In this episode of Earn Your Leisure, Kirk Franklin and Norman Gyamfi sit down for a powerful conversation that bridges faith, culture, and business. They share the story of how their partnership began and why their mission goes far beyond music. Norman reveals how a lack of marketing in the gospel industry motivated him to get involved, and he breaks down the business behind Insignia Assets. Kirk opens up about his past experiences working with family and friends, and the hard lessons he learned from signing a bad record deal.

Together, they explore the current state of gospel music—its struggles with cultural relevance, outdated record structures, and slow adaptation to streaming. Kirk and Norman reflect on whether today’s generation is searching for a new kind of spirituality and whether the church is meeting them where they are. They discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on music and faith, questioning if technology could ever replace real authenticity or even spiritual leadership.

The conversation goes deep on themes of judgment, power, and how the Black church has both uplifted and, at times, weaponized religion. Kirk questions whether being held to a higher standard has truly benefited him, while Norman reminds us why we should never lose hope in humanity. This episode is raw, honest, and necessary for anyone thinking critically about the intersection of faith, leadership, and legacy.

Invest Fest Ticket Link: https://investfest.com

#EarnYourLeisure #KirkFranklin #NormanGyamfi #GospelMusic #FaithAndBusiness #ChristianityToday #BlackChurch #MusicIndustry #Entrepreneurship #Spirituality #CulturalRelevance #EYL

In this insightful clip from EYL, MG The Mortgage Guy joins Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal to break down creative real estate hacks that can help you qualify for a mortgage and scale your income—especially if you’re not navigating the process alone!

Discover how you can leverage roommate (or "border") income, even if it's a boyfriend, girlfriend, or college roommate, to boost your mortgage qualification. MG explains Fannie Mae’s Homeready program, which lets you use documented rental payments from roommates to strengthen your application, as long as you’ve collected proof over at least 9 of the last 12 months.

The clip dives into the vital importance of documentation—leases, payment records with memos clarifying "rent," and making sure everyone’s on board. They also discuss common scenarios, like living with a partner (who isn’t on your lease), and how putting everything in writing can unlock significant buying power, all while keeping your finances and future flexibility secure.

Graduating college soon? MG reveals a little-known hack: you can use your college history as work history for mortgage qualification, and if you’ve collected rent from roommates (with all the right paperwork), that’s extra income to help you buy your first home right after graduation!

For those interested in maximizing every opportunity, they touch on leveraging an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) for long- or mid-term rental income, and how areas near hospitals, airports, or New AI data centers can create lucrative mid-term rental plays—ideal for traveling professionals, corporate consultants, or construction workers on multi-month assignments.

Whether you have a pool to rent out (think Swimply), extra space in your home, or are just getting started, this strategy-packed clip is a must-watch for anyone looking to house hack, generate additional income, or simply make smarter real estate moves.

Hit play to learn how better documentation, teamwork, and a little creativity can make real estate investing more accessible than you ever thought possible!

*#RealEstate #HouseHacking #MortgageTips #EYL #RoommateIncome #ADU #HomeBuying #FinancialFreedom #Swimply #Investing #CollegeHacks #WealthBuilding*

In this clip from Market Mondays, hosts Troy Millings, Rashad Bilal, and Ian Dunlap tackle the burning question on every tech investor’s mind: Is it time to sell Apple stock? With Apple’s latest WWDC leaving many underwhelmed and AI innovation seemingly lagging behind major competitors like Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, and Meta, the crew dives deep into what's next for one of the world’s most valuable companies.

Ian Dunlap doesn’t pull any punches, calling this year’s WWDC the “most disappointing in the last 15 years” and sets a bold ultimatum—if Apple doesn’t deliver significant AI development by 2026, he’ll recommend liquidating all Apple positions. With Apple three months in the red and missing key opportunities in the AI race, the discussion turns to real concerns about their innovation culture and leadership under Tim Cook.

The hosts debate whether Apple’s rumored features like “liquid glass” are true innovation or just signs that they’re out of touch with the current tech landscape. Is Apple’s massive $130 billion cash reserve enough to let them play catch-up, or has leadership missed too many strategic chances? The conversation gets candid about how the company missed out on big partnerships and acquisitions—including possibilities with OpenAI and DJI.

Troy and Rashad bring counterpoints, questioning if Apple’s war chest could still secure its spot in AI’s future, or if the era of “reactive” rather than “proactive” innovation has put them irreversibly behind. They also examine how other companies—like Canva, Meta and Anthropic—are now making bigger AI leaps than Apple, and what that signals for investors.

Should Tim Cook step aside for new leadership? Is it too late for Apple to reclaim its innovative edge? And if you’re considering selling Apple stock, where should you move your money next? Get the harsh truth, plus a look at what’s happening at the upper management level that could be holding Apple back from real breakthroughs.

Whether you’re a tech investor, Apple fan, or concerned shareholder, this clip is packed with unfiltered insights and actionable perspectives on Apple’s future in AI.

*Watch now to find out if it’s time to cash out or hold on. Don’t miss the debate that could shape your portfolio decisions for 2025!*

#MarketMondays #AppleStock #AI #TechInvesting #WWDC2024 #TimCook #Innovation #Microsoft #Meta #OpenAI #AppleAI #Investing #StockMarket

In this special episode, we sit down with Matt Garland to talk about what it takes to become a real estate professional in today’s market. We break down creative house hacking strategies, smart financing options, and new wealth-building opportunities in real estate.

Plus, Rashad shares what he learned firsthand during his trip to China — including how to source high-quality home materials directly from the source and save thousands on your next real estate project.

Whether you’re a first-time investor or seasoned homeowner, this episode is packed with gems you don’t want to miss.

Invest Fest Ticket Link: https://investfest.com

#RealEstate #HouseHacking #WealthBuilding #ChinaSourcing #RealEstateInvesting #EarnYourLeisure #MGTheMortgageGuy #HouseFlipping #HomeDesign #InteriorSourcing #RashadBilal #EYL #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateTips

In this eye-opening clip of *Black Out with Ian & Rashad*, Rashad Bilal shares his first impressions from his trip to China, diving deep into cultural differences, the cost of living, and the systems that shape global wealth disparities. Ian Dunlap joins in to unpack how America’s capitalist design compares—and why our views on prosperity, inflation, and opportunity are often based on manufactured realities.

Rashad breaks down the striking differences he noticed in China:

• Low noise pollution and a calm public demeanor, a stark contrast to the fast-paced, loud culture he’s used to in Manhattan.
• The pace of daily life, where people aren’t in a constant rush, and mid-day breaks are the norm.
• Affordable living costs, like rent as low as $175 for a one-bedroom apartment—compared to skyrocketing U.S. prices.
• Technological advances and a booming electric vehicle industry, with 20 EV companies innovating at lightning speed.
• The vibrant African community in Fu Shuang, driven by international business and trade.

Ian and Rashad then dive deeper, connecting the dots between global economics and the impact of outsourcing, inflation, and “greedy capitalism.” How are America’s financial structures forcing unnecessary inflation? Why does our middle class struggle while other countries provide affordable, efficient lifestyles? And what does it mean for the future if we don’t adapt?

You’ll also hear personal anecdotes about the real cost of luxury goods, the everyday stress faced by Americans, and why the search for a better quality of life might take us beyond the borders of the U.S.

This candid conversation will change the way you think about international living, financial systems, and what it really means to “make it.”

*If this conversation sparks your interest, make sure to catch the full Market Mondays breakdown next week!*

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a clip from *Black Out with Ian & Rashad*.

*#ChinaExperience #CostOfLiving #GlobalWealth #Capitalism #BlackOutPodcast #IanDunlap #RashadBilal #InternationalLiving #WealthDisparity #FinancialFreedom #MarketMondays*

In this powerful Market Mondays clip, host Troy Millings and guest Paul Judge break down exactly where new graduates, investors, and entrepreneurs should direct their focus in today’s rapidly evolving business world—especially as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms every sector.

Paul Judge demystifies the best approach for thriving in tech: focus less on flashy technology and more on solving real, valuable problems that businesses are willing to pay for. Drawing from his own experience, Paul explains why success often comes from understanding the three core business layers—IT infrastructure, finance, and people.

• *IT Infrastructure:* Discover how the shift from the cloud to AI and agentic IT is creating huge opportunities for innovation in cybersecurity and enterprise software.
• *Finance:* Learn why embedded finance and open banking are now major arenas for anyone looking to capitalize on the globalization of money movement and fintech disruption.
• *People & Healthcare:* As AI reshapes the future of work, upskilling, retraining, and healthcare tech are more relevant than ever. There are massive inefficiencies waiting to be solved in the $4 trillion healthcare industry.

Paul’s advice? Identify a pressing business problem, solve it for one customer, then scale and grow. The tech itself is just a tool—the real key is delivering value and repeatable results.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a tech investor, or an entrepreneur aiming to build the next big thing, this clip gives you a practical playbook for making smarter moves in a world changed by AI and digital transformation.

🔔 *Don’t miss out on our Market Mondays insights—hit subscribe and stay ahead of the curve!*

#MarketMondays #Investing #AI #Entrepreneurship #Finance #Fintech #BusinessStrategy #Cybersecurity #HealthcareTech #TechCareers #BusinessGrowth

In this powerful Market Mondays clip, we dive deep into the extraordinary entrepreneurial journey of Magic Johnson—a legend whose business moves have made just as much impact as his sports legacy. Inspired by a stellar Instagram video, the crew takes time to break down why Magic’s story is full of valuable lessons every aspiring entrepreneur should hear.

Hear directly from a clip of Magic Johnson as he shares his struggles and triumphs in accessing capital: from being rejected by banks, to finally securing funding from CalPERS after proving his business acumen with a massive profit flip on a shopping center in the inner city. This pivotal moment opened doors for Magic, leading to his historic partnership with Starbucks—despite early skepticism that minority communities would pay “$3 for a cup of coffee.”

The Market Mondays team discusses how Magic’s foresight and courage revolutionized inner city communities: he brought both movie theaters and coffee shops to places others ignored, proving how recognizing cultural needs can lead to incredible success. Magic’s journey is highlighted as a case study in scalability, business intuition, and breaking through barriers in corporate America.

Get inspired by Magic’s evolution from sports icon to entrepreneur, as he transitions from selling successful portfolios, acquiring real estate, to owning major stakes in sports teams like the LA Dodgers and the Washington Commanders. The hosts remind us that Magic's business empire was built step by step—scratching and clawing, never relying on just one big break.

This clip also lays out important messages for black entrepreneurs: Don’t let anyone convince you that there isn’t money or opportunity in serving underrepresented communities. Major companies like Target and Nike face challenges for ignoring this market, proof that authenticity and cultural relevance are key to business longevity.

Tune in as Market Mondays celebrates Magic Johnson as one of the top black billionaires in U.S. history and calls for more recognition of living legends. Let’s learn, get inspired, and remember to give our superheroes their flowers while they’re here.

*Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you found value in this discussion. Got someone in business you’d like us to highlight next month? Drop a comment below!*

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