Earn Your Leisure

• The Man Behind Hip-Hop TV: Ralph McDaniels on Nas, Suge Knight & Music Video History

  In this episode of Earn Your Leisure, we sit down with hip hop media pioneer Ralph McDaniels, creator of Video Music Box. He shares how he built the show like a mixtape, maintained full creative control, and gave artists like Nas their first shot in front of the camera.We explore the golden era of music videos, MTV’s impact, and whether Suge Knight gets enough credit for shaping the industry. Ralph also responds to Dr. Umar’s critiques of hip hop and discusses the genre’s lasting power to connect people worldwide.From stories about DMX, Kanye, and Drake, to thoughts on New York’s musical influence and threats like Project 2025, this episode is full of game, history, and cultural insight. Tap in.Invest Fest Ticket Link: https://investfest.com#RalphMcDaniels #VideoMusicBox #Nas #HipHopHistory #SugeKnight #MTV #KanyeWest #Drake #Project2025 #EarnYourLeisure #EYL #DMX #BlackExcellenceOur Sponsors:* Check out PNC Bank: https://www.pnc.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• War Is Big Business: Defense Tech Booms as Investors Weigh Returns vs Morals

  Welcome to another insightful Market Mondays clip! In this discussion, Ian Dunlap, Troy Millings, and Rashad Bilal break down the major players driving the surge in defense technology and the moral dilemmas facing investors today.This week, we focus on Meta, Palantir, and OpenAI—three giants shaping not just the tech world but the future of defense and AI. The hosts address why Meta and Palantir stocks are on the rise, with Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg rumored to be cozying up to political power, and Palantir increasingly seen as a force in modern warfare scenarios. There’s also talk about OpenAI’s potential as a future public market player and how Anduril, another defense tech company not yet publicly traded, is pushing the boundaries of the industry.Ian, Troy, and Rashad explore the shift in Silicon Valley, where defense tech has gone from “antiquated” to trendy, with CEOs turning into celebrities—and wars discussed not just as tragedies, but as investment opportunities. They dive into why RTX (Raytheon Technologies) has outpaced other traditional defense stocks and discuss how the IPO market is heating up for these types of companies.But with these meteoric rises come tough questions. As defense becomes big tech’s next growth sector, is it moral to invest in companies profiting from conflict? The trio comments on the dilemma of investing for growth versus navigating personal and societal ethics. They also touch on the personal stories behind the companies—like how Palmer Luckey’s firing from Meta allegedly for supporting Trump fuels the "revenge story" of Anduril, and what it means for today’s business and political climate.If you’re interested in the intersection of tech, war, and Wall Street, this clip is for you. Discover how the investment landscape is changing, which companies are set to skyrocket, and why defense tech is no longer operating in the shadows.*Key Topics in this Clip:*Meta, Palantir & OpenAI: What’s driving their dominance?Why traditional defense stocks like Raytheon aren’t moving as expectedEmerging companies (like Anduril) and their potential IPOsThe celebrity CEOs of defense tech and the mainstreaming of warMoral dilemmas: investing for profit vs. personal ethics in defense techBehind the business: Palmer Luckey, Mark Zuckerberg & political power movesJoin the conversation with Ian, Troy, and Rashad as they challenge you to think about your role—and your responsibility—as an investor in today’s volatile world.*Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!*#MarketMondays #DefenseTech #Palantir #Meta #OpenAI #Anduril #Investing #TechStocks #AI #WallStreet #MoralInvesting #IPO #Finance #WarEconomyOur Sponsors:* Check out PNC Bank: https://www.pnc.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• Kirk Franklin Exposes the Truth About Gospel Music, Record Deals & the Black Church w/ Norman Gyamfi

  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 #EYLOur Sponsors:* Check out PNC Bank: https://www.pnc.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• How to Use Roommate & Rental Income to Qualify for a Mortgage

  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*Our Sponsors:* Check out PNC Bank: https://www.pnc.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• The Harsh Truth: Is It Time to Sell Apple Stock in 2025?

  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 #StockMarketOur Sponsors:* Check out PNC Bank: https://www.pnc.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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