Money Making Conversations Master Class

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-NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Shannon Denton.

Co-founder of Wripple.  Wripple is a marketing on-demand platform offering a private marketplace of vetted talent and software to manage freelancer relationships in one place. The platform's marketplace connects brands and ad agencies with highly skilled, on-demand talent for incredible speed, efficiency, and flexibility.

Wripple, is poised to change the way brands secure talent for Marketing and Customer Experience project . Wripple'ss Agency Services Platform allows marketing teams to browse and hire highly vetted talent, all on-demand. This includes finding individual freelancers and a ready-made project team. It's a more modern and cost-effective solution to manage capacity and get outside digital expertise. The platform provides access to teams for over 50 projects and individuals spanning 25 roles across strategy, design, media, marketing, and technology. With more than 70 years of collective agency experience, our knowledge is embedded in our technology to drive fit-for-purpose talent matching your needs. 

So, my experiences have been divers. I have raised > more than $40M in Venture Capital, run and sold a start-up, led a $700M global company, built new business units, acquired several companies, built software products from scratch, and advised over 50 Fortune 500 companies on Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, Marketing, Media, and Technology Innovation.

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

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 Jasmine Young.

Founder and President of the Financial Literacy Institute, joins Rushion McDonald to discuss her journey from a small rural town in Alabama to becoming a financial literacy advocate, entrepreneur, and community leader. The conversation focuses on education, financial empowerment, HBCUs, generational wealth, entrepreneurship, and the role economic power plays in creating social change.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview was designed to:

• Share Jasmine Young's personal story and professional journey.
• Highlight the importance of financial literacy and financial education.
• Promote entrepreneurship and wealth-building within underserved communities.
• Discuss the value and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
• Raise awareness about the Black Wall Street Black Business Expo and its mission.
• Encourage individuals and families to build financial independence and generational wealth.

Key Takeaways 1. Education Was Her Path to Opportunity

Young grew up in rural Alabama and saw education as her pathway to a different future. She earned a full scholarship to Alabama A&M University and knew as early as high school that she wanted to become a CPA.

Quote:

"I knew that I was getting out, and I was going to use financial literacy as a way to do it."

Her story demonstrates how education can create opportunities regardless of where someone begins.

2. HBCUs Build Confidence and Leadership

Young credits Alabama A&M University with shaping her personally and professionally.

She explains that being surrounded by Black excellence helped develop her confidence and prepared her for challenges she would face in the broader workforce.

Quote:

"Going to an HBCU was the best thing I ever did."

She argues that HBCUs provide not only academic preparation but also practical life and leadership skills.

3. Financial Literacy Starts at Home

One of the most compelling parts of the interview is Young's description of how her parents taught financial responsibility.

Although her family lived in a rural area and did not appear wealthy by traditional standards, they taught budgeting, discipline, accountability, and long-term thinking.

Examples included:

• Managing a weekly allowance.
• Paying for personal expenses.
• Learning to budget before adulthood.
• Understanding the value of money early.

She believes these lessons created the foundation for her success.

4. Wealth Is More Than Appearances

As a child, Young was embarrassed by her rural upbringing. Later, she realized her family possessed something far more valuable than appearances: land ownership, self-sufficiency, and financial wisdom.

Her family owned more than 78 acres of land and lived off resources available on their property.

She learned that true wealth is often found in assets, knowledge, and long-term planning rather than outward displays of success.

5. Financial Literacy Is Her Purpose

Young explains that her passion for numbers eventually became her life mission.

Through the Financial Literacy Institute, she works to increase financial knowledge and help families improve their economic outcomes.

Quote:

"My passion for financial literacy was actually my purpose."

Her goal is to spread financial literacy one family at a time.

6. Economic Power Creates Social Change

A major theme of the interview is that financial empowerment and social justice are closely connected.

Young argues that communities gain influence when they build wealth, support businesses strategically, and leverage their spending power.

She believes economic participation is one of the most effective ways to create meaningful change.

Quote:

"The way for us to move the needle economically is we have to be civically engaged."

7. The Legacy of Black Wall Street Matters Today

Young created the Black Wall Street Black Business Expo to honor the entrepreneurs and wealth-builders of Tulsa's Greenwood District while encouraging modern business owners to continue that legacy.

She views the event as both a celebration of Black excellence and a call to action.

Key goals include:

• Supporting Black-owned businesses.
• Building generational wealth.
• Strengthening communities through entrepreneurship.
• Encouraging civic and economic engagement.

8. Your Environment Does Not Define Your Potential

Throughout the interview, Young challenges stereotypes about people from rural communities.

She demonstrates that success is not determined by geography, background, or circumstances but by education, discipline, opportunity, and persistence.

Her story serves as an example that individuals can achieve significant success regardless of where they start.

Notable Quotes On education and opportunity

"I knew that I was getting out, and I was going to use financial literacy as a way to do it."

On HBCUs

"Going to an HBCU was the best thing I ever did."

On financial literacy

"My passion for financial literacy was actually my purpose."

On her upbringing

"My parents gave my brother and me a basic foundation of how to be a responsible financial adult."

On economic empowerment

"The way for us to move the needle economically is we have to be civically engaged."

On wealth-building

"We've done it before, and Black Wall Street is an example of it."

On leveraging economic power

"The answer to all our social injustice issues is recirculating the Black dollar in our community."

Overall Assessment

The interview is a powerful discussion about financial literacy, education, entrepreneurship, generational wealth, and community advancement. Jasmine Young presents a compelling example of how discipline, education, and financial knowledge can transform lives. Her message is that true empowerment begins with understanding money, building assets, supporting community businesses, and using economic influence to create lasting social and financial change. The central theme is that financial literacy is not just about money. It is a tool for freedom, opportunity, and generational impact.

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

 

 

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 interviews The Cycling Queen Who Cultivates Confidence, Tunde Oyeneyin. 

Tunde is a Peloton Instructor, New York Times Bestselling Author, Nike Athlete, and motivational speaker. Tunde Oyeneyin is a Texas native of Nigerian descent and currently resides in the New York City area with her dog Ceasar. Growing up, Tunde struggled with her body image and self-esteem, noting it took many years and hard work to get to a healthy place physically and mentally. Fitness offered Tunde a more extraordinary form of self-love, and she eventually realized it was her true calling to motivate people to join her in becoming the best version of themselves. She trusted her gut, took a leap of faith, and walked away from a lucrative 15-year career as a professional makeup artist and brand educator for some of the most coveted beauty brands in the World to become a cycling instructor in Los Angeles. She has been cycling ever since, and in 2019, she landed a prestigious role at Peloton Studios in New York City.

 

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

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 Craig Melvin.  

For Craig Melvin this book is more an investigation than a memoir. It's an opportunity to better understand his father; to interrogate his family's legacy of addiction and despair but also transformation and redemption; and to explore the challenges facing all dads--including Craig himself, a father of two young children.

Growing up in Columbia, South Carolina, Craig had a fraught relationship with his father. Lawrence Melvin was a distant, often absent parent due to his drinking as well as his job working the graveyard shift at a postal facility. Watching sports and tinkering on Lawrence's beloved (but unreliable) 1973 Pontiac LeMans were two ways father and son connected, but as Lawrence's drinking spiraled out of control, their bond was stretched to the breaking point. Fortunately, Craig had a loving, fiercely protective mother who held the family together. He also had a series of surrogate father figures in his life--uncles, teachers, workplace mentors--who by their examples helped him figure out the kind of person and father he wanted to be.

Pops is the story of all these men--and of the inspiring fathers Craig has met reporting his "Dads Got This Series" on the Today show. Pops is also the story of Craig and Lawrence Melvin's long journey to reconciliation and understanding, and of how all these experiences and encounters have informed Craig's understanding of his own role as a dad. 

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

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 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.

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

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 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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Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

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 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.

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

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, interview Georgia native Ellia English. 

 known for memorable roles on The Jamie Foxx Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Good Luck Charlie, Arli$, and numerous theater productions. The conversation explores her journey from a small town in Georgia to Broadway, television success, improvisational acting, caregiving, faith, and her upcoming YouTube comedy series My Sisters and Me.

About Ellia English

Ellia English is a:

• Television actress
• Broadway performer
• Singer
• Writer
• Producer
• Georgia native

Her notable credits include:

• Auntie Ray on Curb Your Enthusiasm
• Helen King on The Jamie Foxx Show
• Mary Lou Wentz on Good Luck Charlie
• Miss Hattie on Arli$
• Broadway productions including Ain't Misbehavin'

Throughout her career, she has balanced acting, music, theater, and storytelling.

Key Themes of the Interview

1. Small-Town Roots, Big Dreams

Ellia grew up in:

Covington, Georgia

She eventually moved to New York City to pursue professional theater.

Like many aspiring performers, she experienced fear and uncertainty when leaving home.

She recalled arriving in New York and finding herself unexpectedly alone in a part of Manhattan she was completely unprepared for.

Despite the challenges, she relied on:

• Faith
• Determination
• Preparation
• Support from mentors and industry contacts

Lesson

Success often requires leaving familiar environments and embracing discomfort.

2. Faith Guided Her Journey

One of the strongest themes throughout the interview was faith.

Ellia shared how growing up in church helped prepare her mentally and spiritually for life's challenges.

When she arrived in New York feeling overwhelmed, she reminded herself:

"I don't believe God brought me this far to leave me."

Faith became an anchor during moments of uncertainty.

Lesson

Confidence often comes from trusting something greater than yourself.

3. Becoming a "Triple Threat"

While pursuing theater in New York, Ellia learned that success required multiple skills.

Broadway performers were expected to:

• Act
• Sing
• Dance

This pushed her to expand beyond acting alone.

Her Broadway experience included starring in:

Ain't Misbehavin'

The award-winning musical celebrating the music of Fats Waller.

Lesson

The more skills you develop, the more opportunities become available.

4. Information Creates Opportunity

When discussing advice for young people relocating to major cities, Ellia stressed the importance of preparation.

Unlike when she started, today people have access to:

• Google
• Online research
• Social networks
• Maps
• Industry resources

Her advice:

Be informed before making major life decisions.

Lesson

Preparation reduces fear and increases confidence.

Landing The Jamie Foxx Show

One of the highlights of the interview was hearing how Ellia landed the role of:

Helen King

on The Jamie Foxx Show.

She explained that the casting process involved:

• Large open auditions
• Multiple callbacks
• Competitive rounds

At the final callback, she had the opportunity to improvise with Jamie Foxx.

Their chemistry immediately stood out.

Rather than strictly following the script, they played off each other's energy.

That improvisation ultimately helped her secure the role.

Lesson

Sometimes success comes from showing your authentic personality rather than simply following instructions.

The Importance of Improvisation

Ellia discussed how improvisation became a valuable skill throughout her career.

Her training came from:

• Live theater
• Broadway performances
• Acting opposite veteran performers
• Sitcom work

She credited experiences with legendary actress Peggy Cass as particularly important.

When Cass occasionally forgot lines during live performances, Ellia learned how to improvise while keeping the show moving seamlessly.

Lesson

Adaptability is one of the most important skills an entertainer can possess.

Joining Curb Your Enthusiasm

Another major topic was her role as:

Auntie Ray

on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Unlike traditional television productions, the show operates with minimal scripting.

Actors receive:

• Scene outlines
• Character intentions
• Story objectives

Most of the dialogue develops naturally through improvisation.

Ellia described auditioning for creator Larry David and being asked to fully commit to the scene.

She did exactly that.

Her willingness to "go for it" helped her earn the role.

Working with Larry David

Ellia praised Larry David for creating a creative environment where actors can explore and experiment.

According to her:

• He trusts performers.
• He encourages spontaneity.
• He gives actors room to shine.

This approach creates the unique style that made Curb Your Enthusiasm successful.

Lesson

Great leaders create environments where talented people can contribute freely.

The Impact of the Black Characters on Curb

A fascinating discussion centered around:

• JB Smoove (Leon)
• Vivica A. Fox (Loretta)
• Ellia English (Auntie Ray)

Their introduction expanded the show's audience and created some of its most memorable storylines.

The characters were introduced through a storyline connected to Hurricane Katrina and displaced families.

According to Ellia, the cast immediately developed a genuine family dynamic.

Lesson

Representation creates opportunities for broader storytelling and wider audiences.

Caring for Her Mother

One of the most emotional parts of the interview came when Ellia discussed stepping away from her career in 2018.

She returned home to care for her mother.

What began as helping a parent gradually evolved into full-time caregiving.

She became:

• Companion
• Advocate
• Caregiver
• Nurse

Her mother passed away in 2020.

Ellia described the experience as life-changing.

Lesson

Success is not only measured by professional accomplishments but also by how we show up for the people we love.

Returning to Her Creative Purpose

After grieving and rebuilding, Ellia gradually returned to performing.

A significant moment occurred when:

• She became active again professionally.
• She reengaged creatively.
• Opportunities began appearing once more.

This included returning for the final season of:

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Lesson

Sometimes life requires a pause, but a pause is not the end of the journey.

New Project: My Sisters and Me

Ellia also discussed her upcoming comedy series:

My Sisters and Me

Created with longtime friend and director:

Maddie Carruthers

The multi-camera comedy follows three sisters from different generations trying to live together without driving each other crazy.

Ellia plays:

The youngest sister

who believes she finally has independence until her older sisters re-enter her life.

The series explores:

• Family
• Humor
• Sisterhood
• Relationships
• Generational differences

Lesson

Family comedy remains relatable because everyone understands complicated sibling relationships.

Advice for Aspiring Creatives

Throughout the interview, Ellia offered several lessons:

Be Prepared

Use available resources and do your research.

Stay Faithful

Trust your journey even when things seem uncertain.

Keep Learning

Acting, singing, writing, and producing all expanded her opportunities.

Embrace Improvisation

The ability to adapt often determines success.

Don't Fear Reinvention

Every stage of life can create new opportunities.

Memorable Quotes

Ellia English

"I don't believe God brought me this far to leave me."

"Stay informed."

"Let your creativity come through."

"Have fun."

"You have to let go and trust yourself."

"As long as God gives me breath, I want to be everything He created me to be."

Rushion McDonald

"Content is king."

"You have longevity in this business."

"Fear keeps many people from moving forward."

"You have shown incredible diversity in your career."

Overall Message

Ellia English's story is one of faith, persistence, adaptability, and lifelong creativity. From a small-town Georgia upbringing to Broadway, television stardom, caregiving, and content creation, she has continually embraced new opportunities while remaining grounded in her values. Her journey demonstrates that success comes from preparation, resilience, relationships, and the willingness to evolve. Most importantly, her story reminds us that it is never too late to return to your purpose and continue creating the life you were meant to live.

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

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. 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.

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

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Executive leadership training

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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!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson.

 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.

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.