THE NETWORK | Episode 23: He Went to War at 20--What Trauma Taught Him About Life, Money, & Family

What happens when you lose your mother at 14, go to war at 20, and return home with no roadmap?In this powerful episode of The Network Podcast, Michael Prejean sits down with Gulf War veteran and insurance professional Freddie Noble to unpack grief, trauma, racism, fatherhood, and why financial literacy is a form of love in Black communities.This conversation goes beyond money — it’s about dignity, healing, and protecting the people you love.This week's episode features Insurance guru, Freddie Noble.  Freddie is a Gulf War veteran and has been with State Farm for over 26 years.  He holds licenses in Property and Casualty, Life and Health and Series 6.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/nobleagentTwitter: @4anobleagentInstagram: @4anobleagentTIMESTAMPS0:00–1:20 – Introducing Freddie Noble | Gulf War Veteran & Insurance Agent1:21–3:10 – Getting the Knock: Going to War at 203:11–5:00 – Life in the Gulf War: Fear, Racism, Survival5:01–7:25 – Coming Home Broken: Depression, Identity, Transition7:26–10:58 – Losing His Mother at 14 & Growing Up Too Fast10:59–12:40 – Learning Self-Trust Through Trauma12:41–16:00 – From College Struggles to State Farm Internship16:01–20:16 – Racism, Opportunity, and Becoming an Agent20:17–22:45 – Why People Fear Insurance (And What They Miss)22:46–26:15 – Life Insurance, Grief, and Protecting Family26:16–28:40 – How Much Life Insurance Is Enough?28:41–30:00 – What Keeps Freddie Up at Night30:01–33:30 – Books That Changed His Life33:31–37:00 – Music, Mindset, and Balance37:01–44:30 – Rapid Fire: Life, Fear, Identity44:31–47:20 – War, Patriotism, and Hard Truths47:21–50:10 – Fatherhood, Family, and Emotional Growth50:11–51:49 – Final Words: Building the Black Professional NetworkCurrent reading/Recommended Reads:Chasing the Scream by Johann HartDavid and Goliath by Malcolm GladwellSuccess Runs in our Race by George C. FraserThe Prayer of Jabez by Bruce WilkersonMiseducation of the Negro by Carter G WoodsonThe coming home of John (souls of blackfolks) W.E. DuboisMakes me want to Holler by Nathan McallI know why caged bird sing by Mayou AngelouMama by Terry McMillianIsis Papers by Frances Cress WelsingOption Trading for Beginners by JD ScottWhite Evangelical Racism by Anthea Butler5 Major Pieces to Life by Jim Rohn The Half Has Never Been Told by Edward BaptisteCurrently listening/Recommended Music:J. ColeDa Baby Music that tells a storyRecommended PodcastsThe Network with Michael Prejean (aye!)Finally, "You Didn't Ask," but..."Being the father of 3 girls (you learn how to tend to) their emotional needs of 3 daughters.""How do you deal with dysfunctional families?"