The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Tuesday, August 19th, 2025. Subject: "All In The Family"

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

A cryptocurrency and blockchain educator and entrepreneur. Here's a summary of the key points discussed:

🎙️ Main Themes and Highlights Michelle Lilly’s Background

• Entered the cryptocurrency space in 2017.
• Initially lost money in a scam but used the experience to educate herself.
• Became the first African-American woman with a master’s degree in blockchain and digital currency from the University of Nicosia.

Understanding Cryptocurrency

• Bitcoin is described as a protocol, not just a currency—used for value storage and transfer.
• Ethereum is highlighted for its smart contract capabilities and utility.
• Cryptocurrencies are a hybrid between stock and currency—they have utility like stock and liquidity like currency.

Why Bitcoin Has Value

• Scarcity: Only 21 million Bitcoins will ever exist.
• Deflationary: Bitcoin undergoes a “halving” every four years, reducing the rate of new coins.
• Decentralization: Not controlled by any central authority, making it secure and transparent.

NFTs and the Metaverse

• NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are unique digital assets, often used for art and music.
• Artists can sell directly to consumers and earn royalties on resales.
• The metaverse is explained as a 3D version of the internet (Web 3.0), where users can own digital land and assets.

Empowering Underserved Communities

• Michelle emphasizes the importance of African-American and female participation in crypto and blockchain.
• Encourages people to educate themselves and not wait for permission to participate in new financial systems.

Practical Advice

• You don’t need a lot of money to start investing in crypto.
• Understanding the current financial system is just as important as learning about the new one.
• Consistency, self-awareness, and openness to criticism are key to success.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Monday, August 18th, 2025. Subject: "Best Friends And Lovers"

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

Director of the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC). Here are some key highlights and themes from the conversation:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Empowering Black and Brown Entrepreneurs

• MIEC focuses on helping scalable, mid-sized Black and Brown businesses grow.
• Over 400 businesses have been supported, resulting in:
  • 850+ new jobs
  • $34M+ in new capital
  • $82M+ in new revenue

2. The “Three C’s” of the Small Business Executive Program

• Capital: Access to funding.
• Connections: Building meaningful relationships with decision-makers.
• Contracts: Securing business opportunities with large firms.

3. Breaking Stereotypes

• Dr. Bussey emphasizes the need to challenge the narrative that Black communities lack skilled labor or entrepreneurial drive.
• Entrepreneurship is described as being “in our DNA,” rooted in resilience and survival.

4. Strategic Partnerships

• MIEC collaborates with major corporations (e.g., JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo) to fund training programs.
• Partnerships with organizations like Goodwill provide free job training and even stipends for participants.

5. Sustainability as a Business Opportunity

• Dr. Bussey highlights the massive potential in sustainability sectors:
  • EV Infrastructure: $163B industry
  • Green Building: $324B
  • Agriculture: $20B
  • Renewable Energy: $952B
• Encourages entrepreneurs to think beyond traditional business models and tap into these emerging markets.

6. Access to Opportunity

• Beyond capital, access to opportunity is a major barrier.
• MIEC connects small businesses with large “primes” (e.g., general contractors) to help them enter supply chains.

7. Mindset Shift

• Dr. Bussey discusses the psychological and historical barriers that prevent some from pursuing entrepreneurship.
• Emphasizes the importance of resilience, preparedness, and community support.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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The episode is a motivational masterclass aimed at empowering individuals—especially entrepreneurs and professionals—to take control of their lives, careers, and personal growth. Rushion McDonald shares personal stories, lessons learned, and actionable advice to help listeners:

• Overcome fear and excuses
• Build a personal brand
• Capitalize on opportunities
• Maintain balance and consistency
• Transition from being a “chicken” to an “eagle” in life

🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Age Is Not an Excuse

“Don’t let your age be an excuse… There’s no such thing as a perfect life.”
McDonald challenges societal timelines and encourages listeners to pursue their goals regardless of age.

2. Find a Hobby & Prioritize Health

“If you run into life with no hobby, then guess what? It will lead to frustration.”
He shares how baking became his hobby and helped him find balance.

3. Take Vacations & Value Family

“If you’re saying that you don’t have time for vacation, I’m telling you, you are a fool.”
He emphasizes the importance of rest and family time for mental and emotional well-being.

4. Dating & Relationships Matter

“No dating time and no family time are the same problems.”
McDonald discusses how neglecting personal relationships can hinder overall happiness.

5. Capitalize on Opportunities

“IBM gave me a job opportunity to be successful. I wasn’t capitalizing on it.”
He recounts a pivotal moment at IBM where he learned the importance of setting goals and presenting himself professionally.

6. Fear of Formalizing Business

“If you don’t get it in writing, it’s not legitimate.”
He warns against informal business practices and stresses the need for contracts and structure.

7. Build and Market Your Brand

“You are a brand. You are a product. You are a walking, talking product.”
McDonald explains how he branded Steve Harvey like a corporation and how individuals must treat themselves similarly.

8. Chicken vs. Eagle Analogy

“Why would you want to be eating like the chicken when you can soar like an eagle?”
A powerful metaphor contrasting mediocrity (chicken) with excellence and leadership (eagle).

9. Outline Your Plan

“Set a goal. Make that plan. Get to work. Stick to it. Reach that goal.”
He provides a simple 5-step framework for achieving success.

10. Consistency Is Key

“Consistency promotes your brand. Consistency delivers value to your customers.”
McDonald highlights how reliability and standards build trust and success.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Stop reading success stories and start writing your own.”
• “Retirement is for old people. Social media does not have an age limit.”
• “You don’t want to be a chicken. You want to be something people expect you to be.”
• “Fear of getting your business relationship in writing… If you don’t get it in writing, it’s going to go away.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Angela Harden-Mack.

A physician and wellness coach, discusses her journey in medicine, her holistic wellness approach, and her mission to empower women to prioritize their health.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Journey into Medicine & Wellness

   • Inspired by her mother’s focus on health, Harden-Mack pursued a career in medicine.
   • She specializes in internal medicine and obesity care, helping patients achieve long-term wellness.

2. Holistic Wellness & Women’s Empowerment

   • Advocates for whole-person wellness, integrating physical, mental, and emotional health.
   • Encourages women to shift from the "Superwoman" mindset to a Well-Woman lifestyle.

3. The Importance of Stress Management

   • Discusses how stress impacts health and offers strategies for reducing daily stressors.
   • Emphasizes mindfulness, movement, and self-care as essential wellness practices.

4. Her Signature Wellness Framework

   • Developed the Sparkle Framework, which helps women achieve balance in career, finances, and personal life.
   • Uses coaching to guide women toward sustainable health habits and self-care routines.

5. Winning Miss Michigan Corporate America 2025

   • Recently crowned Miss Michigan Corporate America, using her platform to promote women’s wellness.
   • Focuses on empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being.

📘 About Dr. Angela Harden-Mack
Dr. Angela Harden-Mack is a physician, wellness coach, and speaker specializing in holistic health and women’s empowerment. She is the founder of Live Great Lives LLC, a company dedicated to helping women reduce stress, achieve balance, and live fulfilling lives.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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

A cybersecurity expert and AI consultant. The conversation explores cybersecurity best practices, the rise of AI, and how Gregory is helping churches and nonprofits leverage technology to spread the gospel.

🔐 Cybersecurity Insights 🔹 Gregory’s Background

• Based in Dallas, Texas.
• Works full-time as an ethical hacker and cybersecurity consultant for major corporations and governments.
• Also a serial entrepreneur with ventures in real estate, consulting, and software.

🔹 Key Cybersecurity Takeaways

• Multitasking Myth: Gregory argues that humans are not wired for multitasking—focus leads to better outcomes.
• Password:
  • Avoid using simple passwords like “1234.”
  • Don’t reuse passwords across platforms.
  • Use passphrases (e.g., Bible verses) for stronger security.
  • Change passwords regularly.
• Password Vaults: Recommends using reputable services like Google or Microsoft.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Strongly encourages using 2FA to protect accounts.
• Phishing Scams:
  • Be wary of urgent or fear-based emails.
  • Always verify suspicious messages by contacting the company directly.
  • Scammers often mimic trusted brands (e.g., Facebook, Bank of America).

🔹 The Bigger Picture

• Cybercrime now generates more revenue than global drug trafficking.
• Criminal organizations are well-funded and recruit tech talent to build sophisticated scams.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence & Opportunity 🔹 AI as a Tool for Good

• Compares AI to the Gutenberg printing press—initially misused, but ultimately transformative.
• Believes AI’s potential far outweighs its risks.

🔹 AI in Business

• Helps businesses identify “million-dollar problems” and solve them with AI.
• Example: Built a toll-tracking app for a car rental company that became more profitable than the rental business itself.
• Encourages entrepreneurs to use AI tools to build apps without needing coding skills.

🔹 AI in Education

• Created a custom math quiz app for his daughter using her course materials and AI.

🙏 AI for Churches & Nonprofits

• Gregory focuses on helping churches and nonprofits use AI to:
  • Spread the gospel.
  • Operate more efficiently.
  • Compete with limited budgets.
• Offers consulting and resources through his website: GregoryRichardson.ai

📚 Book Mentioned

• Gregory has authored a book on using AI to solve business problems and create scalable solutions.

🎙️ Closing Notes

• Rushion praises Gregory’s passion, clarity, and practical advice.
• Plans to bring him back for a deeper dive into AI’s role in faith-based and nonprofit work.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

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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.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

Youngest developer in the U.S. to lead a $300 million community development project in partnership with the City of Savannah.

🏗️ Legacy Savannah Project

• Scope: 65-acre, $300 million transformational community development.
• Focus Areas:
  • Residential Housing: Senior and workforce housing.
  • Innovation Center: 24/7 programming for tech and career development.
  • Indoor Recreation Facility: Community engagement and wellness.
• Mission: Not just building structures, but transforming lives and legacies.

🌊 Big Tide Summit

• Founder: Robert Gould
• Purpose: Career exposure and training for Georgia students.
• Impact: Grew from 20 students to over 7,000 in 3 years.
• Focus Areas: Tech, arts, media, construction, and entrepreneurship.
• Website: bigtide.org (free for schools)

💡 Key Messages & Advice 1. Fear and Identity

• Embrace fear as a signal of purpose.
• “There’s only one you”—your uniqueness is your power.

2. Exposure is Everything

• 60% of success is based on exposure (Forbes).
• Being in the room matters—access changes lives.

3. Workforce Development Trends

• Start early.
• Prioritize exposure and appearance.
• Explore trades (construction, tech, plumbing, etc.).
• Seek mentorship.
• Embrace AI and future technologies.

4. Trade vs. Degree

• Trades are now high-income, high-impact careers.
• College is valuable, but not the only path.
• Ownership and entrepreneurship are key to wealth.

5. Pitching and Communication

• Know your audience and tailor your message.
• Don’t just pitch ideas—pitch dreams.
• Respect yourself and others in every room you enter.

🔁 Vision for the Future

• Expand the Legacy Savannah model nationwide.
• Continue building access and opportunity for underserved communities.
• Use platforms like Big Tide to bridge education and real-world careers.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

A certified financial planner and college funding expert.

• Over 20 years of experience in financial planning.
• Specializes in college financial planning.
• Runs the website and podcast: TamingTheHighCostOfCollege.com

2. Understanding College Funding Options

• Need-Based Aid: Based on family income/assets (e.g., FAFSA).
• Merit-Based Aid: Based on academic, athletic, or other achievements.
• Loans: A tool—not inherently bad, but must be used wisely.
• Military Benefits: Viable for some families, but not universal.

3. Late-Stage College Planning

• Begins in sophomore or freshman year of high school.
• Parents should start early to avoid last-minute stress and poor decisions.
• Includes understanding aid formulas, school selection, and financial strategy.

4. The Real Cost of College

• The sticker price is not the actual price most families pay.
• Example: Stanford may cost \$87,000/year, but families earning under \$100K may pay nothing.
• Each school has different aid policies—research is essential.

5. Balancing College and Retirement

• Many families sacrifice retirement savings to pay for college.
• Brad emphasizes awareness of trade-offs: “Don’t delay retirement to pay for college unless you understand the consequences.”

6. Common Mistakes

• Waiting too long to plan.
• Relying on anecdotal advice from friends or relatives.
• Applying only to expensive schools without exploring affordable alternatives.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Loans aren’t good or bad—they’re just a tool. But using the wrong tool can cause damage.”
• “The sticker price is not the price you pay. It’s the starting point.”
• “Start planning in sophomore year. Don’t wait until senior year when deadlines are looming.”
• “You can’t delay retirement to pay for college and expect it to work out. That’s a dangerous trade-off.”
• “Education is affordable—you just need to know the right path.”

• #BEST
• #STRAW
• #SHMS

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