What does it look like to redefine family and build a support system rooted in friendship? In this episode of Brown Ambition, host Mandi Woodruff-Santos sits down with NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe and her best friend Jasmin Melvin Hudson to talk about their bold decision to buy a home together and raise their five children under one roof.

From meeting as young journalists to becoming inseparable best friends, Ayesha and Jasmin share how their bond evolved into a life partnership centered on co-parenting, financial teamwork, and unconditional support. They open up about navigating shared responsibilities, creating stability for their kids, and what it means to build a family outside of traditional norms.

This inspiring conversation dives into:

The origin of their friendship and how it deepened over time
Deciding to co-purchase a home and their approach to ownership & finances
Parenting five kids together and creating a loving, stable household
Balancing personal dating lives while keeping their family core strong
Handling assumptions from outsiders about their unique arrangement
Why building your own “village” can be the key to surviving today’s economic and social pressures

Whether you’re a parent, considering alternative paths to homeownership, or just curious about how two best friends are rewriting the rules of family, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on love, community, and resilience.

Links & Resources:

Follow Ayesha & Jasmin’s journey on Instagram: @under1roofff
Keep up with Mandi on IG/Twitter: @mandimoney

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