In a world where conversations about wealth, financial freedom, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment have become increasingly important, Must Be the Money is emerging as one of the most compelling platforms helping audiences better understand the realities of building and sustaining wealth.
Available at https://mustbethemoney.org/, Must Be the Money is an innovative on-camera video series and podcast hosted by acclaimed journalist Lee Hawkins. The platform explores pathways to economic empowerment through authentic conversations with athletes, entrepreneurs, investors, creators, and business leaders who have successfully navigated the complexities of business, finance, and wealth creation.
Commissioned by Marketplace APM with support from the BBC, the series goes beyond traditional financial education by offering candid, real-world discussions about topics that are often overlooked or misunderstood. From debt and credit management to investing, real estate, taxes, entrepreneurship, branding, and long-term wealth strategies, Must Be the Money provides practical insights that viewers can immediately apply to their own lives.
Unlike many financial programs that focus exclusively on theory, Must Be the Money centers on lived experience. Guests openly discuss the challenges, setbacks, and lessons that shaped their journeys, creating a transparent and relatable learning environment for listeners seeking financial growth and independence.
The series features a dynamic lineup of influential voices, including NBA Champion Matt Barnes, media personality Angela Yee, Jabari Magnus of BlackRock, Austin Clements of Slauson & Co., and other innovators who share valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, investing, branding, and building sustainable businesses.
Each conversation reveals that financial success is rarely the result of luck. Instead, it is often built through education, strategic decision-making, perseverance, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt.
One of the newest and most impactful episodes features Crystal McCrary, who delivers a powerful discussion on the realities of navigating capital, real estate investments, entrepreneurship, and the entertainment industry as a Black woman. Her conversation highlights the importance of ownership, strategic thinking, and understanding how financial systems operate.
McCrary provides a masterclass on resilience and wealth-building strategies, demonstrating how individuals can position themselves for long-term success while overcoming structural barriers and industry challenges.
Another highly anticipated episode spotlights Angie Nwandu, founder of The Shade Room, one of the most influential digital media companies in the world. Her discussion explores the creation of a social media-driven business empire and offers valuable lessons on innovation, audience development, entrepreneurship, and recognizing opportunities before they become mainstream.
These conversations exemplify the core mission of Must Be the Money: helping people understand that financial literacy is not simply about earning money—it is about creating opportunity, building assets, preserving wealth, and establishing a foundation for future generations.
Lee Hawkins brings decades of journalism experience to each interview. Known for his thoughtful reporting on economics, race, culture, leadership, and business, Hawkins creates a space where guests move beyond headlines and surface-level success stories to discuss the financial realities behind their achievements.
For entrepreneurs, students, creators, professionals, and aspiring business owners, Must Be the Money serves as both an educational resource and a source of inspiration. The platform recognizes that economic empowerment begins with access to information and seeks to bridge financial knowledge gaps through meaningful and culturally relevant conversations.
As economic conditions continue to evolve, the need for accessible financial education has never been greater. Must Be the Money responds to that need by presenting complex topics in ways that are engaging, understandable, and actionable for a new generation of wealth builders.
Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, investing, branding, real estate, business ownership, or improving your overall financial literacy, Must Be the Money offers a valuable roadmap for navigating today’s economic landscape.
6 Key Takeaways
- Must Be the Money explores financial literacy, entrepreneurship, investing, and wealth creation.
- Hosted by award-winning journalist Lee Hawkins.
- Features influential leaders from sports, business, media, finance, and entrepreneurship.
- Provides practical lessons on credit, debt, taxes, investing, branding, and business ownership.
- Highlights culturally relevant conversations designed to empower future wealth builders.
- Offers weekly content focused on opportunity, financial freedom, and economic empowerment.
Watch These Featured Episodes on YouTube
Betting on Yourself with Crystal McCrary | Must Be The Money
Crystal McCrary shares powerful insights on capital access, real estate, entrepreneurship, and navigating the entertainment industry while building long-term wealth.
Watch Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ3upX9byww
Building a Social Business with Angie Nwandu of The Shade Room | Must Be The Money
Angie Nwandu discusses entrepreneurship, digital media innovation, audience growth, and building one of the most influential media brands in the culture.
Watch Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yd8U8HSUHU
Learn More and Subscribe
Official Website:
https://mustbethemoney.org/
Subscribe to Must Be the Money for weekly conversations about money, opportunity, entrepreneurship, wealth building, and financial freedom designed for a generation ready to think differently about income, ownership, and economic power.
Report By Lela Christine
