In this week’s  BA Q&A, Mandi answers a listener question about student loan deferment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), emergency savings, and navigating major life transitions without blowing up your financial stability.

Sydney, a 34-year-old nurse, is three years away from qualifying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). While pursuing her master’s degree, her loans are currently in in-school deferment. She’s also planning to sell her home, purchase a new one closer to work, and manage a $600 monthly car payment.

Her big question:
Should she continue making $500 student loan payments during deferment — or pause and focus on building savings?

 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) actually works
Whether payments made during in-school deferment count toward PSLF
How to prioritize between student loans, emergency savings, and a car loan
Why a 3-month emergency fund may not be enough in today’s economy
How to prepare financially for buying and selling a home
What to do if you’re worried about changes to federal student loan forgiveness

Stay Connected  
- Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.
- Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast 

In this week&rsquo;s &nbsp;BA Q&amp;A, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mandimoney/?hl=en">Mandi </a>answers a listener question about student loan deferment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), emergency savings, and navigating major life transitions without blowing up your financial stability.
Sydney, a 34-year-old nurse, is three years away from qualifying for&nbsp;Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). While pursuing her master&rsquo;s degree, her loans are currently in in-school deferment. She&rsquo;s also planning to sell her home, purchase a new one closer to work, and manage a $600 monthly car payment.
Her big question: Should she continue making $500 student loan payments during deferment &mdash; or pause and focus on building savings?
&nbsp;
What You&rsquo;ll Learn in This Episode:
<ul>
<li>How Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) actually works</li>
<li>Whether payments made during in-school deferment count toward PSLF</li>
<li>How to prioritize between student loans, emergency savings, and a car loan</li>
<li>Why a 3-month emergency fund may not be enough in today&rsquo;s economy</li>
<li>How to prepare financially for buying and selling a home</li>
<li>What to do if you&rsquo;re worried about changes to federal student loan forgiveness</li>
</ul>
Stay Connected &nbsp; - Email your questions: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. - Send a voice note or DM on IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast">@brownambitionpodcast&nbsp;</a>

The Brown Ambition Podcast helps you unapologetically build wealth by saving, investing and making smart career choices — on your own d@mn terms! New episodes Wednesdays and Fridays.

Money and career advice for women of color, by women of color

Brown Ambition

BA Q&A: Should I Pause Student Loan Payments During Grad School? 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6ebbca46-5454-4370-b0f6-b3f501868c3e/transcript

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi Money sits down with physician, author, entrepreneur, and health equity advocate Dr. Uché Blackstock for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to leave spaces that no longer serve you. Dr. Blackstock opens up about her journey from Harvard Medical School to becoming one of the most trusted public voices on racism in medicine and public health. She shares the pivotal moment she realized that prestige and titles weren’t enough and why leaving a secure academic career during one of the most uncertain times in recent history ultimately changed her life.

 

Together, Mandi and Uché talk about:
The emotional cost of staying in environments where you feel unseen
Why Black women are often taught to tolerate misalignment for too long
Navigating the backlash against DEI work in corporate America and healthcare
The pressure of caregiving, entrepreneurship, and “holding it all together”
Learning to listen to your body before burnout forces you to stop
Motherhood, ambition, grief, and redefining success on your own terms
AI in healthcare and what patients should know before their next doctor’s appointment
Why joy, rest, creativity, and community are all part of wellness too

 

Dr. Blackstock also reflects on the legacy of her late mother, becoming older than the age her mother was when she passed away, and how that experience reshaped the way she thinks about health, purpose, and living fully.

 

Resources & Links
Dr. Uché Blackstock’s memoir: Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine
Follow Dr. Uché Blackstock on Instagram: @ucheblackstockmd
Learn more about Dr. Uché Blackstock: Uche Blackstock Official Website

Keep Up With Brown Ambition
Follow Brown Ambition on Instagram: Brown Ambition Podcast
Listen to more episodes: Brown Ambition Official Website

This week on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast/">Brown Ambition</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mandimoney/">Mandi Money</a> sits down with physician, author, entrepreneur, and health equity advocate <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ucheblackstockmd/?hl=en">Dr. Uch&eacute; Blackstock</a> for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to leave spaces that no longer serve you.<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ucheblackstockmd/?hl=en"> Dr. Blackstock</a> opens up about her journey from Harvard Medical School to becoming one of the most trusted public voices on racism in medicine and public health. She shares the pivotal moment she realized that prestige and titles weren&rsquo;t enough and why leaving a secure academic career during one of the most uncertain times in recent history ultimately changed her life.
&nbsp;
Together, Mandi and Uch&eacute; talk about:
<ul>
<li>The emotional cost of staying in environments where you feel unseen</li>
<li>Why Black women are often taught to tolerate misalignment for too long</li>
<li>Navigating the backlash against DEI work in corporate America and healthcare</li>
<li>The pressure of caregiving, entrepreneurship, and &ldquo;holding it all together&rdquo;</li>
<li>Learning to listen to your body before burnout forces you to stop</li>
<li>Motherhood, ambition, grief, and redefining success on your own terms</li>
<li>AI in healthcare and what patients should know before their next doctor&rsquo;s appointment</li>
<li>Why joy, rest, creativity, and community are all part of wellness too</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Dr. Blackstock also reflects on the legacy of her late mother, becoming older than the age her mother was when she passed away, and how that experience reshaped the way she thinks about health, purpose, and living fully.
&nbsp;
Resources &amp; Links
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705871/legacy-by-uche-blackstock-md/">Dr. Uch&eacute; Blackstock&rsquo;s memoir: Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine</a></li>
<li>Follow Dr. Uch&eacute; Blackstock on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ucheblackstockmd/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">@ucheblackstockmd</a></li>
<li>Learn more about Dr. Uch&eacute; Blackstock: <a href="https://www.ucheblackstock.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Uche Blackstock Official Website</a></li>
</ul>
Keep Up With Brown Ambition
<ul>
<li>Follow Brown Ambition on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Brown Ambition Podcast</a></li>
<li>Listen to more episodes: <a href="https://brownambitionpodcast.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Brown Ambition Official Website</a></li>
</ul>

Dr. Uché  Blackstock on Burnout, Purpose & Walking Away

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/05834c52-071f-4a7c-807c-b44900aefc51/transcript

In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Sheinelle Jones Today Show co-host, journalist, and New York Times bestselling author of Through Mom’s Eyesfor an honest conversation about working motherhood, career growth, loss, and finding balance in real life.

Sheinelle shares how her journey as a working mom of three shifted while writing her book, and how she continues to show up professionally while processing personal grief after the loss of her husband.

This episode explores the realities of:
Motherhood and career balance in high-pressure environments
Grief and healing while maintaining professional responsibilities
Building a career in journalism and media without a clear roadmap
The importance of community, support systems, and “the village”
Navigating mom guilt, burnout, and emotional overwhelm
Why there’s never a perfect time to pursue your goals

Drawing from her book Through Mom’s Eyes, Sheinelle also reflects on lessons from mothers of icons like Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Durant, and more, highlighting themes of resilience, faith, parenting, and personal growth.

Key takeaway:
Tomorrow isn’t promised. Do the thing.

In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sheinelle_o/">Sheinelle Jones </a>Today Show co-host, journalist, and New York Times bestselling author of <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/751130/through-moms-eyes-by-sheinelle-jones/?ref=PRH1F207CF6585A&amp;aid=28588&amp;linkid=PRH1F207CF6585A&amp;utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGndyjvxObj2ucxsFbu2yIldG8hxI3lbnBT_T1CPG32EAgL7VktfUKOUCO9D3c_aem_JOpB_ICNhLEg3BoGZPbj4g">Through Mom&rsquo;s Eyes </a>for an honest conversation about working motherhood, career growth, loss, and finding balance in real life.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sheinelle_o/">Sheinelle</a> shares how her journey as a working mom of three shifted while writing her book, and how she continues to show up professionally while processing personal grief after the loss of her husband.
This episode explores the realities of:
<ul>
<li>Motherhood and career balance in high-pressure environments</li>
<li>Grief and healing while maintaining professional responsibilities</li>
<li>Building a career in journalism and media without a clear roadmap</li>
<li>The importance of community, support systems, and &ldquo;the village&rdquo;</li>
<li>Navigating mom guilt, burnout, and emotional overwhelm</li>
<li>Why there&rsquo;s never a perfect time to pursue your goals</li>
</ul>
Drawing from <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/751130/through-moms-eyes-by-sheinelle-jones/?ref=PRH1F207CF6585A&amp;aid=28588&amp;linkid=PRH1F207CF6585A&amp;utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGndyjvxObj2ucxsFbu2yIldG8hxI3lbnBT_T1CPG32EAgL7VktfUKOUCO9D3c_aem_JOpB_ICNhLEg3BoGZPbj4g">her book Through Mom&rsquo;s Eyes</a>, Sheinelle also reflects on lessons from mothers of icons like Shaquille O&rsquo;Neal, Kevin Durant, and more, highlighting themes of resilience, faith, parenting, and personal growth.
Key takeaway: Tomorrow isn&rsquo;t promised. Do the thing.

How TODAY Show Host Sheinelle Jones Manages Motherhood, Grief & Career Success

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/72fbde70-cff2-4364-9005-b442002ce24b/transcript

Hey BA fam! In this Q&A episode, we’re diving into two conversations that have been all over your group chats, your timelines, and probably your own thoughts lately: what it really means to “have it all”… and what it costs to keep up the image that you do.

First up, we’re unpacking the Emma Grede controversy  from her “three-hour mom” comments to her take on working from home being a career killer for women. As a working mom without billionaire resources, Mandi Money breaks down what’s actually realistic, what feels out of touch, and what ambitious women can really take from the conversation without spiraling into guilt or anxiety.

Then we shift into a deeply personal listener question from a woman who, on paper, looks like she’s thriving  multi-six-figure business, speaking gigs, “that girl” energy. But behind the scenes? She’s carrying overwhelming debt, financial stress, and the constant fear of being “found out.”

And if that hits a little too close to home… you’re not alone.

 

Key Takeaways:
The quality of time matters more than the quantity especially in motherhood
You can be successful and struggling at the same time
Debt is a situation, not an identity
Transparency builds trust with yourself first, then others
You don’t have to maintain an image that’s costing you your peace

 

Join the Conversation:

Got a question you want answered on the show?
DM us @brownambitionpodcast or @mandimoney, or email brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com

Hey BA fam!&nbsp;In this Q&amp;A episode, we&rsquo;re diving into two conversations that have been all over your group chats, your timelines, and probably your own thoughts lately: what it really means to &ldquo;have it all&rdquo;&hellip; and what it costs to keep up the image that you do.
First up, we&rsquo;re unpacking the Emma Grede controversy&nbsp; from her &ldquo;three-hour mom&rdquo; comments to her take on working from home being a career killer for women. As a working mom without billionaire resources, Mandi Money breaks down what&rsquo;s actually realistic, what feels out of touch, and what ambitious women can really take from the conversation without spiraling into guilt or anxiety.
Then we shift into a deeply personal listener question from a woman who, on paper, looks like she&rsquo;s thriving&nbsp; multi-six-figure business, speaking gigs, &ldquo;that girl&rdquo; energy. But behind the scenes? She&rsquo;s carrying overwhelming debt, financial stress, and the constant fear of being &ldquo;found out.&rdquo;
And if that hits a little too close to home&hellip; you&rsquo;re not alone.
&nbsp;
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>The quality of time matters more than the quantity especially in motherhood</li>
<li>You can be successful and struggling at the same time</li>
<li>Debt is a situation, not an identity</li>
<li>Transparency builds trust with yourself first, then others</li>
<li>You don&rsquo;t have to maintain an image that&rsquo;s costing you your peace</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Join the Conversation:
Got a question you want answered on the show? DM us @brownambitionpodcast or @mandimoney, or email <a href="mailto:brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com">brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com</a>

The Reality of “Having It All” [BA QA]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/19418e5e-bfa9-4180-9685-b43c004c9519/transcript

BA Q&A: Should I Pause Student Loan Payments During Grad School?

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