Brown Mama Bear

Advocacy isn't about being loud, aggressive, or having all the right words. Advocacy is often an act of love — showing up, speaking up, and standing firm for our children even when it feels uncomfortable or exhausting. In today's episode, Shanera reframes advocacy as a daily practice rooted in care, preparation, and connection. She explores how advocacy shows up in schools, healthcare spaces, and...

Host Shanera Williamson sits down for a conversation with TV host and producer Jerome Moore about the art of storytelling and the responsibility he feels to tell narratives that help others go beyond the stereotypes that are so pervasive in our world.  Jerome Moore is an author, speaker and the creator of the award-winning podcast Deep Dish Conversations.  He draws on his years on volunteerism wit...

On this episode, host Shanera Williamson sits down for an interesting conversation with Kayla Bond, a Licensed Certified Social Worker and Clinical (LCSW-C) Maryland State Board Approved Supervisor with 7+ years of experience and founder of Hope & Harmony services.  Kayla coaches rising social workers and professional counselors.  Recently, she's also helped parents learn from her years of clinica...

As a new year begins, many of us are setting intentions, choosing a word for the year, or trying to build new habits. In this solo episode, Shanera shares the three pillars that can guide your parenting and personal life this year: Wellness, Education, and Advocacy. From prioritizing mental, physical, and spiritual health… to teaching Black history beyond what's covered in schools…  this episode i...

Host Shanera Williamson talks with children's author Nikki McPhetridge about the themes of play, friendship and celebration and how they show up in her new book Maya's Birthday Wish.  Just before the holidays, this is the perfect time to consider the role celebrations play in passing down values and traditions in families.   Connect with Nikki McPhetridge and Maya's Story Land: Website , Facebook...

Host Shanera Williamson talks with Maryland couple Shari Bailey and Michael Nash about their personal journey of parenting twins with very different lived experiences.  One daughter was born with Jacobson Syndrome and the other was not.  Together, this couple leverages their professional skills to create products and solutions to help other special needs families.   Connect with Zigglebee: Website...

Host Shanera Williamson talks with Certified Financial Planner Reshell Smith, the founder and CEO of AMES Financial Solutions, a firm that specifically helps women in transition maximize their wealth and build a family legacy.  In this episode, Smith shares practical advise for having a financially responsible Christmas.  During these difficult financial times, she's the voice we need to help us m...

Host Shanera Williamson talks with the founder and CEO of Time Managed, LLC, a full-service concierge and personal assistant business.  As a wife, mom and graduate of Goldman Sachs' One Million Black Women in Business program, Monee Williams shares her organizing secrets just in time for the holidays.   Connect with Monee Williams and Time Managed LLC: Website , Facebook , hello@timemanagedllc.com...

From Step Shows to Scholarship Galas, Homecoming at an HBCU is more than an event.  It's a whole vibe.  Host Shanera Williamson takes a moment to honor the tradition and gives suggestions on how families can make the most of the traditions and legacy of HBCUs to foster appreciation for our history.   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook , Instagram , Website   Make sure you share Bro...

Host Shanera Williamson talks with the co-creator of Black Boy Therapy, Nick Young.  As a therapist, pastor and mental health advocate, Young helps parents and educators recognize and address indications of mental stress in black boys.  Listen in for tips and encouragement on how you can help the young African American males in your life thrive.   Connect with Nick Young and Black Boy Therapy: Web...

Host Shanera Williamson reveals the story behind her new Mother/Daughter journal.  When daughter, Lauren, was a tween, Shanera wrote notes that eventually sparked a deeper connection for the pair.  The new Brown Mama Bear Mother/Daughter Journal is a 90-Day experience intended to help other Mothers and Daughters communicate more effectively.  The Journal will be available soon. To be the first to...

Host Shanera Williamson talks about how to help children develop friendships that are reciprocal and healthy. In her relaxed style, this mom of 3 daughters shares some of her own story of helping her kids recognize positive friendship traits.  In her no-nonsense approach, Shanera also helps you notice red flags that can signal toxic relationships may be brewing.  Listen in and consider how you can...

Host Shanera Williamson talks about one way to keep the lines of communication open with your kids.  The Brown Mama Bear Journal is a new offering that will be available soon.  Before it's debut, Shanera gives listeners a sneak preview about how the journey can help you stay connected as your child goes through adolescence and beyond.   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook , Instagra...

In this conversation, Shanera Williamson and Guerlandy Honore discuss the critical role of identity in children's learning, the importance of parental involvement, and the creation of educational resources that reflect Black children's experiences. They explore how hair serves as a significant aspect of identity and how parents can proactively support their children's education, especially in pred...

Host Shanera Williamson looks at how our parenting is affected by current events.  Today, she talks about the recent deployment of The National Guard in some of our cities creates an environment that can be unsafe for black people, specifically young black men and immigrants regardless of their immigration status.   Mentioned: Brown Mama Bear podcast Episode 157 : Black History in Wilmington: Less...

Host Shanera Williamson gives practical suggestions on how parents can build a positive racial identity in their kids to last beyond the first few weeks of a new school year.  Listen in for ways to give your children strong roots that give them stability and resilience.   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook , Instagram , Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3...

Host Shanera Williamson offers part 3 of her Back-to-School series.  This week, she looks at the pressure our children face to do well in school while also carrying extra weight as black children in predominantly white schools.  She also offers up suggestions on how to help students be well—emotionally and mentally while pursuing academic excellence.   Mentioned: Episode 166 : Caring for our Kids'...

Host Shanera Williamson continues the Back-to-School 2025 Series with a conversation about one of the most important parts of a new school year: Meet The Teacher.  Listen in as Shanera gives practical tips about what to watch for, WHAT TO ASK FOR and how to speak up with both warmth and courage in your initial contact with your child's teacher.   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook...

Host Shanera Williamson begins a four-part series helping parents get ready for Back-to-School the Brown Mama Bear Way.  Instead of only being concerned with the physical things that are needed, like school supplies and new clothes, Shanera encourages parents to consider some deeper and more meaningful things that can prepare black students to re-enter predominately white schools ready for success...

Host Shanera Williamson gives suggestions for how to give children strong roots of connection to family and culture. Using the natural break from the daily experience of being one of the "only" or "few" black kids in school, summer can be a great time to experience identity-boosting activities.  Listen to the entire episode for practical ways to make the most of the last days of summer.   Connect...

Host Shanera Williamson talks with Fisk University Professor Dr. Magana Kabugi about the role, importance and relevance of historically black colleges and universities.  This past year, almost all the major HBCUs saw rise in applicants and admissions.  The legacy of HBCUs can help current students find their place and enter the next phase of their life with confidence.   Connect with Dr. Magana Ka...

Host Shanera Williamson talks with double board-certified neurologist Dr. Kimberly J. Hatchett about practical ways busy moms can take their health seriously.  Join the conversation to hear real talk that will motivate you to do simple things that can improve the quality of your life.   Connect with Dr. Kimberly J. Hatchett: Website , Instagram , LinkedIn   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear...

It's the middle of 2025 and Host Shanera Williamson takes a minute to ask you:  "How Are YOU doing, Mama" … No, really???  Time of reflection and checking in with ourselves can reveal the things we know and the things we've been unaware of that can keep us from showing up the way we want to.  Listen in to get your check-up without a co-pay.   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook , In...

Host Shanera Williamson uses the 4th of July as a backdrop to talk about ways we can invest in our children so they are comfortable in their skin and prepared to leave their mark on this world.  Whether you celebrate Juneteenth ONLY or you enjoy a family cookout in June and July, you'll enjoy this frank conversation on how we can give context for our history and help our kids feel truly FREE!   Me...

Host Shanera Williamson talks with author, attorney and small business owner Kiara Imani about identity and connection.  Along with two friends, Imani founded a company that produces LikeU Cards, a game that helps bridge the divide between differences.  Imani is also the author of the book "Therapy Is Not Just For White People."   Mentioned:  LikeUCards.com Kiara's book, Therapy Isn't Just For Whi...