Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh McGlawn.
Hi Josh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a third-generation business owner, I have been predisposed to an entrepreneurial mentality. This means that thinking outside of the box comes naturally to me. It also means that picking up project after project would be easy to do, and it has been. But that’s not always a good thing. After chasing countless businesses attached to bright ideas,—auto customs, t-shirts, thrift store sales, and more—I finally came across an idea that wasn’t driven by the bottom line with a dollar sign.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had decided that I wanted to start a podcast geared around a safe space for men to talk about whatever. After starting a men’s support group on Facebook in June 2020 I finally nailed a foot to the floor and launched the podcast, Real Talk With Real Men, in December 2020. My co-host, Marquel “Steadfast” Smith, and I recorded several episodes from his living room and the backroom in my office building before being approved for a $5,000 Pebble Grant through the Idea Accelerator Program by Builders & Backers and Heartland Forward to helping explore how effective the idea of the podcast was.
The idea was effective indeed. Today, a simple men’s podcast has evolved into a full-blown mental health advocacy platform for all people. We are now working with experts in the mental health, film, and media industries to continue to explore the idea. I am even working on a book and a script for a short film that will help highlight a different perspective on men’s mental health.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In my opinion, there is no “easy road” or “smooth sailing” in the pursuit of success.
While I have not yet reached the level of success I am pursuing, I have certainly experienced my share of bumps. The Pebble Grant that Real Talk was awarded in 2021 was a great experience but was also very demanding and challenging. I was challenged with remaining focused on completing the program that would potentially lead me to my dreams all the while maintaining my day job running my construction business and being a family man as well.
Though it brought me great satisfaction, it did not put money into my pocket. It was, and is still, very challenging balancing everything, knowing in my heart that one day it would pay off in dollars. It is indeed paying off.
We’ve been impressed with Real Talk Unlimited, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Prior to establishing Real Talk Unlimited (formerly Real Talk With Real Men), I was known in my community for being the 3rd generation owner of a 50-year old construction business and for coming dangerously close to being elected as County Supervisor in the 2019 election. Many people still see me today and tell me they wish I had been elected and urge me to run again in the next election.
Now they see me and tell me how much they appreciate what I do for the men’s community through the Real Talk show. Real Talk Unlimited, LLC is a personal and business coaching company. As a Certified Professional Life Coach (CPLC), I empower people to reach their goals and help them realize their successes through conventional and unconventional (talk show) means.
We also assist people with starting up businesses of any kind, specializing in podcasts by providing a full list of services to our clients including business counseling, A/V & film production, social media management, brand building, and more. We also have an apparel branch of the company that is catching on.
A proud moment for Real Talk was when my co-host was working security in the Memphis area for a large concert with 10,000+ attendees. He had multiple people recognize him by name and the Real Talk brand hat he was wearing.
What matters most to you? Why?
The order of my priorities in life are as follows: God, family, business.
Being raised in the church has taught me the important role spirituality plays in life. During these tough times we are all facing today, that foundation of faith has been a catalyst for me as a husband, father, and the head of my household.
Being raised around both a tight-knit family and a family-owned business has groomed me to learn how to balance those two crucial pillars of life with faith being the mortar that holds it all together.
Pricing:
- Videography: $500/shoot (includes up to 1-hour shoot and basic editing).
- Personal/Business Counseling: $125/hr session.
- Social media management: Instagram/Facebook: $300/month (3 posts per week).
- Podcast Recording and editing services: $600/episode (includes recording, editing, and posting each episode to podcast host and YouTube).
Contact Info:
- Email: josh@realtalkinc.net
- Website: realtalkunlimited.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/realtalkunlimited
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/realtalkunlimited
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCdna6OANBFW3FpKGlxCNpbQ
Image Credits
Daily Journal (Tupelo), Real Talk Unlimited, Karlous Miller, Serial Entertainment Productions, and Global Knockz
