In this episode of The Journey, Morgan DeBaun dives into what makes a podcast truly successful beyond download counts. She shares how consistent, long-form content has helped her build a community and expand her audience. Morgan discusses the financial challenges of high-quality podcast production and explores future plans, including in-person interviews and an upcoming book launch. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring podcasters or those looking to add value to their shows through community-building, effective networking, and monetization strategies. Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey Go to Quince.com/journey for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Try Found for free at Found.com/JOURNEY In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Journey Podcast 00:23 Understanding Podcast Success Metrics 01:42 The Power of Long-Form Storytelling 02:52 Expanding Audience Reach 04:00 Personal Growth Through Podcasting 06:08 Building Business Relationships 09:20 Financial Aspects of Podcasting 11:26 Evaluating Podcast Brand Deals 12:32 Understanding My Audience 14:03 Reevaluating Podcast Strategy 15:24 Expanding Reach with Video Podcasts 17:07 Future Plans for the Podcast 18:37 Benefits & Challenges of In-Person Interviews 19:43 Considering a Move for Better Opportunities 20:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement In the episode, Morgan shares her insights on what truly makes a podcast successful - and it's not just about hitting a million downloads per episode! She explains how The Journey has allowed her to reach new audiences and build a sense of community through consistent, long-form content. Morgan reflects on how podcasting has helped her refine her personal philosophy and meaningfully network with individuals and brands. Morgan opens up about the financial realities of podcast production, especially for a high-quality video podcast, and why she’s reevaluating the monetization model of podcast networks. As she looks to the future, Morgan shares her excitement for more in-person interviews and her upcoming book launch. If you've considered starting a podcast or want to learn how to create more value within your existing podcast, this episode is for you. Enjoying the show? Let Morgan know what you want to see next on The Journey! Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

This week, Morgan DeBaun is joining Fawn Weaver at Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, to discuss the triumphs and legacy of the award-winning whiskey brand. Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey Go to Quince.com/journey for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Try Found for free at Found.com/JOURNEY In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to Shelbyville 00:15 The Distillery Experience 00:55 Big Goals and Achievements 02:08 The Power of Earned Media 03:22 Setting and Achieving Impossible Goals 05:11 Motivating the Team 08:17 Navigating the Spirits Industry 14:34 Wealth Equity and Investment 15:35 Overcoming Historical Trauma 23:47 The Strength of Our Ancestors 26:17 Authenticity and Resilience 27:32 Delivering Solutions as an Entrepreneur 27:57 The Burden and the Yoke: A Deeper Look 28:56 Managing a Large Operation 29:21 Diversity at the Distillery 31:43 The Story of Nearest Green 33:10 The Legacy of Jack Daniel and Nearest Green 39:02 The Importance of Excellence in Black-Owned Businesses 40:47 Navigating Social Media and Misinformation 48:47 Embracing Challenges and Finding Passion 50:09 Final Thoughts and Connecting with the Audience In the episode, Fawn opens up about the ambitious goals she set for Uncle Nearest and how she's capitalized on press coverage to make significant strides in a fiercely competitive industry. She and Morgan dive deep into wealth equity and investing as African Americans. In a candid discussion about imposter syndrome, Fawn explains why she doesn’t believe in the concept, seeing it as a self-fulfilling prophecy rather than a legitimate barrier to success. She reflects on the power of walking into rooms with confidence and the importance of remembering her strong ancestral lineage when facing challenges. Fawn also reveals the true story of Uncle Nearest, correcting myths about Nearest Green and Jack Daniels, and offering a historian’s lens on the legacy of Tennessee whiskey. The conversation shifts to the buying power of the Black community and the missed opportunities to create true Black excellence in recent years. She emphasizes the importance of checking our sources in an era where social media can be manipulated to create division, and she shares her relentless mindset when it comes to overcoming hurdles and outperforming the competition. Through it all, Fawn’s insights on passion, purpose, and faith shine through, offering an inspiring look at what it takes to succeed at the highest levels. Tune in, and be sure to leave a 5-star rating and review to support the podcast! More from Fawn: https://www.instagram.com/fawn.weaver https://unclenearest.com/distillery/ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

This week, Morgan DeBaun sits down with Elaine Welteroth, the former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, to discuss the inception of BirthFUND, her impact-driven organization that is bringing midwife care to more mothers. This episode is brought to you by: Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey For a limited time, kids eat FREE! Visit HelloFresh.com/journeykids to unlock this offer. Go to cozyearth.com/journey and use code JOURNEY for an exclusive 40% discount. In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to the Journey Podcast 00:47 Family Adventures at Martha's Vineyard 04:01 Redefining Success and Finding Balance 06:14 A New Chapter: Love and Life in Nashville 14:44 Navigating Motherhood and Birth Challenges 21:04 Rethinking Maternal Care: A Call for Change 22:26 The BirthFUND: A New Beginning 24:33 Empowering Parents: A Shift in Focus 27:39 Building a Movement: From Vision to Reality 30:41 The Power of Community and Collaboration 36:51 Midwifery Care as a Solution 39:43 Personal Journeys and Professional Impact 45:40 Final Thoughts and Future Hopes In this episode, the two friends start by catching up on their lives, with Elaine reflecting on her Covid-era wedding and Morgan recalling how she met her fiancé Josh. Morgan shares her birth story, and Elaine discusses how she learned of the positive impact that midwifery can have on birth outcomes, particularly for Black mothers. They move into a conversation on BirthFUND, Elaine's organization that funds midwifery care for women in the US. Elaine offers insight into how she turned her vision for BirthFUND into a reality and provides practical advice on how others can take action on important causes. Tune in, and get ready to feel inspired by Elaine's commitment to the cause! If you are a fan of The Journey with Morgan DeBaun, be sure to leave a rating and review to show your support! More from Elaine: https://www.instagram.com/elainewelteroth/ https://www.elainewelteroth.com/ https://www.thebirthfund.com/ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

This week, Morgan DeBaun sits down with Nikki Ogunnaike, fashion journalist and editor-in-chief of Marie Claire magazine, for an insightful conversation on the fashion industry, trends, and journalism. This episode is brought to you by: Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey Go to cozyearth.com/journey and use code JOURNEY for an exclusive 40% discount. Go to Quince.com/journey for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. For a limited time, kids eat FREE! Visit HelloFresh.com/journeykids to unlock this offer. Try Found for free at Found.com/JOURNEY In the episode: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:03 Understanding the Fashion World 03:02 The Business of Fashion Shows 06:20 Behind the Scenes at Fashion Week 09:47 Nikki's Career Journey 14:16 The Marie Claire Woman 17:20 Navigating Political and Social Issues 23:37 Trends and Personal Style 26:09 Navigating Personal Style as a Woman 30:14 The Business of Fashion Influencers 31:42 The Rise of Dupe Culture 35:46 The Bridal Industrial Complex 40:04 The Importance of Supporting Journalism 44:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts In the episode, Nikki exposes the business side of the fashion industry, providing an insider's perspective on Fashion Week and what goes into fashion shows and editorial coverage. She discusses the democratization of fashion in recent years, specifically with social media and influencer culture breaking down traditional barriers in the industry. Morgan and Nikki explore what it means to be a woman today, emphasizing that women shouldn't feel the need to compartmentalize their interests. They also discuss how both Marie Claire and Blavity have decided to cover political issues and the complications that online bots have brought to content. They examine how influencer culture has valued trends over personal style, expose "dupe culture" for what it is, and shed light on the rampant consumerism of the wedding industry. Finally, Nikki and Morgan highlight the necessity of fact-based journalism in democracy, and why individuals should support it. Tune into this episode for an inside look at the business of fashion from an industry leader herself, Nikki Ogunnaike. Don't forget to subscribe to The Journey so you never miss an episode! More from Nikki: https://www.instagram.com/nikkiogun https://www.nikkiogunnaike.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-ogunnaike-090b8b8/Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

This week on The Journey, Morgan DeBaun dives into the world of event and conference businesses, exposing how Blavity has created consistent success with the annual AfroTech conference. This episode is brought to you by: Go to Quince.com/journey for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey For a limited time, kids eat FREE! Visit HelloFresh.com/journeykids to unlock this offer. Try Found for free at Found.com/JOURNEY In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Journey Podcast 00:27 Blavity's First Conference: EmpowerHer 03:29 The Birth of AfroTech 05:32 Curating Successful Conferences 08:21 Building a Conference Budget 13:54 Choosing the Right Themes 16:17 Future Trends and Vision 21:08 Successful Event Examples 24:16 Final Tips and Conclusion In the episode, Morgan shares what it takes to develop impactful event and conference business, and how they can go wrong. She opens up about the inherent risks in running conferences and the lessons learned from Blavity’s first in-person event, EmpowerHer. Morgan emphasizes the importance of curating speakers, staying ahead of trends, and partnering with clients to develop highly valuable events. She shares examples of how AfroTech and other conferences have stayed relevant and innovative, while other event businesses fail to keep up with trends. If you’re interested in finding your own success in the events and conference space, this episode is a must-listen. Want to learn more from Morgan? Sign up for WorkSmart Pro through Patreon where Morgan will be discussing events and conference businesses this month! Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com

In this episode of The Journey, Morgan DeBaun sits down with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a renowned marine biologist, policy expert, and author to explore the crucial steps individuals can take to create a more sustainable climate future. This episode is brought to you by: Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. For a limited time, kids eat FREE! Visit HelloFresh.com/journeykids to unlock this offer. Try Found for free at Found.com/JOURNEY In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Climate Power Partnership and Daily Actions 01:10 Fashion and Consumerism 03:07 Dr. Johnson's Journey to Marine Biology 04:59 Current Work and Climate Crisis 06:42 Personal Actions and Impact 11:31 Financial Choices and Climate Impact 13:56 Dr. Johnson's Book and Vision for the Future 17:39 Framework for Climate Action 19:10 Personal Climate Action Tips 19:56 Leveraging Unique Skills for Impact 21:10 Founding an Ocean Policy Think Tank 24:22 Building Coalitions for Ocean Justice 29:03 Climate Solutions and Policy Changes 34:59 Commitments and Actions for Climate 37:39 Conclusion and Next Steps In the episode, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson emphasizes the importance of individual action, encouraging listeners to understand how everyday choices make an impact. The conversation covers practical ways people can combat climate change with actions ranging from recycling aluminum and buying second-hand to choosing climate-friendly banks and voting for climate-conscious candidates. They discuss Dr. Johnson's new book, What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Future, and the inspiration behind this thought-provoking anthology. Dr. Johnson shares her framework for how individuals can determine how they can make a personal difference in the fight against climate change. Dr. Johnson and Morgan talk about the creation of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank focused on urban ocean policy, and highlight the positive impact it's made. They also touch on the influence of economic incentives in the shift toward greener energy and the importance of the upcoming election for the climate future. Hear Morgan's personal commitments to making a positive impact on the environment, and get inspired by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson to explore how you too can make a difference! More from Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: https://substack.com/@ayanaeliza https://www.ayanaelizabeth.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ayanaeliza/ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

It's time for another Ask Me Anything with Morgan DeBaun on The Journey! This week, Morgan is answering questions submitted by YOU, spanning everything from effective hiring to dating and relationship success. This episode is brought to you by: Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. 00:00 Introduction to AMA Episode 00:24 Hiring and Managing Virtual Assistants 03:32 Moving in Silence vs. Being Loud 09:08 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Personal Life 15:51 Navigating Relationships with Success 19:37 Joining Advisory Boards and Personal Branding 22:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Morgan kicks off the episode by diving into her unconventional approach to hiring virtual assistants, before offering a candid look at how she decides when to move silently and when to make bold, public moves in her business ventures. She also opens up about her journey to build a healthy romantic relationship as a female entrepreneur and how she has maintained meaningful connections with the people she cares about as her success has grown. Finally, Morgan shares what it takes to land a spot on a board - emphasizing the need to excel at what you do, build a personal brand, and cultivate a powerful network that can put your name in the right rooms. Whether you’re looking for career advice or relationship wisdom, this episode has something for your own entrepreneurial journey! Have a question for Morgan? Let her know on Instagram and maybe you'll hear it answered in the next AMA episode! Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com

In this solo episode of The Journey, host Morgan DeBaun explores the world of professional speaking as a way to diversify your income. Whether you're new to the speaking circuit or looking to refine your skills, Morgan's insight and expertise will help take you to the next level. This episode is brought to you by: Go to cozyearth.com/journey and use code JOURNEY for an exclusive 40% discount. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:37 Why People Pay You to Speak 00:56 Keynote Speaking: The Art and Challenge 02:45 Interactive Workshops: Engaging Your Audience 04:13 Fireside Chats: A Casual Approach 06:11 Panels: Entry-Level Speaking Opportunities 07:35 Understanding Value Exchange in Speaking 09:10 Trending Topics and Unique Niches 13:55 Pricing Your Speaking Engagements 20:08 Evaluating Speaking Opportunities 23:03 Agents and Negotiating Deals 26:24 Improving Your Public Speaking Skills 29:19 Conclusion and Final Tips Morgan starts by breaking down the four key categories of speaking opportunities - panels, keynotes, workshops, and fireside chats - delving into the nuances of each as a money-making endeavor. She outlines which options she recommends depending on individual factors, and shares how to stand out and get booked as a high-value speaker. Tune in to discover how to position yourself for success, create value for your audience, and unlock new revenue streams through professional speaking. Sign up to receive Morgan's newsletter for more tips and insights on how to be successful in your speaking career. Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com

Jeff Nelson is back on The Journey! This week, Morgan DeBaun is sitting down with her Blavity co-founder to exchange thoughts on the upcoming election and explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. This episode is brought to you by: Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey For a limited time, kids eat FREE! Visit HelloFresh.com/journeykids to unlock this offer. Go to Quince.com/journey for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Try Found for free at Found.com/JOURNEY In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to the Journey Podcast 00:50 Discussing the DNC and Kamala Harris 03:25 Palestine and Political Rhetoric 07:21 Kamala Harris's Political Journey 17:08 The Importance of Voting 18:22 Diving into AI Innovations 18:27 Exploring Claude 19:27 Open Source Tools for Developers 19:53 Impact on Engineering and Product Teams 21:14 Security Concerns with AI 22:53 Creating a Personal GPT with ChatGPT 26:41 AI in Media and Business 32:05 AfroTech and AI Hackathon 35:15 The Future of AI and Society 38:31 Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways Jeff and Morgan start the episode off by discussing the Democratic National Convention and the current political rhetoric surrounding Palestine. They dive into perceptions of Kamala Harris, reflecting on how her image has evolved since becoming the Democratic nominee, and discuss how critical it is for citizens to get out and vote in the November election.Shifting gears, Jeff and Morgan take a look at recent developments in artificial intelligence. Morgan reveals how she essentially created a bot of herself to streamline content creation and communication, and they discuss the potential and implications of such technology. The conversation also touches on the innovative ways AI is being integrated into AfroTech this year, as well as the challenges and opportunities of raising children in an AI era.As always, Morgan and Jeff's insights are sure to move you to action when it comes to both civic engagement and technological exploration. After listening, consider leaving a rating and review to show your support! To learn more about the AfroTech AI Hackathon, visit https://afrotech.devpost.com/ More from Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftnelson/ https://www.instagram.com/thatjeffnelson/Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com

Lisa Beasley, a multi-talented artist and social media sensation, shares her transformative journey from theater to 'Corporate Erin.' She reveals the challenges Black performers face in the entertainment industry and emphasizes the importance of diversifying income streams. Lisa discusses building genuine connections over follower counts and the balance between creativity and financial management. With insights into personal branding and navigating the digital landscape, she inspires aspiring creatives to embrace authenticity and adapt to change.