — think conference apps, lateral connections, and the perfect follow-up email.
 • 
 • 

Higher Heights wins — celebrating Black women making major political strides nationwide.
 • 
 • 

Corporate card chaos — the jaw-dropping story of a media exec who racked up nearly $300K in personal expenses (yes, Botox included).
 • 
 • 

Black-Owned Business Month shout-outs — from luxe candles to curl-defining gel you’ll want in your cart yesterday.
 • 
 • 

Pop culture corner — why The Gilded Age is having a moment, and our collective side-eye at unnecessary reboots.
 • 
 
Plus, Mandi drops our latest Brown Ambition Book Club pick — The Ghost of Gwendolyn Montgomery by Clarence Haynes — a spooky, stylish, and sexy read you’ll want to grab before next week’s author interview.
 
It’s laughs, lessons, and a little tea — just the way we like it at the Brown Table.
 
 
 
Let’s Connect:
IG: @brownambitionpodcast | @mandimoney
Email: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com
 
We launched a Patreon! 🎉
🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rooting for Everybody Black [In Business]

Hey BA Fam!
 
On today’s Washday Woosah episode, we’re joined by the intelligent, passionate, and powerhouse CEO of Black Girls Code, Cristina Mancini! 👩🏾‍💻✨
 
Cristina drops serious gems on everything from how to confidently promote yourself online and in person, to what it really means to be a hard worker in today’s world. We also dive into the art of networking with purpose, and why it’s so important to stay updated on emerging technologies, evolving industries, and the people shaping them.
 
If you’ve ever questioned how to level up your career, build your personal brand, or stay competitive in a fast-changing world—this episode is for you. 💼💡🚀
 
Tune in, take notes, and get inspired!
 
Follow Cristina!
 
 • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crisbmancini/
 • Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/crisbmancini/ 
Follow Black Girls Code!:
 
Website: https://www.wearebgc.org/
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlscode/
 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-girls-code/
 
We launched a Patreon! 🎉
🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition
 
 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a Mission to Secure Black Women's Future in Tech [Washday Woosah]

Hey BA Fam! This week I’m coming to you from Cleveland, where I’m soaking up all the love (and ALL the nostalgia) at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention. It’s been a full-circle moment walking back into this space, not as a reporter for a big outlet, but as Mandi Woodruff-Santos, aka Mandi Money, host of Brown Ambition!
 
We’re talking about:
 
 • Why it’s okay to come back to spaces you’ve outgrown—just show up as your new self.
 • How journalism and content marketing are more connected than you think.
 • Setting BIG end-of-year money goals (even while paying down debt).
 • My real talk convo with 

Alexa Claire from The Financial Diet about saving goals for the life you want.
 • 
 
And yes—we’re also going there. I’m opening up about why I’ve been so vocal about Gaza and Sudan, how I navigate the fear of backlash, and why I believe using your voice for what matters is worth the risk. It gets emotional, BA Fam, but y’all know I’m here to keep it 100.
 
Links & Resources to learn more about the wars in Gaza and Sudan:
 
Sudan
 
 @sudan.updates @srcs.sd @ifrc 
Gaza
 
 @thepcrf @savethechildren Boycott lists & resources – [https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ethicalcampaigns/boycotts] Find/Contact your elected officials – [https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials] 
Let’s Connect:
IG: @brownambitionpodcast | @mandimoney
Email: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com
 
We launched a Patreon! 🎉
🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reclaiming My Space, Speaking My Truth [Solo BA QA]

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by Alexa Claire and first-time guest Mia Brabham Nolan for a vibrant conversation full of career advice, pop culture takes, and real talk on entrepreneurship and Black excellence.
 
The three dive into everything from half-birthdays and pop culture dry spells to the real challenges facing today’s job market. They celebrate Black-owned businesses like The Lip Bar, Black Girl Sunscreen, and Cloudy Donut Co. and unpack what happens when Black brands get bought out.
 
 
 
Plus, they get candid about:
 
 • The emotional toll of job hunting in a tough market
 • Why side hustles deserve more respect
 • How to market yourself and keep creating even when you’re unemployed
 • And yes… some Love Island fanfic might be involved 👀
 
If you're looking for a mix of professional gems, cultural commentary, and friendship goals—this episode’s for you.
 
 
 
💼 Resources & Mentions:
 
 • Mandi’s Career Coaching Program
 Mia’s Substack: In Deep Alexa’s site: Moments with Alexa Claire 
 
 
💌 Connect with the Hosts:
 
 Mandi Woodruff-Santos • | 
@mandimoney Mia Brabham Nolan • | 
@yourstrulymia Alexa Claire • | 
@momentswac 
We launched a Patreon! 🎉
🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Tell If That “Black-Owned” Brand Is Still for Us

Hey BA Fam!
 
On today's Washday Woosah, we’re sitting down with two amazing, talented, and intelligent women: author of How to Find True Love: Unlock your Romantic Flow and Create Lasting Relationships, relationship coach, podcast host, TED speaker, and certified matchmaker Francesca Hogi, and relationship coach, host of Netflix's Sneaky Links, and founder of The Spicy Life, Spicy Mari!
 
We dive deep into all things love, connection, and personal growth, from how to be vulnerable in relationships, to how to balance a demanding career and a romantic partnership without losing yourself in the process. 💼❤️
 
They also share powerful insights on:
 
 • 

How to stay true to yourself while building a healthy relationship
 • 
 • 

How to recognize what you truly want versus what society tells you to want
 • 
 • 

The importance of self-awareness when dating
 • 
 • 

And how to know when someone is really meant for you
 • 
 
This convo is filled with gems that’ll help you navigate your love life with more clarity, confidence, and intention. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to feel seen. 💫
 
Follow Francesca Hogi!
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearfranny/?hl=en
 
💼 LinkedIn: //www.linkedin.com/in/dearfranny/
 
🌐 Website: https://www.francescahogi.com/ 
 
Follow Spicy Mari!
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spicymari?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spicymari/
🌐 The Spicy Life: https://www.thespicylife.com/
 
We launched a Patreon! 🎉
🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Ambitious Women Can Find (and Keep) True Love ft. Francesca Hogi & Spicy Mari [Washday Woosah]

Hey BA Fam! Mandi is flying solo this week, and whew—she came with heart, and hard truths. She’s breaking down what’s really going on in today’s job market beyond the headlines, and what she’s learning from working 1:1 with high-achieving women who are stuck in the “I have the résumé, but why can’t I get the offer?” cycle. Spoiler: It’s not your résumé. It’s your network.
 
In this episode:
 
 • Why her new 12-session VIP coaching model is shifting lives (and not just for her clients)
 • Why LinkedIn visibility 
still matters • (yes, even if you hate it)
 • The power of internal referrals and how she leverages her own network to open doors
 • What career growth has to do with gardening (yes, really—succession planting is the metaphor you didn’t know you needed)
 • Why women in senior roles still need to 
sow new seeds • and push past discomfort to make new career connections
 • How to approach networking without being the “take-take-take” person
 
PLUS:
Mandi’s take on the U.S. fertility panic, RFK’s eugenics-adjacent policy ideas, the “Donate to Pay the National Debt” nonsense (yes, that’s real), and why even Fluffy and Fido are feeling the effects of inflation.
 
📚 And shoutout to the BA Book Club! She shares highlights from the first-ever live author chat with Cebo Campbell and gives us the scoop on our next read: The Ghost of Gwendolyn Montgomery by Clarence Haynes.
 
TAKEAWAY CHALLENGE:
What did you do this week to form a new connection in your career? Mandi’s got marching orders, BA fam — it’s time to stop relying on the old network and plant something new.
 
We launched a Patreon! 🎉
🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solo Show: How Mandi's Coaching Women Through This Incredibly Competitive Job Market

We are finally seeing the impact of President Trump's massive tax overhaul this tax season and we want to hear from you — what are your questions? Did you end up owing way more or way less than last year? We'd love to hear from you.

Send us your stories and questions at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or hit us up at brownambitionpodcast.com "Ask Us Anything". 

 

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Ep. 162 — Stressed Out About Taxes in 2019? Join the Club

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