Best Ayesha Daniels Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Survive Your Season of Surrender ft. “The Residence” star Edwina Findley [WASHDAY WOOSAH] 49:59

Play Pause

2h ago49:59

49:59

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 …

1
An Ex-Hip-Hop Video Director Turns Her Lens on Black Women's Health Ft. Lisa Cunningham 1:03:19

4d ago1:03:19

1:03:19

In this week’s episode, Mandi sits down with Lisa Cunningham, a powerhouse creative and the Head of Marketing at the Black Women’s Health Imperative, to unpack her incredible journey from directing music videos to becoming a champion for health equity. Lisa shares how personal loss and self-discovery shaped her purpose, leading her to use storytell…

1
Paola Velez and the Guy Fieri FaceTime 55:30

2h ago55:30

55:30

From fixing radios and writing slam poetry as a kid in the Bronx, to becoming one of the most celebrated pastry chefs and community builders of her generation, 2021 Food & Wine Best New Chef Paola Velez has never followed the expected path. Along the way, she’s embraced subcultures that gave her belonging, built spaces where strangers connect over …

1
Is Now The Time to Buy or Sell A Home? Ft. Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather [BAQA] 29:48

9d ago29:48

29:48

The U.S. housing market feels impossible to navigate — high prices, rising taxes, low inventory, and mortgage rates that just won’t budge. This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, to cut through the noise and explain what’s really going on. From the “lock-in effect” keeping homeowners stuck, to…

1
How to Buy a House With Your BFF (and Her Kids!) ft. Ayesha Rascoe & Jasmin Melvin Hudson 58:56

11d ago58:56

58:56

What does it look like to redefine family and build a support system rooted in friendship? In this episode of Brown Ambition, host Mandi Woodruff-Santos sits down with NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe and her best friend Jasmin Melvin Hudson to talk about their bold decision to buy a home together and raise their five children under one roof. From meeting as yo…

1
Tavel Bristol-Joseph and the Backyard Coal Pot 53:10

8d ago53:10

53:10

From three-mile walks to school in Guyana and “punishment baking” with his aunt to becoming the first pastry chef named a Food & Wine Best New Chef, Tavel Bristol-Joseph has never followed the expected path. In this episode, he shares the chaos and music of landing in Brooklyn, the quiet ritual he keeps each birthday to honor his late father, and w…

1
Legacy, Resilience, and Building America with Cheryl McKissick Daniel [WASHDAY WOOSAH] 1:05:46

14d ago1:05:46

1:05:46

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Cheryl McKissick Daniel — President and CEO of McKissick & McKissick, the oldest Black- and women-owned design and construction firm in the U.S. With five generations of legacy behind her, Cheryl has literally changed skylines while paving the way for women and people of color in an industry that wa…

1
Karen Attiah Firing Explained + When Your Voice Can Cost You Your Job 23:32

16d ago23:32

23:32

Welcome back for a special episode 10 years in the making. Today, Mandi unpacks the real cost of speaking out in a climate where your voice can cost you your job, especially if you’re a Black woman. She celebrates 10 years of Brown Ambition (yes, 800+ episodes!), but the focus quickly shifts to the headlines: journalists, teachers, and professional…

1
How to Launch & Monetize a Blog in 2025 Ft. Jannese Torres of Yo Quiero Dinero 58:03

18d ago58:03

58:03

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi welcomes back powerhouse guest Jannese Torres entrepreneur, author of Financially Lit, host of the award-winning Yo Quiero Dinero podcast, and now, a new mom. Together, Mandi and Jannese sit at the “Brown Table” to get real about: How motherhood reshapes entrepreneurship, boundaries, and time management Breaking f…

1
Dana Cowin, Hunter Lewis, the Rose, and the Thorn 54:03

14d ago54:03

54:03

Food & Wine’s longest-serving editors in chief, Dana Cowin and Hunter Lewis, invite you into a revealing conversation about the history and impact of the Best New Chefs accolade since it started in 1988. From the early days of scouting talent with notebooks and stringers to today’s rigorous process shaped by mentorship, community, and culture, they…

1
Bet on Black: Eboni K. Williams on Freedom, Finances & Finding Joy [WASHDAY WOOSAH] 1:09:31

21d ago1:09:31

1:09:31

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with powerhouse lawyer, author, and TV host Eboni K. Williams for an inspiring and transparent conversation about life, career, and motherhood. Eboni opens up about her journey to becoming a solo mom by choice, navigating a 45-hour labor, and the support system that helped her through postpartum. She als…

1
I Owe The IRS $5,000 and Have $11,000 of Credit Card Debt — Now What? 24:00

23d ago24:00

24:00

This week’s listener, “Beth,” is stuck between tax debt and credit card debt—plus the anxiety that comes when you’re a little bit of a rebel, chasing that nonprofit art life immigrant parents never signed off on. (We see you, Beth!) Mandi shares lessons from her own contractor journey, breaks down why the IRS is no joke, and gets honest about how h…

1
How Did The Government Get The Jobs Data So Damn Wrong? [Solo Ep] 46:25

25d ago46:25

46:25

On this week’s episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi dives into the latest jobs report and how the government issued ANOTHER correction that shows we actually added 911,000 FEWER jobs than they calculated last year. That's half as many jobs as they reported. WTF? She also digs into what the data really says about the state of the economy, especially for…

1
Hunter Lewis and the Road to the 2025 Best New Chefs 54:55

21d ago54:55

54:55

Food & Wine editor in chief Hunter Lewis shares the untold story behind the magazine’s iconic Best New Chefs list and reveals the 2025 class. From the intense debates that shape each year’s BNC decisions to the lessons he’s carried from his days as a three-sport "prep jock," line cook, and local journalist, Lewis reflects on the long, strange trip …

1
How The Budgetnista And Anjali Jariwala Became a Financial Planning Power Couple [WASHDAY WOOSAH] 49:57

28d ago49:57

49:57

BA Fam, we’ve got a special one for you today! 🎉 Tiffany is back in the studio and she didn’t come alone — she brought along her powerhouse financial advisor Anjali Jariwala. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to build wealth after financial setbacks, this convo is for you. Tiffany opens up about her journey from foreclosure to finan…

1
The Double Tax & Why It’s So Damn Expensive to Be a Woman of Color Ft. Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman 1:06:51

1M ago1:06:51

1:06:51

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with the brilliant Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman award-winning researcher, speaker, and author of The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid. Anna breaks down the reality of the “double tax” that compounded cost of racism + sexism that women of color know all too well. From hair discrimi…

1
Edward Lee and the Worst Lunch Service Ever 51:31

28d ago51:31

51:31

From poring over cast-off food magazines in a Brooklyn laundry room to opening a New York restaurant at 25 and being nearly undone by a single New York Times mention, Edward Lee has lived through the exhilarating highs and bruising lows of the kitchen. On this episode, he goes deep about the worst lunch service of his life, how moving to Kentucky a…

1
How Digital Nomads Can Move to Spain in 2025 ft. The First Gen Mentor Gigi Gonzalez [WASHDAY WOOSAH] 1:03:51

1M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

BA Fam, today’s Wash Day Woosah is a treat. We’ve got our girl Giovanna “Gigi” Gonzalez aka The First Gen Mentor, author of Cultura & Cash, and three-time BA guest back on the mic. But this time, she’s not joining us from Chicago… she’s calling in from Spain! In this episode, Gigi shares the money moves and life decisions that made it possible for …

1
Best of Summer 2025: My Top 5 Summer Standouts 1:06:13

1M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

This week, we’re doing something different, BA Fam! Mandi takes us on a trip down memory lane, looking back at her five favorite moments from the summer of 2025. From thought-provoking conversations to laugh-out-loud guest appearances, these episodes stood out not just while recording, but even more when listening back with fresh ears. What You’ll …

1
Samin Nosrat and the Very Nerdy Socks 1:01:39

1M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Samin Nosrat has changed the way so many of us think about food, cooking, and connection. You may know her as the bestselling author of Salt Fat Acid Heat, her joyful Netflix series of the same name, or her wildly popular podcast Home Cooking. But in this conversation, she goes far beyond recipes. Samin opens up about growing up as a book-loving ou…

1
The Business of Black Girls Who Love Anime ft. Victoria L. Johnson [WASHDAY WOOSAH] 47:10

1M ago47:10

47:10

It's the podcast crossover you probably never saw coming, BA Fam. For today's Washday Woosah show, I sit down with Victoria L. Johnson, founder of the Sailor Moon Fan Club podcast. In each episode of the Sailor Moon Fan Club, Victoria L. Johnson interviews incredible fans of the '90s anime including bestselling authors, comic book and manga creator…

1
How Yanely Became Her Family's CFO + Savings Tips for Aging Parents [BA QA] 38:35

1M ago38:35

38:35

BA Fam, this week’s BA QA Mandi is joined by her girl, Yanely Espinal aka Miss Be Helpful and author of Mind Your Money — to answer a listener question that so many of us can relate to: How do you financially support aging parents when there’s little to no retirement savings in place? Yanely shares the systems she and her eight siblings built to co…

1
Solopreneur Secrets, Life Updates, and Hard Conversations 2:18:54

2M ago2:18:54

2:18:54

Hey BA Fam! Mandi, Yanely, and Chris are back at the Brown table with real talk about life, business, and the news that’s shaping our money and our sanity. This week, Mandi kicks things off with a story about her busted laptop, a wild Apple Store experience, and how she stumbled onto a secret financing program for small business owners. From cracke…

1
Regina King and the Wine That Stops Time 47:39

1M ago47:39

47:39

You know Regina King from her decades of extraordinary performances — from her teenage roles on the sitcom 227 and the movie Friday to Watchmen, The Leftovers, The Boondocks, If Beale Street Could Talk, and so many more. But a conversation at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen showed a different side of the Oscar-winning actress: the daughter, the si…

1
"The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery" Author Clarence Haynes [WASHDAY WOOSAH] 51:10

2M ago51:10

51:10

This week, BA fam—grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s talk all things The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery, our official August/September book club pick! Mandi Woodruff-Santos sits down with none other than Clarence Haynes, author, publishing pro, and all-around NYC icon for a bold, joyful, and real convo packed with gems. Want to join the BA Book …

1
Private Equity in Your 401k? Slow Your Roll with CNBC’s Sharon Epperson [BA QA] 25:10

2M ago25:10

25:10

BA Fam, this week’s BAQA is personal, I brought in my friend and financial powerhouse, Sharon Epperson, CNBC’s Senior Personal Finance Correspondent, to unpack a buzzy headline that had my eyebrow raised: the president’s executive order that could open the door for private equity (and other alternative investments) in your 401k. We break down what …

1
Rooting for Everybody Black [In Business] 1:04:52

2M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Hey BA Fam, pull up a chair at the Brown Table! This week Mandi is joined by two returning guests: Jonquilyn Hill from Vox Media and Yvie Saint-Louis from Blavity. Fresh from NABJ’s 50th anniversary conference in Cleveland, the ladies swap stories on conference strategy, avoiding burnout, and why the hotel bar might just be your best networking mov…

1
Ayesha Curry and the 5 Night a Week Pineapple Fried Rice 49:52

2M ago49:52

49:52

2025 Food & Wine Game Changer Ayesha Curry is such a surprise of a human being. On paper, it's natural to wonder how someone can be an actress, cookbook author, restaurateur, founder of a skincare line and lifestyle brand, winemaker, and co-creator of a foundation that helps kids get fed in a million different ways. But as soon as she starts talkin…

1
On a Mission to Secure Black Women's Future in Tech [Washday Woosah] 1:04:43

2M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Hey BA Fam! On today’s Washday Woosah episode, we’re joined by the intelligent, passionate, and powerhouse CEO of Black Girls Code, Cristina Mancini! 👩🏾‍💻✨ Cristina drops serious gems on everything from how to confidently promote yourself online and in person, to what it really means to be a hard worker in today’s world. We also dive into the art o…

1
Reclaiming My Space, Speaking My Truth [Solo BA QA] 42:32

2M ago42:32

42:32

Hey BA Fam! This week I’m coming to you from Cleveland, where I’m soaking up all the love (and ALL the nostalgia) at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention. It’s been a full-circle moment walking back into this space, not as a reporter for a big outlet, but as Mandi Woodruff-Santos, aka Mandi Money, host of Brown Ambition! We’re t…

1
How to Tell If That “Black-Owned” Brand Is Still for Us 1:00:29

2M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by Alexa Claire and first-time guest Mia Brabham Nolan for a vibrant conversation full of career advice, pop culture takes, and real talk on entrepreneurship and Black excellence. The three dive into everything from half-birthdays and pop culture dry spells to the real ch…

1
Antoni Porowski and the Right Time to Leave a Party 47:10

2M ago47:10

47:10

"Queer Eye" and "No Taste Like Home" star Antoni Porowski joins Tinfoil Swans live at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen for a heartfelt and humorous conversation about identity, vulnerability, and finding meaning through food. He opens up about his path from actor and caterer to TV host and storyteller, the emotional layers of cooking, navigating fa…

1
How Ambitious Women Can Find (and Keep) True Love ft. Francesca Hogi & Spicy Mari [Washday Woosah] 1:10:21

2M ago1:10:21

1:10:21

Hey BA Fam! On today's Washday Woosah, we’re sitting down with two amazing, talented, and intelligent women: author of How to Find True Love: Unlock your Romantic Flow and Create Lasting Relationships, relationship coach, podcast host, TED speaker, and certified matchmaker Francesca Hogi, and relationship coach, host of Netflix's Sneaky Links, and …

1
Solo Show: How Mandi's Coaching Women Through This Incredibly Competitive Job Market 38:56

2M ago38:56

38:56

Hey BA Fam! Mandi is flying solo this week, and whew—she came with heart, and hard truths. She’s breaking down what’s really going on in today’s job market beyond the headlines, and what she’s learning from working 1:1 with high-achieving women who are stuck in the “I have the résumé, but why can’t I get the offer?” cycle. Spoiler: It’s not your ré…

1
Tristen Epps and the Scrambled Egg Revelation 56:19

2M ago56:19

56:19

Growing up in a military family, Tristen Epps moved around a lot. But no matter where he was living, Friday nights were sacred. He got to dress up, go to a restaurant, not order from a kids menu, and feel like he was getting to know the place he was living — for now. At home, when his mom taught him to scramble an egg, he was mesmerized by the alch…

1
How to Be The Kind of Boss Your Team Needs ft. Sabina Nawaz! 38:51

2M ago38:51

38:51

Hey BA fam! For this Washday Woosah episode, we are welcomed by CEO Coach, keynote speak, and author of “YOU'RE THE BOSS: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need)”, Sabina Nawaz! During this episode, Sabina discusses being able to understand the complex connection between power and pressure as a workplace manager, and how to turn the hid…

1
How to Plan Financially When You're Living With a Chronic Illness ft. Gigi The First Gen Mentor 30:35

2M ago30:35

30:35

BA Fam, send us your financial, career and everything-in-between questions! Submit via email at [email protected] or DM us @brownambitionpodcast on IG. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
When Will This Dumspter Fire End? 1:09:39

2M ago1:09:39

1:09:39

We’re back, BA Fam! After surviving a morning of tech chaos (and some truly humbling camera angles), your favorite financial BFFs are back at the brown table— and we’ve got a lot to say. Mandi shares how motherhood keeps her grounded (and off the doomscroll), and Yanely drops gems on supporting immigrant parents while building wealth. Plus, we get …

1
Chris Shepherd and the Hot Dog Pizza 57:08

2M ago57:08

57:08

Growing up in Oklahoma, school was not Chris Shepherd's thing. Traditional classrooms just aren't the right fit for some brains — but it turned out that restaurants were. In junior college, he picked up a job as a dishwasher at a sushi restaurant and on the day the tempura guy didn't show up, his culinary journey began. The 2013 Food & Wine Best Ne…

1
The 7 Trust Languages of Work ft. Minda Harts [Washday Woosah] 43:56

3M ago43:56

43:56

This week’s BA Q&A, Mandi is joined by powerhouse author, filmmaker, and workplace equity consultant Minda Harts to talk about how we build trust, advocate for ourselves, and demand more from the spaces we show up in—especially as women of color. Minda opens up about her latest book, Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace…

1
27 Years Old And Starting Over — Where Do I Begin? [BA QA] 24:48

3M ago24:48

24:48

This week's BA Q&A, Mandi is joined by friend of the show Naseema McElroy of Financially Intentional to answer a question from Serena, a 28-year-old multi-passionate entrepreneur torn between beauty and holistic health. Naseema drops gems on the power of niching down, embracing your unique story, and positioning yourself as a Key Person of Influenc…

1
How Mandi Fell for a $700 Beyoncé Bait 'n Switch 42:17

3M ago42:17

42:17

This week, Mandi is joined at the Brown Table by friend of the show, nurse and financial educator Naseema McElroy of Financially Intentional. The two get real about motherhood, love, career breaks, and all the chaos in between—from co-parenting struggles to Beyoncé ticket drama. Naseema shares an update on her mini retirement and an upcoming mommy-…

1
Run the Jewels and the Tuna Salad Battle 51:43

3M ago51:43

51:43

When Killer Mike and El-P were 10 years old, they both knew they wanted to be emcees, but it took a few decades for them to meet, form Run The Jewels, and go to war against one another over salad. The legendary rap duo joined Tinfoil Swans for a laugh-out-loud (and also cry a little) conversation about childhood meals, musical awakenings, midlife r…

1
Dr. Jatali Bellanton: From Med School Dreams to Big Bank Moves, Kids Who Bank—and Finding Her Washday Woosah 1:00:08

3M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

🎙️ Hey BA Fam! We’re back with a brilliant BA Q&A! Mandi sits down with Dr. Jatali Bellanton—Angel Investor, financial literacy powerhouse, and founder of Kids Who Bank—to talk about the game-changing power of mentorship and building teams that actually work. Whether you’re dreaming up your first business or scaling your empire, this convo is a mus…

1
How- to Choose the Right Business Bank Account [BA QA] 20:08

3M ago20:08

20:08

Hey BA Fam! We’re back with a classic BA Q&A. Mandi is joined by Yanely Espinal (aka MissBeHelpful) and Marc Russell from BetterWallet to answer Amber’s question: What should I look for when opening a business bank account—and what are the red flags? Whether you’re launching a side hustle or running a full-on business, this convo breaks down what r…

1
Baby Bonds, Tax Confusion & Essence Fest Mayhem 1:27:42

3M ago1:27:42

1:27:42

In this week’s Brown Table, Mandi is joined by Yanely Espinal (@missbehelpful) and Marc Russell from Better Wallet to break down the new “baby bonds” launching in 2025 (if your baby’s already here... sorry, you missed the cutoff 😅).We also get into the mess around the so-called “Social Security tax credit” (spoiler: it’s not a credit), and why that…

1
Wylie Dufresne and the Platonic Pizza Ideal 46:22

3M ago46:22

46:22

2001 Food & Wine Best New Chef and Stretch Pizza impresario Wylie Dufresne joins Tinfoil Swans to talk about his job lording over the ice truck at the New York Renaissance Festival, how team sports inform his work ethic, what the heck molecular gastronomy actually is, and why the pursuit of the perfect pizza dough has him so fired up. Learn more ab…

1
Media Maven Gabrielle Gambrell, Hachette Book Group's Chief Communications Officer [Washday Woosah] 1:00:41

3M ago1:00:41

1:00:41

Welcome to Washday Woosah, BA Fam! It's the Sunday slow-down you need, something to listen to while you're doing the laundry, deep conditioning, or simply enjoying a nice quiet moment of relaxation before the Sunday scaries start to hit. If you needed a sign to play matchmaker for your friends, this episode is it! Gabrielle and I were "set up" by a…

1
How to Deal With Tr*mp Tax Cuts & A Crazy Competitive Job Market 29:09

3M ago29:09

29:09

Hey BA Fam! Mandi's riding solo today for the brown table and sharing insights on the biggest headlines that impact your wallet. New here? Join us three times a week: 💼 Washday Woosah (Sunday interviews with inspiring guests) 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) 🎤 BA Q&A Fridays + Conversations! (your money + career questions answer…

1
Ana and Lydia Castro and the Tortilla Full of Beauty 58:37

3M ago58:37

58:37

2022 Food & Wine Best New Chef Ana Castro and her sister and business partner Lydia Castro are powerhouse duo behind New Orleans' beloved Acamaya. They're not just redefining contemporary Mexican cuisine — they’re reshaping what it means to lead with vulnerability, resilience, and fierce sibling love. In this conversation they dive deep into their …