Get ready for a transformative and unfiltered conversation as Dr. Constance Craig-Mason sits down with the powerful and transparent D. Cherelle. Together, they unpack the intersection of money, mindset, and mental health—revealing how financial trauma, emotional healing, and self-awareness all collide on the path to true wealth.

D. Cherelle gets incredibly raw as she opens up about her journey through divorce, domestic violence, and the humbling process of checking her own ego around money. She shares how these painful lessons shaped her passion for empowering others—especially the men she now works with in the prison system—and her mission to spark global change through financial and emotional transformation.

This episode dives deep into what it really means to rebuild from the inside out: confronting financial fears, leading with authenticity, and creating sustainable success rooted in healing.

🎧 Press play for a conversation that will move you, challenge you, and remind you that your money story can become your ministry.

To take your next step to building wealth in a healthy and supportive way, click here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Empowerment
04:49 Building Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
07:04 Capacity Building in Financial Services
15:00 The Intersection of Financial Trauma and Mental Health
23:23 Navigating Financial Challenges in New Environments
30:55 Overcoming Financial Reluctance
33:27 The Power of Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs
39:14 Reframing Financial Conversations
42:08 Lessons from Personal Loss
48:00 Transforming Trauma into Testimony

Takeaways

• Building financial literacy is crucial for entrepreneurs.
• Financial trauma can significantly impact mental health.
• Therapy can be a valuable resource for healing.
• Experiencing survival mode can change one's perspective.
• Community support is essential for financial empowerment.
• Authenticity in financial services fosters trust.
• Fear of financial discussions can hinder progress.
• Many people feel reluctant to organize their finances due to fear and shame.
• Financial planning is essential for entrepreneurs to transition from survival to sustainability.
• Addressing financial trauma is crucial for effective financial planning.
• Reframing the narrative around budgeting can empower individuals to take control of their finances.
• Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in financial planning and entrepreneurship.
• Transforming personal losses into lessons can guide future decisions.

D. Cherelle Cohens, MBA is a CFO Strategist, Financial Trauma Expert, and founder of FinTraum, a financial literacy agency empowering entrepreneurs to overcome financial barriers and build sustainable businesses. With over 17 years of experience across banking, insurance, and financial consulting, she helps founders transform their financial futures through trauma-responsive planning. D. Cherelle is passionate about demystifying business finance, building financial confidence, and closing funding gaps for underserved entrepreneurs. She's also an adjunct professor, national speaker, and co-author on one of the Money TALK$ books. Her mission: help leaders rewrite their financial stories and lead with vision, resilience, and financial power.

Visit D. Cherelle's website here- https://www.fintraum.com

Keywords

financial empowerment, entrepreneurial ecosystems, capacity building, financial trauma, mental health, financial literacy, business planning, community support, personal growth, professional development, financial planning, financial trauma, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, personal growth, budgeting, financial organization, overcoming fear, sustainable business, emotional intelligence

In this episode of Money TALK$: Wealth Beyond Numbers, Dr. Constance Craig-Mason sits down with financial coach Bobby Clark for a powerful, heartfelt conversation that goes far beyond budgets and numbers. Together, they dive into the money lessons our children absorb from us—both the wins and the mistakes—and how we can use those moments to build generational wealth differently.

You'll hear Bobby share how to reshape your money story, uncover the beliefs holding you back, and use accountability—especially within marriage—as a strength. From learning how to talk about money with your spouse in a healthy, productive way to understanding why role models matter, this episode is packed with wisdom and real-life strategies you can apply today.

If you've been craving financial guidance delivered with authenticity, heart, and expertise, this conversation is for you. Tune in and discover how to rewrite your money journey with intention and hope.

Learn more about the podcast and how you can change your money story here. https://moneytalksmovement.com/pages/the-podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Coaching and Personal Journey
04:57 The Importance of Modeling Financial Behavior
10:16 Understanding the BASE Framework
18:54 The Role of Accountability in Financial Success
27:24 Defining Wealth Beyond Money
30:39 Navigating External Challenges and Control

Takeaways

Modeling good financial behaviors is crucial for children.
Mistakes can be valuable learning experiences.
The BASE framework includes beliefs, attitudes, stories, and emotions.
Accountability partners are essential for financial success.
Communication is key in financial discussions between spouses.
Wealth is a personal definition that goes beyond money.
Saving money is important, even in small amounts.
External challenges can disrupt financial stability.
Focus on what you can control in financial situations.
Financial education is vital for long-term success.

Bobby is a financial coach and founder of Clark on Money Financial Coaching Service, a service that guides STEM professionals who feel strained by money stress to a happier, more confident life. Coach Bobby is a Certified Professional Financial Educator and a Financial Accountability coach.

He is an active member of the Accountable Network, an international group of financial coaches who offer guided steps to financial freedom through coaching, resources and events and the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning, a national organization recognized for financial counseling, coaching and education. Bobby enjoys gardening and outdoor sports. He has been married for 50 years and has 2 adult children.

Website - https://www.accountable.network/bobbyclarkwebsite

Social Media - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyclarkfinancialcoach/

Freebie Newsletter - https://clark-on-money.kit.com/03f3f05a11

Free Coaching Assessment -

https://clarkonmoneyclientscheduler.as.me/privatechat

Keywords

financial coaching, money management, accountability, BASE framework, financial education, personal finance, wealth building, financial role models, financial literacy, STEM professionals

In this premiere episode of the Money Talks: Wealth Beyond Numbers podcast, Dr. Constance Craig-Mason sits down with licensed clinical mental health counselor Blaise Harris to dive deep into the powerful connection between mental health, masculinity, and financial wellbeing. Together, they unpack the hidden weight men carry—the pressure to be strong, silent, and unshaken—and how that impacts everything from self-worth to wealth-building.

From the mental toll of first responders, to the process of navigating grief, to the courage it takes to seek professional help, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to invest in yourself. Blaise also shares actionable insights on building community support and creating spaces where men can speak openly about mental health.

🔥 This episode challenges stereotypes, sparks honest reflection, and reminds us that wealth isn't just about money—it's about becoming whole.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Money Matters

02:50 Masculinity and Vulnerability

05:47 The Impact of First Responders on Mental Health

08:53 Stress Management in Everyday Life

11:53 The Importance of Professional Help

14:53 Navigating Therapy and Mental Health Stigma

23:33 Navigating Loss and Grief

28:03 Self-Assessment and Emotional Awareness

34:41 Investing in Self-Worth and Growth

39:22 Community Engagement and Support

Blaise is a LCMHC (licensed clinical mental health counselor) and EMDR certified therapist. With almost 15 years' experience as a firefighter, Blaise became a fixture in the Fire and Life Safety Education world. Although he is no longer part of the fire service, his ties run deep. Blaise became The Dope Black Therapist, initially, because he wanted to be a therapist for first responders. He knows that we will not talk to just anyone and we want to talk to someone that actually "gets it." Blaise later realized that he wanted to be a voice, an ear, and support for Black males and people of color dealing with their mental health. After going through his own problems with depression, divorce, and grief, Blaise brings a unique perspective to how he does therapy. Blaise's focus is trauma and he utilizes several treatment modalities in sessions including expressive and martial arts. Blaise is a published author of Becoming The Dope Black Therapist, runs a men's support group every other Thursday, and hosts a bi-weekly podcast called, The Dope Black Therapist.

You can find Blaise's book "Becoming The Dope Black Therapist" on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW283RSW?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_97NCK5ZY4BSJK3J37T1Y&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_97NCK5ZY4BSJK3J37T1Y&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_97NCK5ZY4BSJK3J37T1Y&bestFormat=true .

Listen To The Dope Black Therapist Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/5hFq5VYu4s2wedUaJqW2pj?si=0e5a1722bd1340eb&nd=1&dlsi=49382ab945c94000

Men's Support Group That Meets Twice Per Month Contact Us On Website

https://www.thedopeblacktherapist.com

Takeaways:

Mental health and financial wellbeing are interconnected. Men often feel societal pressure to suppress emotions. Vulnerability is essential for emotional health. First responders face unique mental health challenges. Stress management techniques can be applied in everyday life.

Seeking professional help is a sign of strength. Grief can manifest in various forms beyond loss of loved ones. Self-worth is crucial for personal and professional growth. Investing in oneself can lead to significant personal development. Community support is vital for mental health awareness. Ready to heal your money story—and build lasting wealth from the inside out?

If you're curious about how to confront money trauma and empower your financial journey with heart, check out the Financial Empowerment Tool Kit—an inspiring, multi-sensory planner packed with budgeting templates, journal prompts, affirmations, coloring pages, and more. It's not just a financial tool—it's a path to deeper self-understanding and emotional wellness. Visit https://moneytalksmovement.com to start your transformation.

Keywords mental health, masculinity, vulnerability, first responders, stress management, professional help, grief, self-worth, therapy, community support