Jaclyn Johnson is back with a brand new vision—and this time, she’s rewriting the rules. In this candid and powerful conversation, Jaclyn opens up about what life really looks like after selling your company, healing from burnout, and rediscovering purpose. She and Morgan dive into the rise of angel investing, the power of warm intros, why she launched a platform that’s already helped deploy $1M+ to women and BIPOC-owned businesses, and how investing is about so much more than returns.

They also get real about dating as high-powered women, feminine energy, letting go of control, and building partnerships that actually work. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or just someone redefining success on your own terms—this episode will leave you inspired.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro 

04:15 – Taking a step back to build

07:25 – Investing in women and BIPOC founders

21:04 – Breaking down what it means to be an accredited angel investor

27:05 – Jaclyn’s approach to work-life balance after burnout

29:50 – How Jaclyn spends her exit money: real estate and travel flex

33:25 – Navigating dating post-divorce and balancing masculine/feminine energy

35:37 – The importance of unlearning control and receiving help

42:50 – Being “the cool ex-wife” and managing public perception

46:26 – Final reflections on reinvention and the journey ahead

In this powerful conversation, Morgan DeBaun and Jeff Nelson go deep on one of today’s most pressing questions: what happens to human value in the age of AI? From digital twins and AI agents to wearable tech and the erosion of critical thinking skills, they explore how technology is transforming not only how we work—but how we live.

Morgan and Jeff break down the rise of AI agents (what they really are), the reality behind automation hype, and the traits that will keep you relevant no matter how advanced tech becomes. This episode is part philosophy, part career advice, and fully a must-listen if you want to stay ahead of the curve.

In this episode:

00:00 The Pleasure Machine Thought Experiment 02:10 Digital Twins + Real-Life Trade-Offs 05:45 The Reality of Clout vs. Fulfillment 09:42 What Are AI Agents (and How Are They Different from Automation)? 13:25 How AI Will Reshape Workflows + Decision-Making 18:00 Why Speed Isn’t Everything—Judgment Still Matters 22:18 The AI Skills Gap: What Will Make You Irreplaceable 26:50 Will AI Erase Critical Thinking? 29:03 Where Humans Still Win: Strategy + Insight 35:40 AI + Wearables: The Next Big Interface 42:15 What It Means to Be a Founder in a New Tech Era 47:00 Announcing AI Edge: A Free Summit for the Community

This episode will challenge your perspective and give you tools to navigate what’s next. Whether you’re a creator, tech professional, entrepreneur, or just curious, it’s time to step into the AI era—intentionally.

🧠 The future belongs to those who can think, adapt, and lead. Will that be you?

Order Rewrite Your Rules: https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050

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This episode is a must-listen if you're curious about how AI is actually being used in real life—not just by tech insiders, but by everyday professionals, creatives, and founders.

Morgan DeBaun is breaking down exclusive insights from a recent AfroTech community survey to reveal the truth about how our community is engaging with AI tools. She shares the most-used platforms, the biggest gaps in understanding, and where people are seeking support—from automating workflows to mastering prompt engineering.

Plus, Morgan opens up about how she uses ChatGPT in her everyday life, from solving garden mysteries to debating real estate strategy with her dad. You’ll walk away with real-world examples, tips for getting better at AI, and the confidence to start leveling up your own use of these tools.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Blavity Fest Recap

 00:24 Why AI Use in Our Community Is Often Misunderstood

 01:29 AfroTech Survey Results: Familiarity + Daily Use Stats

 03:14 Top AI Tools Used in the Community

 04:06 Real-Life Use Cases: Writing, Brainstorming, and Productivity

 06:06 Why Learning AI Automation Matters Now

 07:13 Most Common Question: “Am I Using the Right Tool?”

 08:27 The Shift from AI 101 to Deeper Integration

 09:31 What Is “Vibe Coding” and Why Morgan Isn’t a Fan

 11:05 Morgan’s ChatGPT Garden Moment

 14:09 Real Estate vs. Stocks: A ChatGPT Financial Analysis

 14:56 Why Prompting Well Is the Real Skill

 15:55 Build Your Own Custom GPTs + Level Up

Whether you're a beginner or seasoned user, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible with AI and inspire you to start experimenting, optimizing, and building smarter.

Let Morgan know how you're using AI by commenting on Instagram or responding to the newsletter. And don’t forget to subscribe to her YouTube channel for more behind-the-scenes content and tools you can actually use.

Order Rewrite Your Rules: https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050

Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast

Follow Morgan’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_

Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb

This episode originally aired in December 2023 and is a must-listen if you're serious about achieving financial freedom and stability.

Morgan DeBaun is breaking down the power of multiple income streams—why relying on just one paycheck is risky, how it limits your freedom, and what you can do to change that today.

She opens up about her 8 personal income streams—from stock dividends to salaries to events—and how she built each one with intention. Morgan shares how diversifying your income not only protects you in uncertain times, but also gives you more freedom, creativity, and long-term wealth.

In this episode:

00:42 Introduction and Why This Topic Matters 02:03 The Benefits of Having Multiple Streams of Income 05:39 Stream of Income #1- Salary 06:40 Stream of Income #2- Coaching and Advising 08:06 Stream of Income #3- Public Speaking and Hosting 09:04 Stream of Income #4- Brand Deals 09:52 Stream of Income #5- Product Business 11:03 Stream of Income #6- Events 13:07 Stream of Income #7- Book 15:06 Stream of Income #8- Stock Portfolio Dividends 16:48 Closing Thoughts + Call to Action

Whether you're an entrepreneur or career professional, this episode will shift how you think about money and inspire you to unlock your own financial potential.

You are your biggest money maker—let’s make that work for you. 💡

Let Morgan know which income stream you're working on by commenting on Instagram or responding to the newsletter. And don’t forget to subscribe to her YouTube channel for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes advice!

Order Rewrite Your Rules:

https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050

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?_

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It’s time for some real talk with Morgan DeBaun. In this episode, Morgan DeBaun answers YOUR questions on everything from startup funding to navigating layoffs. Plus, she shares what’s going on behind the scenes with her book launch, pregnancy news, and business shifts.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Updates

00:15 Impact of Executive Orders on Business

00:59 AfroTech Community Growth

02:14 Book Tour and Reader Feedback

05:35 Exciting Personal News

09:47 Fundraising Tips for Startups

14:05 Finding Co-Founders and Team Members

18:24 First Hires and Business Growth

20:47 Work-Life Balance and Company Culture

26:30 Advice for Laid-Off Workers

31:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the episode, Morgan covers everything from navigating pregnancy and scaling AfroTech to reflections on her book, Rewrite Your Rules. She also answers audience-submitted questions, giving her opinions on VC funding in today’s climate, building a team, balancing “soft life” with startup demands, and shifting through motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re building a business, pivoting careers, or just trying to figure it all out in this wild time, this episode is packed with clarity, honesty, and strategy. Tune in and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!

Order Rewrite Your Rules:

https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050

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

This episode originally aired in July 2024 and quickly became one of the most popular episodes of The Journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this conversation, this episode help you get unstuck and moving forward in your business and life!

Morgan DeBaun is spilling the tea on 7 habits that just might be holding you back from achieving your highest levels of success in business and life.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:20 YouTube Channel Updates

00:59 Habit 1: Over-Reliance on One-Hour Meetings

04:41 Habit 2: Failure to Delegate

09:03 Habit 3: Neglecting Self-Care

10:25 Habit 4: Overthinking Decisions

12:18 Habit 5: Obsession with Setting Goals

16:00 Habit 6: Overemphasis on Boundaries

18:58 Habit 7: Fear of Mediocrity and Failure

22:07 Conclusion and Call to Action

Morgan breaks down the bad habits that many entrepreneurs get caught up in, from defaulting to one-hour meetings and not delegating enough, to overthinking and relying too heavily on goals. Plus she's talking self-care, boundaries, and why failure doesn't need to be avoided at all costs.

Take this episode as an opportunity to reflect on your own habits and find new levels of success in your business! Let Morgan know which habits you want to break by responding to the newsletter or commenting in her entrepreneurship channel on Instagram. And make sure you are subscribed to Morgan's YouTube channel to catch exclusive content coming soon!

 Order Rewrite Your Rules:

https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050

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

This episode originally aired in April 2024 and quickly became one of the most popular episodes of The Journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this conversation, this episode will get you thinking about healing in a toxic culture.

In this episode, Morgan DeBaun sits down with renowned physician, author, and trauma expert, Dr. Gabor Maté, for a thought-provoking conversation about childhood trauma and attachment, the impact of societal norms on parenting, and the healing potential of psychedelics.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:30 Dr. Gabor Maté's Early Life and Trauma

04:08 Impact of Early Trauma on Adult Behavior

04:56 The Struggles of a Medical Professional

08:22 Parenting Challenges in Modern Society

13:21 The Importance of Attachment in Child Development

21:30 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Parenting

24:03 Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships

24:38 The Impact of Technology on Children

25:36 Balancing Work and Parenting

28:51 The Importance of Secure Attachment

29:49 Understanding Individuation and Socialization

36:40 The Role of Psychedelics in Healing

45:16 Resources and Final Thoughts

Dr. Maté opens up about his own childhood experiences as a Jewish infant in occupied Hungary, where abandonment and trauma shaped his early years and later influenced his relationships with his children and career. Through personal reflection, Morgan shares her own experiences of growing up with a father whose demanding career kept him often away, and her tendency towards workaholism. She shares how she intends to do things differently with her own child.

As the discussion unfolds, Dr. Maté dives into his belief that we are living in a toxic culture, where stress and societal pressures take a toll on our mental and physical health. He highlights the direct link between our minds and bodies, particularly evident in marginalized groups facing systemic racism. Dr. Maté and Morgan discuss how it is in this context that parents are expected to raise children, and how cultural parenting norms often contradict intuitive caregiving practices, driven by economic necessities rather than emotional well-being.

The episode wraps up with an eye-opening discussion on the potential of psychedelics in healing trauma, with Dr. Maté sharing the emerging research and the need for better access to these powerful tools in mental health care.

To learn more about Dr. Gabor Maté's work discussed in this episode, check out his books The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing In A Toxic Culture and Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need To Matter More Than Peers.

Tune in to this insightful episode, and make sure to leave a rating and review to show your support for these incredibly powerful conversations being had week after week!

More from Dr. Gabor Maté:

https://drgabormate.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gabormatemd?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Order Rewrite Your Rules:

https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050

Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content:

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Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_

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Produced by MicMoguls.

Morgan DeBaun is back with another live coaching session using powerful frameworks from her new book, Rewrite Your Rules.

In this episode, she advises two dynamic entrepreneurs at different life stages: Flo, a corporate professional building a virtual assistant business while balancing family life, and Patrick, an HR leader stepping into screenwriting and consulting during semi-retirement.

Morgan helps them clarify their priorities, develop marketing strategies, and map out a path toward financial freedom and personal fulfillment. Together, they dive deep into scaling businesses, embracing creative passions, and setting up a prosperous future on your own terms.

In this episode:

 00:00 – Introduction and Session Overview

 01:20 – Meet Flo: Balancing Corporate and Entrepreneurial Life

 05:38 – Flo's Virtual Assistant Business Journey

 08:34 – Challenges and Strategies for Scaling Up

 10:27 – Enhancing Online Presence and Networking

 15:52 – Operational Smoothness and Future Plans

 21:03 – Pitching and Perception in the Business World

 24:32 – Defining Your Priorities and Pillars

 24:54 – Entrepreneurial Stability and Success

 25:31 – Focusing on Future Customers

 26:20 – Patrick's Career Crossroads

 27:24 – Balancing Passion and Career

 30:43 – Planning for Retirement

 32:00 – Embracing Your Wealthy Vision

 39:31 – Breaking Free from Corporate Constraints

 45:58 – Taking Action Towards Your Goals

 48:22 – Final Thoughts and Reflections

Flo opens up about the challenges of scaling while juggling a full-time career and family, while Patrick shares his journey navigating a pivot into creative work and consulting. Morgan offers real-time strategies to get clear on your goals, build your dream future, and create wealth on your own terms.

Whether you’re growing a business or reimagining your next chapter, this episode will inspire you to rewrite your own rules—and equip you with the practical steps to get there.

Order Rewrite Your Rules by Morgan DeBaun:

 https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050

Join the Newsletter for Exclusive Content:

 https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast

Follow Morgan on TikTok:

 https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun

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 https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb

 Produced by MicMoguls. 

Morgan DeBaun is back with another live coaching session using frameworks from her new book, Rewrite Your Rules. This time, she’s joined by Rachael, a newly engaged recent college grad working a full-time accounting job, building a business, and planning a wedding—all at once.

Morgan helps Rachael navigate the pressure of overachievement, cultural expectations, and the chaos of managing multiple life transitions. Together, they dive into practical strategies like theming your weeks, setting clearer priorities, and creating space to actually enjoy the journey.

In this episode:

00:00 – Introduction and Episode Overview

00:05 – Meet Rachael: Recent Grad and Bride-to-Be

01:11 – Navigating Life Transitions

02:33 – Defining Priorities and Pacing Life

05:34 – Wedding Planning Challenges

08:58 – Balancing Work, Life, and Faith

12:17 – Structuring Your Week for Success

21:19 – Struggles with Social Media and Self-Comparison

21:51 – Pressure to Achieve and Future Plans

23:12 – Cultural Expectations and Overachievement

25:24 – Reflecting on Life Goals and Success

26:51 – Starting a Business and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

29:43 – Balancing Life, Work, and Personal Goals

38:33 – Commitments and Moving Forward

42:34 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Rachael opens up about the struggles of doing “all the things”—working, building, loving, and still feeling behind. Morgan challenges her to get clear on what she really wants, separate from society’s timeline, and embrace daily joy instead of constant striving.

Whether you're newly graduated or knee-deep in transitions of your own, this episode will speak to your soul—and give you the practical tools to reset.

Order Rewrite Your Rules by Morgan DeBaun:

https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050

Join the Newsletter for Exclusive Content:

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Follow Morgan on TikTok:

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Produced by MicMoguls.

Morgan DeBaun is back with another live advising session featuring frameworks from her new book, Rewrite Your Rules. In this episode, she sits down with Lane, a branding and marketing agency founder who’s entering into the world of startups.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Studio Setup

00:46 Guest Introduction and Background

01:10 Business Overview and Services

04:28 Team Structure and Client Management

08:36 Challenges and Growth Strategies

17:09 Transitioning from Operator to Owner

24:29 Targeting Executive Clients

25:34 Understanding Retainer Packages

26:06 Tailoring Services for Executives

28:10 Creating a Personal Branding Framework

29:59 Launching a Tech Startup

32:31 Overcoming Startup Challenges

36:18 Focusing on Product Development

41:49 Final Advice and Encouragement

In the episode, Lane opens up about the challenges of juggling corporate clients and small businesses and maintaining her own brand’s visibility, despite building brands for others. Morgan advises Lane on the transition from being in the weeds of operations to taking on a more strategic CEO role. She also helps her make time for her dream of launching a tech startup.

Through the conversation, Morgan helps Lane rewrite her rules, from deciding to forgo social media to focusing on product development before funding. Tune in and be inspired to rewrite your own rules and do entrepreneurship your way. Don't forget to order your copy of Rewrite Your Rules, out now!

Order Rewrite Your Rules:

https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050

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.