The #1 Podcast for Entrepreneurs, The Social Proof Podcast, gives entrepreneurs intentional &amp; proven strategies from high-level entrepreneurs daily. Hosted by David Shands &amp; Donni Wiggins, each upload is a masterclass in entrepreneurial growth. Advertising inquiries contact: advertising@getredcircle.com

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/30/13/11b56b36-7105-437c-adda-213c561e2f61_updated_audio_.mp3

Why do some of the most successful people risk everything when they already have millions? In this episode of the Social Proof Podcast, David Shands and Donni Wiggins have an eye opening conversation about the dark side of success, greed, money, power, and the importance of protecting your integrity as an entrepreneur. After discussing a $40 million real estate fraud scheme that resulted in a lengthy prison sentence, David and Donni open up about their own experiences investing in what turned out to be a Ponzi scheme involving someone they considered a friend. They discuss the painful reality of trusting the wrong people, losing hundreds of thousands of dollars, and watching successful individuals make decisions that destroy relationships, businesses, and lives. The conversation goes even deeper as they explore why some people change after gaining wealth and influence, how ambition can become dangerous, and why knowing who you are before becoming successful is one of the most important lessons in entrepreneurship. In this episode, you&#39;ll learn: 🔥 Why successful entrepreneurs sometimes make terrible financial decisions 💰 How greed can destroy wealth, relationships, and reputations 🚨 The warning signs of questionable investment opportunities 💡 Why integrity is more valuable than making another million dollars 🎯 How to recognize when ambition is becoming destructive 👑 Why true success requires character, discipline, and accountability The biggest lesson? Making millions means nothing if you lose yourself in the process. Whether you&#39;re building your first business, investing your money, or working toward financial freedom, this conversation is a reminder that success isn&#39;t just about how much money you make. It&#39;s about who you become along the way. Join the Social Proof Circle:https://www.socialproofcircle.com Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast for real conversations about entrepreneurship, wealth building, business growth, and the lessons that help you become a better leader. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

How Greed Destroys Even the Most Successful Entrepreneurs

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/26/16/a0df666d-6ebc-47c7-afa7-49010fb452c5_yandy_final.mp3

Yandy Smith and Ebony Austin join David Shands on the Social Proof Podcast for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, building successful businesses, strategic partnerships, and the real cost of success. From reality television to building multimillion dollar businesses, Yandy Smith shares how she turned her platform into opportunities while learning how to balance business, family, and personal growth. Ebony Austin, founder of Nouveau Bar &amp; Grill, breaks down what it really takes to build and operate successful restaurants. Together, they reveal the behind the scenes reality of building their $2.3 million restaurant in Miami, managing major expenses, creating unforgettable customer experiences, and building a partnership where each person brings different strengths to the table. They also discuss why having multiple businesses can be an advantage, the importance of systems and leadership, knowing when to walk away from opportunities, and why success is about more than just making money. In this episode, you&#39;ll learn: 🔥 How Yandy Smith used reality TV to build her business empire 🔥 The real numbers behind their $2.3 million Miami restaurant 🔥 How their restaurant can generate $47,000 in a single night 🔥 Why successful business partnerships require complementary strengths 🔥 The importance of systems, customer service, and hiring the right people 🔥 How faith, relationships, and personal growth influence their business decisions 🔥 Why building wealth should also create opportunities for your community Whether you&#39;re an aspiring entrepreneur, restaurant owner, or someone looking to build multiple streams of income, this conversation is packed with real business lessons, powerful stories, and insight from two women who are building something bigger than themselves. Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast for more conversations about entrepreneurship, wealth building, business ownership, and personal development. #SocialProofPodcast #DavidShands #YandySmith #EbonyAustin #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #RestaurantBusiness #WealthBuilding Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Yandy Smith & Ebony Austin Reveal the REAL Cost of Their $2.3M Restaurant!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/21/16/6085db63-6d02-4e7a-b9ba-1d3a953b8103_october_23rd_1.mp3

Success comes with a price, but it&#39;s not always about money.On this episode of Finance Fridays, David Shands sits down with Charles Noonan and Joy Hunt to discuss the hidden taxes of becoming successful that nobody prepares you for.From being charged more simply because people know you have money to dealing with friends and family who expect financial favors, success can create challenges you never saw coming.But the cost goes even deeper. What happens when everyone expects you to win? When your success starts affecting your privacy, relationships, identity, and peace of mind?In this conversation, we break down the rich tax, loyalty tax, expectation tax, privacy tax, comparison tax, and identity tax. We also explore the sacrifices behind building wealth and why the people who see your success rarely understand what it took to get there.Whether you&#39;re building your first business, growing your income, or already experiencing success, this episode will change the way you think about what it really costs to win.Connect with Charles Noonan:<a href="https://myfirstpropertychallenge.com/challenge-2946" rel="nofollow">https://myfirstpropertychallenge.com/challenge-2946</a>Connect with Joy Hunt:<a href="https://www.seeyouathebank.com/sales-page-paid1705957367759" rel="nofollow">https://www.seeyouathebank.com/sales-page-paid1705957367759</a>Join the conversation: What&#39;s one hidden cost of success you&#39;ve experienced or witnessed? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more conversations about money, entrepreneurship, wealth building, and financial freedom every Finance Friday.#FinanceFridays #DavidShands #Entrepreneurship #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #Success #MoneyMindset Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Hidden Taxes You Pay When You Become Successful

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/21/16/c9850819-4dbc-40cd-b3b2-ba63920e90bc_october_22nd_.mp3

Is marriage still about love, or has it become one of the biggest financial decisions you&#39;ll ever make?In this episode of David &amp; Donni, David Shands and Donni Wiggins have an honest conversation about marriage, money, entrepreneurship, and the risks of building wealth with your spouse.Dave shares why he believes entrepreneurs should think twice before starting a business with their spouse, while Donni challenges the idea that love and business can&#39;t successfully coexist.They also discuss prenups, protecting your assets, the financial consequences of divorce, biblical principles of marriage, and why relationships look so different today.Would you give your spouse half of everything you&#39;ve built? Should entrepreneurs always get a prenup? And can you build a successful business together without putting your marriage at risk?This conversation explores the balance between love, commitment, financial security, and building a lasting legacy.Join the Social Proof Circle:<a href="https://www.socialproofcircle.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.socialproofcircle.com</a>Subscribe for more conversations about entrepreneurship, wealth building, relationships, and personal growth.Drop your thoughts in the comments: Would you start a business with your spouse, or would you rather keep business and marriage separate?#DaveAndDonni #DavidShands #DonniWiggins #Entrepreneurship #MarriageAndMoney #WealthBuilding #BusinessRelationships Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Marriage Conversation Every Entrepreneur Needs to Hear

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/16/15/813106e5-e5a8-400c-b12e-4c72c44cd406_october_16th_1.mp3

What does the American Dream really look like in 2026? Is it owning a home, having a successful career, making millions, or building enough wealth to never worry about money again? In this episode of Finance Fridays, David Shands sits down with Charles and Joi to discuss how the American Dream has changed and what it actually takes to achieve financial freedom. From building passive income through real estate to creating multiple streams of income, protecting your wealth, and defining success on your own terms, this conversation challenges the traditional idea of what it means to make it in America. They also explore how social media has changed our perception of success, why financial independence matters in relationships, and why having money doesn&#39;t always mean having fulfillment. In this episode, you&#39;ll learn: 💰 Why the American Dream looks different today 🏡 How real estate and passive income can create financial freedom 📈 Why multiple streams of income are essential for building wealth 💵 How much money you actually need to live your dream lifestyle 🔥 The difference between being rich and being financially free 🎯 Why chasing purpose instead of money can change your life The goal isn&#39;t just to make more money. It&#39;s to build a life where your money works for you and you have the freedom to live on your own terms. Connect with Charles: https://myfirstpropertychallenge.com Connect with Joi: https://www.seeyouathebank.com 💬 Join the conversation: What does your version of the American Dream look like? How much money would it take for you to feel financially free? Let us know in the comments! Subscribe to Social Proof for more conversations about entrepreneurship, wealth building, financial education, and creating the life you deserve. #FinanceFridays #DavidShands #FinancialFreedom #AmericanDream #WealthBuilding #PassiveIncome #Entrepreneurship #RealEstateInvesting Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The American Dream Has Changed… Here's What Wealth Really Looks Like

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/15/15/22bfbbc8-6647-4f3d-bb17-ee9529dceb29_october_15th.mp3

Join our Private Community https://www.patreon.com/cw/SelectionProcess?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan Everybody wants to grow their brand, build an audience, and go viral. But are you really prepared for the attention that comes with success? In this episode of David &amp; Donni, David Shands and Donni Wiggins have an honest conversation about the realities of building a personal brand, handling public criticism, and protecting your reputation as an entrepreneur. As your visibility grows, so do the opinions, expectations, and judgments of others. But does every opinion deserve your attention? And how do you stay authentic when the internet doesn&#39;t agree with you? David and Donni share real experiences from their podcasts, including viral moments, unexpected backlash, and lessons they&#39;ve learned about navigating the public eye. They discuss why entrepreneurs must develop thick skin, how to separate constructive criticism from negativity, and why trying to please everyone can actually hold you back. The biggest lesson? You can&#39;t control how people perceive you, but you can control how you show up, what you stand for, and how you respond. Whether you&#39;re building a business, growing your social media presence, or establishing yourself as a thought leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about visibility, criticism, and success. Join the Social Proof community: https://www.socialproofcircle.com If this conversation resonates with you, LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real conversations about entrepreneurship, personal development, and building a successful brand. Question of the day: Do you think entrepreneurs should respond to online criticism or simply let their success speak for itself? #DavidAndDonni #Entrepreneurship #PersonalBranding #BusinessGrowth #SocialProofPodcast #EntrepreneurMindset Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Hidden Cost of Going Viral as an Entrepreneur

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/9/17/8990d379-8632-4240-afe2-47471ede825e_ernestine_.mp3

What happens when you invest over $500,000 into a movie, only to discover that the industry has completely changed?On this episode of the Social Proof Podcast, David Shands sits down with Ernestine Johnson Morrison and filmmaker Cas Sigers-Beedles for an eye-opening conversation about the business behind Hollywood, movie investments, and the challenges of getting films onto major streaming platforms.After successfully producing and licensing their first film, Scheme Queens, the team decided to go bigger with the sequel, Scheme Queens: Caribbean Heist. But what seemed like another guaranteed success quickly became one of their biggest business challenges.From changing streaming deals and Hollywood mergers to unexpected financial setbacks and the pressure of paying back investors, Ernestine and Cas share what really happens behind the scenes when you&#39;re building a business in the entertainment industry.In this episode, we discuss:• How they raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to produce their films• The real business behind licensing movies to streaming platforms• Why their first movie sold quickly but the sequel struggled to find a buyer• How Hollywood mergers and changing industry demands impact independent filmmakers• The unexpected six-figure setback they faced while filming in the Caribbean• How filmmakers actually make money from Amazon Prime, Tubi, and other streaming services• The responsibility of managing investors when a business doesn&#39;t go according to planWhether you&#39;re an entrepreneur, filmmaker, content creator, or investor, this conversation is a powerful reminder that past success doesn&#39;t guarantee future results and that understanding your industry is just as important as having a great product.Watch Scheme Queens: Caribbean Heist on Amazon Prime Video.Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast for more real conversations about entrepreneurship, business, wealth building, and the lessons learned along the journey.#SocialProofPodcast #DavidShands #ErnestineJohnsonMorrison #SchemeQueens #Entrepreneurship #FilmIndustry #BusinessLessons #IndependentFilm Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Truth About Making Money From Movies Nobody Talks About

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/9/14/da7a2dbd-1236-4629-a004-6440567730e3_ocotber_9th.mp3

What really separates the rich from the poor? It’s not always how much money you make. Sometimes, it’s how you think about money. On this episode of Finance Fridays, David Shands sits down with Joi Hunt and Charles J. Noonan to break down the differences between rich and poor mindsets. They discuss how wealthy people approach spending, investing, friendships, dating, health, education, opportunities, and building wealth for future generations. From spending your last dollar to looking for guarantees instead of opportunities, this conversation challenges you to identify the habits and thought patterns that could be keeping you financially stuck. If you want a different financial future, changing how you think about money may be the first step. Connect with Charles J. Noonan:https://myfirstpropertychallenge.com Connect with Joi Hunt:https://www.seeyouathebank.com Subscribe for more Finance Fridays conversations about money, wealth, investing, business, and financial freedom. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Rich People Think Differently About Money… Here’s How | Finance Fridays

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/8/13/fda9acc6-a194-4119-a1be-63c5e5902e31_october_8th.mp3

Making more money doesn’t always mean it’s time to upgrade your lifestyle.In this episode, David and Donni get real about some of the expensive decisions they made after becoming successful, from luxury cars and Rolexes to bigger homes and the pressure to look like you’ve made it.They break down the hidden cost of lifestyle upgrades, spending based on emotion, knowing when your business can actually support your lifestyle, and why one good season doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to start living bigger.Sometimes the smartest financial decision isn’t making more money. It’s knowing when to keep what you already have.If you’re an entrepreneur trying to build wealth without letting lifestyle creep eat up your progress, this conversation is for you.Subscribe for more conversations about entrepreneurship, money, business, and building a life that actually lasts. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Lifestyle Upgrade That Keeps Entrepreneurs Broke

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/5/15/fb87d182-c138-4437-9834-17422d4b955f_jhb.mp3

John Hope Bryant joins David Shands for a powerful conversation about wealth, self esteem, confidence, and the pressure to impress people.John breaks down why making money and building wealth are two completely different things, how insecurity can influence financial decisions, and why some of the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop looking for validation from everyone else.David also gets personal about people pleasing, caring about what others think, and the internal work that comes with becoming truly confident in who you are.This conversation goes far beyond money. It’s about healing, identity, purpose, wisdom, and becoming comfortable in your own skin.Subscribe to Social Proof Podcast for more conversations on entrepreneurship, wealth, business, and personal growth. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Success Won’t Fix Your Insecurity - John Hope Bryant

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/2/21/91b43485-ba68-4e02-aeb8-e50d91b8568a_october_2nd_.mp3

What’s the difference between being rich and actually being wealthy?On this episode of Finance Fridays, David sits down with Joi and Charles to break down the money mistakes that can quietly keep you from building real wealth.They talk about overspending, credit cards, lifestyle inflation, saving versus investing, financial compatibility in relationships, and why earning more money doesn’t automatically mean you’re building wealth.They also debate when debt can actually be useful for an entrepreneur and why understanding where your money is going is just as important as increasing your income.The goal isn’t just to make more money. It’s to learn how to keep it, grow it, and make smarter decisions with it. Connect with Charles:https://myfirstpropertychallenge.com/challenge-2946https://www.instagram.com/charlesjnoonan/ Connect with Joi:www.seeyouathebank.comhttps://www.instagram.com/joihunt_esq/ Subscribe for more Finance Fridays conversations about money, investing, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and building wealth.#FinanceFridays #FinancialLiteracy #WealthBuilding #Money #Investing Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The  7 Money Habits That Quietly Keep You Poor | Finance Fridays

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/30/16/7bca4fb3-e084-4ea9-b83c-5c7895cfffb3_october_1st.mp3

In this episode, David Shands and Donni Wiggins break down the decisions, habits, and mindset shifts that helped them grow as entrepreneurs. They share moments when they realized they were thinking too small, why staying busy doesn’t always mean you’re moving forward, and how focusing on the right activities can completely change the trajectory of your business.They also discuss creating content that actually drives revenue, knowing when to raise your prices, building an offer people truly want, hiring the right people, leveraging your network, and learning how to make your money work strategically.If you’re working hard but still wondering why your business isn’t growing consistently, this conversation will help you take a closer look at what you’re doing, what you should stop doing, and where your attention needs to go next.Subscribe to Social Proof Podcast for more conversations about entrepreneurship, business growth, money, and building something that lasts.Join the Social Proof community:TheSocialProofCircle.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

You’re Not Growing Because You’re Thinking Too Small

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/30/13/a0a41958-e489-4830-83a2-476d8eee6e2e__hot_seat_audio.mp3

What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn’t your talent, your pricing, or your customers, but the way you see yourself? In this Hot Seat conversation, David Shands sits down with interior designer Brandy Lee for a powerful conversation about business, confidence, pricing, and understanding the true value of what you provide. Brandy has built a growing interior design business while balancing a full time career, but David quickly identifies a mindset that could be keeping her from reaching the next level. From protecting her customers’ budgets and giving discounts to viewing her own service as a luxury instead of a necessity, they unpack how your beliefs can directly affect how you sell, price, and show up in business. The conversation eventually goes much deeper than business. Brandy opens up about divorce, betrayal, rebuilding her life, discovering interior design, and the experiences that shaped how she sees herself today. Sometimes the next level doesn’t require more talent. It requires finally recognizing the value that was already there. Subscribe for more conversations about entrepreneurship, business, personal development, and building the life you actually want. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

You’re Not Underpaid… You’re Undervaluing Yourself

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/25/13/03f141b0-070b-420e-8c23-13e86b38316e_sept_25th.mp3

Connect with Deija here:https://deijatheceo.com Connect with Dion here:https://dtduniversity.com When is it actually time to quit your job and bet on yourself?In this episode of Finance Fridays, we break down the financial reality of transitioning from a 9 to 5 into full time entrepreneurship. It’s not just about having faith in your business. You need a plan, a number, and the discipline to prove that your income can support the move.We talk about finding your “quit number,” preparing for months when the money may not come in, turning your skills into income, finding the right mentor, creating recurring revenue, and treating your business with the same discipline you gave your job.We also get into the fear that keeps people stuck. Fear of failing. Fear of losing security. Fear of what other people will think if it doesn’t work.If you know you’re capable of more but you’re trying to figure out how to make the transition without putting yourself in a financial hole, this conversation is for you.Subscribe for more conversations about money, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, and building wealth. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Financial Blueprint to Escape Your 9–5 | Finance Fridays

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/24/14/f60821d7-3dc8-4e12-951e-6ccfc4897d55_weston_audio.mp3

What does it really take to go from making $500K to building a $5.5 million business?In this episode of the Social Proof Podcast, David Shands sits down with Weston to break down the journey behind building a multimillion dollar tax software business that has processed over 50,000 tax returns.Weston shares how years of consistency, failed webinars, discipline, and staying focused on one industry eventually created massive growth. They also talk about building a business using existing software, creating additional value through training and support, marriage and family, staying committed when nobody is watching, and why becoming successful starts with becoming the right person first.This conversation is a reminder that what looks like overnight success usually has years of work behind it.If you&#39;re building a business, trying to reach your next level, or wondering whether the work you&#39;re putting in today will eventually pay off, this episode is for you.Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs who are building real businesses and creating real results. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

He Made $5.5 Million With a Business Most People Overlook | Weston Hill

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/21/13/f28c18bd-1b56-4d30-a6a4-e3271cacba46_imani_.mp3

Social Proof family, we’ve got special access for you to CultureCon 2026!$75 Off GA Weekend PassesUse promo code SOCIALPROOF to receive $75 off your GA Weekend Pass.Limited Complimentary VIP Weekend PassesA limited number of complimentary VIP Weekend Passes are also available while supplies last. Use promo code SOCIALPROOF26 at checkout.Please note: Complimentary VIP passes are extremely limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all available passes have been claimed, the code will no longer be valid.How to Redeem:    1    Visit the CultureCon website and select Buy Tickets.    2    Choose the appropriate ticket tier:    ◦    GA Weekend for the $75 discount    ◦    VIP Weekend for a complimentary VIP pass, while available    3    Complete the registration questions and select Continue.    4    Enter the appropriate promo code:    ◦    SOCIALPROOF — $75 off GA Weekend Passes    ◦    SOCIALPROOF26 — Complimentary VIP Weekend Pass, while supplies last    5    Review your order and select RSVP.    6    You’ll receive a confirmation by text and email with your ticket QR code.For easy ticket access during the event, we recommend downloading the Posh app in advance. What does it really take to turn an idea in your living room into a movement that brings thousands of people together?In this episode of the Social Proof Podcast, David Shands sits down with Imani Ellis, founder and CEO of CultureCon, to unpack how she built one of the most influential spaces for Black creatives.Imani shares how CultureCon grew from just 10 people in a living room into a massive experience attracting thousands of attendees, major brands, and some of the biggest names in entertainment.They break down the real business behind large scale events, building relationships with sponsors, attracting major talent, transitioning from a successful career at NBC into entrepreneurship, and why she chose to grow CultureCon without outside investors.Imani also opens up about burnout, learning to delegate, protecting her time as a CEO, taking calculated risks, and realizing that money isn&#39;t the only currency you spend while building a business.If you&#39;re building a brand, community, event, or business while still working your 9 to 5, this conversation is packed with lessons you can apply to your own journey.Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and business leaders building something bigger than themselves. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

She Built CultureCon While Working a 9 to 5 | Imani Ellis x Social Proof Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/18/16/06940c91-379d-44e2-8274-0e792d81de2d_sept_18th.mp3

Connect with Deija here:https://deijatheceo.com Connect with Dion here:https://dtduniversity.com Who should really pay the bills in a relationship?In this episode of Finance on Fridays, the conversation gets real about money, relationships, marriage, and what happens when the woman is the breadwinner.Should a man contribute to a $5,000 mortgage if his name isn&#39;t on the house? Should couples combine their money before marriage? What happens when one person earns significantly more than the other? And does being the breadwinner change the roles inside a relationship?The conversation also dives into joint accounts, 50/50 relationships, prenups, financial independence, ambition, and why money expectations need to be discussed before marriage.Everybody&#39;s relationship looks different, but avoiding the money conversation can create much bigger problems later.Who do you think should pay the mortgage? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe for more conversations about money, business, relationships, and building wealth. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

She Makes More Than Her Man… Should He Still Pay the Bills? | Finance Fridays

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/17/16/8a21a30d-89e5-42e0-8d00-03dbcb67124c_sept_17th_audio.mp3

What happens when you finally get the money, success, and opportunities you’ve been chasing… and realize they don’t automatically make you happier?In this episode, David Shands and Donni Wiggins have an honest conversation about success, fulfillment, family, relationships, and learning when enough is enough. From Tyler Perry pulling back to spend more time with his son to the reality of building a successful life while still searching for happiness, this conversation challenges what we’re really working so hard for.They also discuss the pressure that comes with making more money, prioritizing yourself without abandoning the people you love, finding joy outside of business, and why reaching the goal can sometimes feel different than you imagined.If you’re an entrepreneur chasing the next level, this episode is a reminder to make sure you’re building a life you actually want to live.Join the Social Proof Circle at TheSocialProofCircle.comSubscribe to Social Proof Podcast for more conversations about business, money, entrepreneurship, relationships, and personal growth. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Making More Money Won’t Make You Happier | Social Proof Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/14/13/bb14f56e-d0bf-4870-a1a0-971599993ea6_dawn_episode_1.mp3

Dawn Dickson is back on the Social Proof Podcast to break down what really happens when ambition, money, investors, and entrepreneurship collide.In this conversation, Dawn shares how she raised millions of dollars for PopCom, what happened when a major funding round fell apart, and how she was forced to make some of the hardest decisions of her career. She also opens up about investor relationships, burning through capital, losing money, getting scammed, moving to Africa, and rebuilding with a completely different mindset.This episode is a real conversation about the side of entrepreneurship people usually leave out. Raising money does not guarantee success, growth can become dangerous, and sometimes the biggest lessons come after everything falls apart.If you are building a business, raising capital, investing, or trying to figure out how to recover from a major setback, this episode is for you.Subscribe to Social Proof Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs who are building, learning, failing, winning, and sharing the real journey. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Her Investor Promised $2.5 Million… Then This Happened | Dawn Dickson x Social Proof Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/10/19/faca4dc9-3915-4555-89ff-ea3f686d2b6c_sept_11.mp3

Connect with Deija here:https://deijatheceo.com Connect with Dion here:https://dtduniversity.comMaking money is one thing. Keeping it is a completely different skill.In this episode of Finance on Fridays, David Shands and the crew get transparent about the financial mistakes that can happen once your income starts increasing. From buying six Rolexes to lifestyle pressure, overspending, investing, saving, and learning how to manage money at a higher level, this conversation breaks down what it really takes to keep what you earn.They share practical principles for building wealth, including creating a fun fund, finding the right financial advisors, avoiding lifestyle inflation, saving up to two years of expenses, investing your money, building a financial team, and staying focused on the business that created your success in the first place.If you&#39;re making more money than you&#39;ve ever made before or preparing for the day when you will, this is a conversation you need to hear.The goal isn&#39;t just to make money. It&#39;s to keep it, grow it, and make smarter decisions with it.Subscribe for more Finance on Fridays and comment below with the money principle that stood out to you the most. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

How to Keep Your Money Once You Start Making It | Finance Fridays

Avoid Costly Mistakes And Learn How To Do It From Experts Who’ve Done It

The Social Proof Podcast is hosted by David Shands Entrepreneur and Founder of Sleep is 4 Suckers. David has been an authority in the entrepreneurship arena helping individuals make the transition from their job to their dream for years, since he's done it himself in 2012. David has a very unique ability to see the holes in your business and show you step -by - step how to patch them with easy to apply strategies. The objective of this coaching program is to help you build, market, and monetize your ideas, not by motivation, but with a money map!