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

A seasoned financial literacy educator and coach. Laura shares her deeply personal journey into financial education, sparked by a lack of preparedness in her own life and a family experience that resulted in the loss of generational wealth. Through candid storytelling and practical advice, she empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures with strategic planning, budgeting, and mindset shifts.

🧭 Key Themes

• Financial Empowerment: Building financial literacy to live life on your own terms.
• Generational Wealth: The importance of estate planning and legacy preservation.
• Budgeting & Cash Flow: Identifying spending leaks and creating emergency funds.
• Mindset Over Age: Rejecting age as a limitation to financial or personal growth.
• Community Impact: Educating underserved communities and promoting financial independence.

🗂️ Episode Outline

1. Introduction by Rushion McDonald

   • Purpose of the show and encouragement to learn from others’ success stories.

2. Meet Laura Finney

   • Financial coach and educator with a mission to empower through financial literacy.

3. Turning Point at 50

   • Laura’s wake-up call after her 50th birthday and the realization of financial unpreparedness.

4. Family Legacy Lost

   • A powerful story of losing family land due to lack of a will, now replaced by an Amazon facility.

5. Common Financial Mistakes

   • Taking advice without personalized planning.
   • Misunderstanding retirement and financial independence.

6. Advice for 30s and 40s

   • Pay yourself first.
   • Avoid inaccessible savings vehicles.
   • Start planning early.

7. Budgeting Tips

   • Cut back on dining out, personal care, and entertainment.
   • Build emergency funds—even starting with $1/day.

8. Financial Misconceptions

   • Living for today vs. planning for tomorrow.
   • The myth of “having time” to save later.

9. How Laura Works with Clients

   • Initial consultation → personalized interview → strategic financial roadmap.

10. Closing Thoughts

    • Encouragement to take control of your financial future and live life on your terms.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Nobody’s really retiring. We’re not great-grandma on the porch with lemonade anymore.”
• “Don’t let age define how you live your life.”
• “Everything starts with a budget.”
• “You can’t chase money. You have to plan for it.”
• “If you can save a dollar a day, you can build an emergency fund.”

👤 About the Guest: Laura Finney

Laura Finney is a financial literacy educator with over eight years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in delivering personalized financial literacy programs, workshops, and one-on-one consultations. Her mission is to help individuals and families achieve financial stability and long-term success through education, strategic planning, and empowerment.

📞 Contact Laura Finney

• Website: LauraFinneyEnterprises.net

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tarence Wheeler.  He is a highly respected professional with over 20 years of experience in community relations and philanthropic activities, specializing in community and corporate partnerships and relationship building. He is a former Mayoral Appointee, serving as the community relations liaison for Mayor Dave Bing and the City of Detroit.

Mr. Wheeler has extensive experience in community outreach, mentoring, and fostering partnerships to support educational achievement. During the pandemic, he led the effort to distribute over 15 million meals to the downriver community via a partnership with Forgotten Harvest. He founded the All-Star Giveback Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, which currently provides over 3,000 turkeys with all the trimmings to families in need.

Although Mr. Wheeler has been seen serving on a national level with celebrities and the like, his greatest passion is in helping to enrich the lives of at-risk young people in communities throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area. He is often inspiring and motivating students at Detroit-area schools, using a transparent and authentic approach to reaching young people and ‘meeting them where they are’. His first-hand knowledge and experience with growing up in a less-fortunate environment increased his ability to make a direct connection with his young audience.

Celebrities join forces for All-Star Giveback: Thanksgiving Edition: WHO:  Tarence Wheeler, Multi-Platinum & Emmy winning Grammy Nominee Rapper Big Sean/Sean Anderson Foundation, Former NBA Players Derrick Coleman, Gary Payton, Willie Burton, Isiah Thomas, Rick Mahorn, Grant Long, Tim Hardaway, James “Budda” Edwards, Actor/Author Hill Harper, Former NFL Players Herman Moore, Lomas Brown, Rob Sims, Calvin Johnson, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Wayne County Sheriff Ray Washington, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, City Council President Mary Sheffield 
WHAT: Annual All-Star Giveback: Thanksgiving Edition will provide more than 3000 turkeys and food baskets to Metro- Detroit residents on a first come, first served basis.

#AMI

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

Founded a nonprofit in Detroit focused on removing non-academic barriers to education.
- During the pandemic, he helped distribute over **15 million meals** through a partnership with Forgotten Harvest.
- His work is rooted in personal experience: growing up with a mother struggling with addiction and an absent father.
- He credits his success to mentors, coaches, and community members who supported him.

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### 👥 **Youth Advocacy**
- Terrence emphasizes the importance of **adult involvement** in youth success.
- He believes that **every child who shows up to school is already succeeding**, and it’s up to adults to help them cross the finish line.
- His programs are designed to **uplift, mentor, and provide resources** to underserved youth.

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### 🦃 **Annual All-Star Giveback**
- Terrence and NBA great **Derrick Coleman** started the **All-Star Giveback** 27 years ago with 200 turkeys.
- It has grown to include:
  - **3,000 turkeys**
  - **500 chickens**
  - **Socks, belts, rental assistance, and more**
  - **Special deliveries** for seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals
- The event features appearances from celebrities and athletes like:
  - **Gary Payton, Isaiah Thomas, Rick Mahorn, Tim Hardaway, Calvin Johnson, Big Sean**, and more
  - **Governor Gretchen Whitmer** and other local officials also participate

---

### 💬 **Key Quotes & Insights**
- “It’s not your conditions, it’s your decision making that determines your destiny.”
- “If I can go from a dope house to the White House, so can you.”
- “If everyone does a little, no one has to do a lot.”

---

### 💻 **How to Support**
- **Phone**: (313) 819-0040
- **Website**: TerrenceWheelerFoundation.com *(as mentioned in the script)*
- **Volunteer or donate**: Not just about money—human capital and time are just as valuable.

---

### 🧠 **Tone and Style**
- **Inspiring and heartfelt**: Terrence shares deeply personal stories to connect with listeners.
- **Community-focused**: Emphasizes collective action and the power of showing up.
- **Uplifting and motivational**: Encourages listeners to give back and believe in their potential.

 

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tracy and Sunshine Gantt.

A husband-and-wife team who founded the first and only homeless shelter in Pickens County, South Carolina. Here are some key highlights and themes from the conversation:

Here are some key highlights and themes from the conversation:

🌟 Key Themes and Highlights

1. Faith and Redemption

   • Tracy shares a deeply personal journey from a troubled past involving street life, incarceration, and violence to becoming a pastor and community leader.
   • Sunshine also opens up about her own struggles, including a period of homelessness, and how faith and resilience brought them back together.

2. Founding the Shelter

   • Despite numerous obstacles—including zoning issues, lack of funding, and health challenges—they transformed a 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse into a fully operational homeless shelter.
   • The shelter now serves 50–60 individuals daily, offering meals, shelter, and care at no cost.

3. Community and Recognition

   • Their work has been recognized with local and national honors, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
   • They emphasize the importance of community support, with contributions from businesses like Home Depot and local churches.

4. Humor and Humanity

   • The interview is filled with warmth, humor, and authenticity, making their story not only inspiring but also deeply human and relatable.

5. Call to Action and Support

   • Host Rushion McDonald pledges a $1,000 donation and promises to visit and bake for the shelter residents, reinforcing the show's mission to uplift and support changemakers.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Chef Kevin Bludso.

Here’s a summary of MMCMC Script File 18, an episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass hosted by Rushion McDonald, featuring special guest Kevin Bledsoe, founder of Bledsoe’s Barbecue and a two-time Hoodie Award winner.

🔥 Key Topics Discussed 1. The Hoodie Awards Legacy

• Kevin credits the Hoodie Awards for launching his national visibility.
• Describes the experience as “life-changing,” giving pride and validation to small business owners.
• Emphasizes how the awards brought community recognition, celebrity exposure, and lasting friendships.

2. Bledsoe’s Barbecue Journey

• Originated in Compton, CA, with family BBQ roots in Corsicana, TX.
• Now an international brand with locations in Los Angeles, San Antonio, and even Melbourne, Australia.
• Known for slow-smoked meats, authentic Southern sides, and consistent quality.

3. Celebrity Support & Customer Experience

• Celebrities frequent Bledsoe’s, but Kevin emphasizes treating everyone with respect.
• Consistency in food and service is key: “Every plate looks immaculate.”
• Rushion shares personal stories of bringing military and corporate guests to the restaurant.

4. Television Career

• Kevin’s TV debut came unexpectedly via a producer who overheard him joking in the kitchen.
• Became a regular on Bar Rescue and now stars on Netflix’s American Barbecue Showdown.
• His authenticity and humor made him a standout personality.

5. Philanthropy & Community Impact

• Bledsoe’s has paid for funerals, provided scholarships, and supported local causes.
• Kevin believes in giving back: “I don’t give to be blessed. I’m blessed, so I give.”
• Emphasizes the importance of teamwork, community, and uplifting others.

6. Entrepreneurship Real Talk

• Warns aspiring entrepreneurs: “Owning a business is the hardest job you’ll ever have.”
• Shares his early grind—working 24-hour days between BBQ and DJ gigs.
• Encourages building a strong team and trusting the process.

7. Civic Engagement

• Passionate about voting rights and Black empowerment.
• Urges listeners to vote in person and stay informed about political and social issues.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “I don’t give to be blessed. I’m blessed, so I give.”
• “Are you ready to go eight years without a day off?”
• “The Hoodie Awards made us feel like celebrities—like we mattered.”
• “You need fans in the stands. That’s called customers.”
• “If I’m making it and my people aren’t, then I’m not making it.”

#BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle.

🎙️ Episode Overview

• Guest: Alicia Lyttle
• Topic: Demystifying AI for small businesses, content creators, and entrepreneurs.

🤖 Key Topics Discussed 1. What Is AI?

• Alicia defines AI as tools that can perform tasks like content creation, image generation, and data analysis—tasks once thought to require human intelligence.
• Tools like ChatGPT and Pictory.ai can help businesses scale faster and more efficiently.

2. AI for Content Creation

• Alicia explains how to:
  • Transcribe interviews using Otter.ai.
  • Turn transcripts into books using ChatGPT.
  • Create videos from scripts using Pictory.ai.
  • Generate social media content, book descriptions, and more—all with AI.

3. Real-World Application

• Rushion realizes he can turn his 850+ interviews into books, YouTube videos, and monetizable content using AI.
• Alicia emphasizes that AI can help generate “mailbox money”—passive income from repurposed content.

4. Her Business & Mission

• Alicia and her sister have run a marketing and training company for 24 years.
• They now focus exclusively on AI education and implementation for businesses.
• She offers corporate training, workshops, and free resources to help others adopt AI.

5. AI as a Business Equalizer

• AI levels the playing field for small and minority-owned businesses.
• It reduces operational costs and increases productivity.
• Alicia encourages Black entrepreneurs to become early adopters and not get left behind.

6. Training & Resources

• Alicia offers a free eBook: ChatGPT Made Easy on her website AliciaLyttle.com.
• She provides newsletters, videos, and one-on-one consultations.
• She stresses the importance of learning how to use AI properly to avoid poor results.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “AI is not going to replace you. But someone using AI might.”
• “We produced more content in one year using AI than in the previous ten years combined.”
• “You don’t need to hire a team—you need to hire the right tools.”
• “This is our chance to be early adopters. Don’t miss this wave.”

 

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley.

Founder of The Playbook.  Here’s a breakdown of the key topics and highlights:

Key Themes & Highlights

1. The Playbook’s Mission & Innovation

   • Dr. Mosley introduces The Playbook, an award-winning mental health performance sports tech company.
   • The platform measures stress, well-being, and resilience, providing athletes with data-driven insights to improve performance.

2. Mental Health & Performance Tracking

   • The Playbook uses gamified psych assessments to quantify mental health metrics like resilience and stress.
   • It provides trackable wellness solutions for sports organizations, helping teams gain a competitive advantage.

3. Scaling Mental Health Support in Sports

   • Dr. Mosley discusses the challenges of scaling mental health resources, especially post-COVID.
   • She emphasizes the importance of AI and machine learning in making mental health measurable and actionable.

4. Privacy & Athlete Trust

   • The Playbook is HIPAA-compliant, ensuring privacy and restricted access to athlete data.
   • It was developed with input from thousands of athletes, making it a trusted tool in the sports ecosystem.

5. Expanding Beyond Sports

   • While The Playbook is designed for athletes, Dr. Mosley acknowledges its potential in corporate and medical spaces.
   • She highlights interest from industries like construction, healthcare, and military operations.

About Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley & The Playbook

Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley is a consulting psychologist who has worked with elite sports organizations, including the NBA, NFL, NCAA, and U.S. Air Force. She founded The Playbook to bridge the gap between mental health and athletic performance, ensuring that mental wellness is prioritized alongside physical training. Her work is revolutionizing how teams and athletes approach mental health, making it quantifiable, trackable, and actionable.

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

In the final installment of the Money Making Conversations Masterclass series MindRight Money Management, Rushion McDonald and Ash Cash explore Hip-Hoponomics, blending Hip-Hop culture with financial education. Ash explains how he uses the stories of Hip-Hop artists and his books to teach financial literacy in an engaging way. They discuss overcoming adversity, the mindset needed for wealth, and the idea that financial success isn’t tied to a specific look. The conversation also covers the importance of vetting business partners online in today’s digital age. Tune in for an inspiring session and show that you believe in G.O.D.—Greatness On Display!

Ash Exantus, also known as Ash Cash, is a distinguished financial educator, author of over 40 books, and founder of MindRight Money Management. He is recognized for his unique approach to financial literacy, blending it with elements of music, pop culture, and psychology. His initiatives like Hip-Hoponomics showcase his innovative methods in teaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship to youth, employing the cultural lens of hip-hop. Additionally, he leads the Abundance Community, focusing on financial spirituality and personal growth, and heads BookRich™, guiding individuals in leveraging personal experiences into multiple income streams.

Ash also hosts the influential business podcast, Inside the Vault with Ash Cash, renowned for its in-depth interviews with successful entrepreneurs and celebrities, contributing to over 7 million video views and 1.3 million audio downloads globally. His commitment to empowering individuals financially and personally has made him a sought-after speaker and a featured expert in top media outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and CNBC. Ash's work is dedicated to inspiring and equipping people to reach their full potential, making significant impacts across various communities. For more insights into his work, visit www.IamAshCash.com.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Denella Ri'chard.

An award-winning travel expert, TV host, and former senior executive in the travel industry. The discussion focused on the transformative power of travel, breaking cultural barriers, and her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

The Importance of Travel

• Travel helps break down cultural barriers and expand perspectives.
• Experiencing different cultures makes people more open-minded and adaptable.

Overcoming Stereotypes as a Black Traveler

• Ri'chard shared experiences of racial stereotypes while traveling, including perceptions about Black Americans abroad.
• She emphasized the importance of representation in the travel industry.

Her Journey from Corporate Executive to TV Host

• Ri'chard held senior positions at Hilton Worldwide, Carnival Corporation, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
• The COVID-19 pandemic led to her unexpected career shift, launching her travel show.

Creating Traveling with Denella Ri'chard

• The show provides insider travel tips, destination guides, and cultural insights.
• Ri'chard helps viewers plan trips with confidence by scouting locations firsthand.

Entrepreneurship & Reinvention

• Losing her corporate job during COVID-19 pushed her to pursue her dream of hosting a travel show.
• She encourages others to embrace change and take risks in their careers.

📘 About Denella Ri'chard
Denella Ri'chard is the host and executive producer of the award-winning travel show Traveling with Denella Ri'chard. She has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in USA Hospitality and Travel.

Her show airs in over 40 cities and explores luxurious resorts, cruises, and cultural experiences worldwide. #AMI

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For more insights, check out her interview here or learn more about her work here.

 

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

A leadership and performance coach specializing in helping high-achieving entrepreneurs balance business growth with personal fulfillment. The discussion focused on leadership, relationships, and overcoming subconscious barriers to success.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Balancing Business & Personal Life

• Yatch helps ambitious entrepreneurs struggling to balance home life and business growth.
• She emphasized that success at work doesn’t mean sacrificing relationships—leaders must redefine their roles at home.

The Importance of Transition Time

• Many entrepreneurs struggle to switch from work mode to home life, leading to stress in relationships.
• Yatch recommends a 30-minute decompression routine before entering the home, including:
  • Writing down lingering work concerns.
  • Engaging in a mindless activity like listening to music.
  • Reflecting on positive memories with loved ones to shift emotional energy.

Leadership Gaps in Entrepreneurs

• Yatch identified three major leadership gaps that hold entrepreneurs back:
  1. Delegation – Many leaders struggle to trust their teams, leading to micromanagement.
  2. Feedback – Entrepreneurs must learn to give and receive feedback effectively without defensiveness.
  3. Planning – Businesses often fail to plan for obstacles, focusing only on ideal scenarios.

Trauma & Entrepreneurial Success

• Yatch explained that many entrepreneurs have unresolved childhood trauma, leading them to create chaos in business as a way to regain control.
• She emphasized that stability at home is crucial for scaling a business successfully.

📘 About Annie Yatch
Annie Yatch is a team leadership and performance coach, specializing in helping entrepreneurs unlock their full potential. She is the founder of Northstar Leadership, a company dedicated to helping high-achieving men redefine leadership at home and in business. 

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