The Mama's Den

Black Love Podcast Network

Ladies welcome to The Mama's Den! The Mama's Den is an unfiltered community filled with authentic conversations and experiences all from a mama's perspective. Join singer Melanie Fiona, entrepreneur and influencer Felicia La Tour, writer Ashley Chea, and CEO of Black Love, Inc. Codie Elaine Oliver every week as they come together to have honest conversations about everything from motherhood, race, sexuality, health, religion and dating. No topic is off-limits! Grab your wine, make sure the kids are away, and join us in The Mama’s Den. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Mama's Den is a podcast for moms by moms. Always chatting to her best friends about the challenges of motherhood, Codie Elaine Oliver decided it was time to start a podcast. Codie is a mom of three and the producer of The Perfect Find. She is also the CEO of Black Love, Inc., which celebrates black love stories. She's often heard sharing funny stories about her kids, including when they locked out the nanny!

Felicia La Tour is a single mom of two who explains that her son is teaching her about men. She combines dating and being a mom with running her own business. Writer Ashley Chea reveals how her four daughters have taught her how to negotiate. Completing The Mama's Den group is singer and mom of two, Melanie Fiona. She explains how she loves connecting with amazing women through being a mom.

The four hosts talk about everything from parenting styles to mental health. They share advice on traveling with children and navigating social media. Guests join to share their expertise. Midwife Kimberly Durdin talks about maternal health with a focus on black women. How vital are doulas? Should they avoid hospital births?

In "We are Like our Mothers; our Children are Like Us," they celebrate their grandmamas series, which their moms join. Codie's Mama Renee talks about coparenting and being a grandparent to boys. Melanie's Mama Donna discusses peer pressure and her views on discipline.

Another episode is about "Finding Our Corners of Joy." It starts with the real-life story of AJ Owens, who got shot after retrieving her kid's iPad from her white neighbor. It's a conversation about dealing with racial realities and feelings of hopelessness. They end by discussing wellness and finding moments of joy with loved ones.

The Mama's Den is an empowering discussion on parenting as a black woman. The friendship of the four hosts is at the center of every episode. They have built a supportive community through the podcast to navigate motherhood together. Episodes debut weekly.

read less
Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Episodes

It's Time for Mariah!!!
Dec 11 2023
It's Time for Mariah!!!
Whether you love Mariah Carey as much as the mamas do, we hope you can appreciate the transformative experience Ashley, Melanie, Felicia, and Codie had seeing The Queen of Christmas together at the Hollywood Bowl. Special shoutout to Ashley who made it all happen! Today, we recap the experience, discuss the value of friendships, old and new, and the impact music has on us and our inner children. Plus, Melanie opens up about an emotional experience she had with her mom at the concert...you might need some tissues for that one!So Mama's Den Village, how has music impacted your inner child and inner teenager? Do you have a specific Mariah story you want to share with us? Get in on the conversation and let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenpodcastMake sure you connect with our MamasAshley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona========Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!!365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcasts, and the BL+ app. Now, get ready to soak up the vibes in person – imagine a whole day of community, chats that’ll light up your brain, a dope #Blackowned marketplace, and some specially curated moments we have never done before!October 21st is your time to groove with Black Loooove! 🖤❤️ Jump over to BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT now and grab your tickets.As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklove on Threads@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on X
Life, Partnership...and Chaos
Dec 4 2023
Life, Partnership...and Chaos
Let's be honest, Village, today was chaotic but we got there! The Mamas get into all things marriage & partnership. Fee, Codie, Melanie, and Ashley discuss how to move through challenges with your partner, which relationships they look to for inspiration, and what it means to choose your partner. While they all have different relationships and perspectives, they're all in agreement that in every marriage - you have to just do you! So Village, how do you face challenges in your marriage? Are there certain relationships you look up to? Get in on the conversation and let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenpodcastMake sure you connect with our MamasAshley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona========Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!!365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcasts, and the BL+ app. Now, get ready to soak up the vibes in person – imagine a whole day of community, chats that’ll light up your brain, a dope #Blackowned marketplace, and some specially curated moments we have never done before!October 21st is your time to groove with Black Loooove! 🖤❤️ Jump over to BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT now and grab your tickets.As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklove on Threads@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on X
Life and Friendships are Marathons
Nov 27 2023
Life and Friendships are Marathons
Get your tissues, Village. Things get a little emotional on this episode as Codie, Ashley, and Melanie talk about the dynamics of adult friendships, self-awareness... and half-marathons. Two of the Mamas even work through a conflict in their own friendship and shed a few tears along the way. But it's important to note, no matter what anybody thinks, know that you're capable of doing whatever you set your mind to Mamas!Mama's Den Village, how do you resolve issues in your adult friendships? Is there a specific story you want to share with us? Get in on the conversation and let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenpodcastMake sure you connect with our MamasAshley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona========Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!!365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcasts, and the BL+ app. Now, get ready to soak up the vibes in person – imagine a whole day of community, chats that’ll light up your brain, a dope #Blackowned marketplace, and some specially curated moments we have never done before!October 21st is your time to groove with Black Loooove! 🖤❤️ Jump over to BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT now and grab your tickets.As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklove on Threads@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on X
Going International….Without the Kids
Nov 13 2023
Going International….Without the Kids
Felicia's back, Village! So it's only right she gives all the tea - and revelations - from her trip to Thailand. The Mamas also get into their perspectives on letting your partner take care of everything, spirituality within your family, and feeling mom guilt while away from your children. While Fe, Codie, Ashley and Melanie all have different points of view, they're in agreement that every Mama deserves to make time for herself (and her partner) without the children from time to time! So Village, have you taken a big trip without your children? If so, what do you do and what did you learn? Get in on the conversation and let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenpodcastMake sure you connect with our MamasAshley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona========Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!!365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcasts, and the BL+ app. Now, get ready to soak up the vibes in person – imagine a whole day of community, chats that’ll light up your brain, a dope #Blackowned marketplace, and some specially curated moments we have never done before!October 21st is your time to groove with Black Loooove! 🖤❤️ Jump over to BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT now and grab your tickets.As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklove on Threads@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on X
Secure Relationships With Your Kids, Partners, & Parents
Nov 6 2023
Secure Relationships With Your Kids, Partners, & Parents
Okay Mamas, social media sparks a lot of conversations these days. So Codie, Ashley, and Melanie are giving their opinions about a post shared on Instagram that listed 5 things parents should do if they want to have a secure relationship with their children. The Mamas also talk about holding space for their children’s emotions and reflect on their relationships with their own mothers.Mama's Den Village, do you agree with the 5 steps of having a secure relationship with your child? Do you have another step you would add to the conversation? Let us know your point of view over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenpodcastMake sure you connect with our MamasAshley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona========Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!!365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcasts, and the BL+ app. Now, get ready to soak up the vibes in person – imagine a whole day of community, chats that’ll light up your brain, a dope #Blackowned marketplace, and some specially curated moments we have never done before!October 21st is your time to groove with Black Loooove! 🖤❤️ Jump over to BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT now and grab your tickets.As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklove on Threads@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on X
More Than “Just” a Mother
Oct 30 2023
More Than “Just” a Mother
What’s happening, Mamas? Felicia is in Thailand living her best life while Codie, Melanie, and Ashley are talking about what it means to be just a mother - and more. The Mamas also explore what it means to truly be living in your purpose and supporting your kids’ decisions despite what you may want for them!So Village, are you fulfilling your childhood dreams or did you figure out your purpose later in life? Let us know your point of view over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenpodcastMake sure you connect with our MamasAshley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona========Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!!365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcasts, and the BL+ app. Now, get ready to soak up the vibes in person – imagine a whole day of community, chats that’ll light up your brain, a dope #Blackowned marketplace, and some specially curated moments we have never done before!October 21st is your time to groove with Black Loooove! 🖤❤️ Jump over to BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT now and grab your tickets.As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklove on Threads@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on X
Love, Healing and Friendships
Oct 23 2023
Love, Healing and Friendships
Let’s be honest Village, life can be hard. But understanding our own emotions and verbalizing how we're feeling can make some days a lot less difficult. In this episode, the Mamas discuss their perspectives on learning about themselves through their children, how they show their emotions in different situations, and how their astrological chart comes into play with who they are.The Mamas also dive deep into navigating friendships through different growth paths. And we can’t forget to shout out Ashely and her husband, Chea, as they celebrate their 8-year wedding anniversary!Mama’s Den Village, can you relate to any of the discussions we had in this episode? If so, let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can Fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over at  @themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our MamasAshley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona========Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!!365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcasts, and the BL+ app. Now, get ready to soak up the vibes in person – imagine a whole day of community, chats that’ll light up your brain, a dope #Blackowned marketplace, and some specially curated moments we have never done before!October 21st is your time to groove with Black Loooove! 🖤❤️ Jump over to BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT now and grab your tickets.As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklove on Threads@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on X
It’s Holiday Season: Time To Get Festive!
Oct 16 2023
It’s Holiday Season: Time To Get Festive!
Welcome back Village! As Halloween approaches, the Mamas discuss their family costumes, traditions, and what decorating looks like at their house (or lack thereof). Codie, Ashely, and Felicia even convert Melanie into the Halloween spirit! But an interesting debate begins when Ashley mentions she’s really just ready for Christmas and Mariah Carey!  So Mama’s Den Village, what does Halloween look like in your household? Do you have an iconic family costume idea you want to share with us? Let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can Fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over at  @themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our MamasAshley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona========Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!!365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcasts, and the BL+ app. Now, get ready to soak up the vibes in person – imagine a whole day of community, chats that’ll light up your brain, a dope #Blackowned marketplace, and some specially curated moments we have never done before!October 21st is your time to groove with Black Loooove! 🖤❤️ Jump over to BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT now and grab your tickets.As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklove on Threads@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on X
Don’t Get Too Comfortable… Everyone’s Evolving
Oct 9 2023
Don’t Get Too Comfortable… Everyone’s Evolving
What’s up Village? Are you experiencing a shift with how you parent? Codie, Ashley, Felicia and Melanie definitely are as the mamas give their different perspectives on the ever-changing balancing act of navigating their children’s emotions. Plus Fe shares why we all might need to call a behavioral therapist!So Mama’s Den Village, what are your current parenting growing pains with your children? So Mama's Den Village, what's on your mind? Let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can Fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over at  @themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our MamasAshley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona========Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!!365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcasts, and the BL+ app. Now, get ready to soak up the vibes in person – imagine a whole day of community, chats that’ll light up your brain, a dope #Blackowned marketplace, and some specially curated moments we have never done before!October 21st is your time to groove with Black Loooove! 🖤❤️ Jump over to BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT now and grab your tickets.As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklove on Threads@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on X
Boundaries, Communication and Are You There God? It's Us, The Mamas.
Oct 2 2023
Boundaries, Communication and Are You There God? It's Us, The Mamas.
Mama's Den village! You've been asking and the Mama's are here to answer! What? Your questions. An Island Mama in Antigua (shout out to our international listeners!) needs some advice finding balance. Riley in Vegas needs help with setting up boundaries with her mother and with dealing with unsolicited parenting advice. Plus Yas in Atlanta is wondering what to do when looking for that connection with a god or higher power, but not necessarily with a specific religion.  So Mama's Den Village, what's on your mind? Let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can Fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over at  @themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our MamasAshley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona========Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!!365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcasts, and the BL+ app. Now, get ready to soak up the vibes in person – imagine a whole day of community, chats that’ll light up your brain, a dope #Blackowned marketplace, and some specially curated moments we have never done before!October 21st is your time to groove with Black Loooove! 🖤❤️ Jump over to BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT now and grab your tickets.As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklove on Threads@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on X
Mommy Needs a Mental Health Day
Sep 25 2023
Mommy Needs a Mental Health Day
How we doing Mamas? Let's count today as our check in because Felicia, Ashley & Melanie are talking about what they do to help explain their mental health needs to their children cause sometimes Mommy needs a mental health day. We have to be able to advocate for ourselves in a healthy way so our children know how to advocate for themselves in a healthy way! The ladies are going into speaking up, being true to who you are and teaching your children to do the same.  So Mama's Den Village, do you need a mental health day? How are you teaching your children to honor their mental health? Let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can Fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over at  @themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our MamasAshley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoFelicia - @felicialatourMelanie - @melaniefiona========Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!!365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcasts, and the BL+ app. Now, get ready to soak up the vibes in person – imagine a whole day of community, chats that’ll light up your brain, a dope #Blackowned marketplace, and some specially curated moments we have never done before!October 21st is your time to groove with Black Loooove! 🖤❤️ Jump over to BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT now and grab your tickets.As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklove on Threads@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on X