"The Network" with Michael Prejean

This week's episode features author, teacher, entrepreneur and minister, Onedia Gage.  Onedia is the author of nearly 100 book titles and is holds degrees in Economics, Masters degrees in Business Administration and Education, a doctorate in Business Leadership and Organizational Change with another doctorate on the way in University Educational Leadership.  

Onedia is a native Houstonian and plies her many trades in her hometown.  Her life's philosophies are:  1) if not me, who? if not now, when? 2) What have you done today to invest in your future? 3) What have to done to help someone else to put their air mask on today? 4) What is your legacy made up of?

Facebook: Onedia Gage

Twitter: @onediagage

Instagram: @OnediaGage

Webpage:  www.onediagagespeaks.com 

Current reading/Recommended Reads:

• Tax Free Wealth
• Dissertation/Research articles on achievement in education
• 1001 Ways to Live Wild

Currently listening/Recommended Music:

• Prince
• Jazz (David Sanborn, Kurk Whalum)
• Alicia Keys
• Brian McKnight
  

Recommended Podcasts

• Bet on Black: The Women, The Legacy and The Family
  

Finally, "You Didn't Ask," but...

"Finish the things you start." 

"Share what you're going to work on with others...it keeps you accountable."

"Develop your own life's philosophy."

"What is your legacy made of?"

"Who are your people?  Who do you call when you're in a crisis?"

"Be willing to take risks."

"Remember, it's not all about you."

"Do something this year!  Figure out your life in 90 days."

"Stop lying."

This week's episode features Alton Bell of Bell Tax Accountants.  Mr. Bell is the Principal Accountant at Bell Tax as well as virtual CFO to the many small business clients the firm provides accounting services to.  Brother Bell is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the National Association of Black Accountants, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the National Association of Enrolled Agents.  

Alton plies his trade in his hometown of Chicago where he also serves as the Scholarship Chairman and Board Member for the Calahan Foundation, raising funds for college bound students.  

Facebook: Bell Tax Accountants

Twitter: @belltaxexperts

Instagram: @belltaxaccountants

Webpage:  www.bell-tax.com 

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Currently listening/Recommended Music:

Recommended Podcasts

Finally, "You Didn't Ask," but...

"From a financial standpoint:  Life Insurance grows tax free and is not subject to taxes when you retire, is not subject to bankruptcy and *is almost like hidden money."

This week's episode features the first person who hired me when I moved to Houston TX, Nicole Franklin-Jones.  Nicole currently serves as the Director of Youth and Outreach with AVDA-Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse.  This episode is filled with great information.  Are you in a healthy relationship?  Do you know someone who is an abusive relationship?  What are the signs of danger?    

Facebook: Nicole Jones

Website: www.avda-tx.org

Instagram: @nikki3579

Click here for more info:  Are You in a Healthy Relationship? 

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Recommended Podcasts

Finally, "You Didn't Ask," but...

"What is it that you like about yourself and why?"

What happens when you lose your mother at 14, go to war at 20, and return home with no roadmap?In this powerful episode of The Network Podcast, Michael Prejean sits down with Gulf War veteran and insurance professional Freddie Noble to unpack grief, trauma, racism, fatherhood, and why financial literacy is a form of love in Black communities.This conversation goes beyond money — it’s about dignity, healing, and protecting the people you love.
This week's episode features Insurance guru, Freddie Noble.  Freddie is a Gulf War veteran and has been with State Farm for over 26 years.  He holds licenses in Property and Casualty, Life and Health and Series 6.  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nobleagent

Twitter: @4anobleagent

Instagram: @4anobleagent

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00–1:20 – Introducing Freddie Noble | Gulf War Veteran & Insurance Agent

• 1:21–3:10 – Getting the Knock: Going to War at 20

• 3:11–5:00 – Life in the Gulf War: Fear, Racism, Survival

• 5:01–7:25 – Coming Home Broken: Depression, Identity, Transition

• 7:26–10:58 – Losing His Mother at 14 & Growing Up Too Fast

• 10:59–12:40 – Learning Self-Trust Through Trauma

• 12:41–16:00 – From College Struggles to State Farm Internship

• 16:01–20:16 – Racism, Opportunity, and Becoming an Agent

• 20:17–22:45 – Why People Fear Insurance (And What They Miss)

• 22:46–26:15 – Life Insurance, Grief, and Protecting Family

• 26:16–28:40 – How Much Life Insurance Is Enough?

• 28:41–30:00 – What Keeps Freddie Up at Night

• 30:01–33:30 – Books That Changed His Life

• 33:31–37:00 – Music, Mindset, and Balance

• 37:01–44:30 – Rapid Fire: Life, Fear, Identity

• 44:31–47:20 – War, Patriotism, and Hard Truths

• 47:21–50:10 – Fatherhood, Family, and Emotional Growth

• 50:11–51:49 – Final Words: Building the Black Professional Network

Current reading/Recommended Reads:

• Chasing the Scream by Johann Hart
• David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
• Success Runs in our Race by George C. Fraser
• The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkerson
• Miseducation of the Negro by Carter G Woodson
• The coming home of John (souls of blackfolks) W.E. Dubois
• Makes me want to Holler by Nathan Mcall
• I know why caged bird sing by Mayou Angelou
• Mama by Terry McMillian
• Isis Papers by Frances Cress Welsing
• Option Trading for Beginners by JD Scott
• White Evangelical Racism by Anthea Butler
• 5 Major Pieces to Life by Jim Rohn 
• The Half Has Never Been Told by Edward Baptiste
  

Currently listening/Recommended Music:

• J. Cole
• Da Baby 
• Music that tells a story
  

Recommended Podcasts

• The Network with Michael Prejean (aye!)
  

Finally, "You Didn't Ask," but...

"Being the father of 3 girls (you learn how to tend to) their emotional needs of 3 daughters."

"How do you deal with dysfunctional families?"

This week's episode features Brian L. Turner, Ph. D.  Dr. Turner is a licensed clinical psychologist serving the greater New Orleans area. He is also an Associate Professor of Psychology at Xavier University of Louisiana, Director of the African American Studies program at XU and owner of Moments of Truth, LLC.  

Dr. Turner practices in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana and gives us direction on what "winning" looks like. 

Facebook: Brian Turner

Twitter: @nojagr504

Instagram: @nojagr504

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Finally, "You Didn't Ask," but...

"Don't loan money to people who can't pay you back and expect to get it back." 

"Take care of yourself first so that you can take care of those who you are responsible for and some who are not..."

"Good food, Good folks and Good fun...if you get at least two of those in life, the third has to follow...you can't have two of them and the third come up lame." 

Here is all of the best advice "Ya Didn't Ask" for in 2020.  Enjoy the unsolicited advice from each of our guests in 2020.  Welcome to The Network, you may need it.  

In this year end recap, we hear from our guests again as they share their recommended reads of 2020.  

This week's episode features Kerii Landry Thomas, Director of Career Services and Title IX Coordinator of the Southern University Law Center (SULC). 

I grew up with Kerii and she has always been one of the sharpest people I know.  In Episode 21, we explore her journey and she shares infinite wisdom that she has gained along the way with us.  Enjoy!  

Facebook: Kerii Thomas

I grew up with Kerii and she has always been one of the sharpest people I know.  In Episode 21, we explore her journey and she shares infinite wisdom that she has gained along with us.  Enjoy!  

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Currently listening/Recommended Music:

Recomended Podcasts

"It's okay to leave home, venture off, try new things, you can always come back!" 

Charles Cannon of Illustrious Soles

Facebook: Charles Cannon or  Illustrious Soles

Instagram:  @illustrioussoles

Twitter:  @illustriousoles

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Finally, "You Didn't Ask," but...

1.  "Check authenticity before you buy kicks" and 2. "Be careful going into business with family"

My family, Kobie Bowles,  joins The Network for Episode 18.  We talk about a little bit of everything as we cover his diverse journey from New Jersey to New York.  

Facebook: Kobie Bowles | Fan Page

Instagram:  @kobiebowles

Twitter:  @A_Rising_Son

Current reading/Recommended Reads:

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Recomended Motivational Videos

Finally, "You Didn't Ask," but...

"Stop honoring your limitations, and honor your dreams and your hopes."