We got a Doctor in the Den! Psychiatrist, researcher, and author Dr. Judith Joseph joins the Mamas for a powerful convo about high-functioning depression, grief, and the struggle to find joy in daily life. Dr. Judith keeps it real about her own experience with depression and explains the high-functioning challenges faced by high-achieving women, particularly Black women. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to have it all together while struggling silently, you’re not alone - and this episode is for you!

Dr. Judith's book, High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy, is available everywhere on April 8, 2025.

**Warning: This episode contains mention of suicide from 06:45 - 08:00, which may be triggering for some listeners.**

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We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

We got a Daddy in the Den! Actor and father of two, Michael Ealy, joins the Mamas to talk about raising a boy and a girl. Together, they highlight the value of fathers being involved in their kids’ lives (to all the dads at ballet class - we see you!), the importance of communication between parents, and the need to appreciate each parent’s role. Michael shares lessons learned, from recognizing double standards (why are girls called sassy but boys are assertive?) to reminding us that dads juggle the same challenges moms do.

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We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

This episode kicks off with a round of We’re Not Really Strangers - a fun card game designed to spark meaningful conversations. What starts as a friendly Q&A turns XXX-rated (because Ashley….surprise, surprise...). Then, the Mamas dive into a show-and-tell of their favorite kids’ books, celebrating new releases from fellow Black mamas and authors: Tabitha Brown (Hello There, Sunshine), Tamron Hall (Harlem Honey), and Tika Sumpter (I Got It From My Mama). Get the scoop on all the books the Mamas love reading with their little ones - covering everything from diversity and equality to understanding emotions and self-discovery. #MamasAgainstBookSleeves

This episode is sponsored by We’re Not Really Strangers. Get 20% off all products (including the Kids edition card game!) with the code: mamasden.

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We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

In this episode, the Mamas relive their unforgettable girls trip to NYC — a trip that almost didn’t happen after Melanie hurt her back! From sisterhood sleepovers and Brooklyn meetups, to all the family and friends who showed up for them, the Mamas take a moment to soak it all in. What a journey going from a podcast born during the pandemic to representing Black motherhood on national TV. We love to see it!

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Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

Melanie, Ashley, and Codie are back in the Den! Even though Felicia’s out this week, she still makes a stunning appearance—be sure to check out the YouTube channel for the visual!

In this episode, the mamas break down a list of one-liners that make parenting a little easier, like “you gotta do what you need to do, before you get to do what you wanna do” (a Melanie Fiona original). They also discuss teaching their kids about respect, validating their emotions while disciplining them, and giving kids autonomy in making decisions — even when they want to curse! Throughout the convo, the mamas get a few surprise calls that tie right into a heartfelt Listener Letter — this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

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Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

For more Black stories and articles, go to blacklove.com.

Marnesha is in the Den! If you've listened to The Mamas long enough, you have heard Fee rave about her kids' behavioral coach, Marnesha Hall. She joined the ladies of The Mama's Den to break down what a behavioral coach is and the benefits of having one for your kids. This episode explains the differences between behavioral coaching and therapy, how parenting dynamics impact your kids, and provides some helpful strategies to outsmart your little ones during their most challenging moments. Get your stickers ready because Marnesha’s advice will help both you and your child fill up your sticker chart.

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Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

This week, the Mamas tackle Listener Letters on balancing romance, friendships, and managing meddling grandparents.

They get real about the struggles of keeping their dating life alive — because for some, dating has left the chat! — and they share fun ideas for a cute date night (or a little afternoon delight!). The Mamas also dive into the importance of setting boundaries when grandparents are doing the MOST, and discuss the challenge of holding onto old friendships while your kids' social life forces you to befriend other moms. Thanks to the Listener Letters because this episode is packed with practical advice for moms trying to keep their relationships—and their sanity—intact.

Should the Mamas get a Listener Letter hotline? Let us know and send us questions at podcasts@blacklove.com and on Instagram @themamasdenpodcast.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona

If you’ve ever felt like you were stuck in the hard part of your story, Tabitha Brown is in The Mama's Den to remind you—it’s okay to put yourself first! Tab's journey is a masterclass in faith, being present, and trusting that your moment is coming—even when it feels impossible. This week, Tabitha gets real about the tough seasons in her marriage, the moments she and Chance weren’t sure they’d make it, and what it really took to rebuild their relationship. She also shares how losing her mother shaped her, how she went from struggling in LA to retiring her husband and building an empire. Get your tissues and your journal because all the mamas left inspired after this conversation.

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Send any thoughts or questions for the mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.

Make sure you connect with our Mamas:

Ashley - @watermeloneggrolls

Codie - @codieco

Felicia - @felicialatour

Melanie - @melaniefiona