The Journey with Morgan DeBaun

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

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 [https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050] Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast [https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast] Follow Morgan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun [https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun]?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb [https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb]

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 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY] Introduction and Blavity Fest Recap  00:24 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=24s] Why AI Use in Our Community Is Often Misunderstood  01:29 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=89s] AfroTech Survey Results: Familiarity + Daily Use Stats  03:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=194s] Top AI Tools Used in the Community  04:06 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=246s] Real-Life Use Cases: Writing, Brainstorming, and Productivity  06:06 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=366s] Why Learning AI Automation Matters Now  07:13 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=433s] Most Common Question: “Am I Using the Right Tool?”  08:27 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=507s] The Shift from AI 101 to Deeper Integration  09:31 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=571s] What Is “Vibe Coding” and Why Morgan Isn’t a Fan  11:05 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=665s] Morgan’s ChatGPT Garden Moment  14:09 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=849s] Real Estate vs. Stocks: A ChatGPT Financial Analysis  14:56 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=896s] Why Prompting Well Is the Real Skill  15:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPDdzXZJwY&t=955s] 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 [https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050] Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast [https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast] Follow Morgan’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun [https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun]?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb [https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb]

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 [https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050]   Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast [https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast]   Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ [https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_]   Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb [https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb]

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 [https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050] Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast [https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast] Make sure you are following Morgan’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ [https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_] Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb [https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb] Produced by MicMoguls.com [http://micmoguls.com/]