The Mama's Den

Hot flashes, hormones, mood swings… oh my. 😅 This week in the Mama’s Den, OB-GYN, menopause expert, and Generation M author Dr. Jessica Shepherd joins us for a honest, funny, and super informative convo about perimenopause, menopause, and everything in between. If you’ve ever wondered what’s happening to your body (or what’s coming next), this episode is packed with clarity, reassurance, and practical gems. Honestly? Required listening for every woman — and the people who love us. Keep up with Dr. Shepherd on IG: @jessicashepherdmd Learn more about her and even buy her book, Generation M, at jessicashepherdmd.com The Mamas are building our community and ways to keep in touch with you. Share your email address here: https://tinyurl.com/MamasDen Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona

This week on The Mama’s Den, we’re joined by the radiant Simone I. Smith — jewelry designer, mother of four, grandmother of four, devoted wife to LL Cool J, and a true embodiment of sisterhood. Simone is the definition of a girl’s girl: a woman whose brand and spirit are rooted in community, friendship, and showing up for other women. From her signature hoop designs under Simone I. Smith Jewelry to the wisdom she carries as a cancer survivor, Simone’s story is one of resilience, grace, and deep faith. In this conversation, we talk about God’s timing, trusting the seasons of motherhood, and learning to lean into the kind of mom you truly are — not the one you think you’re supposed to be. Simone shares what it means to build a life grounded in love, purpose, and sisterhood, and why every chapter unfolds exactly when it’s meant to. This episode is a reminder that motherhood isn’t one-size-fits-all… and that sometimes, the greatest strength comes from embracing your own journey — right on time. Make sure you connect with our Mamas on IG: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona

In the first episode of the year, The Mama’s Den reflects on the post-holiday pause and the intention we’re bringing into a new season. We’re also joined by Corey J. Bradford, star of Hercules aboard the Disney Destiny Cruise, whose story deeply moved us. Corey shares what it means to follow his passion, the powerful support of his mother, and embracing being both soft and strong as a Black man. His journey sparks an honest conversation about how we support our children’s dreams — even when they aren’t experts yet — and how growth often comes from trying anyway. Inspired, the hosts each commit to a bold personal dream for 2026. This episode is about resetting, dreaming out loud, and stepping into the new year with intention. 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

When The Mama’s Den podcast first began, two of our 9 children hadn’t even been born yet. Fast-forward to today, and those two babies are now 4 years old, three of them are 7, three are 9, and one is 16 — and the emotional weight of that growth is hitting us in real time. This week, we open up about what it feels like to watch our children grow up right before our eyes. From the excitement (and fear) of driver’s licenses to overnight trips and realizing that some of our kids are no longer “little,” we talk honestly about the joy, nerves, pride, and anxiety that come with each new milestone. We reflect on how motherhood evolves as our kids become more independent — and how their growth forces us to confront our own: learning to let go, redefining our roles, and holding space for nostalgia while celebrating who our children are becoming. This conversation is for every parent navigating the bittersweet reality of raising kids who don’t stay kids forever. Whether your child is a toddler, a tween, or on the brink of adulthood, this episode will make you feel seen — and remind you that you’re not alone in this season. Follow The Mama's Den on Instagram at www.instagram.com/themamasdenpodcast

Buckle up, mama. This week we’re joined by our girl, podcaster, actress, mom of 4 whole boys, and wife Khadeen Ellis, and the conversation goes there. From the soaring highs to the gut-check lows of 2025, we peel back every layer — marriage, motherhood, perimenopause, grief, growth, and the freedom of finally letting go. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s funny, it’s honest, it’s healing — and it’s exactly the sisterhood we need right now. We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com. Make sure you connect with our Mamas: @themamasdenpodcast Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls Codie - @codieco Melanie - @melaniefiona