Episodes

65: The Road To Entrepreneurship And Life In The Military With Royal Banks (S2 Finale)
65
Aug. 5, 2021

65: The Road To Entrepreneurship And Life In The Military With Royal Banks (S2 Finale)

In this Season 2 Finale, the guys chat with Royal Banks. He breaks down how the military impacted his life and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Later he discusses his Assurance DNA company and actionable steps to start a business. Tune in.Thank you for all of your support. Season 3 will launch in September! More about our guest:Royal Banks is an active duty military officer and owner of Assurance DNA, a mobile paternity testing service currently based in El Paso, TX. He is a 2013 g...
64: Barbershop Talk - Mental Health & The Olympics And Returning To The Office
64
July 29, 2021

64: Barbershop Talk - Mental Health & The Olympics And Returning To The Office

In this barbershop episode, Muki breaks down returning to the office after 18 months. Later Brown discusses Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka prioritizing their mental health over the Olympics. The guys also discuss COVID-19, the mask debate, and the possibility of another shutdown. Tune in!
63: Building A Streaming Service & Redefining Black Media With DeShuna Spencer of kweliTV
63
July 22, 2021

63: Building A Streaming Service & Redefining Black Media With DeShuna Spencer of kweliTV

In this episode, the guys chat with DeShuna Spencer, Founder & CEO of kweliTV, about her journey to creating a video streaming service and lessons she learned along the way. DeShuna breaks down why positive black representation is needed today and the importance of showcasing authentic black stories. Later she give practical advice for anyone looking to start a business. Tune in! Learn more about kweliTV at http://www.kweli.tv/More about DeShuna:DeShuna Spencer is the Founder/CEO of kweliT...
62: Breaking Into Technology & The Importance Of Being Your Authentic Self With Ivan Walker
62
July 15, 2021

62: Breaking Into Technology & The Importance Of Being Your Authentic Self With Ivan Walker

In this episode, the guy chat with Ivan Walker, Chief Technology Officer for the Bean Path & Software Engineer at Amazon, about his journey through tech, the importance of being your authentic self, and steps to breaking into a career in tech. Tune in. More about our guest: Ivan Walker is a software development engineer (SDE) with the Amazon/A9 visual search team based in Atlanta, GA. He put his PhD studies on hold to assist startup company Partpic build out their platform for visual search ...
Ep 61: Interviewing 101 - How To Land The Job
61
July 8, 2021

Ep 61: Interviewing 101 - How To Land The Job

In this episode, the guys discuss Sha'Carri Richardson, going back to the office, and why 4 million people voluntarily quit their jobs in April. Later in the episode they break down interviewing 101 and how to land the job. Tune in!
Ep 60: The Power Of Mentorship And Lifting Others While You Climb
60
July 1, 2021

Ep 60: The Power Of Mentorship And Lifting Others While You Climb

In this episode, the guys discuss being a #girldad and the proper protocol for using public restrooms. Later in the episode they discuss the power of mentorship and why you should have one. They breakdown the best practices for finding a mentor and job interviewing. Tune in.
59: Juneteenth, Networking 101, & How To Build Social Capital
59
June 24, 2021

59: Juneteenth, Networking 101, & How To Build Social Capital

In this episode, the guys discuss Brown’s birthday, Juneteenth, Father’s Day, and how it felt hanging out in New York City post COVID-19. Later in the episode the guys discuss the importance of networking and practical ways to build relationships. Tune in!
58: The Road To Building A $25 Million Tech Hub & How To Break Into Tech W/ Dr. Nashlie Sephus Pt. 2
58
June 17, 2021

58: The Road To Building A $25 Million Tech Hub & How To Break Into Tech W/ Dr. Nashlie Sephus Pt. 2

In part 2 from last week’s episode, the guys continue their conversation with Dr. Nashlie Sephus. She is an artificial intelligence scientist for Amazon and CEO of the Bean Path, a non-profit organization based in Jackson, MS, assisting individuals and startups with technical expertise and guidance. She discusses her plans to turn her hometown into a thriving center for tech entrepreneurs. Tune in as this is a must listen on technology and black excellence!!More about Dr. Sephus:Dr. Nashlie ...
57: The Road To Building A $25 Million Tech Hub & How To Break Into Tech W/ Dr. Nashlie Sephus
57
June 10, 2021

57: The Road To Building A $25 Million Tech Hub & How To Break Into Tech W/ Dr. Nashlie Sephus

In this episode, the guys chat with Dr. Nashlie Sephus. She is an artificial intelligence scientist for Amazon and CEO of The Bean Path, a non-profit organization based in Jackson, MS, assisting individuals and startups with technical expertise and guidance. She breakdown her journey into tech and how she overcame her adversities. She breaks down why it is important to pursue fields in technology and how to transition into it. Later she discusses how her plans to turn her hometown into a thrivin...
56: Barbershop Talk - Black Wall Street, The Black Dollar & Buying Black
56
June 3, 2021

56: Barbershop Talk - Black Wall Street, The Black Dollar & Buying Black

In this episode, the guys discuss the 100 year anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre. They touch on the first time they learned about Black Wall Street and the impact it had on them. Later they discuss the important of buying black, the black dollar, and supporting black-owned banked. Tune in. Black owned banks: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/black-owned-banks-and-credit-unions
55: From Homeless To Homeowner: The Power Of Knowing Your Why With Anthony ONeal
55
May 27, 2021

55: From Homeless To Homeowner: The Power Of Knowing Your Why With Anthony ONeal

In the episode, the guys chat with Anthony ONeal. He is a #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of the popular online series “The Table.” Anthony breaks down his journey from homeless to homeowner to becoming a money expert. He provides actionable steps to changing your mindset, improving your finances, and finding your why. Tune in! This episode is a must listen.More about our guest: Anthony ONeal is a #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of the ...
54: Black Books Matter - How MahoganyBooks Built A Successful Business And Overcame Adversity
54
May 20, 2021

54: Black Books Matter - How MahoganyBooks Built A Successful Business And Overcame Adversity

In this episode, the guys chat with Ramunda and Derrick Young of MahoganyBooks. MahoganyBooks is an award-winning independent bookstore in Washington, DC. They believe in social entrepreneurship and are dedicated to ensuring access to books written for, by or about people of the African Diaspora. Ramunda and Derrick have uplifted and embraced leadership roles in the African American community by promoting reading, writing, and cultural awareness as tools to improve self-esteem, self-love and ult...
53: Mentorship, Entrepreneurship, And The Journey To First BLVD With Donald Hawkins
53
May 13, 2021

53: Mentorship, Entrepreneurship, And The Journey To First BLVD With Donald Hawkins

On this episode of 30 to Life, Muki & Brown chats with Donald Hawkins, the Co-founder and CEO of First Boulevard. Donald is a serial entrepreneur with years of experience in technology and financial services. Hawkins most recently founded Griffin Technologies, a fintech company focused on providing real-time, contextual intelligence to community banks and credit unions. Donald shares his amazing story and breakdowns the importance of having a mentor. Later he discusses the steps it took to creat...
52: From Motown Intern to Roc Nation President: 3 Decades in Music with Benny Pough Part 2
52
May 6, 2021

52: From Motown Intern to Roc Nation President: 3 Decades in Music with Benny Pough Part 2

In part 2 from last week’s episode, the guys continue their interview with Benny Pough. Benny is an established music executive, entrepreneur, author, and real estate investor. He is one of the most successful record executives in the music industry. He has been pivotal in the sound and culture of music today. He’s worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Kanye West. He’s also signed artists such as Future and Yo Gotti. Benny currently serves as Founder and CEO of D.Verse Media. Tune in ...
51: From Motown Intern to Roc Nation President - 3 Decades in Music with Benny Pough Part 1
51
April 29, 2021

51: From Motown Intern to Roc Nation President - 3 Decades in Music with Benny Pough Part 1

In this episode, the guys interview Benny Pough. Benny is an established music executive, entrepreneur, author, and real estate investor. He is one of the most successful record executives in the music industry. He has been pivotal in the sound and culture of music today. He’s worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Kanye West. He’s also signed artists such as Future and Yo Gotti. Benny currently serves as Founder and CEO of D.Verse Media. D.Verse Media is a full-service global music di...
50: How To Launch A Successful Podcast & The Key To Taking Action
50
April 22, 2021

50: How To Launch A Successful Podcast & The Key To Taking Action

In this episode, Muki and Brown breakdown how to start a podcast. They go over the platforms & equipment that they use, things they learned along the way, the importance of having a story, and best practices. The guys also discuss mistakes they made and the key to taking action. Tune to learn how to pod and get an inside look into 30 to Life!
49: Barbershop Talk - Police Brutality, Black Lives Matter, DMX’s Impact & Legacy
49
April 15, 2021

49: Barbershop Talk - Police Brutality, Black Lives Matter, DMX’s Impact & Legacy

In this barbershop episode, the guys discuss the shooting of Daunte Wright, the trial for George Floyd’s death and what will happen if a not guilty verdict is announced, Black Lives Matter controversy, and the legalization of marijuana in New York. Muki & Brown breakdown the impact that DMX had and his legacy. Later they debate on the new Utah law that requires biological fathers to pay 50% of a woman’s pregnancy related medical cost. Tune in! This episode was sponsored by Assurance DNA. Learn ...
48: Mental Health, Self-Care, And Making Effective Decisions In Your 20s & 30s W/ Dr. Lauren Cooke
48
April 8, 2021

48: Mental Health, Self-Care, And Making Effective Decisions In Your 20s & 30s W/ Dr. Lauren Cooke

The guys chat with Dr. Lauren Cook. Lauren is a therapist that primarily works with people in their 20s and 30s. She specializes in supporting people through the major changes and milestones in their lives. During the episode they discuss self-care, mental health, and making effective decisions in your 20s and 30s. Lauren touches on a variety of topics including societal pressure for women to get married & have kids and how to cope. Tune in!More about our guest:Dr. Lauren Cook is a therapist...
47: Michael Broughton, CEO of Perch, On Building A Successful App & Being Backed By Jay-Z
47
April 1, 2021

47: Michael Broughton, CEO of Perch, On Building A Successful App & Being Backed By Jay-Z

Muki and Brown chat with Michael Broughton. Michael is the cofounder of Perch, a free app that allows users to build their credit through recurring expenses such as rent, Netflix and Hulu. Michael started the the company to help people quickly build good credit scores by tapping into non-traditional data points. So far, Perch has launched on the iOS App Store and will launch on the Google Play Store in the near future. They recently raised a $2.5M seed round and are backed by Village Capital, Ci...
46: Barbershop Talk - Who Is 30 to Life
46
March 25, 2021

46: Barbershop Talk - Who Is 30 to Life

In this barbershop episode, Muki and Brown discuss the recent shootings, gun laws, Derrick Jaxn and his wife, WandaVision, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, and more. Oh and you get to learn more personal stuff about Muki and Brown! Tune in!
45: A Conversation With Dawn Dickson - CEO of PopCom
45
March 18, 2021

45: A Conversation With Dawn Dickson - CEO of PopCom

Dawn W. Dickson is CEO of PopCom, an automated retail company that uses facial recognition, A.I, and blockchain technology to help retailers collect valuable customer insights. PopCom has developed technology to make kiosks and vending machines intelligent through data and analytics at the point of purchase. As a serial entrepreneur with over 16 years of experience in marketing and business development, Dawn launched four successful cash flow positive companies since 2002. Dawn has been featured...
44: The Black Tax - The Cost of Being Black in America Part 2 With Shawn D. Rochester
44
March 11, 2021

44: The Black Tax - The Cost of Being Black in America Part 2 With Shawn D. Rochester

In part 2 from last week’s episode, Muki and Brown continue their conversation with Shawn D. Rochester about his books, The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America and CPR for the Soul: How to Give Yourself a 20% Raise, Eliminate Your Debt, and Leave an Inheritance for Your Children’s Children. Later, Shawn breaks down the ways the black community can build wealth and economic empowerment. Tune in for part 2 of our conversation regarding the black experience. Learn more about Shawn D. Ro...
43: The Black Tax - The Cost Of Being Black In America Part 1 With Shawn D. Rochester
43
March 4, 2021

43: The Black Tax - The Cost Of Being Black In America Part 1 With Shawn D. Rochester

Did you know that after about 400 years of being in the US, African Americans in the United States only own two percent of U.S. wealth? In this episode, Muki and Brown chat with Shawn D. Rochester, author of The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America, about the financial cost of the history of discrimination against Black people in America from emancipation to present day. Shawn breaks down how over forty million African-Americans own just 2% of America’s wealth and examine the path to wh...
42: Redefining Black Girl Magic With Mahogany L. Browne
42
Feb. 25, 2021

42: Redefining Black Girl Magic With Mahogany L. Browne

In this episode, Muki and Brown are joined by Mahogany L. Brown a poet, writer, organizer and educator. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about her books, Woke Baby, Black Girl Magic, and an excerpt from her YA book, Chlorine Sky. Also in the episode they discuss raising daughters and dating, colorism, and the business side of becoming an author. Tune in! Connect with Mahogany:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mobrowne/Website: https://mobrowne.com/index.htmlBUY Chlorine Sky: https:...