Whew, Chile. Y'all have to forgive my delay in getting this episode up. May is such a busy month in my household because of birthdays and other milestone events—I see you on Mother's Day!

But without further ado, here is my conversation with my friend, Jasminne Mendez, as we discuss the challenges of balancing success as a mother and a career woman. Together, we share our experiences as mamas and authors, navigating the demands of motherhood while pursuing our creative passions. We discuss the trade-offs and sacrifices that come with success and the need to make choices that align with our competing priorities.

Jasminne Mendez is a best-selling Dominican-American poet, translator, playwright, audiobook narrator, and award-winning author of several books for children and adults. Including the middle-grade novel in verse, Aniana del Mar Jumps In (Dial), which received the 2024 Pura Belpre Honor Award. Her other books have received prizes from the Texas Institute of Letters, the Writer’s League of Texas, and the International Latino Book Awards. She is an MFA graduate of the creative writing program at the Rainier Writing Workshop at Pacific Lutheran University and a University of Houston alumni. She is the Program Director for the literary arts non-profit Tintero Projects and she lives and works in Houston, TX.

Follow Jasmine on IG here. You can also learn more about her and her work through her website.

Happy listening, Friend!

In this conversation, I chat with Shaniqua Smith, my son's godmother and one of my best friends. We discuss the challenges and experiences of motherhood, specifically focusing on the fourth trimester—the postpartum period.

Because -ish gets real when the baby comes. There's much to be said about the transition of welcoming a new baby at home, the emotional and mental changes, and the importance of self-care and grace.

We also touch on the pressures of comparison and the impact of social media on perceptions of motherhood.

Shaniqua Smith is a dedicated stay-at-home wife and mother of four beautiful girls. With a passion for making a difference in people's lives, she pursued a career in social work. Shaniqua earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed her Master's degree in Social Work at Alabama A&M University. Throughout her career, Shaniqua has worked with various populations, including infants anolder peoplely. She has made a positive impact through her involvement in mentoring programs, hospice care, summer camps, and providing essential resources like food and clothing. In 2020, Shaniqua took a leap of faith boldly decidedsion to leave the social work field during the pandemic. She seized the opportunity to launch her own licensed home childcare program, the Leap of Faith Learning Academy, LLC. Despite the challenges, Shaniqua embraced the journey and created a nurturing and educational environment for the children under her care. Currently, Shaniqua is taking a break from the childcare profession to focus on her role as a stay-at-home mom. She uses this time to heal, explore new opportunities, and prepare to relaunch her childcare program as a center. Shaniqua's determination, compassion, and unwavering faito inspire those around her.

This week, I chatted it up with my girl, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, and we discussed her journey as an author and the challenges she's faced in the publishing industry.

Alyssa is a true Bronx native and has found inspiration in her culture and heritage. Through our conversation, we realized that becoming moms helped us rediscover our dreams of becoming authors and that living out our dreams has brought deeper joy into our lives.

Listen, being a mom and a creative isn't for the faint of heart. But knowing that we have little humans watching us makes it all worth it.

Alyssa is a queer Afro-Latine/x Dominican and Puerto Rican award-winning storyteller. Her ability to weave compelling stories has opened many doors for her as an author and speaker. She is also a mother and community organizer. During the day, she works with community members, non-profit organizations, and government officials to improve the world. Then she puts her writer’s hat on to craft heartfelt stories about home, family, food, and the fun places she has been. Alyssa was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, and currently lives with her partner and daughter in Philadelphia, PA. She is the author of Plátanos Are Love, The Bronx Is My Home, and Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book. She hopes you enjoy her stories.

Connect with Alyssa on IG: @AReynosoMorris

And check her website out at: https://www.alyssaauthor.com/

Grab my shirt here!

In this conversation, my good sis, Ashley Franklin, and I discuss our experiences with ADHD as mothers. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities that come with being neurodiverse and raising children who may also have ADHD.

We emphasize the importance of living an authentic life and taking a leap of faith to overcome fear and pain. The conversation highlights the need for routine, timers, and non-medicated strategies to manage ADHD symptoms. We also discuss the process of diagnosis and the importance of self-care for mothers with ADHD. The conversation covers various strategies for managing ADHD, anxiety, sleep issues, and overstimulation in mothers. It explores the benefits of exercise, meditation, visualization, and yoga as tools for relaxation and improving sleep. The importance of taking mommy time outs to recharge and fulfill personal needs is also emphasized.

Ashley Franklin is an Arkansas-based author whose work centers on characters with big hearts and even bigger imaginations. She believes everyone, especially kids, deserves to see themselves reflected within the pages of a book.

Some of her most popular works include the picture books Disney’s The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash and NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE and her middle-grade short story “Creative Fixes” from the anthology ONCE UPON AN EID. Learn more about Ashley here: https://ashleyfranklinwrites.com/

And, of course, follow her on IG at ashleyfranklinwrites

Hey, Mama! It's been a while since we last sat down and talked. Life has been on 1000 since the end of season 2. Lots of things—good and bad—have taken place. But I'm back with season 3. On this episode, I talked with my good sis, Tonya Abari, about her physical healing journey after giving birth to her daughter. Tonya is a multigenre storyteller. Her words and reviews have appeared in USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Good Housekeeping, AARP, Parents, ZORA, PBS Kids, and many more! The University of Maryland at College Park grad now lives and writes from Nashville, TN. Tonya writes for both children and adults — and has books published and forthcoming with Mudpuppy, The Innovation Press, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. When she isn't having her way with words, she can be found reading; visiting historic landmarks; dancing to her golden era of hip hop playlist; or frolicking in and around town with her spouse and children, all whose names also begin with "T." You can learn more about Tonya on her website ⁠https://www.tonyaabari.com/⁠ And, of course, follow her on IG @iamtabari This episode gets a little heavy at times. So protect your peace, Mama as you listen and/or watch. Trigger Warning: Serious medical conditions discussed.

Justin Timberlake said he was bringing sexy back, but as a mama of three, I'm still looking for it. Because let's be honest, life after kids changes everything! Especially things in the bedroom. While giving birth can be beautiful, it can take a toll on our confidence. So, how do we navigate this new normal and find our sexy again? On today's episode, Tati and I chop it up about that and how some celebs are out here giving up multiple times a day.

Tati Richardson is co-founder of the Romance in Colour Podcast (available on all platforms). A higher education professional for two decades, Tati holds degrees in English from Clark Atlanta University and the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. A native of Atlanta, Tati lives in the suburbs with her husband and daughter. She collects red lipstick, Wonder Woman memorabilia, and unique eyewear.

Grab her debut romance novel, The Build Up, and support local bookstores by ordering here.

And, of course, don't forget to connect with her on the socials @RichardWritesOn

Website: https://www.tatiannarichardson.com/

MomTings shirt available at www.momtings.com

Stay in touch with me on the socials and through my newsletter.

IG: tee_moore_writes

FB: Tee Moore

Twitter: TanisiaTeeMoore

www.tanisiamoore.com

CONTENT WARNING: This episode deals with the grief of a close loved one (parental death). Please take care of your mental space and peace if you decide to listen to this episode.

Grief is a mutha—shut yo mouth!

What? I’m only talking about grief. At someone point in our lifetime, we will experience grief. Death—like taxes—is the one thing that none of us can avoid. Although, there are some folks who can avoid taxes like the plague. But that’s another topic for another day.

In this episode, I get to talk to speak with my good sis, Ky Glover, about how she is navigating the loss of her mother. We discuss how grief has changed her world, specifically in the ways she shows up for herself, her family, and those around her.

Kyla was raised in the fast-growing city of Huntsville, AL. She attended Oakwood University, where she studied Communications and Business Management. After college, she worked in Corporate America, where she met and married her husband of 13 years. Together they have three children (Markajah, McKenzie, and Edward). In 2011, while climbing the ladder in Corporate America, Kyla started her career as a Makeup Artist. In 2017, she was faced with a decision; move with her transitioning department to Hanover, Maryland or step out on faith and continue growing in her career/calling as a Professional Makeup Artist. She chose faith. Kyla has grown in her career as a makeup artist, as an entrepreneur, as an empowerment speaker, and most of all, as a woman. She is the founder and creator of the “I See You Girl,” a women’s empowerment community with the mission to do sisterhood with a kingdom mindset. Kyla’s life story is full of trials, failures, brokenness, triumphs, successes, and healing. She believes that her life has equipped her with the tools to inspire, give hope, spread love, and share God’s heart for His children.

Follow Kyla on social at:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Kyglovermua

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kyglovermua/

Shirt on Tee available at www.momtings.com

www.tanisiamoore.com

Chile, let's get into this one! If you're like me, you got a while before your kiddos leave the coup (your house). But we need all the tea for those who are getting ready to enter that season when the kids will leave home and venture into this world! Because let's face it, that's a huge transition for YOU, Mama.

Today, I got an opportunity to talk to my friend, Shannon Steele Crenshaw, as she shares her journey of becoming an empty nester.

Shannon Steele Crenshaw is a wife, mother of 3, and a business owner. Mrs. Crenshaw has worked in the areas of Mental Health Equality, Higher Education, and Vocational Rehabilitation for over 20 years. Her focus has been on Environmental Trauma and Life Transitions.

She is a proud graduate of Alabama A& M University, where she received her BS degree in Psychology. She received her two master’s degrees from the University of New Orleans in the areas of Higher Education Administration and Human Service Counseling.

She feels that clients honor her by sharing their life and growth with her. She does not hide behind silence or position and highly regards her clients as people. She truly lives by the idea of Supporting People in Achieving Their Best Life.