Episode 177: Back-to-School Series Part 1 - Backpacks, Boundaries + Belonging
Release Date: 08/05/2025
Brown Mama Bear
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 with the Peace Corp and his work as a community organizer to determine what good news stories need to be told. Listen in to hear why he believes it’s possible to infuse our world with...
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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 clinical work with teens as she tells us some of the things teens wish their parents knew. She is driven by the opportunity to help people achieve sustained holistic wellness and she...
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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 is a grounding reminder that parenting Black children is both personal and intentional. This is not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most. In This Episode, We Talk About: ...
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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: , , Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: , , Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.
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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: , , Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: , , Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.
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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 make a plan and teach the next generation to manage money well. Connect with Reshell Smith and AMES Financial Solutions: , , , @reshellsmith Connect with Shanera and Brown...
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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: , , Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: , , Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.
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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: , , Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.
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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: , , Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: , , Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.
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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 find out when it goes on sale, sign up for the waitlist at . Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: , , Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so...
info_outlineHost 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.
Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear:
Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.