The ProMama Podcast

The Village Architect with Dr. Dawn HicksTafari | Episode 7

In this inspiring episode of the ProMama Podcast, host Felicia Johnson interviews Dr. Dawn Hicks Tafari a powerhouse community organizer, educator, and mother. Dr. Tafari doesn't just talk about "the village", she actively designs it. As a co-founder of the Greensboro Kwanzaa Collective and a leader in higher education, she provides a masterclass on how to move from "doing it all" to building a collective responsibility that supports both your career and your family. We explore how the principles of Kwanzaa can be applied to daily living, why vulnerability is a leadership superpower, and why Dr. Dawn believes your career should be an extension of who you are, not just a line on a resume. Listen in as Felicia & Dr. Tafari Discuss: * The Village Architect Mindset: Why a support system doesn't just happen by accident you have to build it with intention and clear communication. * Kwanzaa in the Home: How the principles serve as a blueprint for raising grounded, community-oriented children. * The Doctorate & The Diaper Bag: The grit required to balance high-level academic pursuit with the daily realities of motherhood. * Fearless Authenticity: Why "practicing what you preach" is the only way to lead effectively in both your household and your community. Connect with Dr. Dawn Tafari: * Instagram: @love.eat.build [https://www.instagram.com/love.eat.build/] * YouTube: The Tafari Family [https://www.youtube.com/@thetafarifamilyturnup8707] * Organization: Greensboro Kwanzaa Collective [https://indigoscac.org/gso-kwanzaa-collective] Watch & Connect with the ProMama Community: * Follow on Instagram: @promamapod [https://www.instagram.com/promamapod/] for behind-the-scenes clips and daily affirmations. * Connect on LinkedIn: Join the ProMama LinkedIn Group [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16690012/]to network with other high-achieving mothers. * Subscribe on YouTube: Watch the full visual interview on the ProMama YouTube Channel. [https://www.youtube.com/@ProMamaPod]

Firm Nos with Shirley Dor | Episode  6

In this episode of the ProMama podcast, host Felicia Johnson interviews Shirley Dor, a new mom and entrepreneur, discussing the intersection of motherhood and career. They explore Shirley's journey as a Haitian-American, the cultural influences on her parenting, and the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of being a new mom while managing a business, as well as practical parenting hacks and the significance of nurturing relationships. Shirley shares her insights on the unique experiences of being a girl mom and the importance of maintaining a strong partnership with her partner amidst the demands of motherhood. Listen in as Felicia & Shirley Discuss: * The "Firm No" Philosophy: Why establishing boundaries in business like no work weekends was the ultimate training ground for the demands of motherhood. * Heritage as a Unique Selling Proposition: How Shirley uses her Haitian descent and multicultural fluency to stand out in the marketing industry and how she is intentionally embedding that same pride in her daughter. * Healing the Mother Wound: A candid look at being a "girl mom" and how raising a daughter provides a unique opportunity to heal past traumas and become the mother you once needed. * Postpartum Rituals & Ancestral Care: The importance of honoring cultural traditions, from Haitian postpartum baths to "patting the body," and how these rituals bridge the gap between generations. * The Hot Girl Walk: Using movement as a threefold tool for vanity, wellness, and the essential mental escape required to keep from pouring from an empty cup. Connect with Shirley Dor: * * Instagram: @shirleydor [https://www.instagram.com/shirleydor_/]_ / https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/gianadigital @haitianswhoblog [https://www.instagram.com/haitianswhoblog/]  /  @dorsainvilcreative [https://www.instagram.com/dorsainvilcreative/] * YouTube: Shirley Dor (for Vlogs & Journey updates) [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRPygQhS6ENfBB7rBUP74TQ] * Tiktok: Shirley Dor [https://www.tiktok.com/@orlandowanderlust] Watch & Connect with the ProMama Community * Follow me on Instagram @promamapod [https://www.instagram.com/promamapod/]for a look into my ProMama life. * Let’s connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/], and be sure to join the ProMama group! Join our community on the ProMama YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ProMamaPod]to watch our visual interviews and grab extra resources.

Radical Self-Discovery with Nathelie Zetrenne-Norman | Episode 5

In this episode of the ProMama Podcast, host Felicia Johnson celebrates a major milestone: the inaugural LinkedIn Live stream of the show. Felicia is joined by Nathelie Zetrenne-Norman a powerhouse author, coach, athlete, and creator of the Dear Beautiful The Brand. Nathelie shares an honest, unfiltered look at the transition that comes with motherhood. From navigating therapy to rediscovering her identity outside of the "Super Mom" trope, she discusses how she uses an athletic mindset to manage three children, a corporate career, and multiple entrepreneurial ventures. Listen in as Felicia & Nathelie Discuss: * Selfless Self-Discovery: Why healing and rediscovering your identity is the greatest gift you can give your children, and how to navigate the shift from "who you were" to who you are becoming. * The Art of the Pivot: Reframing failure and perfectionism to teach children resilience, proving that "doing things scared" is a vital part of personal and professional growth. * Athletic Discipline in the Household: How a background in track and field provides the framework for managing a busy schedule, setting boundaries, and maintaining a high-performance household. * Rest as Resilience: Breaking through the guilt of "doing less" and understanding that rest is a requirement for leadership, not a reward for burnout. * Building Your Village: The importance of intentional community from sororities to retreats and how connection reduces the loneliness often felt in modern motherhood. Connect with Nathelie Zetrenne-Norman: * TikTok: @dearbeautiful__ [https://www.tiktok.com/@dearbeautiful___] * Instagram: @DearBeautiful___ [https://www.instagram.com/dearbeautiful___/p/DKQAIhNyHw5/?hl=am-et] * LinkedIn: Nathelie Zetrenne-Norman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathelie-z-norman/] Watch & Connect with the ProMama Community * Follow me on Instagram @promamapod [https://www.instagram.com/promamapod/]for a look into my ProMama life. * Let’s connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/], and be sure to join the ProMama group! * Join our community on the ProMama YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ProMamaPod]to watch our visual interviews and grab extra resources.

Setting the Pace with Jennifer Shayne | Episode 4

In this episode of the ProMama Podcast, host Felicia Johnson sits down with Jennifer Shayne, co-founder and coach of TeamWRK. As a high school teacher, community leader, and new mother, Jennifer shares an unfiltered look at navigating the wellness space while re-learning her body post-pregnancy. The conversation explores the raw challenges of reclaiming your "game" after baby, the significance of representation for women of color in fitness, and why she insists on bringing her son along for the run proving that motherhood isn't a hurdle to a legacy, but a vital part of it. Listen in as Felicia & Jennifer discuss: * The Post-Pregnancy Pivot: Navigating the mental and physical hurdles of returning to the sport of running when you don't feel like your "fit" or "fast" former self. * The Power of the Village: How the TeamWRK ecosystem serves as a support system for motherhood and why building a community is essential for long-term motivation. * Legacy in the Stroller: The intentional decision to include her son in training’s and races, teaching him the value of health and community from day one. * Radical Self-Care & Agency: Why running is a non-negotiable for mental health and the importance of mothers taking up space in the wellness industry.   * Managing the Burnout: Practical strategies for recognizing the signs of exhaustion and choosing grace over guilt while balancing a 9-to-5 and a growing movement. Connect with Jennifer Shayne: * Website: TeamWRK [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.teamwrk.org] * Instagram: @jenn_shayne [https://www.instagram.com/jenn.shayne/] / @teamwrk [https://www.instagram.com/teamwrk] * LinkedIn: Jennifer Shayne [https://linkedin.com/in/jenshane] Watch & Connect with the ProMama Community Follow me on Instagram @promamapod [https://www.instagram.com/promamapod/]  for a look into my ProMama life Let’s connect on LinkedIn, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicia-johnson/] and be sure to join the ProMama group [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16690012/]!  Join our community on the ProMama YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ProMamaPod]channel to watch our visual interviews and grab extra resources.

Melodies and Motherhood with Carlitta Durand | Episode 3

In this episode of the ProMama Podcast, host Felicia Johnson welcomes singer-songwriter and mother of three, Carlitta Durand. The conversation dives into the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a creative career. Carlitta shares her journey of taking a hiatus from music to focus on her children, emphasizing the importance of being present during their formative years. As the discussion unfolds, Carlitta reflects on her return to music, the impact of her organized lifestyle on her parenting, and how she nurtures her children's interests while maintaining her own creative pursuits.   Listen in as Felicia & Carlitta discuss: The Creative Hiatus: The intentional decision to step back from the spotlight to be 100% hands-on during the formative years. The "Pro" in Professional Musician: How a background in the music industry teaches lessons in organization that translate directly to motherhood. Mental Preparation: Strategies for switching gears from "Mom Mode" to "Creative Mode" without losing your momentum. Entrepreneurial Kids: How being a working artist teaches your children the value of hard work, dedication, and following their own passions. The "Selfish" Necessity: Why carving out personal time and claiming a "day off" isn't a luxury, it's how you stay alive for yourself and your family. Connect with Carlitta Durand: * Spotify: Carlitta Durand [https://open.spotify.com/artist/16VW2tIJ6vyhe06xfI3T7t] * Instagram: Carlittadurand [https://www.instagram.com/carlittadurand/?hl=en] Watch & Connect with the ProMama Community Follow me on Instagram @promamapod [https://www.instagram.com/promamapod/]  for a look into my ProMama life Let’s connect on LinkedIn, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicia-johnson/] and be sure to join the ProMama group [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16690012/]!  Join our community on the ProMama YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ProMamaPod]channel to watch our visual interviews and grab extra resources.