Brown Ambition

• Painful Ambition vs. Purposeful Ambition ft. Amina AlTai [WASHDAY WOOSAH]

  This week, Mandi sits down with Amina AlTai — executive coach, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living. Amina’s story takes us from burnout and near organ failure to a full-on breakthrough that reshaped her entire relationship with success. She shares how growing up as the daughter of immigrants shaped her drive, why so many high-achieving women fall into what she calls “painful ambition,” and the five core wounds that often hide beneath our hustle. Together, Mandi and Amina unpack:💡 The difference between purposeful vs. painful ambition💡 How our cultural and family roots influence our drive for success💡 Why burnout isn’t a badge of honor💡 How scarcity and comparison feed into “the ambition trap”💡 Practical steps for finding joy and balance in your work Amina also opens up about her own health crisis that forced her to redefine ambition on her own terms — and how she now helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and firsts-of-their-kind women of color do the same. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a new lens on success — one that prioritizes purpose, wellness, and authenticity over constant hustle. Guest: @aminaaltaiBook: The Ambition Trap — available wherever books are soldLearn more: aminaaltai.com Episode Highlights: (03:00) Amina’s health scare that changed everything (07:45) The five core wounds that fuel burnout (15:00) Leaving her business and rediscovering purpose (25:00) Coaching the “first, few, and only” women in corporate spaces (33:00) Navigating authenticity in today’s workplaces (41:30) The truth about scarcity and collaboration (46:00) What “The Ambition Trap” really means If you loved this conversation, share it with a friend who’s redefining success on their own terms — and don’t forget to rate and review Brown Ambition on your favorite podcast app!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Taking off the Mask: My Lifelong Battle with Depression [Solo Ep]

  ⚠️ Hey BA fam, before we jump in, just a heads-up: today we’ll be talking about depression and mental health. These topics matter and can hit close to home. What you’ll hear is real talk, but it’s not medical advice—we’re sharing stories and information, not diagnoses. If you or someone you care about needs support, please reach out. You can call or text 988anytime for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential help. You’re never alone, and there’s always hope. In this week’s episode, Mandi gets real about something she’s been holding close for a long time her battle with depression. After years of pushing through and showing up for everyone else, Mandi opens up about what it’s like to live with high-functioning depression, the pressure to keep performing, and the exhaustion that comes from pretending to be okay. She talks about losing her rhythm after Tiffany left the show, dealing with career setbacks, and the toll motherhood and burnout have taken on her mind and body. this isn’t a “how I fixed it” story, it’s an honest look at what it means to stop hiding, ask for help, and start healing in real time. 🧠 What We Talk About Living with high-functioning depression and burnout How motherhood, career changes, and loss reshaped her mental health journey Letting go of perfection and showing up without the mask Finding small ways to prioritize rest, healing, and self-compassion 📬 Connect Follow us on IG: @brownambitionpodcastEmail: [email protected] Mandi: @mandimoneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Hope After Heart Attack: Trymaine Lee's Journey [WASHDAY WOOSAH]

  This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, author, and MSNBC contributor Trymaine Lee to discuss his powerful new book, A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America. From reporting on Trayvon Martin and Ferguson to confronting his own family’s legacy of gun violence, Trymaine opens up about what happens when decades of unprocessed trauma take a physical toll. After surviving a near-fatal heart attack, he was forced to reckon with the emotional weight of his work — and the generational pain carried by so many Black families. Together, Mandi and Trymaine unpack what it means to be a storyteller, a parent, and a survivor in a world that often normalizes Black pain. They also explore the economic ripple effects of gun violence, the healing power of vulnerability, and how mindfulness, breathwork, and community have helped Trymaine reclaim peace. 📚 Resources Mentioned A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America — by Trymaine Lee Hope in High Water: A People’s Recovery 20 Years After Hurricane Katrina — streaming now on Peacock Trymaine’s podcast: Into America (MSNBC) bookshop.org — to support Black and independent bookstores See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Gov’t Shutdown, Bad Bunny Rage, & Hoa-Hoa Szn [BROWN TABLE]

  Hey BA Fam! It’s been a minute, but Mandi, Yanely, and Chris are back at the table with a rich, reflective conversation on life, culture, and community. This week’s episode dives into how our identities, skills, and values shape the way we move through an ever-changing world. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Cultural Identity & Authenticity — Why staying true to yourself matters, and how artists like Bad Bunny are redefining representation. Career & Soft Skills — The rising importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and networking in today’s job market. Economic Realities — How inflation and job market shifts are impacting mental health and career choices. Mental Health & Creativity — The challenges creatives face in uncertain times and how community support makes all the difference. Parenting & Politics — How to talk to kids about complex political and social issues with care and clarity. Community & Connection — Listener shoutouts, book recommendations, and personal stories that remind us we’re all growing together. Travel & Perspective — How exploring new cultures deepens empathy and reinforces the power of connection. This episode blends cultural commentary with practical advice and heartfelt storytelling — the perfect mix of real talk and inspiration. Whether you’re navigating career transitions, reflecting on your identity, or just need a reminder of the power of community, this one’s for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• How to Survive Your Season of Surrender ft. “The Residence” star Edwina Findley [WASHDAY WOOSAH]

  In this week’s episode, we’re joined by the radiant and multi-talented Edwina Findley, actress, author, and faith-driven creative, for a deeply inspiring conversation about walking in purpose, trusting divine timing, and showing up for the vision on your life. From her early beginnings in Washington, D.C. to her breakout roles in Hollywood, Edwina shares how her journey has been shaped by faith, surrender, and community. She opens up about her new book, The World Is Waiting For You, a guide for anyone ready to step into their calling and manifest the dreams that have been placed on their heart. Together, we talk about:✨ What it really means to wait—and grow—in a “season of surrender”✨ The importance of surrounding yourself with people who speak life into you✨ How to recognize divine signs when you’re being called to pivot or level up✨ Why nurturing positivity (in yourself and the next generation) is a key to long-term success✨ Building multiple streams of income and embracing entrepreneurship as a form of purpose If you’ve ever felt like you’re in a holding pattern or you’re wondering how to turn your faith into forward motion, this conversation will remind you: the world is waiting for you to show up. Join the conversation:We’d love to hear how you’re embracing your calling! Drop us a note or tag us on social using #BrownAmbitionPodcastand let us know your biggest takeaway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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