Brown Mama Bear

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: Website, Instagram, TikTok   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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 brownmamabear.com.   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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 help your kids navigate the world of friendships.   Mentioned: Mean Girls movie   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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 predominantly white schools.   Connect with Guerlandy Honore and HairitEd: Website, Instagram, Facebook   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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: Lessons from Lies, Murder and a Political Coup   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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' Mental Health with Baylie Sheffield Episode 171: Therapy is Not Just for White People with Kiara Imani TherapyForBlackGirls.com   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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.   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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 with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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 Kabugi: Fisk University, LinkedIn   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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: Facebook, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.  

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!   Mentioned:  Great Migration (African American)   Connect with Shanera and Brown Mama Bear: Facebook, Instagram, Website   Make sure you share Brown Mama Bear with at least 3 friends so you have someone to talk with about these things.