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