The ME Show

What does it really take to build a business, achieve financial independence, and create a legacy that lasts beyond you?

In this episode of The ME Show, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Jamal Muhammad, entrepreneur, financial-services professional, business leader, and the man behind Consumer Capital Group, for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, money, leadership, mentorship, and generational wealth.

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Jamal knew early that he wanted to control his own destiny and create opportunities for others.

But one moment in 2008 changed the direction of his life.

While working in corporate accounting, Jamal was told he didn't have the ability to complete an assignment. Rather than allowing that experience to define him, he walked away from the job and committed himself to entrepreneurship.

He hasn't looked back.

Today, Jamal shares lessons from decades of experience in financial services, organizational leadership, recruiting, and developing entrepreneurs.

IN THIS EPISODE:

✅ Why Jamal chose entrepreneurship over traditional employment

✅ The ability to communicate "from the boardroom to the block"

✅ Why mentorship and leadership matter in building successful businesses

✅ The difference between making money and keeping money

✅ Financial literacy, compound interest, and long-term planning

✅ Common challenges facing families and entrepreneurs

✅ The vision behind Consumer Capital Group

✅ Building opportunities, developing leaders, and creating a lasting legacy

One of the most compelling parts of this interview is Jamal's perspective on success. For him, it's not just about financial accomplishments. It's about how many people you've helped become successful along the way.

CONNECT WITH JAMAL MUHAMMAD & CONSUMER CAPITAL GROUP

Interested in learning more about financial education, business development, family financial protection, or opportunities in financial services?

Connect with Jamal Muhammad and his team to learn more.

Website: https://ccgfinancial.services/ 

Contact: [email protected] 

Social Media:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/jgettymoneyman 

IG: https://instagram.com/jaygettymuhammad?exln=djRyMWF5MGZlcW1i 

SPECIAL ME STUDIOS VIEWER OFFER

During this episode, ME Studios announces a special travel-gift opportunity for the first 15 qualifying viewers who connect with Jamal's team.

The offer described in the interview is a three-day, two-night resort getaway for two in Mexico or the Caribbean.

https://ccgfinancial.services/ 

Availability is limited to the stated offer allocation and subject to the final promotional terms.

ABOUT THE ME SHOW

Hosted by Ali Mehdaoui and produced by ME Studios, The ME Show features entrepreneurs, innovators, business leaders, and individuals whose stories inspire meaningful conversations about business, opportunity, leadership, and personal growth.

Subscribe for more interviews and real-world insights from people building businesses and making an impact.

DISCLAIMER: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute personalized investment, insurance, tax, legal, or financial advice. Financial products and strategies involve risks and depend on individual circumstances. Consult appropriately licensed professionals before making financial decisions. Views expressed by guests are their own.

#JamalMuhammad #Entrepreneurship #FinancialLiteracy #BusinessSuccess #ConsumerCapitalGroup #TheMEShow #MEStudios #FinancialIndependence #BusinessLeadership #GenerationalWealth

Frustrated with rental headaches? Could corporate housing or direct bookings offer a different approach?

Jesse Lesuer returns to discuss Altura Equity Partners, Nexu House, and Book Direct Launch—and how his own experiences as a property owner inspired new business ideas.

After repeated rental problems at a renovated Philadelphia property, Jesse considered selling. Instead, he explored furnished corporate housing. In this conversation, he shares how that experience helped shape Nexu House and explains the company’s approach to leasing homes from owners and housing corporate clients.

We also explore Book Direct Launch, a business designed to help short-term rental hosts build their own booking websites and develop a direct relationship with guests.

IN THIS EPISODE:• Altura Equity Partners and its approach to business opportunities• The rental frustrations that inspired Nexu House• How two-year corporate leases work• Leasing versus partnering with homeowners• Furnishing properties and serving corporate clients• Direct booking websites and calendar coordination• Building traffic and encouraging repeat bookings• Reviewing contracts and building trust• Why Jesse recommends learning the process before expanding

Jesse shares lessons from both successful projects and difficult experiences, including why starting with one property can help entrepreneurs understand the work before taking on more.

CONNECT WITH US https://bookdirectlaunch.comhttps://NexuHouse.comOn Social:https://www.instagram.com/nexuhouserent?stkn=dzBhb3J2c284Z2d4

Which would you like to understand better: corporate housing or direct bookings? Leave your questions in the comments.

Subscribe for more conversations about entrepreneurship, business ownership, and turning real problems into practical solutions.

This interview is for educational and informational purposes, not financial, investment, or legal advice. Business details, timelines, and results reflect Jesse’s statements at the time of recording. Individual outcomes vary, and occupancy, income, savings, and future results are not guaranteed. Consult qualified professionals and review applicable agreements and requirements before making decisions.

#JesseLesuer #NexuHouse #AlturaEquityPartners #BookDirectLaunch #CorporateHousing #DirectBookings #Entrepreneurship

How can African businesses connect with diaspora investors—and build the trust needed to grow?

Jesse Lesuer, founder of iAfriKey, shares the organization’s vision for connecting African entrepreneurs with diaspora and global investors through business relationships, due diligence, and oversight.

From his first trip to Ghana in 2019 to visiting businesses across the continent, Jesse explains what he has learned about local manufacturing, access to capital, and the importance of understanding an operation before investing.

This conversation explores:

• iAfriKey’s mission and approach to African business growth

• Connecting diaspora capital with local entrepreneurs

• Due diligence, transparency, and accountability

• Adding value through agricultural processing and manufacturing

• Opportunities in paper, plastics, and hygiene products

• Jesse’s account of edible oil projects in Ethiopia

• Tourism and agritourism concepts being evaluated in Ethiopia and Namibia

• Building partnerships that benefit businesses and local communities

Jesse also explains why enthusiasm alone is not enough: prospective investors need to understand the business, ask questions, and follow the appropriate verification process.

CONNECT WITH iAfriKey

https://www.iafrikey.com

[email protected]

(267) 746-2486

Find iAfriKey on Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587612178283

https://www.instagram.com/iafrikey?stkn=Zzd1YjVnZXJlaGlx

https://youtube.com/@iafrikey?si=b7WwIYWFkjEeVtYE

https://www.tiktok.com/@iafrikey?lang=en&is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=mobile&sender_web_id=7691687740504671775

https://x.com/iafrikey?s=11&t=gKP9PpO1C7Aoi8hq7TIIjA

What questions would you ask before investing in an African business? Leave them in the comments.

This interview is for informational purposes, not an investment offer or financial advice. Project details and future plans reflect the guest’s statements at the time of recording. Investments involve risk, and funding and returns are not guaranteed.

#iAfriKey #InvestingInAfrica #DiasporaInvestment #AfricanBusiness #Manufacturing

What if one handmade gift could make someone feel truly seen, appreciated, and remembered?

In this episode, Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Gael Analise, founder of Kindness Crafted, to share the heart behind a growing nonprofit movement built around one simple belief:

Every creator is a giver.

Kindness Crafted connects artists, crafters, small businesses, and everyday creators with opportunities to give family-appropriate handmade items to people who may rarely—or sometimes never—receive a meaningful gift.

Gael explains how her own love of crafting, faith, generosity, and a deeply personal experience of receiving a thoughtful handmade gift inspired the idea behind Kindness Crafted.

But this movement goes beyond giving.

Creators who participate can also gain visibility for their work, businesses, social media pages, and shops while contributing to something positive in their community.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How Kindness Crafted began
• Why handmade gifts can have such a powerful emotional impact
• How artists and crafters can participate
• Opportunities for small businesses to give back while gaining visibility
• Why donated items are marked “Kindness Crafted – Do Not Sell”
• Faith, generosity, community, and social responsibility
• Why some people may go through life without ever receiving a meaningful gift
• How one simple act of kindness can ripple far beyond the person receiving it

Kindness Crafted welcomes family-appropriate creations of all kinds, including both religious and non-religious crafts.

As Gael explains in the episode, there are people from every financial background who simply have never experienced someone thinking of them and sending them something special. Kindness Crafted wants to help change that.

If you're an artist, crafter, Etsy seller, entrepreneur, small-business owner, or simply someone who believes the world could use a little more kindness, this conversation is for you.

CONNECT WITH KINDNESS CRAFTED

📧 Email: [email protected]

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EZgvsapfg/

❤️ Support the Kindness Crafted GoFundMe:
http://gofund.me/e01a1e9ad

🌐 Official website coming soon.

If you create something beautiful, consider giving just one piece.

That one gift may be small to you—but to someone else, it could mean everything.

Subscribe, share this episode, and help us spread kindness one creation at a time.

#KindnessCrafted #KindnessMatters #Nonprofit #GiveBack #HandmadeWithLove #Crafters #Artists #SmallBusiness #CommunityImpact #RandomActsOfKindness #FaithInAction #SocialResponsibility #SupportNonprofits #EtsySeller #HandmadeGifts #PositiveImpact

What would make an experienced New York detective pursue entrepreneurship, fintech, and financial freedom while continuing to serve?

In this powerful episode of The ME Show, Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Charles Harvell Jr., a Brooklyn native with 15 years in law enforcement and 10 years as a detective. Charles shares how three near-death experiences changed his perspective on family, time, purpose, and the importance of building a stronger financial future.

Charles explains what he looks for before attaching his reputation to a business, why integrity and longevity matter, and how financial technology may create new opportunities for everyday people. The conversation also explores personal finance, passive residual income, entrepreneurship, generational wealth, faith, leadership, and becoming better than the person you were yesterday.

In this episode:

• Why Charles pursued entrepreneurship alongside law enforcement
• How surviving dangerous encounters changed his priorities
• The importance of protecting and providing for your family
• What he considers before joining a business opportunity
• Why fintech and digital banking captured his attention
• The relationship between personal finance and financial independence
• How faith, integrity, and leadership influence his decisions
• Charles’s advice for anyone seeking a better future

Want to learn whether our team may be able to help you improve different areas of your financial life?

Complete the questionnaire here:
https://www.jotform.com/form/261793889803172

Interested in learning more about the business? Comment “BIZ” below and include your state or country. A member of our team may reach out with additional information.

Learn more about ME Studios:
https://TheMEstudios.net

Subscribe for more conversations about entrepreneurship, personal development, leadership, financial education, business, faith, and the people creating meaningful change.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or income advice. Results and experiences vary, and no earnings or financial outcomes are guaranteed. Conduct your own research before making financial or business decisions.

#FinancialFreedom #Fintech #Entrepreneurship

25 years after September 11, 2001, the images are still impossible to forget. The airplanes. The burning World Trade Center. The collapse of the Twin Towers. The dust-covered faces. The rubble. The fear. And the moment the world seemed to collectively gasp.

In this special episode of What’s New with ME, I share my deeply personal 9/11 story and reflect on how September 11 changed America, my family, American politics, immigration, national security, faith, and an entire generation.

On September 11, 2001, I was a 15-year-old living in Casablanca, Morocco, thousands of miles away from New York City. My mother was already living in New Jersey, and as the attacks unfolded, communication became difficult and I had no immediate way of knowing whether she and my family were safe.

I also share the vivid memories I carry from watching the attacks unfold on live television in Morocco, including the World Trade Center burning and collapsing, the destruction at Ground Zero, and the reactions I personally witnessed around me.

At the exact same time, a 13-year-old girl named Claudia was immigrating from Colombia to the United States. Her arrival in America happened on September 11, 2001. Her flight was disrupted and landed in Miami.

Years later, Claudia would become my wife.

Our lives would eventually become part of a much larger American story.

My older brother went on to serve in the United States Army, completing two tours in Afghanistan.

My sister became a police officer.

My cousin serves in Homeland Security.

My wife volunteers in EMS.

And today, I am raising my children in America, serving my community, and running for Eatontown Borough Council.

This episode also examines the legacy of 9/11 beyond Ground Zero: the War on Terror, Afghanistan, Homeland Security, airport security, immigration policy, national security, fear of terrorism, attitudes toward Muslims and Middle Eastern immigrants, and the political worldview of an entire generation of Americans.

But above everything else, this episode is about remembrance.

Nearly 3,000 people went to work, boarded airplanes, responded to emergency calls, or simply began their normal Tuesday morning—and never returned home.

We remember them.

We honor the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, service members, families, survivors and countless Americans whose lives were forever changed.

Twenty-five years later, I don't believe fear should have the final word.

The strength of America inspires me to stand tall, love hard, protect my family, serve my neighbors and do everything I can to do what is right—as a father, husband, Christian, American and community member.

September 11 changed America.

It changed my family.

And it changed me.

We remember. We serve. And we never forget.

For more episodes of What’s New with ME, original interviews, news, history, business, faith and community conversations, visit:

TheMEStudios.net

In this episode of The ME Show, Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Michele DeCarlo McGowan, an Exercise Science-educated fitness and wellness professional with nearly 30 years of experience, for an honest conversation about turning 50, healthy aging, holistic wellness, motherhood, identity, relationships, mindset, personal growth and reinvention.

Michele’s journey began as an athlete and initially led her toward nursing before she discovered Exercise Science. She went on to build an in-home personal training business that grew into a fitness studio and eventually a second location.

Then life changed.

Michele became a mother in her 40s and made the difficult decision to close her fitness studios and focus on raising her family. While she knew family was her priority, stepping away from the business she had built also meant confronting a major identity shift.

She opens up about what it felt like to go from entrepreneur and fitness studio owner to stay-at-home mother, the isolation she sometimes experienced, and how she gradually rediscovered parts of herself through exercise, reading, walking, friendships and returning to training.
Now, as Michele approaches 50, she is asking herself a new question:

What’s next?

After experiencing what she describes as a “funk” during the months leading up to this milestone, Michele realized she had sometimes been holding herself back—especially when it came to putting herself publicly on social media and pursuing new opportunities.

Instead of waiting until she has everything figured out, she is choosing to document the journey.

In this conversation, Michele shares why she wants to get uncomfortable, stop judging herself, help others get out of their own way and become the best version of herself yet.

In This Episode:Connect With Michele DeCarlo McGowan

• Turning 50 and redefining what aging means
• Healthy aging and holistic wellness
• Nearly 30 years in fitness and wellness
• Exercise Science and Michele’s career journey
• Building an in-home personal training business
• Owning and operating fitness studios
• Becoming a mother in her 40s
• Losing and rediscovering your identity
• Fitness after 40 and 50
• Getting out of your own way
• Overcoming fear of judgment
• Mindset and personal growth
• Marriage, relationships and supporting your partner
• Creating intentional time for yourself
• Sleep, nutrition and regular movement
• Whole foods and reducing processed foods
• Light therapy, phototherapy and PEMF
• Holistic approaches to wellness
• The Miracle Morning and building better routines
• Entrepreneurship and starting over
• Finding purpose in your next chapter

Michele also discusses some of the foundational wellness practices she prioritizes, including adequate sleep, nutrition, whole foods, reducing sugar and processed foods, exercise and regular walking. She also shares her personal interest in light therapy, phototherapy, PEMF and other wellness modalities she plans to explore further.

But this episode goes far beyond fitness.

Her message is especially relevant to anyone entering their 40s, 50s or beyond who has quietly wondered:

Is it too late to change?

Is it too late to start again?

Is it too late to become someone new?

For Michele, the answer is clear.

It isn’t too late.

Turning 50 may simply be the moment you finally stop waiting.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/michele.decarlo.mcgowan/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/michele.decarlo1

Email:
[email protected]

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical, fitness, nutritional, financial, or professional advice. Consult an appropriately qualified professional before making decisions or changes related to your health, fitness, nutrition, finances, or lifestyle.

#Turning50 #HealthyAging #HolisticWellness #FitnessOver50 #PersonalGrowth

Season 7 of What’s New with M.E. begins with a deep look at some of the biggest stories shaping our world right now.

In this episode, Ali Mehdaoui examines the major natural disasters recorded around the world over the last 90 days — including earthquakes, floods, wildfires, volcanic activity and powerful storms — and asks why the imagery found in Jeremiah Chapters 4 and 5 feels so striking in today’s world.

We separate faith from sensationalism and ask a more important question: what can Jeremiah’s message teach us about how we are living today?

Also in this episode:

• The latest escalation between the United States and Iran and why the Strait of Hormuz matters to the global economy

• New archaeological findings connected to the traditional site of Jesus Christ’s burial — and what has actually been proven

• How artificial intelligence could reshape jobs, businesses and the economy during 2026 and 2027

• Why Lionel Messi’s retirement from international soccer marks the end of an extraordinary era

• The recovery of 163 missing children in Florida through Operation Statewide Shield

This episode isn’t about fear.

It’s about separating facts from headlines, faith from speculation, and asking the deeper question:

Are we simply experiencing unrelated global events amplified by a 24-hour news cycle — or are we living through a period of profound historical and spiritual change?

Watch until the end and tell us what you think.

Subscribe for more episodes of What’s New with M.E.

Want to turn your story, expertise or business into professional media?

Visit TheMEstudios.net

M.E. Studios
Your Story. Your Voice. Your Platform.

#WhatsNewWithME #BreakingNews #ArtificialIntelligence #Iran #Jeremiah

President Donald Trump’s latest financial disclosure reports more than $1.4 billion in income connected to cryptocurrency ventures involving Trump and his family — at the same time his administration is pushing major changes to America’s crypto policy.

So what does the disclosure actually show?

In this episode of What’s New with ME, Ali Mehdaoui breaks down the facts behind the headlines, including:

• Trump’s reported crypto income
• World Liberty Financial
• Trump’s broader cryptocurrency policy
• The CLARITY Act
• Foreign investment questions
• The conflict-of-interest debate
• What Trump and the White House say in response
• The difference between an allegation, public perception, and actual proof

This is not about declaring President Trump guilty of wrongdoing — and it’s not about pretending legitimate questions don’t exist.

It’s about applying the same standard to every president, Republican or Democrat:

Follow the facts. Examine the evidence. Then decide for yourself.

America has a major opportunity to lead the world in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and digital finance. But innovation, transparency, accountability, and public trust all have to be part of that conversation.

Let us know in the comments:

What financial disclosure or conflict-of-interest rules should apply when a president or the president’s family has business interests in an industry affected by federal policy?

For professional media production, podcasts, content strategy, PR, business storytelling, and more, visit:

TheMEstudios.net

Subscribe to What’s New with ME for independent analysis of politics, business, economics, technology, and the stories shaping America.

#Trump #TrumpCrypto #CryptoNews #DonaldTrump #WorldLibertyFinancial #CLARITYAct #Cryptocurrency #Bitcoin #Politics #NewsCommentary #WhatsNewWithME #MEStudios

Traditional business vs network marketing — which business model actually gives entrepreneurs the better opportunity to build income, freedom and long-term success?

In this episode of The ME Show, Ali Mehdaoui sits down once again with Mike Maser, ACN Senior Vice President and professional network marketer, for an open and candid conversation comparing two very different approaches to entrepreneurship.

Ali comes from the world of traditional business ownership—building companies, creating brands, hiring employees, managing overhead, acquiring customers and carrying the financial responsibility that comes with owning and operating a company.

Mike Maser has taken a different path through the network marketing business model, building within ACN's established infrastructure while focusing on customer acquisition, leadership, duplication, team development and creating leverage.

So what happens when you put both entrepreneurs at the same table?

We break it down.

In this conversation, we discuss:

✅ Traditional business vs network marketing
✅ Startup costs and financial risk
✅ Employees vs independent business owners
✅ Business ownership and control
✅ Overhead and operating expenses
✅ Customer acquisition
✅ Network marketing misconceptions
✅ Direct selling and relationship-based business
✅ Building and leading successful teams
✅ Scalability and leverage
✅ Residual income vs traditional business revenue
✅ Time freedom and entrepreneurship
✅ Why some businesses succeed while others fail
✅ Who should — and should NOT — consider network marketing
✅ The future of entrepreneurship

This isn't about pretending that one business model is perfect.

Traditional entrepreneurship has advantages.

Network marketing has advantages.

And both require discipline, leadership, consistency and the ability to create value.

The bigger question is:

Which vehicle makes sense for the life and business YOU want to build?

Mike and Ali put both models on the table—the strengths, weaknesses, misconceptions and realities behind each one.

This conversation is only the beginning.

🎟️ WANT FREE ACCESS TO OUR UPCOMING EVENTS?

Ali Mehdaoui and Mike Maser are continuing this discussion through an upcoming series of FREE events focused on entrepreneurship, business development, leadership, personal growth, creating leverage and building additional income streams.

Want to join us?

👇 COMMENT “EVENT” BELOW

Simply type EVENT in the comments and we'll get you the information for FREE access to an upcoming event.

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Which model would you choose—traditional business or network marketing?

Tell us WHY in the comments.

#NetworkMarketing #TraditionalBusiness #Entrepreneurship #MikeMaser #TheMEShow #BusinessOwner #NetworkMarketingBusiness #DirectSelling #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneur #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #ResidualIncome #FinancialFreedom #ACN #SmallBusiness #ProfessionalNetworkMarketing

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