I debated for a long time whether I should write this.

I work in mental health. I’m also a professional magician and educator. My reputation matters to me, and I generally try to handle disputes privately and professionally whenever possible. But after months of delays, written promises, court filings, and ultimately learning that bankruptcy may prevent any recovery of the money owed to me, I believe sharing my experience publicly and factually is appropriate so others can make informed decisions.

This is not written out of revenge.
It is written as documentation and a warning.

The Agreement

In 2025, I was contracted to speak/perform and help promote a Mental Health Marketing Conference associated with Steve Turney and Mental Health Marketing LLC.

I fulfilled the agreed-upon work at the October 2025 conference.

An invoice for $2,000 was issued on October 9, 2025.

The issue was simple:

I completed the work.
I was not paid.

Initial Communication

At first, I believed this was simply a delay or administrative issue.

Over time, however, the communication pattern became increasingly concerning.

I received multiple written acknowledgments that the money was owed.

November 3, 2025

Steve acknowledged the debt and apologized.

November 18, 2025

He again acknowledged the outstanding balance and discussed payment occurring in early December.

December 22, 2025

I was informed that operations were winding down/ceasing and was asked to submit documents.

At this point, months had passed without payment despite repeated assurances.

The “Payment Plan” That Never Came

On January 5, 2026, I received another message stating:

“You should have a payment plan in hand by later today or tomorrow. Got about half of them out today and working down the list.”

No meaningful payment plan arrived.

After additional waiting and follow-up attempts, I sent formal demand communications requesting either:

• payment in full, or
• a concrete written payment arrangement.

Neither materialized.

Filing Small Claims

After exhausting private attempts to resolve the matter, I filed in Davidson County General Sessions Court in Tennessee.

The filing sought:

• $2,000 owed for services rendered
• related filing/service costs

The case involved breach of contract/services rendered connected to the Mental Health Marketing Conference.

Court filings and service attempts were completed in early 2026.

This was not a rushed or emotional decision. It came after months of patience, follow-ups, and documented promises that did not lead to payment.

Why I’m Writing This

Recently, I learned that Steve Turney filed for bankruptcy protection, which now appears likely to prevent recovery of the money owed.

That changed my thinking about remaining silent.

When someone continues operating in adjacent industries, launches new ventures, or continues professional activity after a pattern of unresolved obligations, I believe others deserve access to factual firsthand experiences before entering into agreements.

Again, this is not speculation.

These are the core facts:

• Work was completed.
• Payment was not made.
• The debt was acknowledged in writing multiple times.
• Promised resolutions did not occur.
• Formal legal action became necessary.
• Bankruptcy now appears to block recovery.

Advice to Others

If you choose to work with any business or venture connected to Steve Turney, I would strongly encourage:

• detailed written contracts
• upfront deposits or milestone payments
• documented communication
• avoiding reliance on verbal assurances alone
• immediate escalation when deadlines repeatedly pass

Most professionals who experience financial hardship communicate clearly, create transparent plans, and follow through consistently. The hardest part of this experience was not simply the unpaid amount — it was the repeated cycle of assurances that led nowhere.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hoped this situation would resolve privately.

I waited months before filing anything. I gave opportunities for payment plans. I tried to be patient and professional throughout the process.

At this point, I simply want the public record of my experience available for others who may be considering future business dealings.

People can draw their own conclusions.

— John Midgley