Rich Lessons

Jaksot

• 
  She Built a $800 Million Agency From Her Closet 15.09.2026 45min

  Carrita Cloud is the founder and CEO of Creativity Justified, the agency behind work for the NFL, Microsoft, Delta, Ochsner Health, the Saints and the Pelicans. Inc. named her to the 2025 Female Founders 500. Her team has managed over $800 million in advertising dollars.She started it in a closet. Seven months pregnant, just fired, insurance gone, cold calling and cold emailing people who mostly said no.We got into all of it — the systems she built when it was still just her, how she actually got in the room with the NFL, and what COVID did to her retainers when it was still a small business agency.But the part that stopped us cold was the pricing story. She bid $25,000 on a contract. Another Black woman on the other side called her and said if I submit this, they'll think you're a joke. The lowest competing bid was $125,000.If you've ever wondered whether you're charging enough, this one is for you 🎧━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WHAT WE GET INTO▸ Getting fired at 7 months pregnant and starting over the next morning▸ The department emails she made up when it was still only her▸ Why you need degrees of separation between you and your clients▸ Building 100+ email templates before hiring anybody▸ "We invite people into our chaos, then get mad when they fail in chaos"▸ Why most people's VA experience goes wrong▸ How she actually got to $800 million in managed ad spend▸ Pitching the NFL on a webinar — and it going all the way to Roger Goodell▸ What COVID did to her retainers, and the pivot that saved the agency▸ The $25K bid vs the $125K bid▸ Why she took pricing off her website▸ Advice for anyone leaving corporate right now▸ "I love my family too much to ever hire them"▸ Niceness vs kindness, and why her team is not a family▸ The two hires she'd make again every single time▸ How to actually get in front of Fortune 500 clients▸ Her rich lesson: the money conversation nobody has with new founders━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━FOLLOW CARRITA CLOUDCreativity Justified━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━RICH LESSONS PODCASTHosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena Allen🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUv...▶️ WATCH & SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE   / @richlessonspodcast  📲 FOLLOW RICH LESSONSInstagram:   / richlessonspodcast  TikTok:   / richlessonspodcast  ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━#RichLessons #BlackWomenInBusiness #AgencyLife #Pricing #KnowYourWorth #Entrepreneurship #MarketingAgency #BlackEntrepreneurs #WomenFounders #SmallBusiness #BusinessSystems #NFL #BusinessPodcast #FounderStory #Fortune500
• 
  How to Hire When You Have No Money | Rich Lessons 08.09.2026 44min

  Everybody wants to tell you about scaling and Series A. Nobody sits down and says, "Here's what it actually costs to get one person helping you when you have almost nothing."So that's what this one is. Between the two of us, we've done it every way there is — freelancers, contractors, offshore, W-2, fractional, all of it. Some of it worked. Some of it cost us money we didn't have.We're giving you real numbers. Real mistakes. The rules we follow now because we learned them the hard way.Sheena tells the story about the freelancer who had one of HER OWN apps sitting in their portfolio. That one still gets us.We also got into whether your first hire can just be an AI agent in 2026, and we don't fully agree on it. Let us know where you land.If you're building with a small budget right now, this one's for you. WHAT WE GET INTO▸ Where we actually find freelancers, and which sites we prefer▸ Offshoring vs outsourcing — people use these wrong all the time▸ The 3 AM problem nobody warns you about with offshore work▸ Why we don't fully trust 5-star ratings anymore▸ How to vet a portfolio (including reaching out to their past clients cold)▸ The freelancer who had Sheena's own app in their portfolio▸ Milestones, escrow, and the upfront payment rule that saves people thousands▸ Real numbers: what engineers and designers cost right now, here and offshore▸ Why 2021 was the wildest hiring year either of us has seen▸ When fractional work makes sense — and when it doesn't▸ How much runway you need before you make a real hire▸ What a W-2 employee actually costs (it's not the salary)▸ Can your first hire be an AI agent? We go back and forth on this one▸ Why the moat isn't tech anymore▸ Our richest lessons: fire fast, and the order you hire in matters━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━RICH LESSONS PODCASTHosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena AllenLISTEN & SUBSCRIBEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8klWATCH & SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcastFOLLOW RICH LESSONSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━#RichLessons #HiringOnABudget #Freelancers #Upwork #Offshoring #StartupAdvice #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Bootstrapping #FounderMindset #WomenInBusiness #BusinessPodcast #FractionalWork
• 
  Why Strong Women Don't Take Breaks (And Why That's Killing Us) 03.09.2026 42min

  Dr. Alicia Reed is a pharmacist. She spent 20 years telling other people how to take care of their health. Then her husband died of a massive heart attack at 43, four days before Christmas — and she became a widow overnight at 40, with a four-year-old.Then the pandemic hit. She was on the frontline as a healthcare provider while her own blood pressure was dangerously out of control.It took her son asking "Mommy, are you going to die too?" for her to actually stop.We talked about all of it. Grief, burnout, food, the health stuff nobody's checking on, and the generational curse that says strong women don't get to rest. She also learned how to swim at 46 — in six days — and that story alone is worth the watch.If you're the person everybody depends on, this one is for you.WHAT WE GET INTO▸ Who NOLA Bougie was, and how she became Dr. Reed▸ Losing her husband four days before Christmas▸ Grieving in public while raising a grieving four-year-old▸ Why rest got turned into something you have to earn▸ How burnout actually shows up — inflammation, autoimmune flares, blood pressure▸ "Who takes care of the person everyone else depends on?"▸ Why she says it's women, not men, skipping the doctor▸ Two stories about what happens when you wait too long to get checked▸ Food as medicine: reading labels, the ginger ale that shocked us, and what to actually look for▸ Eating well when you live in a food desert▸ The health insurance benefits you're paying for and never using▸ The health trend that worries her most right now▸ Learning to swim at 46 after being thrown in as a child▸ Rapid fire: time vs energy, boundaries vs discipline, and which is harder — success or healingFOLLOW DR. ALICIA REED - https://www.instagram.com/DrAlishaReed/Your Self-Care Prescription LLCFly Widow Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/536vGTR2zWrh17VcUtX5JIRICH LESSONS PODCASTHosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena Allen🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl▶️ WATCH & SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/@RichLessonsPodcast📲 FOLLOW RICH LESSONSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━#RichLessons #BlackWomensHealth #HeartHealth #SelfCare #Burnout #BlackWomenPodcast #Grief #Widowhood #FoodIsMedicine #WomensHealth #Pharmacist #HighBloodPressure #BlackWomenInBusiness #Wellness #PreventativeHealth
• 
  RIP Dolly Parton, Gary Indiana's Power Crisis & the Surrogate Suing for Custody | Rich Takes 27.08.2026 17min

  Dolly Parton is gone, Gary, Indiana has been without power for weeks, and New York City is trying to fight rising grocery prices with city-run supermarkets. Meanwhile, a controversial surrogacy case has turned into a legal and cultural battle over parental rights, abortion, and who gets to make medical decisions for a child.Sheena Allen and Sevetri Wilson Taylor break down the biggest stories in business, culture, politics, and society—from Dolly Parton’s complicated legacy and the power grid crisis to the fight over NYC’s grocery stores and the viral surrogate custody case making headlines.In this episode:• Dolly Parton’s death, philanthropy, and her legendary responses to Whitney Houston and Beyoncé covering her music• Why Gary, Indiana went weeks without power—and why so few people were talking about it• Memphis’ massive power outage and questions about America’s aging power grid• New York City’s plan for city-run grocery stores with lower prices• Why bodega owners are fighting the plan• The bizarre and controversial surrogacy case involving a seriously ill baby• The growing debate over surrogacy, parental rights, and reproductive politics----Subscribe to Rich Takes on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and leave us a review if you enjoyed the episode.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl?si=9666ca84559c4e16YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast
• 
  Work-Life Balance Isn’t Real: The Truth About Money, Hustle & Entrepreneurship 25.08.2026 43min

  Is work-life balance a real concept, or is it something people say when they aren’t serious about their goals?In this episode of Rich Lessons, hosts Sheena Allen and Sevetri Wilson Taylor pull back the curtain on the reality of modern entrepreneurship, wealth, and scaling a business. Drawing from three stacks of unfiltered questions—Professional, Personal, and Rapid Fire—they break down the sacrifices, mindset shifts, and hard choices required to succeed at the highest level.Key Topics Included:The Myth of Work-Life Balance: Why high-stakes goals demand a different level of output.Founder Non-Negotiables: Maintaining board control, avoiding hyper-preferred rights, and lessons from building in fintech.Hustle Culture vs. Real Hustle: The line between being a true operator and falling for social media “gurus”.Managing & Hiring: Why treating your team like “family” is a trap, plus the truth about hiring friends.Wealth vs. Freedom: Why money doesn’t always equal peace and how to avoid being rich and miserable.If you’re building a business, advancing your career, or looking for candid advice on wealth and modern lifestyle, tune in now.Enjoying the show? Leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
• 
  Google Bought 34 Years of Data for $10M?! + Equifax's $100M Credit Score Mess | Rich Takes 20.08.2026 10min

  Google reportedly acquired 34 years of enterprise data from Spirit Airlines, including more than 100 million emails, 500 million Microsoft messages, workflows, and code, for just $10 million. Is Big Tech getting a bargain on the data it needs to train AI?This week on Rich Takes, Sheena Allen and Sevetri Wilson Taylor break down the biggest stories across tech, business, finance, and culture—including the growing race for valuable data, AI's impact on privacy and consumer pricing, algorithmic dynamic pricing, and Amazon's reported efforts to acquire rare books for AI training.Plus, Equifax is paying $100 million to settle a class-action lawsuit after millions of consumers' credit information was reportedly misreported because of a coding glitch. The conversation goes deeper into why the credit scoring system may be outdated, and what happens when the financial system gets it wrong.And yes, they also get into the wild Penn State fraternity cocaine-trafficking and hazing case that somehow flew under the radar.In this episode:Google and the race to acquire valuable data for AIThe $10 million enterprise-data dealAI, privacy, and the rise of dynamic pricingWhy your search and purchase history could affect what you payEquifax's $100 million credit score settlementAre credit scores outdated?The Penn State fraternity cocaine-trafficking caseThe stories flying under the radar this week----Rich Takes is the weekly mini-episode, hot-take conversation from Rich Lessons, where Sheena and Sevetri unpack the week's biggest headlines across business, tech, finance, entertainment, lifestyle, and culture.Listen to Rich Takes every week and subscribe to Rich Lessons for the full conversations.Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124⁠Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl?si=9666ca84559c4e16⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcast⁠
• 
  Safety Advice Every Woman Needs to Hear (From a Firearms Expert) | Bree Lee, NOLA Fire 18.08.2026 48min

  Sevetri and Sheena sit down with firearms expert Bree Lee, founder of NOLA Fire and one of the few women leading firearms training in New Orleans, for an eye-opening conversation about women’s safety, self-defense, and personal protection.As two entrepreneurs who travel solo for work constantly, this was a conversation they HAD to have. Bree breaks down what women should actually know to stay safe, from situational awareness and concealed carry to solo travel and rideshare safety, and shares why she’ll never take a rideshare again.In this episode, we cover:▸ Why Bree got into firearms training as a Black woman▸ Concealed carry laws in Louisiana—and why firearms education matters▸ Situational awareness and why it may be your most important self-defense tool▸ Why Uber and Lyft can present safety risks▸ Parking garage safety rules every woman should know▸ How social media has quietly changed personal safety▸ Solo travel safety tips for women on the go▸ What every mother should teach her daughters about personal safety and self-defenseABOUT BREE LEE & NOLA FIREBree Lee is the founder of NOLA Fire, a New Orleans-based firearms training company providing firearms education, safety training, and certification.FOLLOW BREE LEEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolafirearmsNOLA Fire: Firearms training & certification classes━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━RICH LESSONS PODCASTHosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena Allen🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl▶️ WATCH & SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcast📲 FOLLOW RICH LESSONSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast
• 
  Anthropic's AI Watermark, iPhone 18 Drops & the Lakers' $12.5B Sale | Rich Takes 13.08.2026 18min

  AI is changing how we create, consume, and even trust information, and this week on Rich Takes, we’re talking about what that means for business, technology, entertainment, and culture.Anthropic is rolling out watermarks for AI-generated text. Is this the beginning of a new era of AI transparency, or will people simply find new ways around it? We also get into the iPhone 18, Apple’s rumored shift in its release strategy, and whether consumers still see enough innovation to justify upgrading every year.Then, we jump into entertainment: Spotify is taking a stand against AI-generated music, labeling AI-created artists and keeping them out of recommendations. Is protecting human creativity the right move, or is AI simply the next evolution of how music gets made?We also talk about what we’re actually watching, why Apple TV+ has some of the best shows nobody seems to be talking about, and the rise of short-form entertainment.And just when we thought we were wrapping up, breaking news hits: the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly being sold for a record $12.5 billion.Plus, it’s Black Business Month, so we’re talking about Black entrepreneurship, supporting Black-owned businesses, and why the conversation needs to go beyond simply starting businesses to building companies that scale.In this episode:• Anthropic’s AI watermarking and the future of AI transparency• iPhone 18 and Apple’s changing upgrade strategy• Spotify’s response to AI-generated music• What’s actually worth watching right now• Apple TV+’s surprisingly strong lineup• The rise of AI in entertainment• The $12.5B Lakers sale• Black Business Month and the future of Black entrepreneurshipRich Takes is the weekly hot-take conversation from Rich Lessons, covering the biggest stories in business, tech, finance, entertainment, and culture.Subscribe, follow, and join the conversation. Stay rich.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl?si=9666ca84559c4e16YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast
• 
  OpenAI Brand Trip Backlash + Myspace Relaunches (Minus Tom) 07.08.2026 14min

  This week on Rich Takes, we're unpacking three of the biggest conversations happening in business, tech, and culture.We start with the backlash surrounding Black creators who attended OpenAI's exclusive creator retreat and ask a bigger question: When does accepting an invitation become endorsing a company? We discuss AI, data centers, representation, and whether creators are being held to impossible standards. Then we dive into reports that MySpace is making a comeback. Can nostalgia actually compete with today's algorithm-driven social media, or have our online habits changed for good? Finally, we react to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's comments about employees caring more about salary than mission, and whether that's an unrealistic expectation in today's AI talent war. Plus, we share an update on Howard University's decision to readmit more than 200 students following last week's controversy. In this episode:OpenAI creator backlashBlack creators & AIMySpace's returnAnthropic's hiring commentsHoward University updateAI, startups, entrepreneurship & business news-----Rich Takes is the weekly mini-episode brought to you by Rich Lessons, a podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, creators, and the ambitious looking for practical insights at the intersection of business, technology, finance, lifestyle, and culture.Connect & Subscribe:Enjoying these quick takes? Don’t forget to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, leave a 5-star review!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl?si=9666ca84559c4e16YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast
• 
  Tuskegee Bans Bonnets + Amazon's Trillion-Dollar Future 30.07.2026 18min

  Are bonnets appropriate in class? In this mini-episode of Rich Takes, we break down Tuskegee University’s controversial new dress code banning bonnets, durags, and slippers. Plus, we discuss why Amazon is on track to hit $1 trillion in revenue and how Jeff Bezos built a brand that spans every generation and background.We also cover the viral financial aid situation at Howard University and dive into the differences between how men and women invest wealth.In this episode, we break down:Tuskegee’s Campus Dress Code: No bonnets, no durags, no slippers. Is it professional mental prep or over-policing?Amazon’s $1 Trillion Revenue Target: Why Amazon crosses every demographic and economic line like no other company.Howard University’s Freshman Crisis: What really happened with 500+ disenrolled students and scholarship funding gaps?Women in Wealth & Venture Capital: Do women invest for philanthropy while men chase trillion-dollar status?📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome to Rich Takes00:43 – Howard University Disenrolls 500+ Freshmen04:58 – Tuskegee Bans Bonnets & Durags: Campus Dress Codes11:26 – How Women vs. Men Invest Money & Philanthropy14:38 – Amazon’s Path to $1 Trillion in RevenueConnect & Subscribe:Enjoying these quick takes? Don’t forget to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, leave a 5-star review, and tune in next month when Rich Lessons returns from summer hiatus!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl?si=9666ca84559c4e16YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast
• 
  Fawn & Keith Weaver Fired, Phoebe Gates' Phia Fraud & Warren Buffett Drops Gates Foundation 16.07.2026 21min

  On this week’s Rich Lessons mini-segment, we break down the explosive business and cultural headlines shaking up tech, finance, and entertainment. First, the shocking fallout at Uncle Nearest Whiskey: founders Fawn Weaver and Keith Weaver have been formally terminated by the court-appointed receiver amidst deep financial turmoil and ongoing federal investigations. What does this mean for the future of the massive Black-owned spirits empire? Next, Bill Gates’ daughter, Phoebe Gates, is making headlines as her AI shopping startup, Phia, faces serious "cookie stuffing" and digital attribution fraud accusations from Bloomberg. We discuss the tech, the privilege, and whether early-stage VCs fail at baseline due diligence. Plus, Warren Buffett alters his $140 billion estate plan—officially cutting ties with the Gates Foundation to route his wealth through family foundations. Is it true philanthropy or a systemic wealth transfer trick?Finally, we recap the absolute chaos and historic highs of Jay-Z’s 3-night Yankee Stadium concert series, from the security nightmares to Rihanna and Eminem’s surprise appearances, and why Saturday night fans are demanding justice. Subscribe to Rich Lessons on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl?si=9666ca84559c4e16YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcastFollow us on TikTok and Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast
• 
  Essence Fest Chaos, Trump Accounts & Anthropic's $150M Bet 09.07.2026 26min

  Essence Fest 2026 recap, Trump Accounts are officially live, and Anthropic just made a $150M nonprofit play. We break down what it means for your wallet and your business.Full description:In this week’s mini-episode of Rich Takes, Sheena and Sevetri are breaking down the massive cultural, financial, and tech shifts happening right now.First up, we just wrapped up Essence Fest in New Orleans, and the crowds were unmatched—despite what social media predicted. From the absolute chaos and “freebie entitlement” at the Beautycon lines to the massive debate over whether Essence will leave NOLA for cities like Atlanta or Detroit, we give you the real boots-on-the-ground reality. (Plus, we fact-check whether the NFL Draft actually outdrew Essence Fest).Then it's straight to the money talk: Trump Accounts are officially live as of July 4th, 2026. We break down exactly who qualifies for the $1,000 government seed deposit, how the Dell Foundation's extra $250 gift works, and why "get your money" is the only take that matters, regardless of the name on the account.Finally, we dig into Anthropic's $150M fellowship commitment placing 1,000 paid fellows inside 400 nonprofits, and why this quiet, enterprise-first strategy might be the smartest move in AI right now.Culture. Money moves. Business strategy. This is Rich Takes.Rich Lessons is on a brief summer hiatus, but we are keeping the heat coming every Thursday with Rich Takes! Stay cool, stay locked in, and stay rich.⏱️ Timestamps / What We Cover:Essence Fest Recap: The Beautycon long lines, VIP ticket worth, and standing in line for freebies.Is Essence Fest moving to Detroit or Atlanta? The economic impact vs. the NFL draft.What are Trump Accounts? How to claim $1,000+ in free government seed money for your kid’s future.Anthropic’s $150M AI Fellowship: Why invading the non-profit sector is a genius business move.🔗 Connect With Us:Follow us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl?si=9666ca84559c4e16YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcastSocials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcastWebsite:https://www.RichLessons.com
• 
  Elon Hits $1 Trillion, Inflation & Obama Center | Rich Takes 18.06.2026 18min

  Elon Musk hits $1 Trillion on paper, inflation spikes to a 3-year high, and the Obama Presidential Center prepares for its historic Juneteenth opening in Chicago.This week on Rich Takes, we're breaking down the biggest headlines shaping business, money, tech, and culture.🔥 Elon Musk reaches trillionaire status on paper after SpaceX's public debut, and thousands of employees become millionaires overnight.📈 Inflation is at a 3-year high, gas prices keep rising, and hopes for lower interest rates may be fading.🏛️ The Obama Presidential Center officially opens in Chicago, bringing billions in investment and sparking conversations about economic impact and community development.🤖 Plus, a record-breaking AI acquisition, the future of AI wealth creation, and our hot takes on whether people will pay more for products made by humans, if live entertainment is recession-proof, and who could become the next trillionaire.Topics include:Elon Musk and SpaceXInflation and interest ratesObama Presidential CenterAI startups and acquisitionsEntrepreneurship and wealth creationThe future of workLive events and the economyConnect With Us:Rich Takes is the weekly hot take series from the Rich Lessons Podcast.🎙️ Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl?si=9666ca84559c4e16• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcastFollow the Conversation on Socials: Instagram (@RichLessonsPodcast) | TikTok (@RichLessonsPodcast)• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast——Stay safe out there, and until next week—stay rich.
• 
  Billion-Dollar Problems: Uber, Ticketmaster & the World Cup | Rich Takes 11.06.2026 13min

  In this episode of Rich Takes, we break down the massive financial and cultural shifts redefining the business landscape:The Tech Reckoning: Did Uber just prove the AI hype train is getting too expensive to ride? We unpack how they blew through their entire 2026 AI budget in less than four months, and why enterprise giants like Klarna are quietly rehiring the staff they laid off.The Ticketmaster Fallout: A federal jury just officially ruled that Live Nation operates as an illegal monopoly. We explain how consumers are fighting back, plus the bizarre world of professional class-action lawsuit hunters pulling in thousands a month.The Sports Economy: From the multi-billion dollar "political script" powering the NBA finals to the massive immigration and infrastructure bottlenecks threatening the 2026 World Cup, we trace where the money is actually moving.Episode Breakdown:00:00 The Scripted Business of the NBA: Wimby, LeBron, and Face-of-the-League Marketing03:29 World Cup 2026: Economic Booms vs. Immigration Nightmares05:34 Jay-Z’s Brilliant Psychological Tour Rollout & The Reality of Floor Prices09:10 Live Nation Ruled a Monopoly: Ticketmaster’s Overcharges Exposed11:18 The AI Cost Crisis: Why Uber and Klarna are Rethinking Strategy12:57 How to Claim Your Class-Action Money TodayLinks Mentioned in the Episode:Claim your lawsuit money: ClaimMoney.comTrack active class actions: TopClassActions.comTopics:Artificial IntelligenceAI spending and enterprise softwareUber and Klarna AI strategyWorld Cup 2026Immigration and sportsJay-Z tour datesBruno MarsTicketmasterLive Nation monopolyNBA FinalsVictor WembanyamaBusiness newsEntrepreneurshipTechnology trendsEnjoying the show? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, share this episode with an entrepreneur friend, and stay rich!Follow Us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast
• 
  NVIDIA Paying $22K for Your Backyard & $400K NBA Finals Tickets? Inflation Is Undefeated | Rich Takes 04.06.2026 19min

  What would you do with $22,000 a year, and would your answer change if it meant letting NVIDIA build a mini AI data center in your backyard? This week on Rich Takes, Sheena and Sevetri break down NVIDIA's rumored residential data center program, what it actually costs when you factor in electricity, water, and city regulations, and why the internet is split clean down the middle on whether to sign up or pass.Then, the Knicks are in the NBA Finals for the first time in decades, and Madison Square Garden tickets are running as high as $400,000 a seat! The co-hosts get into what that says about wealth, inflation, and the growing gap between who can afford to show up and who's watching from the couch.Plus, the 2026 IPO race just got a third major player. Anthropic officially filed this week, joining SpaceX and OpenAI in what could be the biggest wave of tech companies going public since the dot-com era. Which one would they actually put money into, and why does SpaceX feel like the safest bet?And to close: Is Meta quietly moving toward a real subscription model? Also, people are watching their phones more than their televisions, and no, Sheena still does not want a humanoid robot in her kitchen.This week on Rich Takes, we break down:OpenAI, Anthropic, and SpaceX IPO expectationsNVIDIA's rumored $22K AI data center programThe economics behind NBA Finals ticket pricesMeta's future subscription strategyAI privacy concerns and smart technologyRich Takes drops every week as the pulse check companion to Rich Lessons. New episodes every week on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• 
  The 1,700% Rise of AI Romance, the $3 Trillion IPO Era & Is the Content War Killing Journalism? | Rich Takes 28.05.2026 14min

  This week on Rich Takes, we’re breaking down the stories shaping entrepreneurship, business, tech, and culture right now.We start with The Breakfast Club making history as the first daily live-streaming show on Netflix — and what it says about the growing battle between Netflix, YouTube, podcasts, and the future of content. Are we officially in the content wars era?Then we get into the rise of the “Lonely Economy” after new data revealed a shocking 1,740% surge in romantic AI companion searches and user growth. Is remote work quietly reshaping adult relationships and social connection? And are AI companions replacing real human interaction faster than we think?We also debate whether real journalism is dying as creators, influencers, and podcasts dominate media while traditional newsrooms struggle to survive.Finally, we unpack what could become the two biggest IPOs in history: SpaceX and OpenAI. From trillion-dollar valuations to Elon Musk controlling 85% of shareholder votes, we discuss what these massive public offerings could mean for tech, investing, power, and the future of AI.In this episode:Netflix vs YouTube and the future of live contentThe rise of AI relationships and the lonely economyIs podcasting replacing journalism?SpaceX IPO explainedOpenAI IPO rumors and trillion-dollar valuationsElon Musk’s control over SpaceXEntrepreneurship, tech, business, and culture hot takesIf you love conversations around startups, business strategy, AI, media, culture, and entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.Subscribe to Rich Takes and Rich Lessons for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, technology, culture, and building wealth in today’s world.
• 
  Founder vs CEO: Why Most Startups Fail at Scaling + The Truth About B2B vs B2C 26.05.2026 32min

  Are you a founder or a CEO? Because they're not the same thing, and confusing the two might be the most expensive mistake you make.In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sheena Allen and Sevetri Wilson Taylor get into one of the rawest conversations in entrepreneurship: what it actually takes to go from founding a company to scaling one — and why the title of "CEO" means nothing if you can't back it up with execution.What we cover:B2C vs. B2B vs. B2B2C — who should you really be selling to?Why customer acquisition in consumer fintech can cost up to $500 per user (and why most founders don't survive it)The fraud, disputes, and bot rings inside digital banking that nobody talks aboutWhen to hire your first sales team (hint: it's tied to ARR)Bad terms vs. bad investors — what's actually pushing founders out of their own companies"Hire well, fire fast" and other hard lessons from scaling real companiesWhether you're pre-revenue or post-exit, this episode will change how you think about building, selling, and leading.🎙️ Rich Lessons is the podcast for builders, operators, and entrepreneurs who want the real story, not the highlight reel.Follow us: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast
• 
  The AI Layoff Wave vs. The $1.2M Storytelling Boom (+ Trump's $1.8B Controversy) | Rich Takes 21.05.2026 23min

  Sheena and Sevetri are back with this week's Rich Takes — and this week it's a full-on face-off. AI is eliminating jobs by the thousands while storytellers and communicators are quietly pulling six and seven-figure salaries. We're breaking it all down.Tech companies are cutting thousands while quietly posting some of the highest-paying content and communications roles we've ever seen. We break down the AI layoff wave hitting Cisco, Meta, Amazon, and GM — and then flip the script on who's actually winning right now (hint: storytellers and communicators are eating good, with salaries up to $1.2M at Netflix and $400K at Anthropic).We also get into the $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund proposed by the Trump administration for January 6th participants — funded by your tax dollars — and why the reparations double standard has people rightfully fired up.Plus: Keith Lee's Family Day brought 20,000 people to New Orleans, but is the festival moving to Chicago the right call? We weigh in. And of course, we close out with the NBA Conference Finals — Knicks vs. Cavs, Thunder vs. Spurs — and the LeBron retirement saga that never ends.This week's topics:AI layoff wave: 103,000+ tech jobs gone in 2026 aloneThe $400K–$1.2M content and communications roles open RIGHT NOWThe $1.8B Jan. 6 fund and the reparations double standardKeith Lee's FamiLeeDay recapNBA Conference Finals predictions & LeBron's next moveNew episodes of Rich Lessons drop weekly. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a take.#RichLessons #RichTakes #TechLayoffs #AIJobs #NBA #LeBronJames #January6 #Entrepreneurship 
• 
  Coffee vs Matcha: Inside the Wellness Business Boom with Logan Gobert 19.05.2026 41min

  Logan Gobert was still working full-time when she signed a lease, gave herself 60 days to open, and launched Matcha Magic NOLA, one of New Orleans' most talked-about new cafés.In this episode of Rich Lessons, Logan sits down with Sheena and Sevetri to discuss building a wellness-focused café brand in the South, what it actually takes to open a food and beverage business while still working a full-time job. From the difference between matcha and coffee to the $1,000 door hinge she didn't see coming, Logan keeps it real about the costs, the challenges, and the mindset that keeps her going.What we cover:How traveling to Japan changed her perspective on wellness and businessWhy matcha is becoming America’s next major coffee alternativeThe truth about entrepreneurship that social media doesn’t showLessons from opening a brick-and-mortar business in today’s economyStaffing struggles, discipline, leadership, and building communityWhy young founders must master one location before scaling or rushing to franchise, and what that says about smart growthFinancial literacy lessons every first-time business owner needs to hearThis episode is for entrepreneurs, creators, founders, food & beverage startups, wellness lovers, and anyone chasing a vision while balancing real life.Logan's Rich Lesson: Being comfortable with being uncomfortable is the move. If the opportunity showed up, you're probably ready for it.Topics discussed:matcha benefits, startup lessons, restaurant business, café entrepreneurship, wellness trends, entrepreneurship podcast, young founders, business ownership, New Orleans business, startup culture, coffee alternatives, founder mindset, hospitality business, discipline, work ethic, and scaling a business. 🍵 Visit: Matcha Magic NOLA — 2000 Tulane Ave, Suite A, New Orleans, LA 📲 Follow: @matchamagicnola#Entrepreneurship #Matcha #BusinessPodcast #StartupStories #RichLessons #WellnessBusiness #FoodBusiness #FounderStory
• 
  Voting Rights Are Being Stripped, Kids Can't Read, Elon Musk vs. OpenAI & Hollywood Is Restructuring | Rich Takes 14.05.2026 28min

  This week on Rich Takes — the hot takes segment of the Rich Lessons podcast — Sheena Allen and Sevetri Wilson Taylor break down the biggest headlines impacting business and culture.The Supreme Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act has red states redrawing district maps at lightning speed. Louisiana just went 5-1. Tennessee's Black representation in Memphis is gone. But the real question is: will voter outrage actually translate to midterm turnout? We get into why boycotts aren't the answer — and what actually is.Then we shift to a crisis hiding in plain sight. New research from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth confirms what many parents already feared: America is in a reading recession. Students in grades 3–8 are nearly half a grade level behind pre-pandemic scores across 5,000+ school districts. We talk about COVID learning loss, Chromebooks replacing lockers, and why critical thinking may be a generation's biggest deficit.On the tech side, the Elon Musk vs. Sam Altman and OpenAI lawsuit is heating up — and we're calling it: a battle of evils. Musk's argument that OpenAI broke its nonprofit mission and its promise to keep AI open and for public benefit is actually hard to ignore. We break down what's really at stake.And finally — Kevin Hart. The roast. The conspiracy theories. Hart Studios restructuring. And why independent content creators and streamers are doing what Hollywood spent billions trying to do — and winning.Topics covered:Voting Rights Act rollback and gerrymandering in Louisiana and TennesseeMidterm elections and Black voter turnoutReading recession: kids falling behind in grades 3–8COVID learning loss and technology dependency in schoolsElon Musk vs. OpenAI and Sam Altman lawsuitAI, nonprofit mission, and Big Tech accountabilityKevin Hart roast and conspiracy theoriesHart Studios restructuring and the rise of independent streamersHollywood vs. content creators and the future of entertainmentRich Takes drops every Thursday. Subscribe to Rich Lessons on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for new episodes every Tuesday.