Episodes

  • How Dia Simms Is Shaking Up The Spirits Industry with Pronghorn

    How Dia Simms Is Shaking Up The Spirits Industry with Pronghorn
    Nov 19 2024
    In this episode, Morgan DeBaun sits down with Dia Simms, a powerhouse in the spirits industry and co-founder of Pronghorn, a company aimed at diversifying the industry from the inside out. Together, they discuss the intricacies of the spirits industry and how diversity can be improved across industries. Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to the Journey Podcast 00:25 Dia Simms' Early Career and Education 03:26 Transition to Radio Sales 04:50 Entrepreneurial Ventures in the Spirits Industry 07:09 The Rise of Celebrity-Owned Liquor Brands 09:32 Understanding Liquor Industry Deals 13:10 Challenges in Liquor Sponsorships 15:48 Introduction to Pronghorn 16:56 Pronghorn's Mission and Impact 22:39 The Blend of Private Equity and Venture Capital 23:32 Building a Bigger Table: The Importance of Diversity 24:27 Challenges in Supporting Black Entrepreneurs 25:54 The Pronghorn Analogy: Going Far and Fast Together 27:25 Convincing the Wealthy to Support Diversity 33:39 The Power of Collective Consumer Action 41:57 The Importance of Ownership and Investment 44:27 Conclusion and Call to Action In the episode, Dia shares her path into the spirits world from a background with the Department of Defense and radio sales. Together, Morgan and Dia dive into the popularity of celebrity brand partnerships and the behind-the-scenes work of securing liquor sponsors for major events like Blavity's AfroTech. Dia opens up about the mission behind Pronghorn: to create lasting change in the spirits industry by investing in Black-owned businesses. She explains how this model of diversification can be replicated across various industries. Dia and Morgan also discuss why appealing to the financial benefits of diversity can better resonate with industry leaders than relying on emotional arguments alone. This episode is packed with valuable insights into business, diversity, and intentional investing from someone who has had a hand in shifting the billion-dollar spirits industry. Interested in working with Pronghorn? The organization is actively looking for businesses to invest in, so reach out to Dia Simms to connect! More from Dia: https://www.instagram.com/diasimms/ https://www.pronghorn.co/#top 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.
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    52 mins
  • Power & Progress In Fashion with The Cut's Editor In Chief Lindsay Peoples

    Power & Progress In Fashion with The Cut's Editor In Chief Lindsay Peoples
    Nov 12 2024
    This week, Morgan DeBaun is joined by Lindsay Peoples, editor-in-chief of The Cut, for an eye-opening conversation on the state of the fashion industry and Lindsay's journey to redefine success for herself. Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to the Journey Podcast 00:02 Lindsay Peoples: Defying the Odds 00:50 The Media Landscape Today 02:23 Fashion Industry Insights 03:46 Challenges in Size Inclusivity 06:43 The Reality of Black Designers 11:34 Supporting Black Designers 13:37 The Glamorous and Unglamorous Life 16:21 Navigating Public Perception 19:47 Social Media Missteps at Work 21:03 Communicating Business Challenges 21:48 The Overwhelm of Modern Information 23:39 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 29:07 Navigating Single Life and Dating 31:55 Empowering Ambitious Women 34:22 Redefining Success and Personal Rules 38:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts In the episode, Lindsay and Morgan pull back the curtain on the fashion world, challenging its perceived progressiveness and exposing the centralization of power that often leaves Black designers at a disadvantage. Lindsay opens up about the vital work her foundation is doing to create real opportunities for underrepresented designers, and how consumers can support Black creatives directly. Beyond fashion, Lindsay shares her “pinch me” moments, balancing a life that’s both glamorous and far more grounded than people might expect. She reflects on how her sense of self used to be tied closely to her career, after becoming editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue at just 26. Now, embracing single life and letting go of people-pleasing, Lindsay discusses the strength she’s found in redefining her own success. Both Morgan and Lindsay offer honest insights into the complexities of being a leader, rewriting the rules, and creating spaces where authenticity and ambition can thrive. Tune in for a candid conversation on breaking barriers, empowering others, and finding freedom in self-acceptance. Plus, hear Morgan share insights from her upcoming book, Rewrite Your Rules. More from Lindsay: https://www.instagram.com/lrpeoples/?hl=en https://www.thecut.com/author/lindsay-peoples/ 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.
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    45 mins
  • Teri Ijeoma's Investment Guide: Achieving Financial Freedom Through Smart Stock Choices

    Teri Ijeoma's Investment Guide: Achieving Financial Freedom Through Smart Stock Choices
    Nov 5 2024
    In this episode of The Journey, host Morgan DeBaun sits down with investment expert Teri Ijeoma for a powerful conversation about stocks, wealth-building, and financial empowerment. Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:21 Teri's Background and Achievements 01:09 The Concept of Trade and Travel 01:41 Early Investing Experiences 02:49 Understanding Compounding Interest 05:46 Overcoming Investment Fears 07:12 The Role of Foundations in Wealth Building 11:04 Investment Strategies and Education 18:43 Commodities and Futures Trading 23:00 Personal Investment Reflections 25:21 Embracing the Plateau 25:34 Reaching Financial Milestones 25:44 The Fear of Losing Wealth 26:08 Lifestyle Over Money 26:48 Vulnerability and Wealth 27:41 Levels of Wealth 28:20 Investment Strategies and Risks 29:55 Contentment and Growth 34:06 Networking and Inspiration 38:38 Learning to Trade 41:11 Setting Financial Goals 46:14 Balancing Life and Wealth 49:09 Conclusion and Next Steps In the episode, Teri shares her expertise in investing, offering a deep dive into her successful trading platform, Trade & Travel, which has helped thousands of people learn the art of trading stock, managing risk, and understanding market trends. Morgan opens up about her own investment journey, discussing her financial goals and the importance of pushing past comfort zones. Together, Morgan and Teri explore the psychological barriers that often hold people back from investing, such as fear and complacency, and why overcoming these challenges is essential for financial growth. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your financial knowledge, this episode offers a roadmap to take control of your financial future. Tune in for an empowering conversation aimed at helping you break through your financial limits and start building wealth today! More from Teri: https://teriijeoma.com https://www.instagram.com/teriijeoma https://tradeandtravel.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?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • How to Build a Successful Podcast: Morgan DeBaun on Community, Networking & Monetization

    How to Build a Successful Podcast: Morgan DeBaun on Community, Networking & Monetization
    Oct 29 2024
    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.
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    26 mins
  • How Fawn Weaver Built a BILLION DOLLAR Whiskey Brand

    How Fawn Weaver Built a BILLION DOLLAR Whiskey Brand
    Oct 22 2024
    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.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • How Elaine Welteroth is Revolutionizing Maternal Health with BirthFUND

    How Elaine Welteroth is Revolutionizing Maternal Health with BirthFUND
    Oct 15 2024
    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.
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    57 mins
  • The Business of Fashion with Marie Claire's Editor in Chief Nikki Ogunnaike

    The Business of Fashion with Marie Claire's Editor in Chief Nikki Ogunnaike
    Oct 8 2024
    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.
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    51 mins
  • Inside AfroTech’s Success: Building Conferences that Last

    Inside AfroTech’s Success: Building Conferences that Last
    Oct 1 2024
    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
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    30 mins