Best of The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dawnn Lewis.

Summary of the Interview

On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide.

Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities.

Purpose of the Interview

1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career

The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway.

2. Highlight representation and legacy

Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.

3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success

Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose.

4. Promote the A New Day Foundation

Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities.

5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment

She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement.

Key Takeaways

1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her

Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami.

2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting

While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities.

3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years

She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.
Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role.

4. Representation matters deeply to her

Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe.

5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships

Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network.

6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth

Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training.

7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention

She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.

Notable Quotes

(All quotes from the uploaded transcript.)

On talent and early training

• “I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.”
• “I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.”

On being boxed in

• “I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.”

On entering animation

• “There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I never met you before?’”
• “I get to voice characters they wouldn’t hire me visually to play.”

On representation and Star Trek

• “In the legacy of Star Trek, it’s me and Avery Brooks as the Black captains.”
• “Seeing Nichelle Nichols made me hopeful… she was my hero.”

On career longevity

• “You quiet the naysayers by just showing up and doing the work.”
• “God keeps opening doors and giving me what I need to walk through them successfully.”

On giving back

• “I am my best investment.” (also used in her foundation’s mission)
• “Where you were yesterday is not where you have to end up today.”

@#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Coach Gregory Green.

Head men’s and women’s tennis coach and REACH advisor at Tuskegee University. Here's a summary of the key themes and highlights:

🎙️ Guest: Coach Gregory Green

• Former college football player and coach at schools like Alabama State, Kentucky State, Savannah State, and UAB.
• Currently coaching tennis at Tuskegee University and mentoring student-athletes.

🧠 Key Topics Discussed 🏈 NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and College Athletics

• NIL has transformed college sports, allowing athletes to earn money through endorsements and sponsorships.
• Power Five schools (like Ohio State and Michigan) have massive NIL collectives, sometimes offering millions to high school recruits.
• HBCUs and smaller programs are participating but on a smaller financial scale.
• NIL deals are often driven by alumni and corporate partnerships.

🔁 Transfer Portal

• Explained as a tool for athletes to transfer schools without sitting out a year.
• While it offers flexibility, it also raises concerns about commitment, development, and long-term planning.
• Athletes risk losing scholarships if they enter the portal without securing a new opportunity.

🎾 Tuskegee Tennis Program

• Coach Green leads a successful program with high academic and athletic performance.
• His teams have won championships and maintained top GPAs in the region.
• Emphasizes holistic development—athletics, academics, and career readiness.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mentorship & Parental Advice

• Encourages parents to let student-athletes make their own college decisions.
• Stresses the importance of attitude and effort as the only two things athletes can control.
• Advocates for intrinsic motivation and resilience in the face of adversity.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marcus Sonnier.

Founder of Snowie Atlanta:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To showcase Marcus Sonnier’s journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, highlight the inspiration behind Snowie Atlanta, and share insights on financial literacy, legacy-building, and faith-driven decision-making.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. From Corporate VP to Entrepreneur

• Marcus left a successful career as VP of PR supervision at a financial services firm to start Snowie Atlanta.
• He worked both jobs for five years before fully transitioning.
• His leap was guided by faith and a desire for self-reliance.

“I looked at my wife and said, ‘Hey, I'm getting one more bonus check. And then I'm jumping off the plane.’”

2. The Product: Shaved Ice with a Twist

• Snowie Atlanta offers customizable shaved ice with self-serve flavor stations.
• Inspired by childhood experiences in Louisiana with snowball stands.

“We give away the shaved ice, but we sell you the smiles.”

3. Family Legacy & Financial Literacy

• Marcus started the business to teach his sons about money—earning, saving, investing, and giving.
• His sons were involved from the beginning, learning entrepreneurship firsthand.

“I said, guys, look, we're going to be entrepreneurs in this business. We're going to do it together.”

4. Faith as a Driving Force

• Marcus credits divine guidance for his journey and connections.
• He views his business as a calling and a platform for community impact.

“I could feel God in my spirit saying, ‘Oh, you trust me, you really do.’”

5. Community Impact & Expansion

• The goal is to become a staple attraction and enhance the fan experience.

“I want all kids to want to go to a Braves game… to get a Snowie and have an experience.”

6. Giving Back

• Snowie Atlanta participates in fundraising for schools, churches, and nonprofits.
• Marcus finds joy in writing checks back to organizations that serve the community.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You may not get everything you work for, but you will work for everything you get.”
• “We serve memories.”
• “I’m just trying to be obedient and do what I think God wants me to do in this business.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.