How Do I Invest In The Age of Tr*mp, Tariffs and Total Chaos?
BA Fam, we’re in our investing bag today—and who better to guide us through this unpredictable market than Racquel Oden, Head of U.S. Wealth and Personal Banking for HSBC (yes, that HSBC)? With 30 years of experience under her belt, Racquel breaks it all the way down: why now *isn’t* the time to panic, how to pivot smartly, and what staying “active” with your money really means (spoiler: it’s not staring at your account every five minutes). Mandi gets personal about her own portfolio (yes, she opened the statement during the episode), and Racquel walks her—and all of us—through what to look for, what questions to ask, and why we all need to stop avoiding our finances like that dentist appointment we keep pushing back. If you've been wondering whether you should move money, sit tight, or finally talk to a pro—this episode is your sign. What We Discuss : Why market dips can actually be buying opportunities (especially in sectors like AI, healthcare, and utilities). The real definition of “active investing” (and why it doesn’t mean day trading). Why diversification > putting all your eggs in one stock basket. How to figure out your risk tolerance and time horizon like a grown-up. Why now is the perfect time for a financial check-in, not a freak-out. LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: [@brownambitionpodcast](https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast) Website: [brownambitionpodcast.com](https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com) Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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49:36
Will The Moms Be Alright?
Hey BA fam — this week, Mandi is back at the Brown Table with two of her favorite mama podcasters: Jessica Norwood from The Sugar Daddy Podcast and Rana Campbell, from Dreams and Drive. We’re getting real about what it means to be a mom, a creative, and a corporate baddie in 2025 all at the same time. From burnout and baby wipes to balancing big dreams and meal prep, this is a love letter to every woman out here trying to do it all (and keep her edges intact). No fluff, no filters — just honest convo about grief, ambition, community, and redefining what success looks like when you're raising humans and chasing goals. We talk about: -Why balance is a myth and why lowering the bar might just be the key to peace -Making peace with slow growth and shifting timelines as a mama and entrepreneur -Outsourcing, setting boundaries, and why folding kid laundry should be a group sport -The grief of losing support and the power of building your own village -Raising emotionally intelligent boys in a chaotic world -Saying “I’m a mom” with your whole chest even in the workplace Takeaway Quotes: “You can outsource everything but love.” – Jessica “I’m not scared to say I’m a mom — and I need to leave early because my kid has a talent show.” – Rana Links + Resources: 📲 Follow on Rana Instagram - http://instagram.com/rainshineluv 🔉 Listen to Dreams in Drive → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dreams-in-drive/id1076971560 📲 Follow on Jessica Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesugardaddypodcast/ 🔉 Listen to Sugar Daddy Podcast → https://www.instagram.com/thesugardaddypodcast?igsh=Y2R0dGF0OTFtdmNo LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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55:13
How to Heal From Burnout with Breathwork ft. Jasmine Marie, Black Girls Breathing
This week, Mandi sits down with the brilliant Jasmine Marie breathwork practitioner, founder of Black Girls Breathing, and author of Black Girls Breathing: Heal from Trauma, Combat Stress, and Find Your Freedom. From surviving the corporate grind to creating wellness spaces rooted in cultural relevance, Jasmine gets real about her journey into entrepreneurship, healing work, and what it truly takes to hold space for Black women’s mental and emotional wellbeing. We talk about everything from the power of a deep breath and surviving burnout, to funding a business on your own terms and growing a team the *smart* way. Jasmine even leads us through a mini oceanic breath session at the end — don’t miss it We talk about: - Jasmine’s transition from corporate beauty marketing to breathwork and mental wellness - Why most wellness spaces *don’t* center Black women's lived experiences — and what she's doing about it - Building a company without VC funding: how Jasmine bootstrapped and scaled BGB - The importance of listening to your body (and your breath) when trauma speaks - Balancing healing work with entrepreneurship and how not to burn out - Tools in Jasmine’s toolkit: EMDR therapy, acupuncture, daily walks, and more - Real talk on grief, generational trauma, and creating new blueprints for Black wellness Join the Movement: Visit https://www.blackgirlsbreathing.com to learn more and access free mental health resources - Follow Jasmine on IG @blackgirlsbreathing - Subscribe to *Brown Ambition* and leave us a 5-star review if this episode gave you life!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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57:16
How to Tackle Student Loans, Build Wealth, and Still Breathe Easy
BA Fam, we’re back at the Brown Table! This week, Mandi is joined by our faves Yanely and Naseema for a good ol' catch-up and trust, it’s been a minute. We're talking about all things mental health, money moves, and why Naseema’s plotting a mini-retirement (yes, you heard that right). Plus, we dive deep into the messy student loan situation (spoiler alert: the bills are coming due) and what you actually need to know before you freak out. We also show love to some brilliant Black authors and entrepreneurs making big waves in the mental health and financial wellness space. Oh, and we might get a little sidetracked talking about breathwork, the movie that everyone is talking about Sinners, and why leaning on your community is the biggest flex right now. Pull up a seat, you’re gonna want in on this one. 💛 Links + Resources: 📲 Follow on Yanely Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/missbehelpful/ 📲 Follow on Naseema Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/financiallyintentional/ LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: [@brownambitionpodcast](https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast ) Website: [brownambitionpodcast.com](https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com ) Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:03:15
Leveling Up After Layoff: LaKesha’s Story [BA QA]
In this week’s episode, we’re getting real about navigating career highs, lows—and everything in between. Mandi hosts a live coaching session with LaKesha J., a member of the Mandi MoneyMakers community, who is trying to figure out how to position herself for career growth after she was laid off by her company and narrowly escaped unemployment by finding a role on a different team. Next up, we get into the messy, grown-up decision-making that comes with a career crossroads. Do you take the severance and walk away clean—or stay for the long game, with perks like full vesting, pension benefits, and even a company-covered master’s degree? We’re breaking down the pros and cons, talking real numbers, and helping you think through how to align your career moves with your long-term goals. And to close things out, we’re diving into two fields where the future is already here: data analytics and cybersecurity. Whether you’re eyeing a new lane or looking to level up where you are, we’re talking certifications, AI trends, and the skills that’ll keep your résumé future-proof. It’s a reminder that learning is a lifelong flex and staying curious is the best career insurance out there. This episode is a celebration of courage, clarity, and the power of making moves—even when it’s scary. Tap in for real talk, big insights, and a whole lot of motivation to keep betting on yourself. LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: [@brownambitionpodcast](https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast) Website: [brownambitionpodcast.com](https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com) Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Brown Ambition Podcast helps you unapologetically build wealth by saving, investing and making smart career choices — on your own d@mn terms! New episodes Wednesdays and Fridays.
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