Since his early days working as a janitor for $8/hour, Michael “DJ SPYNFO” Eagen has built multiple six-figure businesses in the South Bronx—and he’s stayed there the entire time. But this isn’t a typical success story. It’s about Emmy-award recognition, founding Sankofa Haus, navigating generational trauma, and choosing legacy over escape.In this conversation, SPYNFO breaks down how he built 4 thriving businesses simultaneously, why he refuses to focus on money while making serious wealth, and what happens when you stop chasing success and start building community. He also gets deeply vulnerable about parenting, breaking generational cycles, and the real cost of growth—including the friendships that don’t survive it.
This Episode Explores:- How an $8/hour janitor became an Emmy-winning entrepreneur (without leaving the Bronx)- Building 4 businesses simultaneously: Hot 97 radio, Sankofa Haus, Mr. Matrimony weddings, and Airbnb- The generational trauma that shapes every decision (and how to transform it)- Why “manage your attention” beats “manage your time” every single time- The uncomfortable truth about why friendships end when you succeed- His Pitbulls DJ Crew induction by Funkmaster Flex and 20+ years at the top of hip-hop- Creating experiences over chasing money—and making more money doing it- Parenting with intention: saying “I love you” twice daily and breaking cycles- Manifesting what you want by thinking differently about the multiverse- The South Bronx real estate opportunity nobody’s talking about- Building cultural spaces that preserve identity while transforming neighborhoods- Discipline over motivation: the framework that changed everything
This episode is about staying rooted while reaching your peak, building legacy in your own community, and understanding that the real wealth is what you create for people, not what you keep for yourself.
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🔗 Connect with DJ SPYNFOInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/djspynfo/ | https://www.instagram.com/mrmatrimony | https://www.instagram.com/sankofahausSankofa Haus: sankofahaus.comDJ Services: https://www.djspynfo.net/
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcastHost Sean Martin: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin
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About the Guest – DJ SPYNFO
DJ SPYNFO (Michael Eagen) is an Emmy Award-winning DJ, Hot 97 radio personality, and South Bronx cultural entrepreneur. Inducted into Funkmaster Flex’s elite Pitbulls DJ Crew, SPYNFO has performed on BET’s Rap City and collaborated with major hip-hop artists including Ludacris, Nas, and Keyshia Cole. As founder of Sankofa Haus—a transformative 2,400+ sq ft cultural event space in Mott Haven—he creates platforms for emerging artists while preserving neighborhood identity. SPYNFO also runs Mr. Matrimony Entertainment, a premier destination wedding DJ service, and operates a profitable Airbnb in the South Bronx. His Emmy-winning documentary work with NYC Tourism’s “Local Legends” series showcases his commitment to reclaiming South Bronx narratives. SPYNFO is proof that you don’t have to leave your community to elevate it.
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Keywords & Tags
DJ SPYNFO, Michael Eagen, Hot 97, Emmy Award winner, Sankofa Haus, South Bronx entrepreneur, real estate development, generational trauma, parenting, Pitbulls DJ Crew, Funkmaster Flex, entrepreneurship podcast, multiple income streams, Airbnb business, wedding DJ, cultural spaces, community building, legacy wealth, Bronx development, social impact, hip-hop culture, business mindset, family values, generational wealth, NYC business, urban development, manifestation, discipline, intentional parenting, emotional intelligence, business…