Money is one of the top reasons couples divorce — so why don't we talk about it more honestly? This week, Paul and Ellyn get real about finances in marriage. From the "ambush method" to shared goals and hard lessons learned, they share what's helped them navigate 37 years of financial ups and downs together.

Plus, there is a question they had asked about open relationships. Listen to Paul's response.

In This Episode:

Why money conversations are so hard in marriage

How different money personalities can work together

The importance of weekly financial check-ins

Practical first steps if you're starting from zero

Connect with us:

🌐 mockmediagroup.com

📧 [email protected]

☕ buymeacoffee.com/mockmediagroup

📰 The Mock Minute on Substack

🛍️ EzzTees on Etsy

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@mockmediagroup and @esayspsays on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

Disclaimer: We are not therapists or financial experts. Just two people sharing lessons from 37 years of love and hoping something helps someone else.

#BlackLove #BlackMarriage #EsaysPsays #BlackPodcast #MarriageGoals #FinancesInMarriage #BlackFinance #Cheersto37Years

“It’s Our Anniversary”

What happens when two young people in love try to figure out marriage, adulthood, family expectations, and real life all at the same time?

In this anniversary episode of Esays/Psays, Paul and Ellyn reflect on their wedding journey, moving to Los Angeles, family chaos, early marriage expectations, grief, growth, and the realities of building a life together over 37 years.

From sneaking around for airport pickups on New Year’s Eve in South Central Los Angeles to finding a $299 Vegas wedding package in the classifieds, this episode blends humor, honesty, reflection, and emotional storytelling.

The Mocks discuss:

Running away to Los Angeles before the wedding

Culture shock and adjustment in a new city

Getting married young and unprepared

Family involvement in wedding planning

Grief shortly after marriage

Early marriage expectations

Learning to solve problems together

Why long marriages require teamwork, flexibility, and friendship

Plus:

A Mock Minute featuring EzzTees

Stories from the Annapolis Book Festival

A preview of the upcoming finances and retirement series

Locate us at:

Spotify - @esayspsays

Applepodcast - @esayspsays

Youtube - @mockmediagroup

E-mail - [email protected]

You can find us on Social Media at:

FB - @mockmediagroup and @esayspsays

IG - @mockmediagroup and @esayspsays

Website - mockmediagroup.com

Author Site - vignettesfromasouthcentralson.com

Amazon - https://a.co/d/05bQkoAz

Buy Me a Coffee - buymeacoffee.com/mockmediagroup

Join us for another episode as we discuss strange global relationship traditions. We span the globe from Austria, Asia, Finland, Africa, and America. Take a listen and learn something new, and have a laugh. As mentioned in the episode, we are sponsored by our Esays/Psays Hoodie and Tee. Please see the link below.

mockmediagroup.com

buymeacoffee.com/mockmediagroup

FB, IG and Youtube - @mockmediagroup.com

Patreon Link - https://www.patreon.com/posts/finland-bans-153222742?

Etsy - https://ezztees.etsy.com/listing/1651825908 - Tee

Etsy - https://ezztees.etsy.com/listing/1650366604 - Hoodie

Unbelievable though it may be this example of Black Love had a moment where it didn't seem like we would be moving forward. It was around the time of our 13th year of wedded bliss. We just couldn't keep it together. And we were really petty with our disagreements. So take a listen in as we discuss how we got to the other side. We also pay tribute to our Uncle Pouncy who was a Tuskegee Airmen that passed away at the end of the year. Want to hear more about this great man. Please click the link below to see Congresswoman Macbath of Atlanta pay tribute to him as well. And finally we discuss joy in our Mock Minute and pay tribute to our friend and Mental Health champion, Dashana Jefferies who has achieved the milestone of getting her doctorate and now is known as Doctor Dash. The link to follow her on facebook is below. And the link to her new book is there as well. Finally we are sponsored by Vignettes From A South Central Son, Pt I. Paul's first step into the Author arena. The link is below as well. Hope you enjoy!! Don't forget to subscribe and share so you don't miss an episode.

Facebook and IG @mockmediagroup

website - www.mockmediagroup.com

Hillard Pouncy Tribute - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHhPoUmJkdA

Hillard Pouncy Book - https://a.co/d/01iiHhTd

Dashana Jefferies - @passport 2breathe @dashanajefferies

Dashana's Book - https://a.co/d/0irgXzFI

Paul's Book - https://a.co/d/0dRATVUT

Happy New Year!! Yes our episodes are a little off. We are working on getting in synch. However, it is never too late for a Happy New Year!! So listen in while Paul and Ellyn discuss 10 items on their bucket list as a couple that they would like to do in the future or have completed during their 36 years of marriage. And stay tuned for a feisty Mock Minute where Ellyn says she feels homeless in America and Paul says it with his chest. So enjoy the discussion. Below are the links to mentions in our episode.

Esays/Psays Tee - https://www.etsy.com/listing/1651825908/esays-psays-tee

Esays/Psays Hoodie - https://www.etsy.com/listing/1650366604/esayspsays-hoodie

SB Mowing - https://www.youtube.com/@SBMowing

FB - @mockmediagroup

IG - @mockmediagroup

TikTok - @esayspsays @ezztees

Website - mockmediagroup.com

Buy Me A Coffee - buymeacoffe.com/mockmediagroup

Two weeks ago, you heard Paul talk about his book Vignettes From A South Central Son, Part 1. If you missed that episode, go back and give it a listen—and be sure to grab a copy of the book. It’s a great story you won’t want to miss.

This week, Paul and Ellyn are back and catching up after their extended break, sharing where they’ve been and what’s been going on.

They also kick things off with a hard-hitting Mock Minute about Finland banning cell phones in schools. Of course, the Mock Minute doesn’t stay a minute for long—it turns into a much bigger conversation.

Want the full, uncut discussion? We’ve launched our Patreon so you can hear the entire extended Mock Minute and more. Click the link, subscribe, and don’t miss out.

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https://a.co/d/02QCcbQi

https://www.patreon.com/posts/finland-bans-153222742?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Welcome to Part 2 of Season 2. We know you been waiting and we made sure our comeback episode is well worth it. In this episode Ellyn interviews her co-host, Paul about his great accomplishment of writing and publishing his first book. If you haven't read it please pick it up, Vignettes From A South Central Son, Part 1. It is on Amazon. You can also checkout his website and sign up for the newsletter. Make sure to subscribe to any platform you listen to podcast so you don't miss an episode. If you hear something you like share our episodes with friends. We appreciate it!!

Amazon - https://a.co/d/07RRzdMW

Author website - https://vignettesfromasouthcentralson.com/

Podcast website - mockmediagroup.com

Support us by buy a cup of coffee - buymeacupofcoffee.com/mockmediagroup

Merch - https://ezztees.etsy.com or on TikTok

Check us out on Social Media - @esayspsays or @mockmediagroup.com on FB, IG, TikTok and Youtube.

Ellyn and Paul define and discuss what marriage means to them.

Ellyn and Paul discuss the previous year and their goals for the current year.

Ellyn and Paul interview the Purpose Queen Dashana Jefferies. Dashana discusses her mental health journey and the steps she is taking to stay healthy. She is an author and serial entrepreneur. If you or someone you know is struggling please listen and learn some resources you can use. You can also reach out to her many social media platforms to learn more. IG - @Dashana_Breathes, TT - @Dashana_Breathes, IG - @signatureclasstravel, YT - APassport2Breathe, Linkedin - aiinadash