This episode focuses on financial independence. My guest, Taji White, a financial advisor, stopped by to talk with me about the tips to gaining and sustaining financial independence and wealth. He spoke about how his story started back when he was a kid, learning to manage other people's money and not focused on spending his own money the minute he received his allowance from his parents. His first job in the financial field was doing taxes to gain extra money.

He spoke about investing in indexes, stocks, ETFs, and establishing 401k, making sure that employers match the amount of money you put in because their money is used as insurance to your money. He spoke about roth IRAs, which is Individual Retirement Account, and how to enrolling in a traditional IRA is important when it comes to investing early into your retirement to where you can receive a fixed income from your retirement tax free, depending on how you set it up. As a financial advisor, in his line of work, he helps his clients by mitigating the amount they're being taxed upfront which saves you more money, legally.

He spoke about his book that he wrote called "The 4 Pillars of Financial Independence" where in his book, he spoke about how important a financial roadmap which is broken into his acronym B.I.T.E, which stands for Business formation, Investments, Tax prep/tax planning, and Estate planning.

It was a pleasure speaking with this black man about how important it is to be intuned with our finances in all aspects so that we're not left in the dark about how to go about gaining financial independence and literacy. For more information or inquiries, visit his website at www.truebluefinancials.com on all social media platforms @truebluefinancials.

This episode focuses on how my guest, Sian Teague, made her transition from Corporate America to becoming a business owner. She spoke to me about the decision she made to leave her career as a lawyer behind to become a business owner of two Anytime Fitness locations in a predominantly white neighborhood in Georgia. She spoke about how hard it was being away from her daughter and having her head buried in paperwork as lawyer, working many long nights while her mom spent most of the time with her daughter.

What made her not only leave the profession was her health, which she felt was being prioritized. This alone drove her to put her and her husband's all in making such a huge investment owning their own gym which is franchised across the country. She saw an opportunity to own a gym that would allow her the freedom to spend more time with daughter and make her and her family's health a priority.

She owns two locations where she's not only the owner, but gym member herself. She's a very active and welcoming gym owner who prioritizes having interactions with her members and being very approachable.

She is truly an inspiration to all black women who are looking to leave corporate America behind to become an entrepreneur in their own right. Special thanks to Sian for sharing her story on the show. I'm fortunate to be a member of her gym as well as meet her.

This episode focuses on the idea of homeschooling our children vs keeping them in the traditional classroom environment to learn. My guest, Nicole Doyle, President of the Dekalb Christian Home Educators organization and co-founder Georgia Black Home Education Network, discussed with me the advantages and benefits of homeschooling our black children especially during the last 3 years during the pandemic. The pandemic forced over 9 million students to be forced to be homeschooled some kind of way. Whether it was through virtual learning, hybrid learning environment, or being homeschooled in general.

She gave a true testimony about her own kids' lives as it pertains to how well homeschooling them has worked out for them. She even got the idea of homeschooling her kids from one of her kid's teachers, who was on the brink of leaving the profession herself to go into homeschooling. She spoke about how she understood early how early involvement in her kids' education/learning was important to their growth, developing, and learning what their interests are and as well as what they're good at. Kids homeschooled can still participate in extracurricular activities as long as they meet the requirements/tryouts, etc.

She spoke to the facts of how many black kids initially were taken out of school to be homeschooled during the pandemic vs how many of them stayed being homeschooled. The percentage of black kids who were homeschooled during the pandemic was 3.3% and the percentage of black kids homeschooled and stayed since the pandemic has grown over 16.1%. She spoke highly about the benefits and successes of homeschooling which is that 75-85% of black students who are homeschooled score higher than their white counterpart who are in public schools.

She talked about the various types and ways of "home education". She broke it down in essence about homeschooling your children is a privilege for those who can afford to do that. Not everyone can afford to step away from the work force to home educate their children. She is in no way anti-school or anti-public or private schooling, but she is pro parents doing what they know is best for their kids and their education which matters most of all. Pro-Parent more so than anything. Interesting fact, colleges and universities even accept and enroll students who were homeschooled, so there's no hindrance or limits to your child's education.

Homeschooling looks different in all cities and states, so it's best to do your research that on what resources are provided, what the requirements are for homeschooling your kids, and what forms to complete from the school and state in order to take your kids out of the traditional classroom to homeschool them because you don't want to the state and/or DFS coming to your door inquiring about your children. DO YOUR RESEARCH.

Special thanks to Nicole for being on the show to share some much information about how to go about choosing the best way for our children to learn because no one knows your child or should know your child more than you do as a parent.

This episode focuses on the idea solving and managing conflicts without it resulting to physical confrontations. My guest today, Tracy Taris, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Owner of Healing The Mind & Spirit, Inc. and author of the book "Many Voices ONE TRUTH", here to talk with me about the everyday tips and triggers to pay attention to when it comes to responding rationally vs reacting irrationally. She expound the differences of how we respond to those we know; spouse, children, family, friends, etc, where oppose to a random stranger we exchange words with. She spoke about how the various forms of communication; how to be assertive by speaking in a respectful manner, passive aggressive, aggressive, and passive. 

The difference between reacting vs responding is a reaction is predetermined; we've already made up our minds that this is how I'm going to react no matter what vs responding, which is more about taking the necessary time to digest what was said or done and giving yourself time to register the situation, gathering yourself and addressing the situation, still having an emotional reaction, but being able to think logically and rationally about it.

She broke down the different types of emotions that we go through before it gets to a point of no return. She mentioned the term "Emotional Maturity", which speaks to how to be intuned with and control of your emotions and respond maturely to situations. Above all else, we have to ask ourselves questions about our own emotions, why am I reacting this way? What is the real cause for my reaction to this? Tracy talked about self examination which is to do self-assessment to dig deep into what caused you to react so angrily.

Thanks to Tracy Taris for being on the show to discuss this ongoing conversation about how we have to prioritize our inner peace of mind and seeking the necessary healing to become the best versions of ourselves.

This episode focuses on the walking affirmation and initiative of "The Black Man Can" movement, that highlights and encourages black men that "We Can" do any and everything we put our minds to. My guest this episode, Brandon Frame, founder of "The Black Man Can" initiative hear to talk to me about how this walking affirmation got started for him.

He spoke about the origin of the initiative, which goes back to 2010 when he started it as a blog for black men and boys to see positive images of themselves in any and every space possible. He was inspired by MK Asante, a best-selling author, award-winning filmmaker and recording artist, who said "Once you make an observation, you have an obligation". His personal observation was that not enough positive imagery was being put out about black men and boys which motivated him to launch this initiative.

He also spoke about how this movement and his social media following has grown exponentially with so many black men supporting it by sending him clips of intricate, personal and congratulatory things that every day black men are doing. He even spoke about just the feedback and responses he's been receiving from people who follow him on how this walking affirmation has motivated and inspired them to become the best versions of themselves, how vulnerable black men can be and enjoying the human emotions. He's created a space even within his own personal circle that consists of a judge-free space on how black men can help each other grow in various ways and aspects of his life and he encourages other black men to do just the same; to build community amongst groups of black men because we know that we all need help and are lacking in areas that other black men can help us gain. 

My favorite question that I asked him was"The Black Man Can what?'', and his response spoke volumes to me personally when he said, "There's nothing we can't do, and what we can continue to do is pursue excellence with impeccable effort".

He mentioned some of the things that's on the horizon with this initiative. He's planning to host a power couple brunch which is dedicated to honoring black men with their wives and significant others, to create healthy and whole families. His team also has a "Build a Better Brother Summit", "My 1st Tie Experience", "The Black Man Can Awards" as well which to promote and expose the uplifting experience of what black men are really about vs what society perpetuate us as. You can check out this movement on their site @www.theblackmancan.org and follow him on Instagram on @theblackmancan. Stay encourage black man.  

This episode focuses on the current state of real estate when it comes to investing in and purchasing rental properties. My returned guest, Lisa Philips, Investment Property Coach, here to talk with me about the metrics of what to look for when looking to purchase their first rental property during this time of inflation and a mild recession. 

She talked about how we need to pay more attention the areas that are best to purchase properties based on the state of that market; the interest rates, the cost of contractors for renovations, and even the low cost of properties to purchase both locally and/or in other areas. We discussed how to vet out the different properties and taxes within the various markets. For instance, what are the pros and cons of purchasing a moderately newer home vs an older home which will require more up to date and costly renovations to be done. She also mentioned how she coaches her clients on how to purchase their rental properties by putting it on a business credit mortgage where oppose to purchasing a loan that will go directly on your personal credit by either borrowing from your current equity from your personal property value.

She shared insight on how she coaches her clients on purchasing rental properties for as low as between $30K-$60K. Thanks so much to my guest, Lisa, once again for sharing such great insight on how to really do your research on what the current market is and where it's headed when it comes to potentially buying property in areas that are soon to be gentrified.

This episode focuses on the ins and outs of what it takes to become a black business owner in today's economy where we're faced with a inflation and a mild recession. My guest, Malik Chamblain, a Business Credit Coach/CEO of ULeverage Capital that provides financial literacy, consultation, provides a business credit builder program that teams you up with an financial advisor, and financial opportunities to business owners.  

For starters, he mentioned the fact that "how you build something is how strong its going to stand". He broke down what should be considered when starting off your business; come up with a name and google it to make sure it doesn't already exist, create an LLC, apply for a virtual address, sign-up to get a professional phone number for your business, start a business bank account, and create a website. The purpose for having these things done in the initial stages of you starting your business is to first establish yourself as a business, one that the banks can take seriously when considering approving you for a business loan.

In our community, we often times make mention of "generational wealth" but Malik spoke about what it means to have and establish "sustainable wealth"; wealth that can be maintained and passed down to your kids and family. We also get fixated and prideful about word "ownership", which Malik mentioned is fine but what good is it to own something at 100% and not make much or any money from it? The quote he used was a powerful one. "Would you rather own 100% of a grape or 50% of a watermelon?" Building a successful business and ultimately selling is what successful business owners do as well as buying up businesses. 

As a business credit coach, he touched on the importance of establishing your business credit and all that it takes to do so; for instance, paying your bills early and in full puts you in good financial standings and helps establish a financial relationship with the banks. He also said that it's okay to apply for multiple business loans from multiple financial institutions likes banks and or credit unions and not look to get all of what you need from one place. In the event that you're not able to get approved for a loan, if you work a 9-5, be able to save money from that to go towards your business ventures to help you start your business. It's with the understanding that in order to make money, you have to spend money, wisely and responsibly. 

For information on how to become a successful business owner, what financial opportunities are out there for you take advantage of, or consultation on how to sustain a healthy business, you can find him on Instagram @leveragewithmalik. For a consultation or guide to building a healthy and successful business, visit his website at www.uleveragecapital.com and the viewers and subscribers to this show will receive a 25% discount from his company to have a financial advisor walk you thru the process of being a successful business owner. Be sure to put in the comments of your online application " Speak To The Mic Podcast" to have that discount be applied.

Much love and appreciation to Malik for being on the show to share this very important and helpful information.

Coach Prime & Coach Reed situation - What exactly do we want???

This episode focuses on the impact of black men and just how important it is to be a role model in our young black boys and men's' lives. My guest and friend Dr. Richard Cross, an educator and founder of #GoingBeyondLimitations here to talk to me about the many things he's doing to help impact young black men at Liberty University and in general. It's worth noting that he is also an author of the book "Let's rewrite the narrative, black boys stand up" along with several other books, one which reached number 27 on the amazon bookselling list. 

Richard spoke about his upbringing growing up in Jamaica and the many adversities he had to overcome to be where he is today. As the oldest child, he has worked hard to help take care of not only his mother but his youngest siblings as well. His story, though unfortunate, is one that most of us in the black community share when it comes to not coming from money, having to work early in life to help take care the house all while trying to stay the course and achieve goals we set out for ourselves.

He talked about mentoring and teaching his students, especially his young male students, how each and every last one of them has greatness in them just waiting for them to bring it out of them by being the best versions of themselves.

He uttered such a powerful and profound quote that was once told to him, "The conscious has to help the unconscious to become conscious". That quote resonated with me in such a way that I will do my part in spreading that very word. Thanks to my friend Dr. Cross for being on the show to share his motivating story on how we as black men have to be the leaders and inspiration to the young black boys that are coming up under us.

***This episode was recorded last month. This episode consists a conversation with my guest, Corey Luckett, founder of the Englewood Branded Clothing line, located in Chicago's very own, Englewood neighborhood. We talked about how he first got started with his brand, what/who inspired him, what has it been like with the outpouring support from the community, and the different ways he's been pouring back into the Englewood community.

We spoke about his influence and upbringing growing up on the Southside of Chicago. Being from Chicago myself, Englewood preferably, his story was a real inspiration to me to be more aware of what's going on in my hometown neighborhood and how I can get more evolve even living out of town. The level of support and trust he's gained from the community comes from his willingness to rebrand Englewood and to really show what the community is all about which aligns with his motto; Love, Respect, Honor & Dedication. Corey spoke about how pouring into the very community we're from is essential to the growth and the development of the community and the kids growing up in it. Chicago too many times has been the talking point and example for political figures to use regarding the senseless violence that takes place as if violence doesn't exist everywhere. Corey has been a pillar in the community demonstrating just how with a creative mind and a designed plan to execute, you can be the change you want to see. There's more to Chicago than the violence that's being constantly portrayed in the media and Corey is a prime example of that.

He has plans for upcoming pop-up events and special occasions to gain more clientele to support the brand in order to have more of his proceeds and revenue be put back into the Englewood community. If you want to support him and you're in Chicago, the address to his boutique is 1546 w. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60636. For more news, updates and ways to support his efforts to "Brand Englewood" be sure to follow him on Instagram @englewoodbranded. CHECK HIM OUT AND SUPPORT THIS BLACK MAN WHO'S DOING GREAT THINGS IN CHICAGO. #ChicagoAgainstTheWorld