The Blessed Code™️

Why do so many of us spend money we don’t have to impress people we don’t even like? In this episode of The Blessed Code™️, host Melvin Rodriguez sits down with Dr. Reverend Charlie Dates and Ross Mac to unpack the truth about financial literacy, contentment, and building generational wealth, especially within the Black community. With real talk on the psychology of overspending, targeted marketing to Black consumers, and the spiritual discipline of contentment, Melvin and his guests reveal how to break the cycle of living for validation and start building lasting legacy. If you’ve ever wondered: Why contentment matters more than cash How marketing exploits our spending habits What faith has to do with financial success How to stop “looking rich” and start building wealth …this conversation is for you. 📲 Stay connected & follow us: ▶️ The Blessed Code™️ Podcast – @theblessedcode ▶️ Melvin Rodriguez – @themelvinrodriguez▶️ Stay Blessed Studios – @stayblessedstudio🌐 Explore more at Stay Blessed Studio – stayblessedstudio.com 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 🔥 If this episode spoke to you, be sure to leave a review, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🔑 The story must be told™️ Stay blessed, stay grounded, and keep unlocking your code. The Blessed Code™️ is produced by EPYC Media Network

Reverend Dr. Charlie Dates, a prominent pastor in Chicago, and Ross Mac, an Ivy League entrepreneur and financial educator, dive into the urgent issue of Black wealth, projected to hit zero by 2053. They discuss the historical mistrust of banks stemming from the Freedman’s Bank collapse and how generational trauma plays a role in financial stability. The duo emphasizes the transformative power of the Black church in promoting financial literacy and stewardship as a spiritual discipline, aiming to empower communities and shift narratives around wealth.

Why is Black wealth projected to hit zero by 2053? In this episode of The Blessed Code™️, host Melvin Rodriguez sits down with Dr. Reverend Charlie Dates and Ross Mac to uncover the deep-rooted generational trauma that has shaped the Black community’s relationship with money, banks, and investing. From the collapse of the Freedman’s Bank to modern-day underinvestment, they unpack why so many still distrust financial systems — and how that mistrust has left the Black community underbanked, underinvested, and dangerously behind in wealth building. If you’ve ever wondered: Why generational trauma impacts financial decisions today How the Black church can lead economic change Why investing is essential to closing the wealth gap What must happen to secure Black wealth for future generations …this conversation is for you. 💬 Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:15 The history of the Freedman’s Bank and mistrust in banking 0:56 Generational trauma and the Black wealth gap 2:55 Why the Black church must lead economic education 5:18 Building wealth by starting with our youth 📲 Stay connected & follow us: ▶️ The Blessed Code™️ Podcast – @theblessedcode ▶️ Melvin Rodriguez – @themelvinrodriguez▶️ Stay Blessed Studios – @stayblessedstudio🌐 Explore more at Stay Blessed Studio – stayblessedstudio.com 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 🔥 If this episode spoke to you, be sure to leave a review, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🔑 The story must be told™️ Stay blessed, stay grounded, and keep unlocking your code. The Blessed Code™️ is produced by EPYC Media Network 

Season 2 of The Blessed Code™️ is here. And it’s deeper, wiser, and more powerful than ever. Melvin Rodriguez is back for Season 2 of The Blessed Code™️ - the go-to faith-based podcast for Black men, high achievers, and purpose-driven professionals ready to heal, grow, and lead with God. This season, we’re unlocking new conversations on vulnerability, leadership, finance, and brotherhood with real stories from real men doing the inner work. If you’ve been searching for a podcast about Black men healing, building community, and walking in purpose - this is it. 🗓️ Season 2 premieres September 10, 2025 🎧 Subscribe now and get ready to unlock your next level. 📲 Stay connected & follow us: ▶️ The Blessed Code™️ Podcast – https://www.instagram.com/theblessedcode/ ▶️ Melvin Rodriguez – https://www.instagram.com/themelvinrodriguez/?hl=en ▶️ Stay Blessed Studios – https://www.instagram.com/stayblessedstudio/ 🌐 Explore more at Stay Blessed Studio – https://stayblessedstudio.com/ 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE 🔥 📲 Hit the 🔔 to get notified when new episodes drop! 🔑 The story must be told™️ Stay blessed, stay grounded, and keep unlocking your code. The Blessed Code™️ is produced by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/)

Season 2 of The Blessed Code™️ is here. And it’s deeper, wiser, and more powerful than ever. Melvin Rodriguez is back for Season 2 of The Blessed Code™️ - the go-to faith-based podcast for Black men, high achievers, and purpose-driven professionals ready to heal, grow, and lead with God. This season, we’re unlocking new conversations on vulnerability, leadership, finance, and brotherhood with real stories from real men doing the inner work. If you’ve been searching for a podcast about Black men healing, building community, and walking in purpose - this is it. 🗓️ Season 2 premieres September 10, 2025 🎧 Subscribe now and get ready to unlock your next level. 📲 Stay connected & follow us: ▶️ The Blessed Code™️ Podcast – https://www.instagram.com/theblessedcode/ ▶️ Melvin Rodriguez – https://www.instagram.com/themelvinrodriguez/?hl=en ▶️ Stay Blessed Studios – https://www.instagram.com/stayblessedstudio/ 🌐 Explore more at Stay Blessed Studio – https://stayblessedstudio.com/ 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE 🔥 📲 Hit the 🔔 to get notified when new episodes drop! 🔑 The story must be told™️ Stay blessed, stay grounded, and keep unlocking your code. The Blessed Code™️ is produced by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/)

Season 2 of The Blessed Code™️ is here. And it’s deeper, wiser, and more powerful than ever. Melvin Rodriguez is back for Season 2 of The Blessed Code™️ - the go-to faith-based podcast for Black men, high achievers, and purpose-driven professionals ready to heal, grow, and lead with God. This season, we’re unlocking new conversations on vulnerability, leadership, finance, and brotherhood with real stories from real men doing the inner work. If you’ve been searching for a podcast about Black men healing, building community, and walking in purpose - this is it. 🗓️ Season 2 premieres September 10, 2025 🎧 Subscribe now and get ready to unlock your next level. 📲 Stay connected & follow us: ▶️ The Blessed Code™️ Podcast – https://www.instagram.com/theblessedcode/ ▶️ Melvin Rodriguez – https://www.instagram.com/themelvinrodriguez/?hl=en ▶️ Stay Blessed Studios – https://www.instagram.com/stayblessedstudio/ 🌐 Explore more at Stay Blessed Studio – https://stayblessedstudio.com/ 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE 🔥 📲 Hit the 🔔 to get notified when new episodes drop! 🔑 The story must be told™️ Stay blessed, stay grounded, and keep unlocking your code. The Blessed Code™️ is produced by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/)

Season 2 of The Blessed Code™️ is here. And it’s deeper, wiser, and more powerful than ever. Melvin Rodriguez is back for Season 2 of The Blessed Code™️ - the go-to faith-based podcast for Black men, high achievers, and purpose-driven professionals ready to heal, grow, and lead with God. This season, we’re unlocking new conversations on vulnerability, leadership, finance, and brotherhood with real stories from real men doing the inner work. If you’ve been searching for a podcast about Black men healing, building community, and walking in purpose - this is it. 🗓️ Season 2 premieres September 10, 2025 🎧 Subscribe now and get ready to unlock your next level. 📲 Stay connected & follow us: ▶️ The Blessed Code™️ Podcast – https://www.instagram.com/theblessedcode/ ▶️ Melvin Rodriguez – https://www.instagram.com/themelvinrodriguez/?hl=en ▶️ Stay Blessed Studios – https://www.instagram.com/stayblessedstudio/ 🌐 Explore more at Stay Blessed Studio – https://stayblessedstudio.com/ 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE 🔥 📲 Hit the 🔔 to get notified when new episodes drop! 🔑 The story must be told™️ Stay blessed, stay grounded, and keep unlocking your code. The Blessed Code™️ is produced by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/)

In this soul-shifting segment, the brothers of The Blessed Code unpack what it really means to reset, recharge, and walk in divine rhythm - especially for Black professionals who feel the pressure to constantly perform. From morning routines rooted in faith to redefining what success truly means, this conversation invites men to stop faking it and start honoring the process. 📲 Stay connected & follow us: ▶️ The Blessed Code™️ Podcast – @theblessedcode ▶️ Melvin Rodriguez – @themelvinrodriguez▶️ Stay Blessed Studios – @stayblessedstudio🌐 Explore more at Stay Blessed Studio – stayblessedstudio.com 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 🔥 If this episode spoke to you, be sure to leave a review, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🔑 The story must be told™️ Stay blessed, stay grounded, and keep unlocking your code. The Blessed Code™️ is produced by EPYC Media Network

In this episode of The Blessed Code™️, Melvin Rodriguez sits down with two visionaries - Clifton Addison and Woody Remy, founders of Urban Golf Weekend, the largest Black golf experience in the world. What started as a dream has now become a grassroots movement for connection, elevation, and legacy. From breaking real estate deals on the course to creating space for Black men to rest, reset, and grow - Cliff and Woody are transforming how networking, wellness, and brotherhood intersect. Together, they unpack: Why golf is more than a game - it’s access, exposure, and a mindset What happens when Black men support each other’s visions with faith and action How Elevation was born to create safe spaces for Black men to heal and connect The role of rest, faith, and clarity in sustainable success Why legacy starts with your last name, not your LinkedIn Whether you play golf or not, this episode is a call to link up, level up, and live out your vision with purpose, peace, and a strong community. KEY POINTS:  - The importance of breaking barriers through brotherhood  - Why Clifton and Woody established Urban Golf Weekend and its main vision  - Clifton & Woody on black unity: Having teamwork is crucial in dealing with historical barriers  - How golf helps break stereotypes and fosters genuine relationships with others - The pivotal role of balance, community, and faith in achieving true growth/elevation - Melvin: The importance of starting the day with God and using the Bible for rest and reset - Connecting with God and how it can help to overcome fear and embrace uncertainty - On having faith, reinventing oneself, and maintaining a clear vision to achieve success  QUOTES:  “It [Urban Golf Weekend] started off as it started off in the foundation of faith. For me, when you're comfortable with yourself, you can allow other people, you can allow yourself to help other people in their dreams.” – Woody Remy “Action is all about the confidence in believing in the vision and believing that if you continue down this path, the vision will become reality.” – Clifton Addison “Anytime I find myself facing an obstacle, that [God's] voice is always there, and that's always going to push me forward.” – Woody Remy  “We wanted to create an intentional space for men to come together and just be vulnerable and have real conversations about the things we deal with on a daily basis.” – Clifton Addison 📲 Stay connected & follow us: ▶️ The Blessed Code™️ Podcast – @theblessedcode ▶️ Melvin Rodriguez – @themelvinrodriguez▶️ Stay Blessed Studios – @stayblessedstudio🌐 Explore more at Stay Blessed Studio – stayblessedstudio.com 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 🔥 If this episode spoke to you, be sure to leave a review, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🔑 The story must be told™️ Stay blessed, stay grounded, and keep unlocking your code. The Blessed Code™️ is produced by EPYC Media Network 

In this segment, Urban Golf Weekend founders Clifton Addison and Woody Remy break down what it really looks like for Black men to build together in faith. From the power of backing a brother’s dream to the opportunities created through golf, they share how vulnerability, vision, and God-centered community became the foundation of something far greater than a tournament. Because sometimes, all it takes is one brother saying, “I believe in you.” 📲 Stay connected & follow us: ▶️ The Blessed Code™️ Podcast – @theblessedcode ▶️ Melvin Rodriguez – @themelvinrodriguez▶️ Stay Blessed Studios – @stayblessedstudio🌐 Explore more at Stay Blessed Studio – stayblessedstudio.com 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 🔥 If this episode spoke to you, be sure to leave a review, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🔑 The story must be told™️ Stay blessed, stay grounded, and keep unlocking your code. The Blessed Code™️ is produced by EPYC Media Network