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

A certified functional nutrition counselor and founder of Level Minds CBD Health Club, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss how CBD, functional nutrition, and holistic wellness help individuals manage pain, anxiety, and autoimmune disorders. She shares her personal experience overcoming lupus and Crohn’s disease through natural remedies.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Understanding CBD & Its Benefits

   • Every mammal has an endocannabinoid system with CB1 and CB2 receptors that regulate neurological and immune functions.
   • CBD products help create balance (homeostasis) in the body, improving heart, kidney, liver, and digestive functions.

2. Top Reasons People Seek CBD

   • Sleep Issues & Anxiety – Many customers struggle with post-pandemic insomnia and high stress.
   • Pain Management – Whether from sports injuries, chronic conditions, or muscle strains, CBD offers natural relief.

3. Autoimmune Disorders & CBD

   • Shiloh personally overcame lupus and Crohn’s disease without steroids or medication.
   • CBD helps calm the immune system, reducing inflammation and preventing the body from attacking itself.
   • Different CBD formats—oils, gummies, and edibles—support various conditions depending on where the inflammation occurs.

4. CBD vs. Common Misconceptions

   • CBD ≠ Weed – While CBD comes from cannabis, THC-free products exist, allowing users to experience benefits without feeling high.
   • Many professionals, including military personnel, firefighters, and police officers, use CBD to manage stress safely.
   • Products available include gummies, chocolates, topicals, and drinks, catering to different needs.

5. Family-Friendly CBD & THC Options

   • Level Minds CBD offers a THC-free “family & professional” line that’s safe for kids and pets.
   • For those seeking a mild calming effect, low-dose THC drinks help relieve stress without alcohol-like side effects.
   • Many customers have quit alcohol entirely, preferring CBD for relaxation and emotional balance.

6. Entrepreneurship & Passion for Wellness

   • Shiloh’s business started as a pain and wellness therapy spa before expanding into CBD.
   • She built her company on word-of-mouth marketing, prioritizing education, personal connections, and community trust.
   • She believes passion drives success, emphasizing that true dedication leads to financial rewards.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Shiloh Biglis’ products are available through:
🔗 Website: Level Minds CBD
🔗 Phone: (678) 765-2228
🔗 Social Media: @LevelMindsCBD

 

 

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ashley Joi Boyd.

A Grammy-nominated songwriter, music producer, real estate developer, and author of Financially Fly: Mastering Money and Wealth for Women. Ashley shares her journey from co-writing Justin Bieber’s hit “Yummy” to overcoming bankruptcy and becoming a financial literacy advocate. The conversation explores the music business, financial empowerment, generational wealth, and the importance of mindset and self-investment.

🧭 Key Points 🎵 Music Industry & Songwriting

• Ashley is a co-writer of Justin Bieber’s “Yummy” and has worked on multiple albums.
• She emphasizes the importance of publishing rights and owning your work.
• Songwriting is a spiritual and intuitive process for her, not reliant on playing instruments.

💰 Financial Journey & Bankruptcy

• Filed for bankruptcy during the 2008 housing crash.
• The experience led her to rebuild her financial knowledge and become an advocate for financial literacy.
• She now owns a music publishing company and is a real estate developer.

📘 Book: Financially Fly

• Written to empower women to take control of their finances.
• Encourages open conversations about money, especially in communities where it’s taboo.
• Focuses on mindset, structure, and generational wealth.

🏠 Real Estate Development

• Developed rental properties in Los Angeles.
• Aspires to build affordable housing in Detroit.
• Passionate about design and creating sustainable housing solutions.

💡 Financial Tips

• Invest in yourself: Treat yourself as a line item in your budget.
• Portion your income: Prioritize savings like a bill.
• Build habits: Small sacrifices now lead to long-term gains.
• Generational wealth: Structure your finances with trusts, insurance, and estate planning.

💬 Notable Quotes

“Songwriting is the heart and soul of a song. It’s what makes it memorable.”

“Just because you know how to make money doesn’t mean you know how to maintain or grow it.”

“Generational wealth means your family doesn’t need outside help to survive.”

“Invest in yourself. Put your name on the bill list and don’t miss that payment.”

“You deserve everything you desire. Shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.”

“You can use the truth about your finances as a stepping stone—not a setback.”

“The alarm clock isn’t waking you up—God is. Have a plan for your day.”

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

Discusses her journey from corporate America to community leadership, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, education, personal struggles, and resilience. As the founder of Urban Community Alliance, she focuses on emotional intelligence and social-emotional learning, aiming to strengthen urban communities.

Segment Breakdown & Key Highlights Introduction & Background

• Host Rushion McDonald introduces Domonique Briggs, emphasizing her commitment to uplifting underserved communities.
• Domonique speaks about her Detroit roots, her passion for community service, and how her upbringing shaped her mission-driven work.

Education & Leadership

• Graduated from Cass Technical High School, later attended Hampton University on a presidential scholarship.
• Became the first female head drum major at Hampton, demonstrating persistence and leadership.
• Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which played a role in her development as a leader.

Miss Corporate America & Entrepreneurship

• Crowned Miss Corporate America Illinois, using the platform to promote her business and community impact.
• Advocates for women in leadership, highlighting her achievements in business and education.
• Competing for Miss Corporate America national title, showcasing her dedication to corporate and social leadership.

Mental Health & Personal Growth

• Discusses her struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, particularly during pregnancy.
• Emphasizes the importance of therapy, self-awareness, and faith in overcoming challenges.
• Advocates for mental health support within communities, encouraging open conversations around emotional well-being.

Urban Community Alliance & Community Impact

• Founded Urban Community Alliance, focusing on social-emotional learning and emotional intelligence in schools and businesses.
• Works with educators to equip teachers with strategies for student emotional well-being.
• Uses her personal experiences to shape programs that foster resilience and support for underserved communities.

About Domonique Briggs

• Detroit-born entrepreneur and community advocate, passionate about empowering under-resourced communities.
• First-generation college graduate, Miss Corporate America Illinois, and founder of Urban Community Alliance.
• Strong believer in faith, leadership, and emotional intelligence, working to expand her impact nationwide.

Domonique’s story is one of perseverance, advocacy, and leadership, proving that challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and empowerment.

To learn more, visit Urban Community Alliance at ucanation.com or follow Domonique on social media (@ucanation).

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

Founder of the UniverSoul Circus, shares his journey from producing gospel plays to creating a globally recognized, culturally rich circus experience. He discusses the inspiration behind the circus, the challenges he faced, the importance of representation, and the evolution of the show. The conversation emphasizes family entertainment, cultural authenticity, and global talent development.

🧭 Key Points 1. Origins and Vision

• Cedric began in gospel theater, producing plays that reflected real-life challenges in the Black community.
• Inspired by the power of theater to reflect culture, he envisioned a circus that celebrated African-American heritage and family unity.

2. Challenges and Breakthroughs

• Faced skepticism from both Black and white industry professionals.
• Overcame legal hurdles with Universal Studios by renaming the circus to UniverSoul Circus.
• Maintained his original vision despite pressure to conform.

3. Cultural Representation

• The circus was designed to be inclusive and multigenerational, with acts that resonate across age groups and backgrounds.
• Emphasized showcasing Black excellence in performance arts, from aerialists to unicyclists.

4. Global Talent and Training

• Talent is sourced globally from Ethiopia, Cuba, China, and the Caribbean.
• Performers undergo 4–5 years of training before appearing under the big top.
• Ethiopia is now a leading source of Black circus performers.

5. Evolution of the Show

• Transitioned away from animal acts due to changing laws and ethics.
• Integrated Afrobeats, hip-hop, and global dance styles to reflect evolving cultural trends.
• The show is described as a “family reunion under the big top.”

💬 Notable Quotes

“The idea was to create something where a father, mother, daughter, and grandson could all sit together and enjoy the show.”

“We wanted to uplift and celebrate the positive achievements and cultural contributions of African-Americans.”

“Everything you see under the big top is curated—it takes 4 to 5 years before an act hits our stage.”

“Ethiopia is leading the world in producing Black circus performers.”

“It’s like a family reunion under the big top.”

“We’re not going after any specific audience—we’re going after the world.”

“UniverSoul Circus starts on time. Don’t be late—you’ll miss something great.”

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

Founder of The Blerd Academy (Black Nerds), a wealth-building and scholarship program for high-achieving Black youth. The conversation explores Fort’s personal journey, the mission of his organization, and the broader impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

🔑 Key Topics & Highlights

1. The Blerd Academy Mission

• Founded to support academically gifted Black students in securing scholarships to HBCUs.
• Has helped students earn over $8 million in scholarships since 2016.
• Focuses on debt-free education, wealth-building, and long-term financial planning.

1. Douglass Fort’s Personal Journey

• Grew up in East Palo Alto, California, during the crack epidemic.
• Survived being shot twice and turned his life around through education.
• Attended Jackson State University, where he became an honors graduate and started his first nonprofit.
• Credits his transformation to mentorship, faith, and the supportive environment of an HBCU.

1. Empowering Black Youth

• Fort emphasizes outcomes over talk—showing success stories to inspire belief.
• Encourages students to pursue entrepreneurship and homeownership early.
• Advocates for using HBCUs as a strategic path to success, especially for students who qualify for elite schools but may face high debt.

1. Scholarship Criteria Example (Jackson State)

• 3.25 GPA + 1130 SAT or 23 ACT = Full tuition.
• Higher scores can lead to full ride including room, board, and books.

1. Economic & Social Impact of HBCUs

• HBCUs produce a significant percentage of Black professionals:
• 70% of Black doctors and dentists
• 50% of Black lawyers
• 60% of Black teachers
• Fort and McDonald stress the undervalued role of HBCUs in shaping Black excellence.

1. Support & Funding

• The Blerd Academy is self-funded through merchandise sales at ProudBlackNerds.com.
• Fort encourages others to support by purchasing merch and spreading awareness.

💬 Quotes & Reflections

• “We exist to build a healthy community that is Black, educated, resourceful, and determined.”
• “Create a small business to fund your dream business.”
• “Let’s use our money efficiently to make long-term economic gains.”

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

CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. The Vision Behind Path

   • Path provides unlimited practice questions, full-length exams, and personalized study plans.
   • Uses AI to generate high-quality test prep content at a fraction of traditional costs.

2. Addressing Educational Barriers

   • Many students struggle with standardized tests due to expensive prep courses.
   • Path makes test preparation affordable, helping low-income students access scholarships and selective schools.

3. Professional Certifications & Career Growth

   • Covers IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and teaching certifications.
   • Helps individuals pass exams like CompTIA Security+ and Praxis to secure high-paying jobs.

4. AI-Powered Test Preparation

   • Provides unlimited practice exams and step-by-step solutions.
   • Predicts users’ test scores before they take official exams, reducing financial risk.

5. Expanding Access to Education

   • Offers prep for SAT, ACT, GED, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and MCAT.
   • Supports career changers and adults seeking new opportunities through certification programs.

📘 About Christopher Gray & Path
Christopher Gray is an entrepreneur dedicated to making education more accessible. His platform, Path, leverages AI to provide affordable and effective test preparation for students and professionals.

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

Thanks! The transcript from this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass features an inspiring and high-energy interview with CPA and financial educator Carter Cofield, co-founder of Melanin Money. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Melanin Money: A Mission-Driven Firm

• Co-founded by Carter Cofield and a financial advisor friend to serve the Black community.
• Focuses on helping business owners save on taxes and invest wisely.
• Aims to close the wealth gap and promote financial independence.

2. Authenticity as a Brand

• Carter left corporate America after being told to hide his success and identity (e.g., facial hair, tattoos, car).
• Built his brand by being unapologetically himself—fun, energetic, and passionate about financial literacy.
• His authenticity has helped him connect with a wide audience and become a standout in a traditionally “boring” industry.

3. Personal Tragedy & Financial Awakening

• Lost both parents by age 16.
• Used grief as motivation to excel academically and professionally.
• Learned the importance of financial literacy after receiving only $5,000 from a $25,000 life insurance policy following his father’s death.

4. Financial Literacy & Health

• Believes “health is wealth and wealth is health.”
• Poor financial decisions often lead to poor health decisions (e.g., fast food due to affordability).
• Financial stress can directly impact physical and mental well-being.

5. Melanin Money Awards

• Annual event in Atlanta (July 18–20) celebrating Black wealth and financial milestones.
• Awards given for reaching net worth goals ($100K, $500K, $1M, $10M).
• Designed to make wealth-building visible and celebrated in the Black community.

6. Generational Wealth: Redefined

• Not just about leaving money to your kids.
• True generational wealth means your money lasts for multiple generations.
• Involves setting up trusts, investments, and financial education for future heirs.

7. Free Weekly Financial Classes

• Carter hosts free money classes every Wednesday at 7 PM ET.
• Accessible via his Instagram: @cofield_advisors

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Fear is Finally Exiting Average Reality.”
• “It’s okay to sleep in late when your money woke up early.”
• “The scariest thing is getting to the end of your life and realizing you never truly lived.”

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

A transformational speaker and founder of Redefining Wealth, discusses personal development, financial success, and the importance of setting intentional goals.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Defining Success at Different Life Stages

   • Washington explains how her definition of success evolved from her 20s to her 40s.
   • Early success was driven by external validation, while later success focused on personal fulfillment.

2. The Importance of a Life Blueprint

   • Compares life planning to architectural blueprints—without a plan, success is difficult to achieve.
   • Encourages listeners to set clear goals for the year to avoid feeling lost by year-end.

3. The Six Pillars of Wealth

   • Washington emphasizes integrating financial success with personal well-being.
   • Advocates for balancing career, relationships, faith, and health to avoid burnout.

4. Avoiding Burnout & Setting Realistic Goals

   • Discusses the importance of safe goals (small, achievable steps) and support goals (seeking help from mentors or professionals).
   • Encourages people to set reasonable expectations rather than overwhelming themselves.

5. Results, Not Resolutions

   • Washington promotes her Results, Not Resolutions framework, helping individuals create tangible action plans.
   • Shares strategies for maintaining motivation and accountability throughout the year.

📘 About Patrice Washington
Patrice Washington is a personal finance expert, speaker, and author recognized by Success Magazine as one of the top 25 influential leaders in personal development. She is dedicated to helping individuals redefine wealth by focusing on well-being, purpose, and financial literacy.

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

The managing partner of Guardian Due Diligence.  Here’s a breakdown of the key topics and highlights:

Key Themes & Highlights

1. Buying Small Businesses vs. Franchises

   • Holland explains the differences between purchasing a franchise and acquiring an independent business.
   • He highlights the risk-reward balance, noting that franchises offer a structured model, while independent businesses can be more lucrative but require deeper due diligence.

2. Financial Strategies for Business Acquisition

   • He discusses the SBA 7(a) loan program, which allows buyers to acquire businesses with 90-95% financing, making ownership more accessible.
   • Holland explains how leveraging financing can turn a small investment into a million-dollar business.

3. Due Diligence & Avoiding Bad Deals

   • He emphasizes the importance of financial diligence to ensure buyers don’t acquire failing businesses.
   • Holland shares red flags to watch for, such as misleading financials and sellers masking poor performance.

4. Masterclass for First-Time Buyers

   • Holland introduces his Business Buying Masterclass, designed to educate entrepreneurs on the acquisition process.
   • He provides one-on-one coaching, helping buyers navigate financing, negotiations, and deal structuring.

5. Success Stories & Case Studies

   • He shares examples of clients who successfully acquired businesses, including a 24-year-old entrepreneur and a 60-year-old investor.
   • Holland highlights how his expertise helped buyers secure financing, conduct due diligence, and close profitable deals.

About Elliot Holland & Guardian Due Diligence

Elliot Holland is a Harvard MBA, private equity investor, and business acquisition expert. He founded Guardian Due Diligence to help first-time buyers confidently purchase profitable businesses. His firm specializes in financial diligence, ensuring buyers make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Through his masterclass and consulting, Holland empowers entrepreneurs to build wealth through business ownership.

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

A leading podiatric surgeon specializing in bunion and hammer toe correction. Here are some key highlights and themes from the conversation:

🎙️ Episode Summary

• Host: Rushion McDonald
• Guest: Dr. Yolanda Ragland, founder of Fix Your Feet
• Focus: Foot health, especially for women of color, and the importance of both function and aesthetics in foot surgery.

🦶 Key Topics Discussed

• Dr. Ragland’s Background:

  • Undergraduate at University of Maryland.
  • Research at NIH in dermatology.
  • Medical training at New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
  • Surgical residency affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College.

• Her Unique Approach:

  • Developed the Tierra Toe™ technique, a cosmetic surgical method for bunions and hammer toes.
  • Emphasizes aesthetic outcomes—scar-free, sandal-ready feet.
  • Special focus on African American women, a demographic often underserved in podiatric care.

• Footwear Advice:

  • Avoid ill-fitting shoes—if it hurts in the store, it’ll hurt outside.
  • Use shoe stretchers at home.
  • High heels are okay in moderation—“wear them like alcohol: responsibly.”
  • Don’t get caught up in shoe sizes—fit is more important than the number.

• Patient Advocacy:

  • Dr. Ragland acts as a doctor, counselor, and advocate.
  • She prioritizes honest consultations, sometimes advising against surgery if unnecessary.
  • Warns against predatory practices in the medical field.

• Product Line:

  • Promotes her Fix Your Feet product line, including treatments for fungal nails.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Wear your high heels responsibly.”
• “If it hurts in the store, it’s going to hurt outside the store.”
• “I wanted to protect this particular demographic so people would not take advantage of them.”

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