Our Podcast Episodes
Dive into the episodes of Mics, Moms & Mayhem, where real life meets real talk. Each week, we unpack the chaos, the calling, and the comedy of motherhood, marriage, business, and everything in between.
From deep conversations to laugh-out-loud moments, our episodes are raw, relatable, and rooted in purpose. Tune in, catch your breath, and know you’re not doing this alone, we’re in the mayhem together.
Episode #13
In this episode of 'Mics, Moms, and Mayhem,' hosts Kelly and Lillian delve into Tyler Perry's latest film, 'Straw.' The hosts identify with the film on multiple levels as women, mothers, and Black women, discussing its themes and emotional weight. They analyze powerful performances by Taraji P. Henson, Sinbad, Sherri Shepherd, and Teyana Taylor, among others. The episode avoids critiques of Perry's usual film style, focusing instead on the specific plot and relatable moments within 'Straw.' Scenes and themes discussed include maternal mental health, systemic injustices, and the invisible load carried by women. The hosts recount the intense narrative of the protagonist Janiyah, who faces a series of escalating personal crises: troubled employment, financial instability, a landlord's cruelty, systemic neglect, and ultimately, a violent confrontation. Emotional depth is added through relatable moments from the hosts' personal experiences, providing a holistic analysis of the film's portrayal of resilience and struggle.
Episode #14
Straw by Straw part 2
Episode #11
In this heartfelt and uplifting episode of Mics, Moms & Mayhem, Kelly and Lillian celebrate their return to the mic with a powerful conversation about self-worth, personal victories, and the beauty of showing up for yourself. After taking some time to reset, your favorite duo reconnects and gets real about what it means to recognize and applaud your own accomplishments, especially when the world forgets to do it for you. This episode is a love letter to every woman who keeps showing up, even when she’s tired. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a standing ovation to be proud of your journey. Whether it’s making it through a tough week, setting a boundary, or simply getting out of bed and trying again those moments matter. They wrap up the episode with practical, soul-care advice on embracing self-love, prioritizing mental health, and using affirmations to speak life back into ourselves. Tune in for laughter, real talk, and a much-needed reminder that you are worthy, your journey is valid, and your wins, big or small, deserve to be celebrated.
Episode #12
Parenting our Parents!
In this deeply heartfelt episode of Mics, Moms & Mayhem, hosts Kelly and Lillian open up about a season of life that many of us quietly enter but rarely talk about, caring for our aging parents. With honesty, humor, and vulnerability, they share personal stories that shed light on what it looks like when the caregiving roles begin to shift. From being the go-to tech support to managing medical appointments and making hard decisions, they walk through the emotional layers of supporting parents who once supported us. Kelly and Lillian talk about the importance of discussing medical decisions, finances, and long-term care before a crisis hits. They dig into the emotional weight of role reversal, the challenge of honoring independence while offering help, and the unexpected grief that comes with watching parents age. Listeners will walk away with practical tips for making this transition smoother. Most importantly, they remind us that self-care is not optional when you are pouring from a full heart. Whether you are in this season now or see it coming in the future, this episode offers compassion, perspective, and a reminder that you are not walking this road alone.
Episode #9
Power & Fragility!
Join Lillian and Kelly as they dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the 'Mics, Moms, and Mayhem' podcast. This episode, titled 'Unpacking Power and Fragility: A Black Woman's Perspective on White Masculinity,' delves into the systemic challenges that Black women face in professional spaces dominated by white males. Kelly and Lillian share personal experiences and discuss the broader implications of being overlooked and undervalued despite qualifications and skills. They reflect on last week's topic 'The Ivory Tower is Not for Everyone' and take it a step further by unpacking the dynamics of power, fragility, and competence. They discuss the emotional and career consequences of being passed over for less qualified white men, the inequities in pay, and the broader societal implications of these issues. Tune in for an honest conversation about systemic inequalities and how Black women navigate and confront these power structures.
Episode #10
Parenting While Black!
In today’s powerful episode of Mics, Moms & Mayhem, co-hosts Kelly and Lillian hold space for one of the most urgent and personal conversations yet what it means to raise Black children in a world that too often sees them as threats instead of treasures. Drawing from personal experiences, the hosts share deeply emotional and honest reflections on the realities of parenting Black children in a system riddled with racial bias from classrooms to police stops to social assumptions. They open up about navigating biased educators, microaggressions, and the deep fear that comes with trying to keep their children safe not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Kelly and Lillian also honor the strength and softness of their children, discussing how to nurture joy and resilience without reinforcing fear. They close the episode with powerful journal prompts that encourage parents to reflect on how they model self-worth, pride, and purpose to the next generation. This is an episode about fear, yes but it’s also about fierce love, powerful parenting, and the beauty of Black childhood.
Episode #7
Auntie Advice Still Slaps!
In this light-hearted episode of 'Mics, Moms, and Mayhem,' the hosts discuss the unique and humorous advice shared by aunties, grandmas, and neighborhood moms that resonate even in 2025. They share personal anecdotes about their own aunties, defining 'Auntie Energy' as a mix of wisdom, sass, and heart. The episode explores both the timeless gems and occasionally flawed advice passed down through generations. They also give a nod to uncles and their unique wisdom. The segment wraps up with reflection on the lasting impact of aunties and how contemporary aunties can blend old wisdom with new perspectives for future generations.
Episode #8
The Ivory Tower
In this episode of 'Mics, Moms, and Mayhem,' co-hosts Kelly and Lillian delve into the complexities of working in higher education. They share their personal experiences of feeling undervalued and overlooked, despite their significant qualifications and contributions. The discussion highlights the challenges associated with striving for career growth within rigid institutional frameworks and the profound impact of systemic inequalities. The conversation evolves to address broader issues such as generational differences in work ethics, the importance of following one's dreams, and the necessity of nurturing personal aspirations. Encouraging listeners to dream, plan, and take actionable steps towards their goals, Kelly and Lillian raise critical questions about self-worth, professional fulfillment, and the desire for more meaningful and rewarding work.
Episode #5
More Than a Title
In this episode of Mics Moms and Mayhem, hosts Kelly and Lillian delve into the realities of marriage and motherhood in 2025, shedding light on the unglamorous aspects often hidden by social media filters. They discuss the burden of maintaining a balanced life amidst the chaos of responsibilities, addressing the invisible load carried by many. The conversation includes personal anecdotes about their own marriages, the unexpected challenges they've faced, and their enduring commitment to their vows. They emphasize the importance of having hard conversations, the myth of balance, the inevitability of burnout, and the varying dynamics of marriage over time. The episode also shares the emotional journey of dealing with illness within marriage, advocating for genuine connection, and the importance of community support. Stay tuned for part two, where they continue to explore these critical themes.
Episode #6
more than a title pt.2
Kelly and Lillian, the hosts of 'Mics, Moms and Mayhem,' discuss navigating marriage and motherhood, highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs they've experienced. They share their personal journeys on how love and motherhood have shaped them and how they realize the importance of making space for themselves amidst their roles as mothers and wives. Throughout the discussion, they delve into topics such as the pressures of societal expectations, dealing with trauma and guilt, and the importance of self-care and finding their identities beyond motherhood and marriage. They also touch upon the concept of selfishness in parenthood, the impact of unexpected life changes, and the emotional and psychological aspects of being caregivers. The episode emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one's true self and finding joy and love for oneself.
Episode #3
Mom Guilt is a Liar
In this podcast episode, Kelly and Lillian discuss the pervasive issue of mom guilt and the unrealistic expectations that society places on mothers. They share personal anecdotes, such as Lillian's confession about her child's diet and Kelly's realization about sacrificing quality time with her children for career goals. The conversation touches on the origins of mom guilt, the pressure from social media to be a perfect parent, and the outdated gender roles that contribute to this burden. They delve into strategies for overcoming guilt, including setting boundaries, asking for help, and celebrating small wins. The hosts encourage moms to prioritize self-care and reject the myth of perfectionism, ultimately aiming to foster a healthier, more realistic approach to motherhood. The episode concludes with calls for listener interaction, asking them to share their experiences and advice on overcoming mom guilt.
Episode #4
Unapologetically Black
In this candid episode of 'Mike's Moms and Mayhem,' hosts Kelly and Lillian discuss the overdue topic of being unapologetically Black, particularly as women navigating diverse spaces such as careers, academia, and motherhood. The conversation touches on the importance of owning one's identity, the challenges of code-switching, and the burden of representation while being scrutinized in higher education and corporate settings. The hosts share personal stories illustrating the double standards imposed on Black women, the pressures of conforming to white-centric professionalism, and the need for creating inclusive spaces. They conclude with strategies for Black women to assert their expertise, protect their peace, and support each other while being their authentic selves.
Episode #1
Inaugural
In the debut episode of 'Mics, Moms, and Mayhem,' hosts Lillian and Kelly introduce themselves and their new podcast, which aims to explore the beautiful chaos of life, motherhood, careers, relationships, and entrepreneurship. Both hosts share personal background stories: Lillian is a mother, coach, and consultant with a passion for mentoring individuals and small businesses, while Kelly is a graphic designer, web developer, and entrepreneur with a focus on small business branding and development. They discuss their journey of meeting each other while working at the same educational institution, and how a strong friendship and shared interests led to the creation of this podcast. The podcast promises real, raw, and relatable conversations covering everything from motherhood missteps to business ventures, peppered with humor, current events, and candid advice. Listeners are invited to join the community, share their stories, and engage through various segments, including a weekly 'mic drop' of wisdom.
episode #2
Rewriting Our Story
In this episode of 'Mics, Moms & Mayhem,' hosts Kelly and Lillian explore the theme of 'rewriting our stories.' They discuss the negative narratives they're taught to believe about themselves, such as feelings of inadequacy and societal expectations. They reflect on their personal stories, the origins of these limiting beliefs, and the ways they've learned to reclaim their identities. The conversation touches on the challenges of overcoming traditional career paths, breaking away from generational trauma, and the importance of surrounding oneself with affirming individuals. The episode concludes with practical tips for rewriting self-narratives and an interactive prompt for listeners to identify and replace their limiting stories.