Journey To Launch
Jamila Souffrant, a Certified Financial Education Instructor, hosts this podcast about achieving financial freedom. The show covers topics like increasing income, paying off debt, investing, saving, and retiring early. It aims to help listeners gain clarity on their finances and create actionable plans to reach their goals.
Episodes
Episode 484: Life Lately: Working Less, Living More & Embracing Uncertainty
Financial independence isn't just about reaching a number, it's about designing a life you actually want to live. In this solo episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of what life looks like now.I share a candid life update on everything from my current workout routine and newfound hobby of gardening to navigating one of the busiest parenting seasons of the year with three kids. I also open up
Episode 483: Fibroids, Endometriosis, and Financial Loss: The Real Cost of Untreated Womb Conditions w/ Dr. Kemi Doll
This week on the podcast we are joined by Dr. Kemi Doll, a physician, surgeon, researcher, double board-certified gynecologist and oncologist, and founding director of the Gynecologic Research and Cancer Equity Center at the University of Washington. After 16 years of training and over $200,000 in student loan debt, she turned her personal and professional experience into a mission to change how
Episode 482: How He Retired by 30 Through Side Hustles, Real Estate & Intentional Living w/ Cody Berman
In this episode, I sit back down with Cody Berman, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and author of the book Retire by 30. Cody first came on the podcast in 2018 at 22 years old. By 25, he had reached financial independence through scalable online businesses, strategic real estate, and intentional spending. He quit a corporate banking job after seven months, tried over 30 side hustles, and grew
Episode 481: The Money Rules That Never Change (And the New Traps You Need to Avoid) w/ Beth Kobliner
Most people learn about money the hard way. In this episode, I sit down with Beth Kobliner, personal finance journalist and New York Times bestselling author of Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s and Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You're Not), to talk about how to build a strong financial foundation before the real world hits. Beth shares her journey from ghostwrit
Episode 480: What Full Financial Independence Actually Looks Like: Island Life, Time Freedom, and Living on Your Own Terms w/ Ericka Barnes
Ericka Barnes first appeared on the Journey to Launch podcast in 2019 to share how she reached financial independence in her mid-30s. Since then, her life has looked nothing like a straight line; divorce, layoffs, a new marriage, and a second retirement later, she's back to share the full story. In this brand new episode, Ericka walks us through what she's been up to since our last conversation,
Episode 479: Why Women Get Penalized for Their Ambition & What We Can Do About It w/ Stefanie O'Connell
Doing everything right at work and still getting passed over is not a personal failure. It is a pattern, and the data proves it. In this episode, I sit down with Stefanie O'Connell, award-winning journalist and author of The Ambition Penalty: How Corporate Culture Tells Women to Step Up and Then Pushes Them Down, to dig into the data behind the very real costs women face for simply being ambitiou
Episode 478- Overcoming Financial Trauma: Breaking the Cycle & What Healing Actually Looks Like w/ Rahkim Sabree
There is a reason you know what to do with money and still struggle to do it. In this episode, I sit down with Rahkim Sabree, financial therapist, accredited financial counselor, and author of Overcoming Financial Trauma, to talk about what is really driving our money behaviors and why the answer goes much deeper than budgets and spreadsheets. After more than a decade in the banking industry, Ra
Episode 477: How to Design a Life of Time Freedom Now & Not Wait for Retirement w/ Brian Herriot
Most people spend their entire careers waiting for the day they can finally stop working. In this episode, I sit down with Brian Herriot, author, speaker, financial advisor, and entrepreneurship coach, to dig into the concept of time freedom and what it really means to build a life on your own terms. Brian spent 14 years in corporate consulting, chased the early retirement dream, and hit the $1
Episode 476: Redefining Success After Building Wealth & Navigating A New Season of Life w/ Tiffany "The Budgetnista"
What happens when you've achieved the financial success you once dreamed of, but something inside you starts asking for more or different? In this episode, I sit down with Tiffany Aliche, also known as The Budgetnista, for a real and layered conversation about evolution, grief, purpose, and what it looks like to transition into a new season of life. Tiffany shares her journey from being in deep
Episode 475: How Following Your Intuition Can Unlock Freedom and Unexpected Opportunities w/ Damali Alexander
Have you ever felt a pull toward something that didn't quite make sense logically, but you couldn't ignore it? That inner nudge to try something new, take a risk, or step outside the expected path? In this episode, I sit down with Damali Alexander, someone I've known for years and always admired for the way she moves through life with intention, courage, and trust in herself. From starting as a te
Episode 474: How Two Nurses Built a Thriving Med Spa Business in Brooklyn w/ Wendy Jules & Carla Nelson
What does it really look like to build a business from the ground up while balancing family, finances, and faith? In this episode, I sit down with sisters Wendy Jules and Carla Nelson to talk about their journey from nursing careers to founding a thriving med spa in Brooklyn. They share how they started with limited resources, leaned on community support, and turned a single machine in a basemen
Episode 473: How Service Workers Can Achieve Financial Freedom & Increase Their Financial Health with Barbara Sloan
From homeless to bartending at Coyote Ugly, today's guest has gone through it all when it comes to working the service industry. Barbara Sloan is author of "Tipped: The Life Changing Guide to Financial Freedom For Waitresses, Bartenders, Strippers and All Other Service Industry Professionals," and a personal finance expert. She's spent two decades working in every imaginable position in the ser
Episode 472: How I'm Unlearning the Need to Hustle & Giving Myself Permission to Make My Own "Rules"
Have you ever caught yourself choosing work over something that actually matters even after you've done everything "right"? That's exactly what happened to me, and it made me pause in a way I didn't expect. When my podcast guest cancelled, I decided to record a solo episode instead. Shortly after, I received a call from the school nurse that my son wasn't feeling well and needed to be picked up.
Episode 471: Why He Quit His $100K Engineering Job to Work at McDonald's w/ Drew Lee
In this episode, I sit down with Drew Lee, a former engineer turned personal finance content creator, who made a bold decision to walk away from a six figure career more than once to pursue a life of flexibility and purpose. Drew reached Coast FI, where your investments grow on their own to fund retirement, in his late 20s, and shares how that freedom changed the way he thinks about work. We tal
Episode 470- Why Doing Nothing Is the Most Expensive Decision You'll Ever Make with Amanda Holden
In this episode, I'm joined by Amanda Holden, who has built a powerful platform making investing feel truly accessible. She's now bringing that same approach to her new book, How to Be a Rich Old Lady. We dive into what it really takes to build wealth, why so many people get stuck before they even get started, and how investing isn't about being perfect, it's about taking action. Here's what we
Episode 469- How to Parent Like a Millionaire Without Being One with Kristy Shen & Bryce Leung
In this episode, I'm excited to welcome back Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung from the Millennial Revolution. Since the last time they were on the show, they've become parents and recently released a new book called Parent Like a Millionaire (Without Being One). In this conversation, we talk about how their perspective on money and financial independence evolved after having a child and how parents ca
Episode 468: A Money System That Works When Life Falls Apart with Sahirenys Pierce
Sahirenys Pierce joins the Journey to Launch Podcast to break down the money system that completely transformed her financial life: the High Five Banking Method. In this powerful conversation, Sahirenys opens up about how navigating the 2008 recession, walking away from corporate finance, becoming a mom, and preparing for her son's open-heart surgery forced her to rethink everything she thought
Episode 467: Caregiving for Loved Ones & Entrepreneurship While Building Financial Freedom w/ Keisha Wilson
This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm joined by healthcare compliance expert and entrepreneur Keisha Wilson for a powerful conversation about career pivots, betting on yourself, caregiving, and building financial flexibility before you realize you'll need it. Keisha shares how she transitioned from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship, how that decision gave her the flexibility t
Episode 466- Balancing Corporate Life While Owning Property in Jamaica & Running an Airbnb w/ Leanne Pinkard
In this episode, I chat with Lee-Ann Pinkard, who was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and later moved to the U.S. for college at Howard University. She built a career in construction project management and, years later, purchased a beachside property in Jamaica that she now runs as a short-term rental, a property I personally had the pleasure of staying in. We explore what it really takes
Episode 465: Burnout, Boundaries & Building the Capacity for More Money w/ Dr. Kerriann Peart
Burnout is often treated like a personal failure but what if it's actually a signal that something deeper is out of alignment? In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm joined by executive coach and organizational change strategist Dr. Kerri Ann Peart for a powerful conversation about burnout, boundaries, identity, and what it really takes to grow into higher levels of financial succ
Episode 464: A Birthday Episode: A Reflection on Growth, Meaning & Trusting Myself
In this special birthday reflection episode, I'm slowing things down and turning inward. I'm sharing where I am in this season of life, what feels solid, what feels unclear, and what I'm intentionally leaving open. Birthdays always make me pause. They give me space to reflect, to check in with myself, and to notice how much has changed internally and externally. In this episode, I'm asking myse
Episode 463: Confessions of My "Bad" Money Habits & What Actually Matters for Financial Freedom
In this solo episode, I'm getting real about something we don't talk about enough in personal finance: imperfect money habits. I'm peeling back the curtain on my own so-called "bad" money habits and explaining why perfection is not required to build wealth, feel financially secure, or move forward on your journey. I also take a moment to acknowledge the heaviness many of us are feeling in the wo
Episode 462: How to Own Your Time and Design a Life That Puts Family First with Andy Hill
In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm welcoming back Andy Hill, award-winning family finance coach and the voice behind Marriage, Kids & Money, and this conversation is all about what it truly means to own your time. Andy shares how he and his wife intentionally used money as a tool to gain flexibility, move away from the corporate grind, and design a life centered aro
Episode 461: How to Stay on Your Financial Journey When Life Changes
Even the best financial plans need room to breathe. Life changes. Priorities shift. Unexpected things happen. And none of that means you've failed. In today's episode, I walk you through how to normalize detours, reassess your financial foundation, and realign your plan with the season of life you're actually in, not the one you thought you'd be in. I also share personal updates about seeing my bo
Episode 460: The Call No Parent Wants to Get: The Day I Learned What Freedom Really Means
Sometimes life doesn't go as planned. In this episode, I share the story of a call from my son's school that changed my day in an instant and what it taught me about real wealth, freedom, and being present for what matters most. I reflect on what real wealth looks like, not in bank accounts or net worth, but in the freedom to stop, respond, and be present when life happens. I also talk about why
The Paperback Is Out Today! What's New in Your Journey to Financial Freedom
The paperback edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom is officially out today 1/6/26! Go to yourjourneytofinancialfreedom.com to grab your copy (and bonuses) In this short solo episode, I share why releasing the paperback felt important, what's new in this edition, and how it reflects the reality that life doesn't always follow a straight financial path. The paperback includes a new bonus cha
Episode 459: 5 Money Moves to Reset, Realign, and Move Forward
In this episode, I walk you through five simple money moves designed to help you feel more grounded and in control of your finances. These are not drastic changes or big resolutions, but intentional steps that create clarity, ease, and forward momentum no matter where you are starting from. This conversation is about meeting yourself where you are, understanding your current
Episode 458: A Season of Reflection & A Preview of the Brand New Your Journey to Financial Freedom Paperback Book
As we celebrate the holidays and the year comes to a close, I reflect on the journey behind my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom, and share why the upcoming paperback edition feels especially meaningful. I also open up about what financial freedom looks like beyond hitting a specific number, why flexibility and choice matter more than perfection, and how having a framew
Episode 457: What My Recent Trip to Jamaica Reminded Me About Wealth, Gratitude, and Resilience
In this solo episode, I reflect on a deeply personal trip back to my home island of Jamaica following a devastating hurricane. What began as a planned celebration for my younger sister's 30th birthday became a powerful homecoming filled with mixed emotions, difficult decisions, and meaningful moments of family, service, and reflection. I share the internal debate I faced about whether to still tra
Episode 456: How to Manage Holiday Money Anxiety
In this week's solo episode, I'm diving into something many of us feel, but don't always say out loud holiday money anxiety. This season can be full of joy, nostalgia, and family connection, but it can also bring up guilt, pressure, overspending, and emotional triggers that hit our wallets hard. So today, I'm sharing honest reflections on the expectations we carry, the emotional weight of holiday
Episode 455- My Life Lately: Reflections on Freedom, Seasons + 3 Year Book Anniversary
In this week's solo episode, I open up about the reflections, questions, and inner shifts I've been navigating as I enter a new season of life. With the three-year anniversary of Your Journey to Financial Freedom, I'm sharing candid thoughts on growth, purpose, motherhood, and the constant evolution that comes with designing a life of freedom. I talk about the tension between feeling grateful for
Episode 454: What I've Learned (Patterns, Mistakes & Hacks) From Helping Hundreds Start Their Financial Independence Journey
In this week's solo episode, I reflect on the biggest patterns, mindset shifts, and lessons I've learned from helping hundreds of people start (and restart) their financial independence journeys. I walk through the three most common struggles people think are unique to them, the life transitions that often spark the desire for FI, and the deeper motivations that truly drive long-term change. I als
Episode 453: Finding Clarity, Confidence & Community on Your FI Journey w/ Latoya Rowe
In this week's episode, I sit down with longtime Journeyer and two-time Journey to FI program member Latoya Rowe. Latoya shares how she pivoted into a higher-earning career, discovered financial independence during her grad-school commute, and rebuilt her financial foundation while juggling motherhood, debt, and major life changes. She opens up about the emotional and financial impact of selling h
Episode 452: From Financial Burnout to Financial Healing & Balancing Ambition with Alignment w/ Alejandra Rojas
In this week's episode, I'm chatting with Alejandra Rojas, entrepreneur, Forbes contributor, and founder of Brown Way to Money, a financial mentoring platform that helps women overcome financial trauma and improve their relationship with money. Alejandra's story is such a powerful reminder that financial freedom isn't just about numbers, it's about emotional healing, self-awareness, and redefining
Episode 451- Financial Caregiving, Family Conversations, and Planning Ahead with Beth Pinsker
In this episode of Journey to Launch, I'm joined by Beth Pinsker, financial planning columnist for MarketWatch, Certified Financial Planner, and author of My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. Beth shares her personal and professional insights on what it really takes to manage a loved one's finances and why preparing now can save you (and your family) heartache, time, and money later
Episode 450: How A Government Shutdown Sparked Her Debt-Free Revolution & $200K Debt Payoff w/ Nika Booth
In this powerful and transparent episode of Journey to Launch, I sit down with Nika Booth, award-winning financial coach, content creator, and founder of Debt Free Gonna Be, to unpack how she paid off more than $200,000 in debt while refusing to sacrifice joy along the way. From student loans and credit card balances to IRS debt and government furloughs, Nika shares the raw truth behind her financ
Episode 449: A Simple Shift in Perspective That Unlocks Growth and Wealth
Have you ever had a solution sitting right in front of you, but didn't realize it until later? That happened to me just last week at the park and it reminded me how often the answers we're searching for in life, money, or personal growth are hiding in plain sight. In this solo episode, I share a simple moment that made me completely rethink how I approach everyday challenges and how mindset plays
Episode 448: Why Perfect Conditions Made Trees Collapse (and What That Means for Your Money & Financial Journey)
In this solo episode, I share a powerful reminder that the very challenges and obstacles we face on the journey to financial freedom are often what make us stronger. I start by revisiting a story I mentioned in my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom, about the Biosphere 2 experiment where trees grew quickly in perfect, windless conditions but fell before maturing because they never developed t
Elaine Welteroth on Planning a Joyful Birth, from The Second Opinion
I'm sharing a special episode this week, from Dr. Sharon Malone. On Dr. Sharon's new podcast, The Second Opinion, women take back the conversation on health with straight talk, real experience, and the care we all deserve. You'll hear prominent female advocates, experts and patients just like you sharing how they confronted gaps in our healthcare system and got second opinions that saved their liv
Episode 447- Saving vs. Investing: How to Use Both to Build Financial Freedom
In this solo episode, I'm breaking down one of the most important concepts on the path to financial freedom, the difference between saving and investing, and why you need both. I share how growing up with a single mom and grandmother who were natural savers taught me early lessons about money, and how those habits helped me buy my first condo at 22. But I also talk about how saving alone wasn't en
Episode 446- Money Rules I Live By (and the Ones I Broke)
This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm diving into the money rules that have guided me and the ones I've intentionally broken along the way. Rules are meant to serve as frameworks, not prisons. Over the years, I've adapted, reshaped, and sometimes completely tossed out rules that no longer served me. I want you to walk away from this conversation inspired to define your own rules, questio
Episode 445: How to Fund & Live Your Dream Life Abroad with Roshida Dowe & Stephanie Perry
In this week's episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm joined by two amazing women, Roshida Dowe and Stephanie Perry, co-founders of the Exodus Summit. Both of them walked away from traditional careers, Roshida as a lawyer and Stephanie as a pharmacy technician, to create lives centered around freedom, travel, and joy. We talk about how they each made the leap to move abroad, what it really
Episode 444: What a Slow Summer Taught Me About Money & Life
Hey Journeyers! I'm back on the mic after taking the summer off. In this solo episode, I'm reflecting on what it means to truly live financial freedom, not just chase it. Over the last few months, I've stepped back from hustle mode to embrace rest, family time, and the flexible lifestyle I've worked so hard to create. I'm sharing candid updates about my summer sabbatical, how I balance business wi
Episode 443: Work Less & Live More: How To Retire Often & Take Breaks with Jillian Johnsrud
This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I'm welcoming back Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often, to share how you can intentionally step away from work every few years, giving yourself the space to recharge, explore new possibilities, and create meaningful memories. Jillian has taken more than a dozen "mini retirements," allowing her to live abroad, travel to 27 countries, adopt and raise
Episode 442: Cultivating Influence, Mastering Networking + Leveraging People Skills To Improve Our Financial Lives With Vanessa Van Edwards REWIND
Vanessa Van Edwards, a best-selling author and behavioral researcher on professional communication and leadership, joins the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss science-based communication insights and give actionable social skills tips to advance your career, relationships, and overall life. We also chat about navigating stereotyping and biases , the importance of making definitive decisions abo
Episode 441- Minimalism: A Guide To Living With Less So That You Can Have More With Christine Platt, The Afrominimalist REWIND
Christine Platt, author of ''The Afrominimalist Guide To Living With Less,' and pioneer behind The Afrominimalist, joins the podcast to talk about how she's carving out space for BIPOC within the minimalist movement. We discuss her journey towards living with less and how she outlines the differences for historically marginalized communities, which radically change the movement and minimalist comm
Episode 440: Finishing What Matters Most: How To Make The Most Out Of Your Time And Attention With Productivity Expert Charlie Gilkey
Author, podcaster and entrepreneur, Charlie Gilkey, joins the podcast to shed light on what it really means to make the most out of your time and hone in on what you should focus your attention on. Charlie is founder of Productive Flourishing, a website that helps creatives, leaders, and entrepreneurs start finishing the stuff that matters. He's written several books, including an award-winning bo
Episode 439: Life Planning for Fulfillment Beyond Finances & 3 Questions To Help You Live a Meaningful Life w/ George Kinder REWIND
George Kinder is an author, international thought leader, and founder of Kinder Institute of Life Planning with more than 35 years of experience as a financial planner and tax advisor. George is dedicated to guiding individuals in uncovering their deepest values and leading more fulfilling lives. His ultimate aim is to promote greater freedom in every aspect of existence. In this conversation we d
Episode 438: How To Create Healthy Boundaries in Your Personal, Professional, and Financial Life w/ Nedra Glover Tawwab REWIND
Nedra Glover Tawwab, licensed therapist, New York Times bestselling author, and relationship expert, joins the podcast to discuss what boundaries are and how to cultivate healthy ones in our own lives. We chat about her social media stardom, with her over 1M followers, her entrepreneur path, and how boundaries give you the freedom you're looking for in your personal, professional,
Episode 437: Design Your To-Die-For Life and Start Living With Purpose w/ Karen Salmansohn
This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm joined by Karen Salmansohn, bestselling author, behavioral change expert, and creator of "Your To-Die-For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out." With over 2 million books sold, Karen brings a bold mix of research-based psychology and humor to help us snap out of autopilot and live with more intention. We dive into t
Episode 436: How To Climb The Wealth Ladder & Build Wealth at Every Stage of Life With Nick Maggiulli
Nick Maggiulli, bestselling author of Just Keep Buying and The Wealth Ladder, returns to the Journey to Launch podcast to share practical, data-driven insights for building wealth at any stage of life. In this conversation, Nick breaks down the six stages of financial progress using his new "Wealth Ladder" framework, explaining how to make smarter decisions with your money based on where you are o
Episode 435- How To Balance a Happy Life & Financial Achievement + Pros & Cons of Quiet Quitting w/ Jason Vitug REWIND
Jason Vitug, award-winning, best-selling author, speaker and entrepreneur joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss why money is a path to happiness, but it doesn't embody it. Jason, once a corporate ladder climber, found himself stressed out, burnt-out and living a life he was no longer aligned with. Through trial and error… and rest, Jason discovered the intrinsic connection between mental
Episode 434: How To Manage Your Money With ADHD & Unlocking Neurodivergent Financial Empowerment With Ellyce Fulmore REWIND
Ellyce Fulmore, Canadian Queer and neurodivergent financial educator, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to talk about how she paid off high interest debt, ADHD and money, and her new book, "Keeping Finance Personal." Ellyce is a full-time content creator and founder of Queerd Co., a financial literacy company. Her approach to finance goes beyond the conventional, focusing on the intersectionali
Episode 433: Paying Off $14K in Debt & Finding Financial Clarity w/ Journeyer Lori-Sara Gauthier
This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I'm joined by Lori-Sara Gauthier, a public health worker based in Toronto who is in the thick of transforming her finances and her mindset. Lori-Sara recently paid off $14,000 in consumer debt, is working on eliminating her student loans, and is intentionally charting a path toward financial freedom. Lori-Sara opens up about her spending habits, emotiona
Episode 432: Creating a Future of Flexibility & Financial Security with Jackie Kasper
This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I'm joined by Jackie Kasper, a fellow Journeyer who's intentionally building a life of connection and financial freedom. Jackie is a mom of two, a director of operations at a Chicago-based fintech startup, and someone who's actively pursuing Financial Independence (FI) within the next 2–7 years. We also dive into how she and her husband are navigating th
Episode 431: Die with Zero & Get All You Can From Your Money and Your Life w/ Bill Perkins REWIND
Bill Perkins, author and founder, managing partner and head trader for Skylar Capital, joins the podcast to discuss how to live your best life no matter your income and his two decades of experience in the trading industry. We talk about the importance of balancing your financial goals with your time-appropriate life experiences and adding joy in your life right now while being intentional with wh
Episode 430: How Christina Pivoted Careers, Tripled Her Income & Is Now on Track for Financial Independence with a $1.5M Goal
This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm speaking to fellow Journeyer, Christina Cates, a pediatric surgery physician assistant in Florida who pivoted from her career as a dietitian to triple her income and build a path toward financial independence (FI). Christina first discovered the FI movement through the Journey to Launch podcast and went all in—educating herself, shifting her money mi
Episode 429- How to Learn Less, Do More & Avoid Burnout on the Path to Financial Freedom w/ Pat Flynn
This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I'm joined by Pat Flynn—digital entrepreneur, founder of Smart Passive Income, creator of Deep Pocket Monster, and author of Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less. Pat shares how getting laid off from his dream job led to building a thriving online business, and how he's stayed grounded while growing multiple ventures across podcasting, You
Episode 428: Student Loans in 2025: What You Need to Know Now with Travis Hornsby
In this episode of Journey to Launch, I'm joined once again by Travis Hornsby, founder of Student Loan Planner. Travis returns to break down the current state of student loans, including what's changed under the Biden and Trump administrations, what borrowers should expect moving forward, and how to navigate the uncertainty with smart, strategic planning. Whether you're a recent grad or have six-f
Episode 427: The Long Game of Wealth Building & Staying the Course with JL Collins
This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm excited to welcome back the often called "Godfather of Financial Independence", JL Collins, author of the bestselling book The Simple Path to Wealth. In this episode, we dive into how to stay calm and confident in today's unpredictable market and why keeping it simple is still the most effective path to building real wealth. We also discuss the timel
Episode 426: The Ambition Trap — How to Stop Chasing & Start Living with Amina AlTai
This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I am sharing a powerful conversation I had with Amina AlTai—holistic leadership coach, chronic illness advocate and author of The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living - to unpack the truths behind ambition, burnout, and redefining success. We explore the emotional and cultural roots of ambition, especially for historically excluded groups,
Episode 425- Looking Back On My Early Retirement Dream- My Vision Then vs My Reality Now
In this solo episode, I'm revisiting a blog post I wrote eight years ago—one where I boldly declared that I wanted to retire by 40. You'll hear me read the post out loud and reflect on what actually came true, what's changed since then, and the parts I didn't expect. If you've ever thought about what your life could look like beyond the 9–5 or you're just starting to dream about a different path,
Episode 424: Listener Q&A - Overcoming Investing Fears, Dealing w/ Inconsistent Income, Can You Coast to FI? + More
In this solo Q&A episode, I answer your top questions around investing, financial independence, and managing money through the ups and downs of real life. From overcoming investing fears to navigating inconsistent income, I share personal insights and strategies that have helped me make progress on the path to financial freedom. You'll hear my thoughts on balancing debt payoff with investing, how
Episode 423- Sisterhood, Entrepreneurship & Giving Yourself Grace: An Updated Convo w/ My Sisters Imani & Shaina
In this special crossover episode, originally recorded for the Brown Ambition Podcast, Mandy Woodruff-Santos sits down with me and my sisters—Shaina McGregor and Imani Manning—for an honest conversation about our individual and shared journeys. We dive deep into our unique paths in entrepreneurship, wellness, and culinary arts. From Jamaica to New York and everywhere in between, this episode explo
Episode 422- Balancing Your Money & Lifestyle Goals To Create The Life You Love
In this solo episode, I'm diving into a topic that's been on my mind lately—how to balance lifestyle goals with financial goals. Inspired by a recent girls trip and conversations about how much life has changed, I reflect on what it really means to live a fulfilling life while still being smart about money. I share some insights straight from my book Your Journey to Financial Freedom, including ho
Episode 421- How to Stay Financially Grounded in Uncertain Times
In this solo episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I break down how to navigate the financial turbulence caused by recent economic changes. Whether it's the unpredictable stock market, rising costs, or job insecurity, I'll walk through the 2 intangible and 4 tangible steps you can take today to protect and grow your money. You'll obtain actionable strategies that will help you feel more in con
Episode 420- Breaking Through Money Overwhelm: Steps & Reflections for Your Wealth Journey
April is Financial Literacy Month, and in this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm celebrating by sharing how you can take control of your financial future and start your journey toward financial independence today. Financial literacy can feel overwhelming, but I'm here to guide you through simple steps to help you build wealth and reach your goals. I talk about my FIRE CALC tool, which
Episode 419: Want to Retire Early & Reach Financial Independence? Here's the Tool That Helped Me Plan It
In this episode, I introduce you to the FIRE Calc tool—a powerful resource I created to map out financial independence strategies. I share my personal journey of using the FIRE Calc to plan my exit from corporate America and explain how this tool can help you visualize your financial future with real numbers. Whether you're just beginning your financial independence journey or looking to refine yo
Episode 418: The UGLY Truth About Trying to Reach Financial Independence – Is This a Fool's Errand?
Is pursuing Financial Independence (FI) truly worth it, or is it just a fool's errand? In this solo episode of Journey to Launch, I'm unpacking the hidden struggles of the FI journey—the sacrifices, the emotional rollercoaster, and the reality that more money won't magically fix all your problems. From feeling cash-poor while building invisible wealth to navigating shifting goals and unexpected ch
Episode 417: Mastering Money & Entrepreneurship: How to Build a Thriving Business & Life w/ Grant Sabatier
In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, we welcome back entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author Grant Sabatier. Grant shares insights from his new book, Inner Entrepreneur: A Proven Path to Profit and Peace, and reflects on his 10-year journey since reaching financial independence. He discusses how his financial philosophy has evolved, his experience selling and repurchasing Mille
Episode 416- How To Find $500–$1,000 in Your Budget With Little To No Extra Work
This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm sharing some strategies to help you uncover extra money in your budget without working harder. By making small but impactful changes, you could potentially save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. I'm walking you through a simple five-day challenge designed to help you cut unnecessary expenses, lower your bills, and take control of your cash flow.
Episode 415: Want To Quit Your Job? The Truth About Your Career & Financial Independence
In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I explore the question: Do you really want to quit your job, or are you just bored? I dive into the motivations behind financial independence and why so many people feel dissatisfied with their jobs. Reflecting on my own journey, I encourage you to ask yourself whether quitting is truly the right solution or if you simply need a shift in your work
Episode 414: Unraveling Financial Fears: Understanding Money Emotions and Behaviors w/ Shannah Game
This week on the podcast, I am joined by Shannah Game, certified financial planner, trauma of money specialist, and author of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money. Shannah shares her journey from overcoming financial fears to becoming a money expert, emphasizing the emotional aspects of money management. We dive deep into overcoming financial shame, fear, and anxiety, exploring money personalit
Episode 413: Financial Freedom & Love: The Key to Aligning Money & Relationships with Jessica & Brandon Norwood
This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I chat with Jessica and Brandon Norwood, co-hosts of the Sugar Daddy Podcast, about their financial journey and advice for listeners on how to build wealth and achieve financial freedom. Jessica, a former teacher now in tech, and Brandon, a licensed financial planner, emphasize the importance of understanding one's financial background and having open co
Episode 412: 5 Lessons on Embracing Change, Time, and the Journey to Financial Freedom- Birthday Reflections
In this special birthday episode, I'm sharing five powerful reflections on life, financial freedom, and personal growth as I celebrate another year! I'll be diving into why time is our most valuable asset, the power of detaching from outcomes, shifting perspectives to find peace in the present, embracing the journey as the true destination, and giving ourselves permission to evolve at any stage of
Episode 411: The Hidden Cost of Over-Saving: When Saving Too Much Holds You Back
In this week's episode of the Journey to Launch podcast, I'm exploring the concept of "over-saving" and its potential to hinder financial growth and life enjoyment. You'll hear about my personal journey of saving, a habit deeply instilled in me by my family, and how it has enabled me to achieve significant milestones throughout my life. However, I also mention how an overemphasis on saving, driven
Episode 410: The Emotional Side of Money & Healing Financial Trauma with Aja Evans
This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I am joined by Aja Evans, a licensed mental health counselor, financial therapist and author of Feel Good Finance. Aja discusses her financial awakening in her 20s, which led her to explore and merge her interests in mental health and financial well-being. She highlights the importance of addressing money-related emotions and breaking down barriers to ac
Episode 409: The Hidden Barriers Between You & Financial Freedom w/ Jessica Moorhouse
In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I spoke to Jessica Moorhouse, a financial expert and author of Everything But Money: The Hidden Barriers Between You and Financial Freedom. Jessica discusses the emotional and psychological challenges that hinder financial progress, highlighting the impact of unresolved trauma and negative self-talk on financial behaviors. Drawing from personal exp
Episode 408: Frugality as a Superpower: Aligning Money with Your Values with Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm joined by Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, co-hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast and authors of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke. We dive into the true meaning of frugality, breaking away from the common perception of it being about deprivation or cheapness. Instead, Jen and Jill frame frugality as intentional, value-driven spending that supports y
Episode 407: Building a Life of Purpose & Finding Meaning in Everyday Life w/ Jordan Grumet
This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast we have a returning guest, Jordan Grumet, a financial independence and wellness expert, discussing his new book, "The Purpose Code," which explores the concept of purpose in our lives. He differentiates between "little p" purpose, which is process-oriented and joyful, and "big P" purpose, which is goal-oriented and often stressful. Jorda
