In the cutthroat world of Hollywood, Tanika Ray — a renowned TV personality who appeared on networks such as NBC, HGTV, VH1, Lifetime, and is perhaps best known for covering red carpet events such as the the Oscars, MTV Music Awards, and the Golden Globes, to name a few — is refreshingly candid about her public and acrimonious divorce with her co-star and now former husband and the soul-searching required to pivot forward and focus on her passions. Ray, 51, describes her newish podcast Mamaste with Tanika Ray as “celebrating mommying AF while bossing like a queen.” 

We marked this episode explicit in case you find the F-bombs objectionable that host Doria Lavagnino and Ray use as they discuss marriage, divorce, coparenting, motherhood and Hollywood’s well-known representation problem on this episode of SheVentures.

Highlights

• How Ray built her career as a woman of color in Hollywood and why it’s essential to create a more realistic portrayal of women’s experiences, breaking away from stereotypical Hollywood narratives and opening doors for more diverse and genuine representation within the industry
• Explore the pivotal role that self-care plays in enhancing your performance in your career and personal life.
• Ray provides serious real-life financial tips for any woman thinking about or in the thick of a divorce.
• Ray discusses the transformative power of women uplifting one another within their communities.
• Navigate the delicate equilibrium required to manage professional obligations alongside family commitments.
• Unravel the complex web of generational trauma — and uncover methods to disrupt this cycle and implement constructive boundaries.
• Acknowledge the need for broadening the scope of diversity in Hollywood and its social significance.
• Why navigating a demanding career and family life is a hurdle many — especially women in the public eye — confront daily plus tips that can help
• If you want to pursue a Hollywood career, consider the negative aspects of the entertainment industry, such as the lack of personal time and the pressure to conform, and evaluate if your goal is worth the potential sacrifice. There is no “right” answer in life!
• Recognize the progress made in achieving representation for people of color in Hollywood.
• Subscribe to Tanika Ray’s podcast, Mamaste, to join the community of mothers and to enjoy entertaining content about motherhood. Check out Tanika Ray’s socials and YouTube channel for real talk about motherhood.