The Journey with Morgan DeBaun

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.

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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

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Produced by MicMoguls.

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.

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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/

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Produced by MicMoguls.

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.

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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

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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.com

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.

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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

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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.

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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:

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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?_

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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.

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For a limited time, kids eat FREE! Visit HelloFresh.com/journeykids to unlock this offer.

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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.

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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!

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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:

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Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY.

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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.

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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!

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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