Welcome back to Mama We Made It! with Dj & Reg.

In this episode, we dive into childhood memories, family legacies, and the lessons that shape who we are today. From stuffed animals and childhood homes to vulnerable stories about parents, loss, and raising kids, this conversation blends humor with heart.

✨ Highlights:
- Dj’s moving story of a letter from his mother
- Reg on fatherhood, loss, and blending families
- How vulnerability, compassion, and masculinity evolve across generations
- A reflection on community, grace, and the women who shaped us

Join the conversation: What childhood memory shaped you the most? Drop it in the comments, we’d love to continue the conversation with you.

👍 If this episode resonates, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a conversation that matters.

Watch on YouTube:

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f

In this episode of Mama We Made It, Dj and Reg go deep on the meaning of freeing and decolonizing the mind.

The hosts share personal journeys around mentorship, parenting, and how their upbringings as Black men shape their skepticism and curiosity about mainstream narratives, especially in education. Reg details taking “two sets of notes” in school, one for the grade, one for survival, and how a lifetime of voracious reading, from Nikki Giovanni to Toni Morrison to W. E. B. Du Bois, has been foundational to his consciousness.

Dj reflects on familial lessons about economic self-reliance, early experiences with being objectified in classrooms, and how those shaped his framework for resisting exploitation. The two examine shifting forms of content consumption among younger generations, the often invisible forces within public education that mold how Black youth see themselves and the world, and the power of intentionally diversifying what and how we learn.

They highlight authors like Dr. Grada Kilomba and the importance of tools like Google Scholar for grounding knowledge in research—not just opinion. Ultimately, this conversation is a call for ongoing curiosity, critical thinking, and creating more space for self-determined Black intellectual tradition.

When and Where I Enter by Paula Giddings - https://www.amazon.com/When-Where-Enter-Impact-America/dp/0688146503

The ISIS Papers by Frances Cress Welsing - https://www.amazon.com/Isis-Yssis-Papers-Keys-Colors/dp/1602819599

Race for Profit by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor - https://www.amazon.com/Race-Profit-Industry-Undermined-Homeownership/dp/1469653664

Plantation Memories by Dr. Grada Kilomba - https://www.amazon.com/Plantation-Memories-Episodes-Everyday-Racism/dp/1771135506/

Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon - https://www.amazon.com/Black-White-Masks-Frantz-Fanon/dp/0802143008/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NwQumFBr7JA

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f

This week on Mama We Made It! With Dj & Reg, the conversation gets real about competition, community, and survival in corporate America. Drawing from their time at Nike, they open up about what it means to be underrepresented in high-pressure spaces, the subtle ways connection shows up at work, and how professional relationships shift over time.

Dj and Reg share personal stories about introversion, struggles with networking, and the difference between dealing with haters and finding true allies. They also dive into the impact these systems have on mental health, from stress and constant evaluation to the importance of boundaries and learning not to let corporate expectations define your worth.

The episode explores what it looks like to find freedom beyond the 9-to-5, why friendship and intentional connection matter, and how to build a career without losing yourself in the process. Packed with honesty, humor, and lessons earned the hard way, it’s a conversation for anyone chasing success while still wanting balance, self-care, and authentic community.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T-G3rLNyuwc

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f

In this episode of Mama We Made It, Dj and Reg break down the landmark NCAA settlement that could change college sports forever, allowing colleges and universities to pay student-athletes a share of revenue.

From college athlete compensation and student-athlete unions to the future of youth sports, this conversation dives deep into the real impact on players, especially Black student-athletes, and the ongoing fight for equity in athletics.

🎧What you’ll hear in this episode:

- How the new NCAA ruling on student-athlete pay could transform college sports
- Dj’s journey as a student-athlete vs. Reg’s perspective as a lifelong fan
- The decline in youth sports participation among Black and low-income kids
- Opportunities for athletes at top sports brands after college
- The rising impact of women student-athletes and representation in leadership
- Why student-athlete unions & collective bargaining might be the next big step
- Whether you’re an athlete, fan, parent, or just curious about the future of college sports, this episode is packed with insights on identity, equity, and life after the game.

Additional resources:

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/nsch.html

https://www.umb.edu/media/umassboston/editor-uploads/new-balance-innovative-leadership-in-sport/National-Black-Sport-Participation-Physical-Activity-Report.pdf?utm_source=perplexity

https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/ncaas-house-settlement-approved-ushering-in-new-era-where-schools-can-directly-pay-athletes-011814078.html

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/e9dba8ce-d9f1-4a50-971b-77f2daaafacb

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/b9ae70ae-e7e3-4496-a418-c0556ce304acc

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xx4LRSLomqE

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f

This week on Mama We Made It! With Dj & Reg, they dig into the meaning behind being called “black and bougie,” especially in light of Ralph Lauren’s recent Martha’s Vineyard collection and its stirring up cultural conversation.

While Reg checks in from a vacation at the Vineyard, they unpack class, race, and the politics of “bougie” identity within the Black community, dispelling myths and addressing both the history and misconceptions tied to places like Martha’s Vineyard.

Dj and Reg reflect on personal experiences, family stories, and why striving for comfort and excellence shouldn’t always come with negative labels. The episode explores the importance of community, legacy, and safe spaces where Black folks can gather, from summer reunions to cultural festivals, all wrapped in honest laughs and thoughtful debate. Historic touchpoints, like the roots of the Black bourgeoisie and the lasting impact of respectability politics, keep things grounded and nuanced. The duo also shines a light on the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural vibrancy that make Martha’s Vineyard unique, while urging listeners to rethink presuppositions about “bougie” spaces. This episode is for anyone wrestling with Black identity, class, and the power of collective joy—don’t miss it.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CFruqy0xrgA

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f

Welcome back to Mama We Made It! with Dj & Reg. Today, they peel back the layers on the concept of legacy, unpacking whether it’s something we create it or have it defined for us by others.

The duo discusses how their years in corporate America shaped, but didn’t define, their sense of self or legacy. Dj considers the difference between achievements and true legacy—framing legacy as less about what you build and more about the impact and inspiration you leave behind for others, especially in community.

Reg shares the powerful symbolism of receiving a “clean name” from his family and passing those values forward, emphasizing that his real legacy lives outside of job titles and more in the coaching, mentorship, and family traditions he upholds. Together, they riff on how the podcast itself is becoming a piece of their legacy—part of the broader tradition of Black oral storytelling, liberation, and authenticity.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lmDpLm7j7bs

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f

In this episode of Mama We Made It with Dj & Reg! the hosts respond to the shocking and untimely death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, reflecting on the profound impact he had beyond his iconic role as Theo Huxtable. The hosts open up about how Warner’s work shaped their personal journeys, resonating with Black male adolescence and coming-of-age experiences in the 1980s. They discuss the cultural importance of The Cosby Show, the legacy left by Warner, and the unique space he held for those who didn’t fit traditional molds on television.

Reg and Dj move the conversation to the broader theme of premature Black celebrity deaths, unpacking the collective ways communities grieve and what these losses reveal about resilience, joy, and legacy. The episode touches on parasocial relationships, the power of seeing yourself reflected in media, and the inspiration Warner’s art and authenticity offered to generations. They wrap with a candid discussion on what it means to leave a legacy—whether it’s shaped by what you do or how others remember you—making this an intimate and thoughtful tribute to a life well-lived.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_fPKsNqoP2c

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f

Welcome back to Mama We Made It! with Dj & Reg. Today, they dive deep into the complexities of marriage, love, and partnership. They share personal stories about their own marriages and unpack surprising research on satisfaction, divorce rates, and how factors like friendship, financial alignment, and discipline play pivotal roles in lasting relationships.

They discuss the realities behind trends in different communities, the importance of modeling love, and the challenges faced by successful women in the dating world. Dj brings in stats on prenups and explains why he sees them as essential, while Reg offers a heartfelt perspective on marriage as a covenant rooted in faith and friendship. Together, they emphasize the value of humor, open communication, commitment, and self-discipline for building healthy, enduring marriages. Wrapping up with gratitude, Reg and Dj remind listeners that, despite the challenges, they’re both big believers in the power of love.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EQ4UyAmQ5Sc

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It! with Dj & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f