Daily Inspiration: The Steve Harvey Morning Show

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Cedric Walker.

Interview Purpose

The purpose of this interview is to highlight visionary entrepreneurship, cultural ownership, and perseverance, using Cedric Walker’s founding of Universoul Circus as a case study in building a purpose‑driven business that uplifts community while achieving long‑term success.

The conversation emphasizes how research, resilience, cultural authenticity, and belief in a vision can overcome skepticism and systemic barriers. It also positions Universoul Circus as more than entertainment—it is a multigenerational cultural institution rooted in Black excellence, inclusion, and family unity.

Major Themes & Key Takeaways 1. Vision Comes Before Validation

Cedric Walker shares that the vision for Universoul Circus came in the early 1990s, long before there was widespread belief that a Black‑owned circus centered on performers of color could succeed. Despite strong skepticism from both Black and white investors, Walker trusted the research, the cultural need, and his instinct.

Key takeaway: Vision must lead—even when validation comes much later.

2. Research Turns Ideas Into Reality

Walker did not rely on inspiration alone. He immersed himself in research, studying Black entertainment history, circus traditions, and global performance art. This foundation allowed him to confidently build a unique, sustainable model rather than copying existing formats.

Key takeaway: Preparation and research are critical when challenging industry norms.

3. Cultural Authenticity Is a Competitive Advantage

Universoul Circus was created to be authentically Black, not as a niche product, but as a universal experience rooted in joy, music, athleticism, and storytelling. Walker emphasizes that authenticity—not adaptation—is what attracts diverse audiences.

Key takeaway: When you are fully yourself, your work transcends culture and geography.

4. Family‑Centered Entertainment Fills a Real Need

A defining goal of Universoul Circus is to create an experience where multiple generations can sit together and all feel seen, engaged, and celebrated. Walker intentionally designed the show so grandparents, parents, and children could enjoy the same experience simultaneously.

Key takeaway: Businesses that bring families together create lasting emotional value.

5. Evolution Without Losing Identity

Over time, Universoul Circus evolved—from including animals to becoming a modern, high‑energy, animal‑free production—adapting to changing laws, audience preferences, and cultural shifts. However, Walker notes that the soul of the circus never changed.

Key takeaway: Successful brands evolve operationally without abandoning their purpose.

6. Global Talent, Long‑Term Investment

Walker details how Universoul Circus sources talent from around the world, including Ethiopia, Cuba, China, and the Caribbean. Performers often undergo years of training and development before appearing in the show, reinforcing Universoul’s commitment to excellence and safety.

Key takeaway: Excellence requires patience, investment, and a long‑term mindset.

7. Representation Changes Perception

Universoul Circus intentionally showcases elite Black performers in spaces where they were historically unseen or undervalued. Walker explains that representation is not symbolic—it reshapes belief and possibility for both audiences and performers.

Key takeaway: Representation is not aesthetic; it is transformative.

8. Perseverance Creates Legacy

Celebrating over 30 years of operation, Universoul Circus stands as proof that staying committed to purpose through adversity leads to longevity. Walker sees the circus as a living legacy and a foundation for future cultural innovation.

Key takeaway: Longevity is built by staying the course when others doubt the destination.

Notable Quotes

“Vision comes to you like that—you have to trust it.”

“Nobody believed it would work, but I felt it in my gut and in my research.”

“Our goal was to stay authentically Black—that’s what transcends culture.”

“We wanted something where a grandmother, a father, and a child could all enjoy the same show.”

“Nothing you see is by chance. Everything has meaning.”

“We invested years into these performers before they ever hit our stage.”

“This is more than a circus—it’s a family reunion under the big top.”

Overall Message

Cedric Walker’s interview is a masterclass in cultural entrepreneurship. It demonstrates how creativity, courage, and conviction can transform an idea into an enduring institution. His journey with Universoul Circus reinforces that purpose, preparation, and persistence are the true drivers of success—especially when building something that challenges expectations.

The conversation ultimately affirms that when a business is rooted in authenticity and community, it can achieve both economic sustainability and cultural impact.

#AMI

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ash Cash Exantus.

He is one of the world's top financial educators. Dubbed as the "Hip-Hop Financial Advisor", he uses a culturally responsive approach in teaching financial literacy, wealth building, and entrepreneurship. He is also a speaker, 6x bestselling author, and creator of the #1 Community for Financial Spirituality.Company Description *MindRight Money Management is a culturally responsive financial education company that makes money management relatable, engaging, and effective. By blending music, pop culture, and real-time current events, we meet people where they are and guide them to where they want to be financially. Through dynamic workshops, impactful books, insightful articles, and easy-to-understand resources, we empower individuals and communities to build wealth, eliminate debt, and master their money with confidence and clarity.

Talking Points/Questions *Talking Points for Interview:
1. Align Your Savings & Spending
Why is aligning savings and spending essential?How can someone start aligning their finances today?Talking Point: A financial plan is the only way to take control of your money and design the life you desire.
2. Broaden Your Earnings
Why is having multiple streams of income important?What are some practical ways families can create additional income?Talking Point: Creating multiple streams of income is essential to securing financial stability and building wealth.
3. Underwrite Your Financial Freedom Fund
What is a financial freedom fund and why is it crucial?How can someone build one efficiently?Talking Point: A financial safety net is your first line of defense against life’s uncertainties.
4. Nurture Creditworthiness
How does credit impact wealth-building? What are the best ways to improve and maintain a strong credit score? Talking Point: A strong credit score is the key that unlocks opportunities to build wealth and financial freedom.
5. Diminish Liabilities
How do you differentiate between good and bad debt? Why is eliminating bad debt so important? Talking Point: Eliminating bad debt is the fastest way to reclaim your financial power and fuel wealth creation.
6. Amplify Investments
Why is investing critical to building wealth? What types of investments should families consider? Talking Point: Your money should work harder for you than you work for it—investing is how wealth multiplies.
7. Navigate a Life Insurance Strategy
How can life insurance be used as a wealth-building tool? What strategies can families use to “become their own bank”?Talking Point: Life insurance isn’t just protection; it’s a powerful tool to build and transfer generational wealth.
8. Create a Tax Wealth Strategy
Why is tax planning essential for wealth accumulation? How can families implement effective tax strategies? Talking Point: Minimizing taxes means keeping more of your money to grow and preserve your legacy.
9. Establish Legacy
What steps should families take to protect and pass on their wealth? Why is estate planning critical for generational wealth? Talking Point: A will and trust ensure your wealth lives on, protecting your family and preserving your vision for generations.

#AMI

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Thomas Barnes.  A product of the APS(Atlanta Public Schools), attended Morehouse College, and has a degree in Management from GSU(Ga State) with an emphasis in CIS(Information Systems). Thomas owns Experimax, a complete retail computer store that specializes in sales, service, and support of all things Apple. Welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class, Thomas Barnes.

We also offer the same services in the Windows and Samsung world, but Apple is our core business. In addition to the services offered to our walk-in customers daily, we can provide IT consulting and engagement for schools, churches, and businesses at large, particularly small businesses or organizations that do not have a dedicated IT resource or staff. We can also help to better utilize your IT budget or funding by working together to identify your your business and computer needs to see how we can assist in future procurement and hardware refresh efforts. 

Talking Points/Questions * 
1) Who is Thomas Barnes

2) Tell us a little bit about Experimax

3) How did you come to work in the IT industry ad now a business owner of Experimax?

4) How has my past life/work experience contributed to my becoming a business owner?

5) Why Experimax, why a franchise?

6) How can you and your team at Experimax serve the local community and the Atlanta/Sandy Springs community at large?

7) What has the journey been like on this road of entrepreneurship?

8) Who and/or what motivated you to start your own business?

9) Any suggestions to those considering pursuing their dreams and business ownership?

10) Plans for the future?

#AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.