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...
How Dia Simms Is Shaking Up The Spirits Industry with Pronghorn
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.
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51:41
Power & Progress In Fashion with The Cut's Editor In Chief Lindsay Peoples
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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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.
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45:18
Teri Ijeoma's Investment Guide: Achieving Financial Freedom Through Smart Stock Choices
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
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
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1:02:30
How to Build a Successful Podcast: Morgan DeBaun on Community, Networking & Monetization
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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Go to Quince.com/journey for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Try Found for free at Found.com/JOURNEY
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
Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_
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Produced by MicMoguls.
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26:02
How Fawn Weaver Built a BILLION DOLLAR Whiskey Brand
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.
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!