The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Tuesday, November 18th, 2025. Subject: "Am I Marrying A Man or a Child?"

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

Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers.
• To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
• To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources.

Key Takeaways

1. Background & Career Shift

   • Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade.
   • Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global.

2. Travel Experience

   • Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year.
   • Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity.

3. Green Book Global

   • Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation.
   • Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations.
   • Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence.

4. Black Ambition Program

   • Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence.
   • Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience.
   • His personal “why” statement:
     “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.”

5. Impact & Vision

   • Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity.
   • Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually).
   • Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints.

Notable Quotes

• “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion.
• “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle.
• “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers.
• “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase Sharise Nance’s mission in mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellness.
• To discuss her companies:
  • Hand in Hand Counseling Services – addressing mental health disparities in Black communities.
  • Vitamin C Healing – building trauma-sensitive, wellness-centered workplace cultures.
• To educate on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field.

Key Takeaways

1. Hand in Hand Counseling Services

   • Founded with college roommate Tess Kenny in Pittsburgh.
   • Created a safe space for mental health support in underserved communities.
   • Celebrating 12 years in operation.

2. Breaking Mental Health Stigma

   • Built trust through community presence and transparency.
   • Advocated therapy as normal: “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
   • Education on what therapy is and isn’t.

3. Understanding Stress

   • Eustress (positive stress) vs. Distress (overwhelming stress).
   • Physical signs: sweating, rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders, jaw clenching.
   • Stress can lead to depression and anxiety—seek professional help.

4. Impact of COVID-19

   • Isolation amplified mental health issues.
   • Introduced concept of co-regulation—healing through community and connection.

5. Vitamin C Healing

   • Originated from her book Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body.
   • Evolved into a brand offering workshops, consultations, and burnout assessments.
   • Focused on helping professionals and leaders prevent compassion fatigue.

6. Financial Equity in Mental Health

   • Advocates for fair pay: “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
   • Challenges the mindset that passion work means low income.
   • Encourages professionals to set boundaries and value their expertise.

7. Burnout & Organizational Cost

   • Unaddressed burnout costs companies millions annually.
   • Leads to quiet quitting, low productivity, and high turnover.
   • Investing in wellness saves money and improves culture.

8. Personal Journey

   • Biggest bet: leaving full-time job in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship.
   • Therapy helped her navigate fear and grief (especially after losing her father).
   • Quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Notable Quotes

• “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
• “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
• “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
• “We heal when we are in community—it’s hard to heal in isolation.”
• “Compassion fatigue isn’t just a feel-good topic; it costs companies millions.”
• “Betting on myself was the best investment I ever made.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To share Johnny Lynum’s journey from military service to becoming a successful real estate investor and wealth advisor, and to educate listeners on building generational wealth through real estate, financial literacy, and strategic investing.

🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Military Background & Transition

• Johnny Lynum is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, with 20 years of service as a developmental engineer and intelligence officer.
• His military career provided discipline and structure, but his passion for entrepreneurship led him to real estate investing.

2. Real Estate Journey

• Started with a VA loan to buy his first property.
• Built a portfolio of 115 doors worth over \$10 million, primarily in Panama City, Florida and Montgomery, Alabama.
• Leveraged his knowledge and connections to invest remotely while living in Northern Virginia.

3. Investment Philosophy

• Real estate is a tangible, relatable investment.
• Emphasizes leverage—using other people’s money to control larger assets.
• Advocates for buying back time through passive income strategies tailored to different life stages (30s, 40s, 50s).
• Encourages strategic investing and not just chasing instant gratification.

4. Books & Education

• Author of:
  • Millionaire Real Estate Success Strategies: What They Forgot to Teach You in School
  • Upcoming: The Financial Security Blueprint – focuses on biblical principles, alternative investments, and building lasting wealth.
• Offers free downloads of his book via johnnylynam.com/newbook.

5. Faith & Legacy

• Strong emphasis on faith and service.
• Inspired by his mother’s legacy planning and life insurance setup for her grandchildren.
• Focused on building generational wealth and educating his children and others.

6. Tax-Smart Investing

• Discusses strategies like bonus depreciation, oil and gas investments, and self-directed IRAs to minimize tax liabilities.
• Encourages understanding the IRS tax code to identify government-incentivized investment areas.

7. Building a Brand

• Active on LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook.
• Partnered with LinkedIn to create real estate content.
• Promotes financial literacy and faith-based wealth building.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “I had to go from broke Johnny to woke Johnny.”
• “You don’t have to be an expert at everything, but you can be the leader in the room.”
• “My God is a God of abundance.”
• “Real estate became my vehicle and my pathway to building wealth.”
• “You’re a blessing to your blessing.” — on generational wealth.
• “Success leaves clues.”
• “You have to take that leap of faith and take that action.”

📌 Final Thoughts

Johnny Lynum’s story is a powerful example of how discipline, faith, and strategic action can transform lives. His journey from humble beginnings and military service to building a multimillion-dollar real estate empire is both inspiring and instructive. He emphasizes the importance of education, mentorship, and legacy, making this interview a masterclass in wealth creation and purposeful living.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, November 17th, 2025. Subject: "The Jump Off Jumped On Him"

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Senita M. Hill.

Purpose of the Interview

• To spotlight Peace on Patuxent Incorporated, a nonprofit founded by Sunita M. Hill.
• To discuss the challenges women face when diagnosed with cancer and how the organization provides sanctuaries for peace, clarity, and empowerment.
• To inspire entrepreneurs and individuals to prioritize wellness and community support.

Key Takeaways

1. About Peace on Patuxent

   • Located in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
   • Offers two-day retreats for women diagnosed with life-leveling cancers.
   • Provides limousine pickup, red carpet welcome, prepared meals, and activities focused on stillness.
   • Launching virtual sessions nationwide in January to reach women who cannot attend in person.

2. Life-Leveling Cancer

   • Defined as any cancer diagnosis that disrupts life and forces major changes.
   • Emphasizes the emotional and psychological impact beyond physical illness.

3. Senita’s Personal Journey

   • Inspired by her mother’s battle with lung cancer to create a space for women to pause and regain control.

4. Empowerment Through Pause

   • Women often feel they have choices, but treatment paths are usually predetermined.
   • Peace on Patuxent offers a moment of stillness to reflect and make informed decisions.

5. Community and Cultural Impact

   • Addresses stigma in African American and ethnic communities around illness.
   • Encourages open conversations and sharing of resources.

6. Access and Application

   • Apply via peaceonpatuxent.org.
   • Requirements: Over 18, healthy enough to be independent, ideally within two years post-diagnosis.

Notable Quotes

• “Every woman should allow herself the opportunity to come to peace.”
• “She matters—not just as a patient, but as a mother, daughter, coworker, and friend.”
• “When you hear the word cancer, it changes your life. It’s life-leveling.”
• “We’re not here to tell you how to run your journey. We’re here to allow you to pause your mind.”
• “The only way you’ll know your options is if you come out and have the conversation.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To explore Dr. Wallace’s groundbreaking work in financial literacy, particularly his concept of the “financial genetic code”, and to promote his book Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge. The interview aims to empower marginalized communities with tools for financial healing, literacy, and long-term wealth building.

🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Background & Recognition

• Dr. Wallace is a recipient of the Wells Fargo Living History Makers Award.
• Featured in the Contemporary Black Biography series.
• Former college basketball coach and educator with a strong focus on discipline and mentorship.

2. Seven-Stage Generational Wealth Model

Outlined in his book, the model includes:

1. Internal/External Ecosystem – influences from family, community, and environment.
2. Financial Genetic Code – inherited financial narratives and behaviors.
3. Financial Healing – reprogramming harmful financial habits.
4. Financial Edification – literacy and inclusion.
5. Financial Well-being – stability and health.
6. Generational Knowledge – estate planning, insurance, long-term care.
7. Generational Wealth – successful transfer of assets.

“Without financial well-being, there is no generational wealth.”

3. Financial Genetic Code

• A trademarked concept by Dr. Wallace.
• Unlike DNA, it can be rewritten through education and therapy.
• Influenced by early experiences, family habits, and community norms.
• Examples include “scar tissue narratives” (trauma from past financial events).

4. Credit & Financial Literacy

• Credit score is critical but misunderstood.
• Utilization rate should be under 30%.
• Payment history and inquiries significantly affect scores.
• Many people are unaware of the difference between consumer scores and business scores.

5. Barriers to Financial Growth

• Lack of trust in financial systems due to past trauma.
• Misinformation passed down from family and community.
• Zip codes and overleveraging can impact loan approvals.
• Financial professionals may unknowingly transfer their own biases to clients.

6. Role of Financial Professionals

Dr. Wallace identifies five key roles:

• Financial Educator
• Financial Counselor
• Financial Therapist
• Financial Advisor
• Financial Planner

He emphasizes matching individuals with the right professional based on their needs and emotional readiness.

7. Book Insights

• Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge is an Amazon bestseller.
• Includes self-assessments after each chapter.
• Designed for both professionals and everyday readers.
• Encourages readers to identify their financial stage and take actionable steps.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You are your credit score.”
• “Inherited financial narratives create encoded financial behaviors.”
• “Any answer sounds correct if you don’t ask the right question.”
• “Consistency creates consistent outcomes.”
• “Financial literacy is not the end-all—it’s just one piece of the puzzle.”
• “We do what we know. If we don’t know, we just continue to do.”

📌 Final Thoughts

Dr. Joaquin Wallace offers a transformative framework for understanding and improving financial behavior, especially in underserved communities. His concept of the financial genetic code bridges psychology, education, and economics, making financial wellness more accessible and actionable.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Inspire creatives and entrepreneurs by sharing Trey Haley’s journey in the entertainment industry.
• Highlight the importance of persistence, self-belief, and strategic networking.
• Promote Haley’s current work, especially the BET+ series The Family Business.
• Educate listeners on the realities of Hollywood and the long-term mindset needed for success.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Origin Story & Early Influences

• Trey Haley grew up in Dallas-Fort Worth, with a mother in corporate sales and a father who was a criminal defense attorney.
• His passion for entertainment began early, influenced by music, Spike Lee scripts, and editing during college at North Texas.

2. Leap of Faith to Los Angeles

• Moved to LA with no backup plan, driven by passion.
• Took a courier job to network and eventually landed an internship with Morgan Freeman’s company, Revelations Entertainment.

3. Building Tri Destin Studios

• Co-founded Tri Destin Studios with Nikita De Brown Jones.
• Emphasized creating their own lane and owning their content.
• Their goal: “Change the perception of the world” through storytelling where “we always win.”

4. The Family Business

• Based on Carl Weber’s bestselling book series.
• Independently produced before BET+ picked it up.
• Features a star-studded cast including Ernie Hudson, Valerie Pettiford, Michael Jai White, and Javicia Leslie.

5. Industry Wisdom

• Success in Hollywood is about relationships, consistency, and character.
• Warns against shortcuts and “hook-up culture” in entertainment.
• Encourages young creatives to focus on talent, value, and long-term growth.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• On taking risks:
  “My mother said, go jump off the ledge and go fly like a bird.”

• On self-belief:
  “Who told you you could be an attorney? Nobody. You figured it out. I’m going to figure it out too.”

• On breaking into the industry:
  “I took a courier job just to meet people in the studios. I dressed like I worked there so they’d see me the way I needed to be seen.”

• On creating value:
  “The most powerful people create their own companies, their own stories, and tell them consistently.”

• On longevity:
  “If your roots aren’t settled and strong, anything can take you out.”

• On perspective:
  “Your perspective in life is the key. If you see negative, you’ll get negative. If you see the win, you’ll fly high.”

📺 Current Project Highlight

The Family Business

• Streaming on BET+
• Multi-season crime drama with layered storytelling and strong character development.
• Haley serves as executive producer and director.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

The chair of Stuckey’s, a historic snack and candy company. She shares her journey of revitalizing the brand, her family’s legacy, and the importance of entrepreneurship and branding.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Reviving an American Icon

   • Stephanie took over Stuckey’s in 2019, aiming to restore its legacy.
   • She discusses the challenges of rebuilding a brand that had lost its original assets.

2. The History of Stuckey’s

   • Founded by her grandfather during the Great Depression in 1937.
   • Grew into a nationwide chain with 370 stores across 40 states.

3. The Importance of Branding & Social Media

   • Stephanie leveraged LinkedIn and other platforms to rebuild brand awareness.
   • She emphasizes authenticity and storytelling in marketing.

4. Business Strategy & Growth

   • Transitioned from outsourcing products to owning a manufacturing facility.
   • Expanded retail presence from 200 to 5,000 stores, including Hobby Lobby and Food Lion.

5. Lessons in Entrepreneurship

   • Discusses the importance of adaptability, partnerships, and strategic decision-making.
   • Shares insights on overcoming setbacks and scaling a business.

📘 About Stephanie Stuckey
Stephanie Stuckey is an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for brand revitalization. She is dedicated to restoring Stuckey’s as a leading snack brand while preserving its rich history.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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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.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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