Podcast
The Journey with Morgan DeBaun
Hosted by Morgan DeBaun · EN
Welcome to The Journey podcast, a weekly podcast that delves into the captivating stories of purpose-driven achievers on their quest for living their best lives. Hosted by serial entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of Blavity Inc., Morgan DeBaun, and features a diverse lineup of guests such as Emmy-nominated actors, elite athletes, experienced doulas, viral social media influencers, eco-conscious pioneers, and more. Tune in for empowering conversations sharing personal growth and self-discovery experiences. Embark on The Journey with us!
48episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
5 Wealth Moves for People Who Are Tired of Being Broke-Busy
Feb 1700:13:29Summary readyFeeling like you're working hard but your money isn't working for you? You're not alone. In today's episode, I'm breaking down five money moves that will quietly make you very, very wealthy and none of them require you to go viral, get lucky, or grind yourself into the ground. I'm talking dividend stocks (aka mailbox money), building a paid community, creating digital products with AI, setting up your affiliate business, and finally charging people to pick your brain. These are the exact strategies I use across WorkSmart, Afro Tech, and my own personal portfolio — and the math is simpler than you think. This episode is for you if you're part of the 80% who doesn't have a side hustle yet, if you're recommending products without affiliate links (in 2026?!), or if you're letting people pick your brain for free. We're done with that. I'll walk you through real numbers, real platforms, and how to actually get started this week. Links mentioned: Join the WorkSmart community — https://www.patreon.com/MorganDeBaun Get my book, Rewrite Your Rules — https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050/ ShopMy storefront — https://shopmy.us/shop/morgandebaun TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun Money Worksheets & Budgets - https://stan.store/morgandebaun Watch the show on youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MorganDeBaun
SummaryNine Streams of Income: Building Wealth from Scratch
Feb 400:10:35Tap to summarizeDiscover how Morgan DeBaun, CEO of Blavity and AfroTech, built her diverse income streams from the ground up. Whether you're starting with little or aiming to diversify your earnings, this episode offers actionable insights to grow your wealth. In this episode: Morgan shares her personal journey from investing at age 13 to building multiple income streams How to leverage your expertise for brand deals, speaking engagements, and consulting The importance of passive income through stocks, ETFs, and real estate Strategies for scaling and diversifying income based on your capital and time availability Practical tips for beginners to start their own income streams today Timestamps: 00:00 - Morgan introduces her nine streams of income and why they matter 01:00 - Starting early: Investing in stocks at age 13 and foundational money lessons 02:30 - Building wealth through W-2 salary, 401k, RSUs, and stock appreciation 04:00 - How Morgan secures brand deals with major tech companies and tips for becoming an expert 05:15 - Generating income via speaking engagements and training sessions 06:30 - Creating and selling educational workshops under the WorkSmart brand 07:45 - Monetizing content through Substack and book writing tips 08:30 - Rental properties as a long-term asset and passive income source 09:15 - Affiliate marketing and small-scale revenue streams 09:50 - Choosing income streams based on capital or time constraints 10:20 - Final thoughts: Building wealth with strategic diversification Resources & Links: Morgan DeBaun's Book: Rewrite Your Rules Blavity AfroTech AI mastery Training Passive Income Blueprint Twitter LinkedIn
Transcribe →AI in the Music Industry with BBL Drizzy Creator King Willonius
Oct 700:41:18Summary readyIn this episode of The Journey, Morgan sits down with King Willonius — comedian, screenwriter, and creator of the viral "BBL Drizzy" track — to unpack how AI is transforming creativity, music, and culture. King shares his unconventional path into AI during the writer's strike, how one playful idea turned into the first-ever AI sample in music history, and why he sees AI as a creative superpower for artists who've already put in their 10,000 hours. Together, they explore: - The story behind BBL Drizzy and how it went from a joke to a Drake sample. - Why AI didn't replace King's creativity — it amplified decades of work. - The debate: should AI-generated songs be valued the same as human-made music? - The rise of AI-created artists and what that means for representation, ownership, and opportunity. - How AI can democratize creativity, especially for Black creators who've been historically boxed out of traditional industries. This is a wide-ranging, funny, and thought-provoking conversation about art, culture, and what it means to create in the age of AI. Order Morgan's Book, Rewrite Your Rules: 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 Follow The Journey on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb
SummaryWhat's New at AfroTech Conference 2025 (Health, AI + More)
Sep 2300:19:15Summary readyAfroTech is more than a conference—it's a movement. In this episode of The Journey, Morgan DeBaun pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to scale one of the largest Black tech communities in the world. From its humble beginnings in a San Francisco mall to hosting 20,000+ attendees in Houston, AfroTech has grown into a global ecosystem of technologists, founders, small business owners, and creators. Morgan shares the highs and lows of expansion, how the team chooses host cities, and the new initiatives shaping the future of AfroTech. Whether you're an entrepreneur, event organizer, or just curious about what it takes to run a world-class experience, this candid behind-the-scenes look will inspire and inform. In this episode: - Why AfroTech moved from San Francisco to Texas - How city infrastructure and community partnerships shape the conference - What's new in 2025: Health Stack, small business marketplace, creator track, and hardware demos - The role of AI, equity, and community in shaping the future of tech - How AfroTech keeps attendee experience at the center, no matter the scale 👀 AfroTech isn't just an event—it's a blueprint for building community, ownership, and innovation at scale.
SummaryHow to Future-Proof Your Career Against AI Disruption
Aug 2600:16:39Summary readyAI isn't slowing down — it's accelerating. Reports warn that up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs could be replaced by AI agents and automation by 2030. So what does that mean for you, your career, and your future? In this episode of The Journey, Morgan DeBaun breaks down what AI agents really are, why companies are shifting away from entry-level roles, and how you can future-proof your skills, income, and security. Morgan shares: Why CEOs are quietly replacing workers with AI What AI agents actually do (and how they're evolving fast) The risk for white-collar and knowledge workers in the next 5 years Why "fractional work" and solopreneurship are becoming the new normal How to position yourself inside your company to avoid layoffs The timeless human skills AI can never replace This is a real talk episode — both a warning and an invitation. You have time to prepare, adapt, and thrive if you act intentionally now. 👀 Don't just listen. Take action. Be the person who leads change, not the one left behind. Order Morgan's Book, Rewrite Your Rules 👉 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 Follow The Journey on Instagram: 👉 https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb
Summary5 AI Businesses to Start to Build Wealth
Aug 1200:17:47Summary readyIf Morgan DeBaun had to start all over again, these are the 5 businesses she'd launch using AI—and you can too. In this episode of The Journey, Morgan dives deep into real, actionable business ideas that combine AI tools with human expertise—perfect for solopreneurs, side hustlers, and professionals navigating today's uncertain job market. Whether you're recently laid off, looking to diversify your income, or ready to future-proof your skills, this episode will spark ideas and show you how to take action. In this episode: Why the rise of solopreneurship is accelerating The low barrier to entry for new entrepreneurs 5 specific AI-powered business models you can start now The tools, platforms, and pricing strategies Morgan would use How to pair ChatGPT with your own expertise to build lasting value 👀 This is for the doers, the builders, and anyone ready to use AI to create freedom—not fear. Don't forget to share your favorite idea on Instagram or tag Morgan with the AI business you're launching. Order Morgan's Book, Rewrite Your Rules 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 Follow the Journey on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro: Why AI + Business Matters Right Now 01:13 — The Rise of Solopreneurs + Job Market Shifts 02:24 — The New Entrepreneur Mindset 03:24 — AI Business #1: Content Creation Agency for Experts 06:58 — AI Business #2: Custom ChatGPT Setup Services 09:50 — AI Business #3: AI Automations for Small Businesses 12:43 — AI Business #4: Coaching or Learning Tools Powered by Your Expertise 15:28 — AI Business #5: AI-Powered Recruitment + Hiring Support 17:09 — Final Thoughts: Use AI + Human Skills to Future-Proof Your Income
Summary5 AI Tips That Will Save You Time
Jul 2900:14:03Summary readyIf you're using ChatGPT or other AI tools but still feel like you're barely scratching the surface, this episode is for you. Morgan DeBaun shares fast, tactical advice to help solopreneurs, small business owners, and creatives actually start using AI smarter—not harder. From audio prompting to smarter context organization, Morgan breaks down simple but powerful strategies to save time, improve your workflow, and stop overthinking how to "use AI the right way." She also explains why letting AI write your prompts, organizing information into projects, and using tools like Gemini and Otter for meetings can dramatically level up how you work. Whether you're trying to move faster as a one-person team or scale with a lean crew, this episode will help you unlock new possibilities with AI—without needing to be a tech expert. Listen now to make smarter, faster, more confident moves with AI. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why You're Probably Using AI Wrong 00:46 – Tip 1: Use Audio Prompts Instead of Typing 01:40 – Tip 2: Let ChatGPT Write Your Prompts for You 03:04 – Tip 3: Understand and Apply Context Engineering 04:08 – The Rise of AI Browsers & Why It Matters (Perplexity, Gemini) 06:17 – Tip 4: Organize Info into Projects (vs. GPTs) 08:25 – Tip 5: Automate Meeting Notes with AI Tools 10:49 – Extra Tip: Tell AI to Be an Expert (Not Just Agreeable) 12:13 – Join the WorkSmart Community + Upcoming AI Edge Summit
SummaryRebalancing After Burnout: Inside Jaclyn Johnson's Post-Exit Life
Jul 800:47:27Summary readyJaclyn 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
SummaryThe Truth About AI, Critical Thinking, and the Jobs of Tomorrow
Jul 100:51:11Summary readyIn 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 Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Follow Morgan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb
SummaryHow the AfroTech Community Is Really Using AI (Survey Results Inside)
Jun 1700:16:38Summary readyThis 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
Summary