Episodes

  • DEI initiatives under fire at major companies and how communities can push back

    DEI initiatives under fire at major companies and how communities can push back
    Feb 19 2025
    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, better known as DEI, initiatives have been coming under increased scrutiny since President Trump took office. Several companies have ended or reduced their DEI push. Most recently, JPMorgan (JPM) dropped most of its references to DEI from its annual report. On the latest episode of Living Not So Fabulously hosts David & John Auten-Schneider spoke with Fuerza Strategy Group managing director Jason DeAlessi, who is actively involved in LGBTQ+ businesses and local politics, about the growing threats that put the LGBTQ+ community's progress at risk. One of the issues he is tackling is "rainbow capitalism." "Rainbow capitalism is the performative box check that a lot of companies have been doing,” he says, criticizing companies that use Pride Month as an opportunity for virtue-signaling without making long-term contributions. "They parade that float down the streets during Pride month and then they disappear. They don't support or sponsor an employee resource group. They don't support any real meaningful contributions.” After penning a 2021 article about the trend of Rainbow Capitalism within Pride Month, DeAlessi's worries are greater than ever about the shifting landscape of support, or lack thereof. “The fact that [anti-LGBTQ+] rhetoric has become more normalized is a huge concern,” he stresses, emphasizing the need for voters to be mindful of local and national elections, as these decisions impact corporate behavior and policy. DeAlessi also highlights the growing challenges for queer-owned small businesses, especially with the pullback in corporate support. "The reality is, these rollbacks will have a direct impact on queer-owned businesses, especially the smaller ones," he says. However, he urges listeners to take action by seeking out opportunities to support LGBTQ+ businesses year-round. “There are platforms like Everywhere Is Queer, where queer businesses can list themselves," he notes, encouraging people to use these resources to ensure that support extends beyond just Pride Month. “Sustained, year-round engagement is crucial for the community's survival and growth,” he concludes. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at yfpodcasts@yahooinc.com. 00:00-Jason DeAlessi joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:40-Defining "Rainbow Capitalism" 04:20-The shifting DEI landscape for government and corporations 07:00-How to support the community 09:30-Pride Month 2.0 11:40-How anti-DEI impacts small businesses 18:00-Long-term personal wealth growth Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Jason DeAlessi is an entrepreneur who works in startups across the media, entertainment, real estate, and hospitality industries. His primary focus is currently with Fuerza Strategy Group, where he serves as Managing Director of the boutique digital and creative consulting firm on its projects with clients across the United States in the political and social justice arenas. Prior to starting his own firm, he worked at NBC News and for a national public affairs firm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Angels give you wings: this investor's insights on picking startups that soar

    Angels give you wings: this investor's insights on picking startups that soar
    Feb 12 2025
    Angel investing is somewhat of a mystery to many. Where does their money come from? How do they spot a good startup? How does the market and politics impact their investments? However, small business owners and entrepreneurs know that an angel investor’s insights might hold the key to their big break. On this week’s episode of Living Not So Fabulously, hosts David & John Auten-Schneider speak with ASTRSK PR Founder & CEO and angel investor Elliot Tomaeno. Tomaeno’s funding and PR efforts focus on startups in the tech industry, working with brands like Groupon, STASH, Prime Video, Primary Venture Partners, Titan, THINX, Misfits Market, Lemonade, and Squarespace—just to name a few. Though there’s no easy road to success, as an entrepreneur and funder himself, Tomaeno pulls back the curtain on the ins and outs of the investing community. His best insight for startup founders in this fickle investor world? Take some risks in being vocal about topics that are true to the core of one’s business. “That kind of authenticity at the early stage and the ability to maybe not be afraid to make some enemies, I think, is something that really stands out as something that makes people successful or makes companies successful." Tomaeno explains that he wants to work with people and clients that he loves, “working with companies that not only are good to us and our staff, but also don't make the world a worse place, at the very least.” Furthermore, Tomaeno tries to lift up underrepresented startups, including “BIPOC startups, female founders, LGBTQ+ founded startups, and AAPI founded startups.” Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at yfpodcasts@yahooinc.com. 00:00-Elliot Tomaeno joins Living Not So Fabulously 03:10-Biggest takeaway from angel investing 06:20-Be ready for (many) losses as an angel 11:28-Headwinds for the startup community in 2025 13:00-How can LGBTQ+ startups succeed today? 18:27-Learning from an investing and small-biz pros mistakes Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Elliot Tomaeno is the Founder & CEO of ASTRSK PR. Prior to founding ASTRSK in 2012, Elliot was the Head of Consumer Technology at the Morris + King agency in NYC. Throughout his 18 years in PR, Elliot has held leadership roles at Enloop, Ballou PR and Wyndstrom and has worked in cities on both sides of the pond including San Francisco, Paris, London and NYC. He has been featured on Business Insider’s Top 50 PR professionals' list for 7 years running as well as Adweek’s 30 Under 30 in 2015. In addition, ASTRSK was named on The PRNet 100 the last 2 years in a row. Through ASTRSK, Elliot has helped launch and support more than 1000+ startups and innovation brands like Groupon, STASH, Prime Video, Primary Venture Partners, Titan, THINX, Misfits Market, Lemonade, and Squarespace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • How this GLAAD leader used his HIV diagnosis & the power of storytelling to grow his personal brand

    How this GLAAD leader used his HIV diagnosis & the power of storytelling to grow his personal brand
    Feb 5 2025
    With President Trump eliminating almost anything remotely DEI-related in the federal government, as well as erasing all HIV and LGBTQ+ medical care guidance from the CDC website, today’s guest on Living Not So Fabulously couldn’t be more timely. From climbing out of credit card debt by launching a small business to preparing his finances for coming out publicly as HIV positive and then turning his life’s journey into a thriving personal brand, GLAAD Senior Director of Communications Tony Morrison shares his poignant lessons on brand building and living authentically with hosts David & John Auten-Schneider. After coming out as HIV positive publicly with an article in 2021 while at ABC’s Good Morning America, Morrison discovered support and a craving for more of his experiences. “What was interesting for me is a lot of non-LGBTQ people reaching out to me, thanking me for my story. People wanted more story and experience, and I, in turn, wanted to hear the same from others.” As advice to folks building their own personal brand, Morrison says folks should hone in on their own personal stories. “I have this huge belief that your story is your currency—your experience is your currency,” he explains. “People will pay for your experience and for your story,” he says. “If you attach your story, your experience to your business and your model, I think you're unstoppable. Because your story is the one thing that no one can take from you.” Today, along with serving as GLAAD's Senior Communications Director since 2022, Morrison has built his own story into a personal brand as the host of +Life Media’s web series “Truth Be Told,” where he has weekly conversations featuring LGBTQ+ personalities and activists as they share their own truths with the world. Morrison’s journey as a media maker is more than just inspiration. They serve as guidance for someone else to take their own stigmatized journey and evolve it into a personal brand. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at yfpodcasts@yahooinc.com. 00:00-Tony Morrison joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:30-"A non literate gay in finance space" 07:40-Handling credit card debt by...going into small business? 11:10-Coming out as HIV positive publicly 15:30-Looking for different representation of HIV positive stories 16:30-Becoming unstoppable! Weave your personal story into your brand 18:45-GLAAD addressing LGBTQ DEI cut backs Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Tony Morrison (@THETonyMorrison, he/him) is 3x Emmy and GLAAD award-earning journalist serving as Senior Director of Communications for GLAAD, the world’s leading LGBTQ media advocacy organization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • Home ownership might be even more unattainable than small business owners thought

    Home ownership might be even more unattainable than small business owners thought
    Jan 29 2025
    When applying for a mortgage, small business owners often face extra challenges, as banks perceive their income as risky and volatile. Elizabeth Gore, President and Co-founder of Hello Alice, shares her experience of struggling to buy a home while starting her business. Despite the potential for wealth creation, small business owners—particularly those from marginalized groups (women, people of color, LGBTQ+, veterans, and those with disabilities)—often encounter barriers when seeking loans. Gore suggests solutions like using co-signers or demonstrating a history of on-time payments to improve chances. Her platform, Hello Alice, supports small business owners by providing resources to help them succeed both financially and professionally. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at yfpodcasts@yahooinc.com. 00:00-Elizabeth Gore joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:25-The money stories that shape us 06:28-Budgeting is one key to success 10:24-Buying a home as a small business owner 16:12-Unique lives of LGBTQ+ business owners 18:58-Small business under Trump 2.0 Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Elizabeth Gore is the President and Co-Founder of Hello Alice which helps small businesses start and grow by providing funding, education, and networking opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • Why equal opportunity policies are key to economic growth, with former Biden administration official

    Why equal opportunity policies are key to economic growth, with former Biden administration official
    Jan 22 2025
    What does it take to succeed as a small business owner in today's economy? According to former Biden administration official Jonathan Lovitz, it's not just about surviving but ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. As the director of public affairs & senior adviser at the US Economic Development Administration (within the US Department of Commerce), and the former senior vice president of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Lovitz knows a thing or two about it. Lovitz advocates for policies that lift all boats, especially those of marginalized entrepreneurs. In this episode of Living Not So Fabulously, Lovitz spoke with hosts David & John Auten-Schneider and explained how supporting diverse communities, particularly LGBTQ+ business owners, is key to building a stronger, more resilient economy for everyone. Lovitz underscores the importance of access to capital, opportunity, and growth for small businesses, regardless of background. He emphasizes that inclusive, "place-based" economic strategies empower entrepreneurs to succeed within their own communities. “When one of us rises, we all rise,” he says, highlighting the collective power of diverse business owners who contribute nearly $2 trillion to the U.S. economy each year. For Lovitz, it’s about opening doors and creating space for everyone to compete—not giving special treatment but ensuring equal opportunity for all. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at yfpodcasts@yahooinc.com. 00:00-Jonathan Lovitz joins Living Not So Fabulously 02:20-What should small businesses focus on in Trump 2.0 07:30-Challenges for LGBTQ+ business owners 14:15-Behind the scenes of the Biden administration 19:30-Bridging gaps using...football? Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Jonathan Lovitz is dedicated to helping governments, corporations, and nonprofits build strong economies and communities. In February 2023, President Biden appointed Jonathan the US Department of Commerce to join the senior leadership team of the US Economic Development Administration (EDA). He recently served as Senior Vice President & Special Advisor to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, continuing a career spanning the worlds of business, public policy, media, and community advocacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Just launch it: One entrepreneur's tips for starting a business

    Just launch it: One entrepreneur's tips for starting a business
    Jan 15 2025
    Not every big business dream will come to life—it’s a hard pill to swallow. In fact, both the Small Business Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics report that 20% of small businesses fail within the first two years. Even more staggering is that that 45% of small businesses fail in their first five years, and 65% in their first ten years. So what’s an entrepreneur to do? BKLYN LEAGUE Founder and NYU Adjunct Professor Phaon Spurlock is an entrepreneur who knows not everything about it is to love, nor is it the path for everyone. Spurlock joins Living Not So Fabulously hosts David & John Auten-Schneider to bring you those great tips (and warnings) for your business. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at yfpodcasts@yahooinc.com. 00:00-Phaon Spurlock joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:20-Three tips for entrepreneurs 04:30-Tricky entrepreneurship 07:53-How the pandemic impacted businesses 11:12-Algorithms: the bane of our existence 14:40-Building a self-sustaining business 18:00-Top warning for entrepreneurs Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. What hasn't Phaon Spurlock done? Entrepreneur. Marketer. Speaker. Writer. Philanthropist. Ex-Googler. MBA Graduate. Adjunct Professor. His passion focuses on marketing and entrepreneurship led me to start several successful businesses, including BKLYN LEAGUE apparel company, LuxuriousPROTOTYPE Online Magazine, and Prototype MKTG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Failing forward: Tips for finding small business success

    Failing forward: Tips for finding small business success
    Jan 8 2025
    As most entrepreneurs can attest, the journey to success is not linear. It's a path where failures sometimes teach greater lessons than wins, one where failing forward might just offer the key to prosperity. Motivo Scar Care founder and CEO Jadis Montijo learned first-hand how to be a better businessman from his mistakes in his first venture, The Kind Pen. Though he and his team saw much success at the company, overspending in his personal life and a failed acquisition experience taught Montijo the skills he needed to turn his dream project, Motivo Scar Care, a thriving business. "There's no industry crossover between what I did and what I'm doing now. But a lot of the failures that I had at my time during Kind Pen molded me and shaped me into who I am and made me more prepared for Motivo," he explained to Living Not So Fabulously hosts David & John Auten-Schneider. "A lot of startups fail. Even just trying to raise capital as an LGBTQ founder, less than 1% of VC dollars go to LGBTQ founders, right? Yet we create more successful businesses." Montijo's best advice for entrepreneurs facing the endless, uphill, and oftentimes not-fun battle—as Montijo explained frankly—of starting a small business: be yourself. "If I didn't take the time to step back and authentically go through my transition to become myself, Motivo wouldn't be a thing. Maybe it would be a thing that someone else created. But taking the time to be myself and learn myself—it really put me on my path." Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at yfpodcasts@yahooinc.com. 00:00-Jadis Montijo joins Living Not So Fabulously 03:08-Failed business acquisition led to some hard learned lessons 05:54-Don't mix personal and professional...finances 08:32-Making space for business growth 13:13-Motivo Scar Care elevator pitch 19:03-Small business tips to prepare Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Jadis Montijo is the founder & CEO of Motivo Scar Care, a company focused on "developing premium scar care products, to not only improve the appearance of scars, but to help rewrite the standards of healing." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Public vs private schools: Financial pros and cons for teachers

    Public vs private schools: Financial pros and cons for teachers
    Dec 18 2024
    Since most people know a teacher, it's no surprise that an episode of Living Not So Fabulously about teacher salaries will address the invariable underpayment of educators. "Teachers don't make very much money," education director and advocate Cam Lieberson told hosts David & John Auten-Schneider, frankly. Though 2024 has seen the largest year-over-year teacher pay increase in over a decade, when adjusted for inflation, teachers actually make 5% less than they did 10 years ago on average, according to the National Education Association. But after switching to public from private school teaching — because people recommended the better benefits and pay — Lieberson "felt that there was a major trade-off," in mental and physical health. "I was a theater teacher and so I would see multiple classes a day. I saw almost 800 students." Lieberson further explained that salaries in public schools will be dictated by unions, while in private schools, they will be determined based on what's in the budget and what's negotiated. Meanwhile, the benefits of private schools are that they will have smaller classrooms and strict hours, whereas public schools have pensions and bigger class sizes. However, Lieberson pointed out that, on average, private school teachers will make less than public school teachers, surprising Living Not So Fabulously hosts. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, private school teachers earn an average of $15,000 less than their public school counterparts. So as future educators weigh the pros and cons of different institutions, Lieberson has some advise: "For someone entering education, I would say they probably should check out public schools; teaching somewhere where there's a union and there's protection of what your salary is.... I think know what you're worth." Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at yfpodcasts@yahooinc.com. 00:00-Cam Lieberson joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:30-Why teachers struggle to make ends meet 06:20-How being underpaid drains teachers 13:00-Focus on benefits and savings 18:15-Advice for new teachers Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Cam Lieberson is an education director and advocate focusing on early childhood education and arts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins