In this episode of Money and Wealth, John Hope Bryant breaks down why your credit score might matter more than you ever thought—and how raising it could literally change your life, your community, and even how long you live.

From his parents’ real-life story of hustle vs. paperwork to the eye-opening data behind 500- and 700-score neighborhoods, John shows how credit = credibility and how building trust with banks can unlock real wealth, not just fast money. He unpacks how half of Black America is locked out of the financial system, why that has to change, and what practical steps anyone—Black, white, Latino, Asian, rich or broke—can take today to get to a 700-plus score and start building wealth in their sleep.

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In this deeply personal episode, John opens up about the two most influential money legacies in his life: his father, a relentless hustling businessman, and his mother, a disciplined hourly worker who quietly built lasting wealth.

Through their contrasting approaches—one fueled by entrepreneurship and hustle, the other by financial literacy, credit, and steady investing—John explores powerful lessons about success, failure, and the true keys to generational wealth.

From stories of family businesses, lost fortunes, and hard-won financial wisdom, John challenges listeners to rethink what it really takes to build stability and prosperity. Hustle may open the door, but strategy, stewardship, and smart money habits are what keep you in the room.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s better to grind as an entrepreneur or build steadily as an employee, this episode will change the way you look at money, wealth, and legacy.

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In this episode, John sits down with Tim Crockett — Chief Risk and Security Officer at Operation HOPE and former British Special Forces operator. From rowing 2,400 miles across the Pacific with his son, to recovering Osama bin Laden’s video library in Afghanistan, Tim’s life is a masterclass in resilience, risk management, and quiet strength. Together, they explore how protecting what you build — whether wealth, reputation, or family — is just as important as creating it. Discover the deep connections between security, mental health, financial stability, and the discipline required to not only survive, but thrive.

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In this special episode of Money and Wealth, John Hope Bryant sits down with legendary financier and philanthropist Michael Milken to explore the future of the American Dream. Together, they discuss the power of access to capital, the role of entrepreneurship in creating opportunity, and the importance of education, healthcare, and financial literacy as pillars of upward mobility. From Milken’s groundbreaking work in high-yield finance to his global impact on medical research and his new Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, this conversation is both inspiring and practical. Tune in for insights on inclusive capitalism, economic mobility, and how we can renew hope and opportunity for generations to come.

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In this episode, John takes listeners back to the basics—how to actually start a business. Too often, even highly educated and successful people confuse self-employment with building a scalable enterprise. John breaks down the difference between a hustle and a business you can grow, monetize, and eventually sell. He outlines the step-by-step process of turning an idea into a real business, from mindset and research to structure, branding, and scaling. Whether you’re considering a side hustle, dreaming of launching a startup, or ready to grow beyond self-employment, this episode delivers a masterclass in entrepreneurship and wealth-building.

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In this episode, John breaks down how the same skills that fuel the hustle can be transformed into legitimate businesses and lasting wealth. From the street corner to the corner office, he shares personal stories, real-world examples, and practical steps to shift from survival mode into strategy, ownership, and legacy. Whether you’ve hustled to make ends meet, juggled multiple jobs, or simply wanted to turn your grind into growth, this episode offers a blueprint to flip street smarts into generational wealth.

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