We’re back, BA Fam! After surviving a morning of tech chaos (and some truly humbling camera angles), your favorite financial BFFs are back at the brown table— and we’ve got a lot to say.

Chris gets vulnerable about his childhood kidney surgery, Mandi shares how motherhood keeps her grounded (and off the doomscroll), and Yaneli drops gems on supporting immigrant parents while building wealth.

Plus, we get into that National Urban League report (spoiler: it’s giving dumpster fire), break down the dangers of digital misinformation, and talk about the future of DEI.

In This Episode:

• The tech struggle bus is real
• Chris opens up about being a “kidney kid” and what that taught him
• Mandi talks about parenting through anxiety and the power of staying present
• We dissect the State of Black America report (yes, literally a flaming trash can was involved)
• Why same-day voter registration and digital literacy matter
• Yaneli shares how her family went from cash-only to investment-ready

🔗 Stuff We Mentioned

• 📄 National Urban League’s State of Black America Report
• 🧠 Grumpy Monkey — kids' book that hits a little too close to home
• 📚 Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
• 💰 High-yield savings accounts — why they matter more than ever
• 📺 A Different World is streaming — do with that info what you will

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.

This week’s BA Q&A, Mandi is joined by powerhouse author, filmmaker, and workplace equity consultant Minda Harts to talk about how we build trust, advocate for ourselves, and demand more from the spaces we show up in—especially as women of color.

Minda opens up about her latest book, Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace, and why understanding how we give and receive trust is essential—not just at work, but in every area of life.

If you’ve ever struggled with speaking up, setting boundaries, or navigating relationships in high-stakes environments, this conversation is for you.

Highlights!:

• Why trust (not talent), is the real currency of leadership
• How to communicate your value and protect your peace
• What inspired Minda's seven trust languages
• The connection between storytelling and equity in film and media

💌 Got a question for the show?
Email us at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM us on IG @brownambitionpodcast

🎉 Join our Patreon!
Get ad-free video episodes, early access, exclusive book club invites, and a chance to sit in live during tapings:
👉 patreon.com/brownambition

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's BA Q&A, Mandi is joined by friend of the show Naseema McElroy of Financially Intentional to answer a question from Serena, a 28-year-old multi-passionate entrepreneur torn between beauty and holistic health.

Naseema drops gems on the power of niching down, embracing your unique story, and positioning yourself as a Key Person of Influence. If you’re feeling stuck between passions and need clarity on how to turn your ideas into a purposeful business, this episode is for you.

🔑 Highlights:

• Why failing fast is essential to the entrepreneurial journey

• How to build your business by owning your story and defining your niche

• 📚 Book rec: Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley (as recommended by Naseema)

💌 Got a question for the show?
Email us at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM us on IG @brownambitionpodcast

🎉 Join our Patreon!
Get ad-free video episodes, early access, exclusive book club invites, and a chance to sit in live during tapings:
👉 patreon.com/brownambition

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.