Best of The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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 Gerron Duhon.

Purpose of the Interview

The conversation aimed to:

• Highlight the importance of financial literacy for young adults.
• Share Jerron Duhon’s personal journey from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Yale University and into holistic financial planning.
• Promote his book “The Purpose of Paper”, which focuses on building generational wealth and breaking harmful financial habits.

Key Takeaways

1. Personal Journey & Identity Shift

   • Jerron used football as a “meal ticket” to escape his hometown, but a concussion ended his athletic career, causing an identity crisis.
   • He pivoted toward financial education and wealth creation, emphasizing long-term planning.

2. Misconceptions About Wealth

   • Many young adults believe wealth comes quickly through gambling, sports betting, or flashy investments.
   • Social media fuels the desire to display wealth rather than build wealth, leading to poor financial decisions.

3. Financial Habits & Framework

   • Jerron introduced his AIMS framework:
     • Awareness: Know your current financial state.
     • Intention: Set clear goals and reverse-engineer steps.
     • Mindset Change: Focus on future self, not old habits.
     • Systems: Automate savings and investments to reduce reliance on willpower.

4. Faith and Finance Connection

   • Principles like self-control, patience, and hope—fruits of the spirit—are essential for financial discipline.
   • “Faith without works is dead” applies to money: belief must be paired with action.

5. Generational Wealth

   • Gerron stresses taking ownership of your financial future rather than leaving the burden to your children.
   • Investing should be strategic and long-term, not like playing the lottery.

6. Practical Advice

   • Start small but consistent (e.g., $150/month).
   • Use modern tools like Robinhood for stock investing.
   • Shift from being a consumer to an owner (invest in companies you use).

Notable Quotes

• “Football was my meal ticket… but I realized I didn’t dream far enough.”
• “We connect our financial decisions to display wealth instead of to build wealth.”
• “Faith without works is dead—just like in finances.”
• “Are you going to be the one that changes your generation, or will you leave that pressure on your children?”
• “Good advice is timeless.”

#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 Dave Charest.

Summary of the Dave Charest Interview

In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, a leading digital marketing platform. Charest discusses the rising wave of entrepreneurship, the foundational importance of email and direct‑to‑customer channels, common mistakes new business owners make, and how AI is reshaping small‑business marketing. He provides practical guidance on marketing consistency, channel selection, building community relationships, and using technology to scale.

Throughout the conversation, Charest emphasizes that while small businesses often lack marketing expertise, they possess a valuable advantage: real, human relationships that can be strengthened through consistent communication.

Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of Rushion McDonald’s conversation with Dave Charest is to:

1. Educate new and aspiring entrepreneurs

Charest breaks down the basics of digital marketing—email, social, SMS—and how to begin building a strong marketing foundation. 

2. Highlight the key trends driving the entrepreneurship boom

He explains motivations like work–life balance, independence, and financial potential that inspire people to launch businesses. 

3. Provide practical, actionable marketing advice

Especially around consistency, choosing marketing channels, and building direct customer relationships.

4. Introduce how AI can simplify and amplify marketing

Charest showcases tools that help business owners quickly generate content, develop campaigns, and analyze customer behavior. 

Key Takeaways 1. Direct relationships (email/SMS) outperform social media

Email offers ownership, stability, and higher ROI—unlike social platforms that can change algorithms or visibility overnight. Charest stresses that “the money is in the list.” 

2. You don’t need huge numbers to be effective

Small businesses often see high open and engagement rates because followers know and trust them. 

3. Consistency matters more than platform choice

Whether you choose Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or email, the biggest driver of marketing success is showing up regularly. 

4. Start small—don’t overwhelm yourself

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything at once. Begin with the basics and grow steadily.

5. Community is a crucial marketing asset

Local businesses thrive when they maintain strong connections with nearby businesses, customers, and community networks. 

6. Entrepreneurs face challenges—but resilience wins

Charest notes that small business owners rarely have a “Plan B,” which pushes them to adapt and continue learning. 

7. AI is transforming small‑business marketing

Constant Contact offers tools to:

• Generate emails and content
• Summarize content for social
• Build full marketing campaigns
• Analyze behavior from large email lists to recommend actions 

Notable Quotes (from the transcript)

Here are direct paraphrases and key phrases—not copyrighted material but drawn from the transcript:

On email vs. social

• “There’s a $36 return for every $1 invested in email—but what matters is that you own the relationship.” 

• “If a social platform goes away, so does your following. Email is a direct line.” 

On audience size

• “Big numbers aren’t necessary—small lists can see 50% open rates and strong engagement because those people actually care.” 

On entrepreneurship motivations

• “People want better work‑life balance, independence, and financial potential.” 

On mistakes

• “A big mistake is trying to do too much at once. Start small and stay consistent.” 

On community

• “Digital marketing should extend real relationships—not replace them.” 

On choosing platforms

• “Where your audience spends time matters, but so does where you can show up consistently.” 

On AI’s role

• “AI can generate emails, build campaigns, and analyze audience data—saving you time for what you’d rather be doing.”

#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 Shelby Williams.

🌟 Summary of the Shelby Williams Interview

(From “Money Making Conversations Masterclass” with Rushion McDonald)

The interview features Shelby English Williams, a registered nurse and founder of SEW Nursing, LLC, a luxury concierge nursing firm based in Atlanta. She shares her personal journey from childhood inspiration, to becoming an RN, to ultimately building a business that provides personalized, at‑home, patient‑first nursing services.

Shelby also discusses the challenges nurses face, the importance of compassionate care, entrepreneurship in healthcare, and her annual nursing celebration event called the Nursing Shindig.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview serves to:

1. Highlight Shelby Williams’ entrepreneurship journey

She demonstrates how nurses can expand beyond traditional clinical roles and launch independent nursing businesses.

2. Educate the audience about concierge nursing

Shelby breaks down what “luxury nursing care” means and how her services differ from standard home health and Medicare‑funded care.

3. Inspire nurses to pursue business ownership

She provides advice, real stories, and a transparent look into the challenges and rewards of being a nurse‑entrepreneur.

4. Promote her event — the Nursing Shindig

An annual celebration and empowerment gathering for nurses.

📌 Key Takeaways 1. Shelby’s Background & Calling

• Inspired by her church community and early exposure to elders.
• Knew she wanted to be a nurse since age 3.
• Progressed through CNA → LPN → RN.
• Her mother’s example and support kept her going through challenges.

2. COVID‑19 Shaped Her Perspective

• Was in RN school during the pandemic.
• Virtual classes, limited hospital access, and intense stress shaped her view of nursing.
• The pandemic reinforced her commitment rather than discouraging her.

3. Why She Started SEW Nursing, LLC

• Leadership burnout in assisted living roles.
• Discovered entrepreneurship via an older nurse on TikTok and a podcast.
• Realized: “You are your own business as a registered nurse.”
• Her company provides luxury concierge care, including:
  • Medication management
  • Clinical assessments
  • Wellness visits
  • Healthcare coordination
  • Accompanying clients to doctor appointments
  • Short‑term or situational nursing support

4. What “Luxury Nursing” Means to Her

It’s not about extravagance — it’s about meeting patients where they are with:

• Personalized care
• In‑home support
• Time, presence, and dignity
• Services that standard insurance‑based care can’t provide

5. Her Approach to Care

Shelby emphasizes:

• Service before money
• Relationship‑building
• Compassion for families in crisis
• Making clients feel safe and understood
• Not being driven by profit in urgent situations

She shares a story about driving over an hour on a Sunday to help a client’s mother without charging upfront — because the priority was care, not fees.

6. Hospice Wisdom

Shelby reframes the term:

• Hospice isn’t always the end.
• Patients can “graduate” off hospice.
• Hospice includes chaplains, social workers, aides, nurses.
• Helps families get affairs in order — from paperwork to emotional support.

7. The Nursing Shindig

A social + educational event for nurses.
Features:

• VIP entrepreneurship session
• Workbooks with business steps
• Keynote speakers
• Food, DJ, dancing (Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide)
• Vendor booths
• Nurse recognition awards

Next event:
📅 August 8, 2026 — Atlanta (ATL Experience)

8. Her Message About Nursing & the System

• Nurses are not properly represented.
• Staffing ratios are unsafe.
• Public doesn't realize the burden of caring for 5–7 patients at once.
• Nurses are mentally, physically, emotionally stretched.
• Yet many stay because caregiving is a calling.

9. Entrepreneurship Advice for Nurses

• Write the plan. Make it plain. Stick to it.
• Fear is real but manageable.
• Stay committed even with long days and nights.
• Keep revisiting your business plan.
• Sacrifice is necessary: she still works full‑time while building her company.

💬 Notable Quotes (Attributed to Shelby or Rushion) On purpose and calling

• “I remember being three years old saying I wanted to be a nurse.”
• “My mother paved the way. She didn’t let me quit.”

On entrepreneurship

• “You are your own business as a registered nurse.”
• “Write the plan and make it plain — and stick to it.”
• “It takes sacrifice. My bedtime may be 2 or 3 AM sometimes.”

On luxury nursing

• “Meet me where I’m at and provide the care I need — that’s luxury.”

On hospice

• “Hospice doesn’t have to be the end. Some people graduate off hospice.”
• “While they’re still here, make them comfortable — however comfort looks for them.”

On patient families

• “You’ve done a good job. You set up services. Now let us help you.”

On service vs money

• “It’s not always about the dollar. My reward is your referral.”
• “I didn’t take a dollar because it wasn’t about that — it was about the care.”

On why she keeps returning to the profession

• “The reward and the service — that’s what brings me back.”

Rushion on trust

• “All you want is for the person you love to be cared for with dignity.”

#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 Tim Mercer.

Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. Background & Journey

   • Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances.
   • His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship.

2. Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy

   • The term “bootstrap” symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
   • Mercer emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight—it requires grinding, planning, and faith.

3. Importance of a Business Plan

   • A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth.
   • Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning.

4. Cadence Ventures, Inc.

   • A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors.
   • Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral.

5. Government Contracting

   • Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business.
   • He stresses that while it’s complex and paperwork-heavy, it’s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
   • Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech’s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process.

6. Success Requires Sacrifice

   • Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice.
   • His book’s first chapter, “See the Glory, Don’t Know the Story,” encapsulates this message.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won’t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won’t do.” — Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Tim Mercer
• “You can only make as much as the customer that you have.” — Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts
• “See the glory, don’t know the story.” — Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

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 Ashley M. Fox.

Summary of the Interview

In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Ashley M. Fox—former Wall Street analyst, Howard University alum, financial educator, and founder/CEO of Emplify, a fintech platform focused on making wealth‑building accessible to everyday people.

Ashley shares her journey from working with ultra‑high‑net‑worth clients on Wall Street to becoming an entrepreneur determined to bring financial education and empowerment to communities traditionally excluded from wealth conversations. She discusses the creation of Amplify, her financial fall and recovery, her work in schools and prison systems, and how digital content has allowed her to scale her mission globally.

The discussion emphasizes mindset, self‑belief, access, and a practical path to wealth, even starting with as little as $20.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

1. Inspire financial empowerment

Ashley explains how anyone—regardless of background or starting point—can begin building wealth and shift generational outcomes.

2. Demystify investing and wealth-building

She breaks down how simple investing can be, the power of small consistent contributions, and how wealth isn’t limited to entrepreneurs or high earners.

3. Highlight her fintech platform Emplify

She shares how Amplify democratizes financial education through online tools, community, and accessible investing classes. 

4. Encourage a mindset shift

Ashley stresses the importance of eliminating fear, building confidence, and using logic instead of emotion when making financial decisions.

Key Takeaways 1. Wealth Begins with Belief and Mindset

Ashley learned on Wall Street that the biggest difference between wealthy and non-wealthy people is not education—it's self-belief. Many people don’t believe wealth is possible for them because they've never seen it. 

2. You Don’t Need a Lot of Money to Start Investing

She urges people to start with $20, even buying fractional shares. It’s consistency—not starting amount—that builds wealth. 

3. You Can Invest in Others’ Ideas—Not Just Your Own

Building wealth doesn’t require launching a business. Buying stock is one of the easiest ways to participate in wealth creation. 

4. Ashley’s Own Journey Included Failure

After leaving Wall Street, she was evicted, slept on her parents’ couch for two years, and maxed out credit cards. Her purpose kept her going. 

5. Financial Education Should Start Early

She developed financial education programs for schools, prison systems, and everyday families because adults often learn too late. 

6. Emplify Scales Wealth Education

Her platform offers 300+ hours of videos and tools, helping members open 3,000+ investment accounts and invest $7.4M collectively. 

7. Social Media Is Her Biggest Access Point

Ashley reaches millions by being authentic, relatable, and consistent—meeting people where they are. 

8. You Must Pay Yourself First

Most people pay bills, companies, and creditors before investing in themselves. She emphasizes reversing that pattern. 

9. Logic Over Emotion

Wealth requires logical decision‑making, especially in the market. Emotional reactions undermine long-term financial growth. 

Notable Quotes (Taken From the Transcript) On Wealth Mindset

• “When you think and know and believe you have the power to create wealth and you deserve wealth, you move a different way.” 
• “There is no president that can build the wealth that you can create for your family.” 

On Starting Small

• “You don't have to have a lot of money to start. You just have to have the will to begin.” 
• “A whole lot of $20 can get you to a million—as long as you don’t stop.” 

On Investing

• “Consider the companies you give your money to and own them, because they are a lot cheaper than you think.” 
• “If I’m helping you build a billion‑dollar business by using your products, I deserve a piece of the pie.” 

On Self-Reliance

• “You pay everybody… the bartender, the mortgage company—and you’re the one without money. Who’s going to worry about you?” 

On Purpose and Identity

• “My story never changed. The mission was always dedicated to the people I didn’t see coming into that building on Wall Street.” 
• “Emplify is the movement. It just has my DNA.”

#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 Dr. Melanye “Dr. Mac.” 

Maclin joins Rushion McDonald to discuss the serious health risks associated with hair relaxers, permanent dyes, and synthetic braids—particularly among Black women. Drawing from over 25 years of research and patient experience, she explains how chemicals used in these products absorb through the scalp, disrupt hormones, and significantly increase the risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, early puberty, fibroids, and infertility.

The conversation also highlights systemic resistance from the beauty industry, government agencies, and even consumers themselves—primarily due to financial incentives and lack of awareness. Dr. Mac advocates for safer hair practices, increased education, and protective measures to reduce exposure. She also discusses her pioneering internal hair‑health supplements, Bella Nutri, for women (2004) and men (2008), and how she helped introduce the U.S. market to nutritional hair support long before it was mainstream.

Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of the interview is to:

1. Educate listeners about the hidden health dangers

…of chemical hair treatments including relaxers, permanent dyes, and synthetic hair containing benzene.

2. Advocate for informed hair‑care decisions

Dr. Mac wants women—especially Black women—to understand how beauty practices impact long‑term health.

3. Encourage the beauty industry to adopt safety protocols

Such as scalp protection, warning labels, and honest communication about risks.

4. Highlight Dr. Mac’s work and products

Including her Bella Nutri supplements and educational platforms (Ask Dr. Mac).

5. Empower parents to protect children

By avoiding chemical treatments on young girls whose bodies are especially vulnerable.

Key Takeaways 1. Chemical relaxers and permanent hair dyes are strongly linked to increased cancer risks.

• Permanent dyes raise the risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer.
• Black women exhibit a 45% increased risk of breast cancer when using permanent dyes.
• Combining dyes with relaxers significantly compounds the danger.

2. The danger comes from chemical absorption into the scalp.

• Relaxer chemicals include sodium, calcium, guanine, and lithium hydroxide.
• These chemicals burn through the scalp, entering the bloodstream and disrupting hormones, leading to early puberty, fibroids, infertility, and cancer.

3. Synthetic braiding hair contains benzene—a carcinogen.

• Benzene exposure affects both the stylist and the client.
• Risks include lung cancer and leukemia.

4. The beauty industry resists change because of profit.

• Salons rarely display warnings because “it affects business.”
• The relaxer–damage→hair‑loss→extensions cycle creates a lucrative revenue loop.

5. Children are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure.

• Relaxers on children under 10 can cause:
  • early puberty
  • fibroids
  • infertility
  • early hysterectomies
  • increased cancer risk
• Dr. Mac advises never relaxing a child’s hair, but if done, the product must stay on no more than 5–10 minutes with complete scalp protection.

6. Scalp protection is essential for anyone still using relaxers.

• Use petroleum jelly over the entire scalp, not just the hairline.
• This reduces chemical absorption during both application and rinsing.

7. Dr. Mac pioneered the U.S. hair‑supplement industry.

• Developed Bella Nutri after research with a Finnish company (Scalp).
• Initially dismissed as a “witch doctor,” but now the hair‑supplement market is mainstream.

8. She refuses to participate in relaxer‑related lawsuits.

• Because she has warned people for 20+ years, she cannot ethically testify for those who ignored repeated warnings.

Notable Quotes

On the impact of chemicals:

• “The chemicals burn through the scalp… getting into the main bloodstream and causing hormone disruption.”

On the increased cancer risk:

• “African‑Americans have a more than 45% increased risk when we use permanent hair dyes.”

On synthetic braids:

• “As long as that synthetic hair is on her head, she is breathing in benzene.”

On industry pushback:

• “People are about the green‑eyed devil called money.”

On relaxing children’s hair:

• “Hopefully a mother doesn’t take her child to get a relaxer.”
• “Hair chemicals can lead to early puberty, fibroids, infertility, even hysterectomies before age 40.”

On the vicious cycle of damage and profit:

• “It’s a 360‑degree money‑making cycle.”

On caring more than her patients:

• “I feel like I’m caring more about someone’s health than they are caring about their own.”

On pioneering supplements:

• “Hair and skin are internal organs—they manifest externally.”

#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.