Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Holly Cotton.  She is a wellness expert, registered nurse, best-selling author, media personality, life coach, goal guru, and podcast host based in Houston, Texas.  Holly earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing. She has used her medical knowledge to elevate her nursing career and become a renowned health and wellness authority.  

As an entrepreneur branding yourself, its important to present yourself to align with your branding. I have authored ten books host a podcast and a mental health advocate. When people look at my brand, I want them to see that you can go from being a cancer patient to a life survivor. You can survive anything life throws at you and become the strongest version of yourself inside and out. That pain will push you to your purpose so that you can be sexy and a mom. You can be a professional and still follow your entrepreneurial goals. I want to inspire and motivate women to live their dreams and stop settling for just living. I want to stay authentic to my mission of changing the world by empowering others to be their best self and highlighting their triumphs.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-NAACP Image  Award-winning television Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Craig Melvin.  Craig Melvin, co-host of “The Today Show” and Author of “Pops: Learning to Be a Son and a Father.” He is on the show to discuss his new book “Pops: Learning to Be a Son and a Father.” It is the story of all the father figures in Craig’s life—including inspiring men Craig has met during his "Dads Got This Series" on NBC News’ TODAY. These experiences and encounters have shaped Craig's understanding of his role as a dad of two young children.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Alexiou Gibson.  He grew his Sea Moss Business From Zero to Multi Millions in Less Than a Year.  Black-Owned Sea Moss Brand Secured $600K 'Shark Tank' Deal With Kevin Hart and Mark Cuban.  The Transformation Factory (TTF) is the passion of founder Alexiou Gibson. In his current role as CEO and President, he leads the company as a continuation of his own transformation from one seeking answers, to one providing answers. TTF is the culmination of his more than 10 years of battling health issues. He has used every disappointment, achievement, heartbreak, success, and learning moment to create the concept of TTF as a resource and inspiration for those trying to become their best selves. The TTF website will become is depository of information, tools, support communities and products. These are things that Alexiou feels would have helped him a great deal when he started his “Alexiou 2.0” journey. The good news is that “Alexiou 2.0” has culminated into The Transformation Factory – a place that will give everyone the tools they need to succeed on their own journeys.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interview Georgia native Ellia English. She has had an indelible impact in Television, Theater, Film, and the Jazz Clubs, from her memorable television roles as Auntie Rae on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Aunt Helen on The Jamie Foxx Show, Mary Lou Wentz on Disney’s Good Luck Charlie, and as Henny on Lifetime’s Movie of The Week Petals On The Wind. She is on the show to discuss her career, her upcoming YouTube show, and the final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Dr. Artesius Miller.  

Dr. Artesius Miller is recognized as a visionary leader in K-12 public education in Georgia who has dedicated his career to providing high quality educational options for families in low-income communities.He founded Georgia’s first state-approved, arts-focused charter school, Utopian Academy for the Arts, a decade ago to serve families in Clayton County when arts programs were being removed from the curriculum. The school was since named "Charter School of the Year" in 2023.

Under Dr. Miller's leadership, the Utopian Academy Charter School Network now includes an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school in Clayton County, and a new satellite middle school in Fayetteville, Ga. that opened in August 2023 with statewide attendance zones.

In addition to his role as CEO and Founder of the Utopian Academy Charter Network, Dr. Miller also serves as a leader in higher education. In 2024, he became the first African American to chair the state board of the Technical College System of Georgia. He most recently served as vice chair of the board after being appointed in 2019 by Gov. Brian Kemp.

Dr. Miller also serves as an adjunct professor of education at Morehouse College, his alma mater. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Morehouse, and has a master’s degree in Education Leadership from Columbia University, and a doctoral degree in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia.

He is a member of several organizations and has won numerous accolades, including the “Champion for Children” Award presented by the Georgia Charter Schools Association and the "Avante Garde Economic Development Award" from the Development Authority of Clayton County.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackso. The HGTV power couple, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackso. They’re here to discuss their hit HGTV series, “Married to Real Estate,” and how their authenticity as a family on camera is the genuine article and not just an act they put on for the sake of T . Plus, you’ll get a behind the discussions on how this show began and the surprising history that Egypt has with me, Rushion McDonald.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington, MD, 

An internal medicine physician and medical billing expert. The discussion focuses on the complexities of health insurance, financial risks tied to medical expenses, and strategies to protect oneself from crushing medical debt.

Key Highlights:

1. Introduction to the Show:
   Rushion McDonald sets the stage for conversations about financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, and learning from successful professionals.

2. Guest Introduction – Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington:

   • She has extensive experience in primary care, psychiatry, and health insurance.
   • She helps patients navigate medical billing and financial pitfalls in healthcare.
   • She hosts What Your Doctor Wants You to Know, a podcast providing insights into healthcare and medical expenses.

3. The Reality of Health Insurance:

   • Even individuals with "great" health insurance are still at risk of massive medical debt.
   • Deductibles reset annually, meaning someone who undergoes treatment at the end of the year may find themselves financially exposed when the new year begins.
   • Medical expenses often lead to bankruptcy, making insurance literacy essential.

4. Why People Avoid Insurance:

   • Younger individuals often feel invincible and avoid paying for insurance.
   • Unexpected accidents or illnesses can derail financial stability, even for the healthiest individuals.

5. Steps to Avoid Medical Debt:
   Dr. Ellington outlines three steps to properly handle and negotiate medical bills:

   • Step 1: Ensure the bill contains real CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes—many bills are sent without them, making it harder for patients to validate costs.
   • Step 2: Research CPT codes online or use her Medical Bill Buster App to compare billed charges to Medicare rates (Medicare sets the most reasonable prices).
   • Step 3: Negotiate with healthcare providers using Medicare pricing as leverage to reduce inflated charges.

6. The Importance of Supplemental Insurance:

   • Traditional health insurance doesn’t always cover major costs.
   • Individuals, especially entrepreneurs and gig workers, should consider critical illness insurance, hospitalization insurance, and accident insurance as financial safeguards.

7. Insurance vs. Other Mandatory Coverage:

   • Unlike home or car insurance (which is legally required), health insurance is not mandatory in many cases, despite being equally essential for financial security.
   • This creates a gap where uninsured individuals take on extreme financial risk when health issues arise.

8. How to Contact Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington:

   • Website: crushmedicaldebt.com
   • Email: [email protected]

Overall Takeaway:

The discussion reinforces that health insurance should be viewed as a financial protection tool, not just a routine expense. Entrepreneurs, gig workers, and uninsured individuals need to take proactive steps in securing coverage and understanding how to negotiate medical bills effectively.

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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!

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews the ever-popular Tamela Mann – a Grammy award-winning gospel singer, actress, businesswoman, and fan-favorite – returns to Money Making Conversations Master Class once more for an encore performance. In this episode, she discusses the reasons behind founding her line of shapewear for plus-sized women, the rise of female entrepreneurs, and how her devotion to her faith has helped shape her life and career.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed T.D. Jakes. 

A bestselling author, entrepreneur, and senior pastor of The Potter’s House. The discussion focused on faith-driven entrepreneurship, second chances, and building a lasting legacy.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Faith & Business Leadership

• Jakes emphasized that faith and business principles must work together for success.
• He shared insights on balancing ministry with entrepreneurship, highlighting his $500M+ film and media ventures.

Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.)

• Jakes’ program has helped over 17,000 formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society.
• The initiative provides job training, housing assistance, and financial education to support second chances.

Entrepreneurship & Wealth Building

• He stressed that motivation without information leads to frustration—entrepreneurs must learn business terminology.
• His book Soar: Build Your Vision from the Ground Up serves as a blueprint for success, breaking down corporate structures, financial literacy, and business strategy.

The Wright Brothers Metaphor

• Jakes compared entrepreneurship to aviation, explaining that businesses must build their wings before taking flight.
• He encouraged entrepreneurs to view their business as a vehicle for financial freedom, not just a goal.

📘 About Bishop T.D. Jakes
Bishop T.D. Jakes is a New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, and senior pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. His television ministry, The Potter’s Touch, reaches millions worldwide.

He has produced Grammy-winning music and hit films, including Heaven Is for Real and Miracles from Heaven. His latest book, Soar, provides practical strategies for entrepreneurs.

 #BEST

#STRAW

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews Marc Morial. His "Gumbo Coalition" documentary explores the resurgence of white supremacy, the "Save Our Sons" program, and a family separated by Trump-era immigration policies streaming on HBOMax. He is one of the few national leaders with "street smarts" and "boardroom savvy" as the transformative President and CEO of the National Urban League—the nation's largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. We will discuss the Gumbo Coalition Documentary on Civil Rights Leaders Marc H. Morial & Janet Murguia. Directed by two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple, the acclaimed film chronicles the work of National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial and Unidos US President and CEO Janet Murguía throughout the Trump presidency, the racist mass shooting in El Paso, the COVID pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the uprising that followed, the 2020 elections, and the storming of the Capitol.

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