The Journey with Morgan DeBaun

Latest Episodes:

AI in the Music Industry with BBL Drizzy Creator King Willonius Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

In 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

What's New at AfroTech Conference 2025 (Health, AI + More) Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

AfroTech 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.

How to Future-Proof Your Career Against AI Disruption Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

AI 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

5 AI Businesses to Start to Build Wealth Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

If 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

5 AI Tips That Will Save You Time Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

If 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

Rebalancing After Burnout: Inside Jaclyn Johnson's Post-Exit Life Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

Jaclyn 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

The Truth About AI, Critical Thinking, and the Jobs of Tomorrow Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

In 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?_

How the AfroTech Community Is Really Using AI (Survey Results Inside) Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

This 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?_

How I Built 8 Income Streams for Wealth + Freedom Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

This episode originally aired in December 2023 and is a must-listen if you're serious about achieving financial freedom and stability.

Morgan DeBaun is breaking down the power of multiple income streams—why relying on just one paycheck is risky, how it limits your freedom, and what you can do to change that today.

She opens up about her 8 personal income streams—from stock dividends to salaries to events—and how she built each one with intention. Morgan shares how diversifying your income not only protects you in uncertain times, but also gives you more freedom, creativity, and long-term wealth.

In this episode:

00:42 Introduction and Why This Topic Matters 02:03 The Benefits of Having Multiple Streams of Income 05:39 Stream of Income #1- Salary 06:40 Stream of Income #2- Coaching and Advising 08:06 Stream of Income #3- Public Speaking and Hosting 09:04 Stream of Income #4- Brand Deals 09:52 Stream of Income #5- Product Business 11:03 Stream of Income #6- Events 13:07 Stream of Income #7- Book 15:06 Stream of Income #8- Stock Portfolio Dividends 16:48 Closing Thoughts + Call to Action

Whether you're an entrepreneur or career professional, this episode will shift how you think about money and inspire you to unlock your own financial potential.

You are your biggest money maker—let's make that work for you. 💡

Let Morgan know which income stream you're working on by commenting on Instagram or responding to the newsletter. And don't forget to subscribe to her YouTube channel for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes advice!

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

Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_

Real Talk With Morgan DeBaun: Book Launch, Pregnancy, and Startup Advice May 20, 2025

Show notes

It's time for some real talk with Morgan DeBaun. In this episode, Morgan DeBaun answers YOUR questions on everything from startup funding to navigating layoffs. Plus, she shares what's going on behind the scenes with her book launch, pregnancy news, and business shifts.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Updates

00:15 Impact of Executive Orders on Business

00:59 AfroTech Community Growth

02:14 Book Tour and Reader Feedback

05:35 Exciting Personal News

09:47 Fundraising Tips for Startups

14:05 Finding Co-Founders and Team Members

18:24 First Hires and Business Growth

20:47 Work-Life Balance and Company Culture

26:30 Advice for Laid-Off Workers

31:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the episode, Morgan covers everything from navigating pregnancy and scaling AfroTech to reflections on her book, Rewrite Your Rules. She also answers audience-submitted questions, giving her opinions on VC funding in today's climate, building a team, balancing "soft life" with startup demands, and shifting through motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Whether you're building a business, pivoting careers, or just trying to figure it all out in this wild time, this episode is packed with clarity, honesty, and strategy. Tune in and don't forget to leave a rating and review!

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

Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_

https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb

Produced by MicMoguls.com