Akea J: The Truth About Comedy, Power & What It Costs to Be a Black Woman in Comedy

A lot of people are making money.Very few are actually building wealth.In this episode, Jay Hill sits down with Marvin for a deep, honest conversation about what separates income from true financial freedom — and why earning more doesn’t automatically fix broken strategy.This isn’t about hype, shortcuts, or get-rich-quick schemes.It’s about structure, discipline, positioning, and using money intentionally instead of emotionally.Marvin breaks down:Why many people feel stuck even as their income increasesThe difference between flash and foundationHow losing structure can quietly destroy momentumWhy discipline and systems matter more than motivationThe mindset shift required to stop chasing and start positioningHow wealth is built through strategy, not just earningsA major part of this conversation focuses on using life insurance as a financial tool — not as a product pitch, but as a way to think differently about cash flow, liquidity, and long-term planning. Marvin explains how he uses properly structured policies to access capital, invest, and keep money working instead of sitting idle.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-jay-hill-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Jay Hill sits down with S3nsi Molly for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what really happens afterthe label, after the expectations, and after people think you’ve “made it.”This isn’t a highlight reel.It’s a real discussion about pressure, independence, faith, grief, comparison, and staying grounded while building your own path.S3nsi Molly opens up about:The reality of going independent as an artistWhat people don’t see behind “success”Navigating grief and personal loss while still moving forwardHer evolving relationship with faith and identityWhy comparison can quietly derail your progressLearning to trust your timing instead of chasing someone else’sThe mental and emotional weight that comes with independenceSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-jay-hill-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Jay Hill sits down with Chris Simon, a Baltimore-born entrepreneur and operator, to talk about what most motivated people never get taught: the rules of the game.This isn’t about hype.It’s not about quick money or shortcuts.It’s about structure, exposure, relationships, and learning how to think like an owner — especially when you come from environments where hustle is praised but systems are never explained.Chris breaks down how he went from creative hustles to building real businesses by learning:how money actually flowshow to separate hustle from structurehow to build institutions instead of just personal brandshow to navigate grief, family, and responsibility while still growinghow exposure, relationships, and discipline changed his trajectoryThis episode speaks directly to men who:already believe in entrepreneurshipfeel mentally cluttered or directionlessare tired of restarting every few yearscome from inner-city environments like Baltimore, Atlanta, Houston, or NYCwant to build something that lastsThis is a reset conversation.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-jay-hill-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Jay Hill sits down with JD, an entrepreneur who went from survival mode to ownership by changing his mindset, getting in the right rooms, and building real systems — not chasing shortcuts.This isn’t hype.This isn’t “get rich quick.”This is an honest conversation about discipline, faith, proximity, and creating options when you feel stuck.We talk about:• What to do when you feel motivated but directionless• Why most people stay stuck even when opportunities exist• How proximity to the right people can change your entire outlook• The mindset shift required to move from survival to ownership• Why discipline beats motivation every time• How JD built income through modern investing strategies• Why Airbnb isn’t dead — but the old way of doing It is• How systems, automation, and patience create freedom• Why rebuilding yourself quietly matters more than posting progressThis episode is especially for anyone who:Feels pressure to “have it together” by nowIs tired of scrolling motivational content without real directionWants to start the year with clarity, not confusionIs open to learning new ways to build income and ownershipYou don’t need more motivation.You need clarity, standards, and the right conversations.🔔 Watch More Conversations Like This👉 https://youtube.com/@JayHillNetwork📲 Follow Jay Hill👉 https://instagram.com/mr_jhillSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-jay-hill-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Most people think they’re broke because they don’t make enough money.The truth? Many are losing money before it ever reaches their bank account.In this episode, Jay Hill sits down with Michel “Money Makin’ Mitch”, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and tax strategist, to break down why so many people — especially entrepreneurs and creators — are unknowingly overpaying the IRS.This isn’t about shortcuts or “tax hacks.”It’s about understanding how the tax system actually works — and why it was designed to reward people who learn the rules.We cover:• Why taxes are the biggest expense most people ignore• How the “ignorance tax” quietly drains your income• The difference between being broke vs. being uninformed• How entrepreneurs legally reduce what they owe• When you should (and shouldn’t) pay yourself from your business• What “write-offs” really mean (and what they don’t)• How travel, vehicles, and even events can become legitimate deductions• The biggest mistakes people make that cost them thousands every yearJay also asks the real questions most people are afraid to ask — about paying yourself, setting money aside for taxes, and how much grace entrepreneurs actually get when they’re just starting out.If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not getting ahead…This conversation will change how you look at money.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-jay-hill-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Before acting, before Power Book IV: Force, before the cameras and recognition—Isaac was chasing the NFL. And when that dream ended, he didn’t just lose a career… he lost a sense of who he was.In this powerful conversation, Isaac opens up about what really happens when success is taken from you, how losing football forced him to confront shame, ego, and identity, and how acting ultimately became the unexpected path that saved him. He shares the reality of going from professional sports to rock bottom, navigating faith during moments of doubt, and learning how to rebuild his life without letting bitterness take over.This episode isn’t just about sports or television—it’s about reinvention.Isaac reflects on the emotional toll of starting over, the discipline required to transition from athlete to actor, and why Power Book IV: Force represents more than a role—it represents the birth of a new chapter built on purpose, patience, and self-belief.If you’ve ever had to let go of a version of yourself you thought defined you, this conversation will resonate deeply.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-jay-hill-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Akea J is one of the rawest, realest voices in comedy today — but the journey behind that honesty has been painful, complicated, and expensive. In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, she sits down with Jay Hill to reveal the truth about what it really takes to survive and succeed as a Black woman in a male-dominated comedy industry.For the first time, Akea opens up about the battles she fought behind the scenes: being silenced, being overlooked, being mistreated, being blamed for things she didn’t do, and even being sexually assaulted in spaces where she was supposed to be protected. She shares the emotional toll of being punished by association, blackballed without explanation, and left to navigate an industry where power, ego, and silence often matter more than skill or integrity.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-jay-hill-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

From the outside, Baltimore Bella looked like confidence, beauty, and strength — but behind the viral moments and the personality the city thought it knew was a woman fighting battles nobody ever saw. In this powerful and vulnerable episode, Bella sits down with Jay Hill to share the full story behind her childhood, her relationships, the heartbreaks that changed her, and the healing that’s shaping the woman she’s becoming today.Bella opens up about growing up too fast, surviving environments that forced her into responsibility long before she was ready, and the emotional weight she carried as a daughter, sister, partner, and mother. She speaks on love, loyalty, betrayal, and the moments that pushed her to choose herself for the first time in her life.This isn’t just an interview — it’s a story of transformation.A story of a girl who had to be strong just to survive…and a woman who’s finally learning she deserves softness, healing, and peace.Whether you’ve lived through childhood trauma, stayed in the wrong relationship too long, lost yourself trying to love someone else, or are fighting to rebuild your identity — Bella’s journey will speak to you deeply.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-jay-hill-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What do you do when your car gets repo’d, your bank account is in the negative, your business fails, and you’re sleeping in bunk beds with your family… after believing you were on the way up?Most people break.Richard Gilbau built a monster.In this emotional and brutally honest interview, Richard opens up about hitting absolute rock bottom — eviction court, repo, losing his job, moving his wife and kids into his in-laws’ home — and how that pressure turned him into the entrepreneur he is today.But this isn’t just a comeback story.This is THE blueprint for any man trying to rebuild his life, his finances, and his family.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-jay-hill-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When Hellcat Hot went viral, TMC became one of the fastest-rising young artists in Baltimore. Overnight, he had the attention, the momentum, and the talent to take over the city. But behind the scenes, something else was happening — something he never fully opened up about until now.In this raw and vulnerable conversation, TMC The Don sits down with Jay Hill to share how signing a label deal early in his career changed everything. What looked like a breakthrough became a setback: delays, restrictions, loss of control, and a three-year period where he couldn’t release music at all. For a young artist still trying to understand himself, the silence became heavier than the fame.This episode dives deep into how that experience affected his confidence, personal life, creativity, and mental health — and how it ultimately forced him to grow up, rebuild, and find his voice again. This isn’t just a story about the music industry. It’s a story about timing, self-discovery, and learning how to rise after being broken.Whether you’re an artist, creator, or someone who’s ever felt stuck or misunderstood, TMC’s journey will hit home.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-jay-hill-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy