Mamaste with Tanika Ray

Latest Episodes:

57. Abundantly, Beautifully Flawed: Solo Mama Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

Over the last few years, we’ve all started to get in touch with our truth. We’ve been faced with some incredibly difficult revelations about the world—and one of the heaviest ones is the true story behind Thanksgiving.

Today, I’m on my own and offering a reset for the last month of 2022—because Lord knows we all need it.

Tune in and listen to episode fifty seven of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Every day we’re assaulted with the facts of this ugly world but we have power to wield that can change it all. The most important thing we can remember, especially at this time of year, is to give ourselves and others all the grace that we need to get through it.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

If we support the term “Thanksgiving,” which is rooted in genocide and hate, then we are complicit (07:59)
2022 is my half-century year (11:45)
Our greatest power—and our obligation—is our right to vote (15:03)
Everyone should try therapy, even if you had a beautiful childhood (16:43)
We all strive to be perfect moms, wives, entrepreneurs… but it’s all a trap (19:42)
If you want to scream this holiday, go ahead and scream! (22:36)

Let’s Connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

56. Rock-a-fly Baby with Nik West Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

We’re living in such a complicated, ugly time. So many of us are feeling maligned and marginalized, but what we really need is to come together. The thing is, we humans are complicated, but we all speak a common language. We all love music. We all love to dance. And we all love to party… So for this week, let’s put our differences aside and celebrate those commonalities.

Today, I’m welcoming bona fide rockstar, brand new mama, and my friend, Nik West. Nik is a bassist who has worked with musical royalty like Prince and Quincy Jones and has served as a composer for Disney. She’s also the CEO of Bass Domination, an online bass course.

Tune in and listen to episode 56 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Nik and I talk about her unexpected journey to motherhood, international travel with an infant (!), and the benefits of moving abroad.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The things that set Nik and her family apart and make them unique (08:10)
Nik’s trick for battling jet lag (11:48)
How Nik and her husband combine their private lives with their work lives (14:57)
Nik’s meet-cute with her husband (19:23)
Nik’s mom is the Leo to her Aquarius (23:47)

Connect with Nik:

Let’s Connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

55. Passport to Prosperity with Imani B Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

Career burnout, financial hardship, a rough breakup… sometimes we just need a major shift in the energy around us. But what does that mean to you? Is it a new hairstyle, a new job, a new partner? What about picking up and moving across the world?

Today, I’m chatting with Imani Bashir, a journalist, expat, entrepreneur, and boy mama. She works toward empowering marginalized people and creating content that shifts culture.

Tune in and listen to episode 55 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Imani and I talk about the history of enslaved African Muslims in the US, her amazing experience living in Wuhan, China, and raising our children to be in love with their beautiful brown skin.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Where Imani was in her life when she decided to move abroad (01:37)
A little about Imani’s background as a Black Muslim (06:24)
The transcontinental journey that brought Imani to Mexico (14:39)
Sandra Bland’s murder was one of Imani’s biggest reasons for leaving the states (21:36)
How Imani’s son’s confidence has shaped his relationship with his peers and his environment (28:54)

Connect with Imani:

Let’s Connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

54. Protecting Mama Energy with Mara S. Campo Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

Mamas, we are smack dab in the middle of election season. There are a lot of narratives, a lot of opinions, and a lot of conflicting ideologies that are all hitting a fever pitch right now. The anxiety is just tap dancing on our nervous systems. But here’s the thing: It’s up to us to be responsible citizens. We no longer live in a time where we have the privilege to check out.

Today, I welcome my friend Mara S. Campo , a four time Emmy winning journalist and mama of two. Mara frequently appears on CNN, MSNBC, and Peacock commentating on race, culture, and social justice. She has previously worked as a correspondent for Good Morning America and the Today Show.

Tune in and listen to episode 54 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Mara and I are talking about the importance of our natural hair journeys (and those of our daughters), why it’s so important to protect our energy, and how she shifted her career focus to avoid burnout.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

One of Mara’s favorite work stories—featuring Tracee Ellis Ross (05:02)
The ways Mara has seen the news industry evolve since she started (11:56)
How Mara makes sure she keeps her energy up in a volatile industry (14:39)
What Mara does to protect her daughter from negativity (23:16)
How it feels as a Black woman to come up in predominantly white spaces (29:52)

Connect with Mara:

Let’s Connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

53. Codie Elaine, the MomBoss Behind Black Love Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

Growing up, there were very few examples of authentic-feeling Black love in the media. Sure, we had the Huxtables and the Winslows, but their stories were always centered around the kids—very rarely did we see a kiss or even a hug between Cliff and Clair or Carl and Harriette. But real life isn’t all pecks on the cheek and wholesome family time… We deserve to see the hardships and the joys, the love and the struggles of Black love.

Today, I’m talking to Codie Elaine Oliver, a mommy, wife, and CEO of Black Love Inc. Codie founded Black Love Inc with her husband, Tommy, and it is the premier Black-owned platform for celebrating authentic Black love across television, digital, and social media.

Tune in and listen to episode 53 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray. Codie talks to me about growing a business with three kids at home, her thoughts going into the final season of her show, Black Love on OWN, and why they live in a “no news” household.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

How running Black Love Inc affects Codie’s relationship with her husband (06:19)
What it was like for Codie to go from one child to three when her twins were born (12:24)
About Codie’s relationship with her old school mama (18:44)
How Codie works to keep her kids spiritually and emotionally safe in these wild times (21:32)
Black Love struggles with the algorithm just like everyone else (28:46)
How Codie and Tommy split their childcare duties (36:16)

Connect with Codie:

Let’s Connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

52. Radical Self Care (and a Side of Zoloft) with Angelina Spicer Oct 25, 2022

Show notes

This episode contains a frank discussion of mental illness that some listeners may find potentially disturbing.

Welcome to the one year anniversary of Mamaste with Tanika Ray! There have been times in my life where I felt like I couldn’t commit (and times when I definitely didn’t…) but I’m proud to say that I’ve once again proven to myself that I am capable. To put out 52 podcast episodes in a row is not easy, y’all! But I am so glad that I’ve done it.

Today, I’m talking to comedian, mama, and my girlfriend, Angelina Spicer. In addition to being a TikTok sensation, Angelina is also an accidental activist dedicated to normalizing postpartum depression and proving that it can be something to laugh about.

Tune in and listen to episode 52 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray.Angelina and I are covering all things mental health, how she describes herself as a mama, and what it’s like to be a mama raising a young daughter in the year 2022.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

How Angelina’s daughter navigates having a Black mother and a white father (14:52)
The support Angelina offers when she notices her daughter questioning herself (19:32)
Why monitoring the media our kids consume is so important (26:37)
What Angelina’s PPD looked like and how she was able to come out of it (36:39)
A little more about postpartum depression and the ways it can affect women (43:24)

Connect with Angelina:

Let’s Connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

51. How Ya Doing, Sis? Oct 18, 2022

Show notes

I’m what you might call a commitment-phobe. I have a little bit of an issue committing to things, whether it’s a class, a workout, a relationship… or even hosting a podcast! I try not to put anything on myself because it's expected or because it's the right thing to do, even when it is. That’s why I’m so grateful that today, I have nearly an entire year of episodes under my belt.

Today, I’m flying solo and allowing myself a little bit of reflection as I come up on the year anniversary of hosting Mamaste.

Tune in and listen to episode fifty one of Mamaste with Tanika Ray.I’m talking about why it’s so important for me to save me from myself, the crazy amount of work I cover in just one day as a single mom, and why I’m happy being single… but I’m willing to find out how a man would fit into my life.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

I have fear surrounding me, but I’m dedicated to helping myself through my mental health challenges (07:49)
World Mental Health Day is the same day as National Kick Butt Day (12:15)
A breakdown of a day-in-the-life of Tanika (15:11)
I like being in relationships… but I’ve also learned a lot of lessons about romance over the years (22:40)
If it serves you, keep it, if it doesn't, throw it away (32:06)

Let’s Connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

50. Deep Soul Dive with Malinda Williams Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

So many of us want a new life, to change the course we’re on, to make a shift... You can look at the times we’re in as dark and scary, or you can see them as an opportunity to stretch yourself and allow yourself the room to grow.

Today, you’ll hear part two of my conversation with my sis and your friend Malinda Williams.Malinda has been on our TV screens and in our hearts for decades, starring in everything from Soul Food to Daddy’s Little Girls. She has had an incredible roller coaster of a life that’s been textured with successes and loves and divorces and children and she has so much to teach us.

Tune in and listen to episode 50 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray.Malinda and I talk about the power of the word “no,” the complications that arise when mommying and being a working actress, and the very careful ways we have to move through the world as the mamas of Black children.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

How Malinda dealt with being a brand new mommy and shooting Soul Food at the same time (07:24)
The way the events of the last few years have affected Malinda and her son (14:32)
How Malinda had to learn to talk to her son about his complicated station as a Black man in America—without creating a self-fulfilling prophecy (17:44)
How Malinda has navigated microaggressions and discrimination in Hollywood (24:04)
Some of Malinda’s secrets to achieve her signature sunkissed beauty (26:05)
What Malinda has to say about her previous relationships with famous men (33:16)

Connect with Malinda:

Let’s Connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

49. Soul Food with Malinda Williams Oct 04, 2022

Show notes

One of my greatest hopes for this podcast is that I can create a space of elevated thought and peace. I have worked toward intentionally creating this space so that we can see ourselves, we can feel a kindred spirit, and we can feel a sisterhood with women all over the world. That’s why I feature women who have achieved incredible things all while nurturing, raising, and taking care of a whole other human being besides themselves.

Today, I welcome my sis and your friend Malinda Williams.Malinda has been on our TV screens and in our hearts for decades, starring in everything from Soul Food to Daddy’s Little Girls. She has had an incredible roller coaster of a life that’s been textured with successes and loves and divorces and children and she has so much to teach us.

Tune in and listen to episode 49 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray.Malinda and I talk about what it was like to work on a new show and go through a divorce with a brand new baby, learning how and when to surrender, and how I credit my ex for my spirituality.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

It’s so rare in Hollywood to have women supporting women (10:14)
Everything happens in divine timing (11:27)
The season of Malinda’s life that she was in when she started on Soul Food (13:44)
How Malinda was given a second family with the Soul Food cast (21:08)

Connect with Malinda:

Let’s Connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

48. Mama Oprah of Makeup with Ashunta Sheriff Sep 27, 2022

Show notes

Wake up at dawn, get home after dark, no breaks in between… sound familiar? So many of us are burning the candle at both ends in both our careers and our home lives, but at what price? By not allowing ourselves space to rest and recover, we’re only hurting ourselves and our loved ones—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Today, I welcome my amazing mommy friend Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks. Ashunta is an Emmy-nominated makeup artist who has worked on everything from Academy Award-winning movies to Emmy-winning TV shows and with some of the most iconic divas in the music industry.

Tune in and listen to episode 48 of Mamaste with Tanika Ray.Ashunta is telling me what it’s like to work on set with the amazing cast of The Best Man: The Final Chapters, why it’s good to be scared, and the soul connection she has with her husband that’s unlike any relationship she’s ever had.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

About some of the incredible divas Ashunta has had a chance to work with (04:40)
Why you have to create your own bliss instead of always searching for the next best thing (10:34)
Don’t ever fall for someone just because they look good on paper (16:35)
How Ashunta balances her crazy successful career with being a mommy (18:41)
The key to avoiding job burnout? Loving what you do (28:22)

Connect with Ashunta:

Resources mentioned:

Let’s Connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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