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

Known for his appearances on TV cooking shows and national talk shows, discusses his career, culinary influences, and his latest cookbook, Eggin': David Rose Cooks on the Big Green Egg.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Chef David Rose’s Background

   • Born in New Jersey to chef parents, leading to a lifelong passion for food.
   • His experience competing on Food Network Star and representing major brands like Omaha Steaks and Nissan USA.

2. Big Green Egg Cooking

   • The history and versatility of the Big Green Egg, originally inspired by Japanese Komodo smokers.
   • Explanation of its ceramic design, which retains heat efficiently and enhances food flavor.
   • How it can be used beyond just barbecue—roasting, baking, grilling, and smoking various dishes.

3. Chef Rose’s Culinary Philosophy

   • Encouraging creativity and versatility in cooking.
   • The importance of proper seasoning, grilling techniques, and understanding food composition.
   • Breaking down steak preparation, including reverse-searing and grilling methods.

4. Highlights from His Cookbook

   • Recipes include everything from meats and seafood to soups, salads, and desserts.
   • Features innovative dishes like smoked German chocolate cake and bourbon pecan pie.
   • Showcases how the Big Green Egg enhances traditional Southern dishes like oxtails.

📘 **About His Book: Eggin' **
Eggin' is a cookbook that teaches home cooks how to fully utilize the Big Green Egg. It includes practical grilling techniques, creative recipes, and guidance on making flavorful, perfectly cooked meals using the unique ceramic smoker.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Comedian, actor, and producer shares insights into his career, his journey in comedy, and his contributions to television and film.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Chris Spencer’s Comedy Journey

   • Started as a class clown before transitioning into stand-up comedy in college.
   • Early performances at comedy clubs and fraternity events helped him refine his craft.
   • Worked alongside major comedians like Steve Harvey, Damon Wayans, and Jamie Foxx.

2. Transition to Writing & Producing

   • Spencer discusses his evolution from stand-up comedy to writing and producing.
   • He co-created and produced Real Husbands of Hollywood, an improvisational comedy series.
   • Talks about the challenges and successes of bringing the show to television.

3. Black Comedy in America Documentary

   • Spencer is involved in a ten-part docuseries exploring historical moments in Black comedy.
   • The series covers topics from the "Chitlin Circuit" to modern-day stand-up and sitcoms.
   • Features interviews with legendary comedians, including Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and the Kings of Comedy.

4. The Kings of Comedy Reunion

   • Spencer helped reunite Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D.L. Hughley for the documentary.
   • The episode highlights their impact on comedy and their transition from clubs to stadium tours.

5. Jamie Foxx’s Special

   • Spencer discusses Jamie Foxx’s return to comedy following his health recovery.
   • The special, filmed in Atlanta, blends humor, storytelling, and personal reflection.

📘 About Chris Spencer
Chris Spencer is a comedian, actor, writer, and producer known for his work in stand-up, television, and film. He has contributed to numerous projects, including Real Husbands of Hollywood and the upcoming Black Comedy in America documentary.

 

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS
    

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Friday, May 23rd, 2025: "The Men In My Fiance's Family"

A woman writes in and starts off admitting that when she first met her boyfriend, it was actually his dad who was hitting on her. But, she chose the son. She works as a counselor and has been trying to mediate arguments between her boyfriend's parents who are divorced. Now, she's gotten herself into a mess. Listen to her the whole letter and Steve & Shirley's responses!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cheryl Bevelle-Orange.

Retired Chief Information Officer (CIO) of FedEx Custom Critical and author of The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey, shares her inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings in Bessemer, Alabama, to becoming a high-ranking executive in a Fortune 500 company. The conversation centers on her book’s core themes: mentorship, advocacy, and sponsorship.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Why She Wrote the Book

• Cheryl is a first-generation corporate American whose parents were a coal miner and a teacher.
• Initially written as a guide for her children, the book evolved into a broader resource for anyone navigating corporate life, especially first-generation professionals.
• The pandemic inspired her to add a section for leaders managing first-gen employees.

1. Career at FedEx

• Spent 26 years at FedEx, culminating in her role as CIO of FedEx Custom Critical.
• FedEx Custom Critical handles specialized logistics, such as transporting refrigerated COVID-19 vaccines.
• Her role involved overseeing IT infrastructure, data, and systems—a rare position for African-American women in tech.

1. Mentorship, Advocacy, and Sponsorship

• Cheryl breaks down the differences:
• Mentors help build skills and confidence (like background singers preparing the lead).
• Sponsors are like PR agents who open doors and promote you.
• Advocates speak up for you in rooms where you’re not present.
• These three pillars were essential to her success and are critical for young professionals, especially minorities.

1. Overcoming Barriers

• Cheryl shares how racism and gender bias in tech were real challenges.
• Her first mentor was a white male who saw her potential and helped her navigate corporate culture.
• She emphasizes the importance of resilience, perspective, and turning frustration into action.

1. Personal Motivation

• A pivotal childhood moment: seeing her grandfather sign an “X” at the bank because he couldn’t write.
• That experience ignited her drive for education and excellence.
• She wanted to see the world beyond Bessemer and use her knowledge to help others do the same.

1. Diversity & Inclusion at FedEx

• Cheryl co-founded the FedEx African-American Committee, now a Business Resource Group (BRG).
• Initiatives included:
• Resume building and interview prep
• Black History Month events with speakers like Donna Brazile and Ben Hooks
• Creating safe spaces for Black employees to grow and connect

📘 About the Book

• Title: The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey
• Available at: CherylBevelleOrange.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

#AMI

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Blurd 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 Blurd 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.”

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Shaan Patel, founder and CEO of Prep Expert, a leading online test prep company. 

The conversation explores Patel’s journey from struggling test-taker to perfect SAT scorer, bestselling author, and successful entrepreneur. He shares how his personal experience inspired a mission to help students unlock scholarship opportunities and academic success.
👨🏽‍🏫 About Dr. Shaan Patel
•    Founder & CEO of Prep Expert
•    Scored a perfect SAT after self-study
•    Secured over $500,000 in scholarships
•    Partnered with Mark Cuban after appearing on Shark Tank
•    Author of a bestselling SAT prep book published by McGraw-Hill
💡 Key Themes & Takeaways
📚 From Side Hustle to Scalable Business
•    Started Prep Expert in college dorm room
•    First course led to 376-point average score improvement
•    Grew from local classes to a national online platform
•    Now serves over 100,000 students with $100M+ in scholarships earned
💻 Online Learning & Accessibility
•    Offers live, online SAT/ACT prep, tutoring, and admissions consulting
•    Courses taught by 99th percentile instructors
•    Emphasizes interactive, classroom-like experience with office hours and support
•    Adapted quickly to online learning post-COVID
🎯 Mission-Driven Education
•    Brand motto: “Change your score, change your life”
•    Teaches life skills like time management and goal setting
•    Aims to eliminate student debt through scholarship access
•    Long-term goal: Help students earn $1 billion in scholarships
📈 Entrepreneurial Lessons
•    Faced early rejection from publishers before landing a book deal
•    Used storytelling to stand out on Shark Tank
•    Built brand through word-of-mouth and authenticity
•    Now generates 2M+ annual website visits
🌟 Vision for the Future
•    Expand impact through scholarships and mentorship
•    Continue empowering students to achieve academic and financial freedom
•    Promote meritocracy and the American dream through education.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Thursday, May 22nd, 2025: "I'm Surprised By What I Found In His Car"

A woman found a key, a garage remose, new underwear, and extra clothes in her husband's car and she's got questions. Listen to hear the letter and Steve & Shirley's Responses!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tamara R. Jackson.

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and passionate advocate for autoimmune disease awareness.

As the founder of HopeFull Therapy and Consulting, LLC, Tamara provides holistic mental health care for individuals living with autoimmune diseases, emphasizing trauma-informed care, stress management, and emotional wellness.

Tamara is also a filmmaker, having created the award-winning documentary, The Invitation, which shares the stories of women living with autoimmune diseases.

Company Description *
On Autoimmune Diseases and the Need for Awareness:
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and celiac disease affect more than 50 million people in the U.S. alone, with women disproportionately impacted.

Despite their prevalence, autoimmune diseases are underrepresented in mainstream health discussions. Many individuals living with these conditions struggle to find proper care and support.

Raising awareness about autoimmune diseases is crucial for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and mental health support, ultimately improving quality of life for those affected.

Tamara’s Approach to Holistic Wellness:
Tamara integrates mental health care with physical health for a truly holistic approach to wellness.

Her therapy services help clients manage the emotional and psychological toll of autoimmune conditions while fostering resilience and strength.

Her work includes stress management techniques, dietary insights, and trauma recovery, which are critical to supporting long-term wellness for autoimmune patients.

The Invitation Documentary:
The Invitation highlights the personal journeys of women living with autoimmune diseases, offering a platform for their stories of survival and resilience.

The documentary sparks important conversations about autoimmune disease awareness and educates the public on the challenges of living with chronic illness.

The Invitation is available for film screenings and talkbacks, providing a space for deeper conversation about autoimmune disease management and holistic healing.

Tamara’s Core Beliefs on Wellness and Chronic Illness:
“The fight against autoimmune diseases goes beyond physical health—it’s about healing the mind, body, and spirit,” says Tamara R. Jackson.

Through her work, Tamara emphasizes the importance of diet, stress management, and emotional support when navigating chronic illness.

Dietary changes can empower individuals to regain control over their health, supporting the body’s healing process alongside professional mental health care. #BEST

 #STRAW

 #SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, May 21st, 2025: "He's Here Physically, But Not Mentally"

A woman writes in saying she was sure her husband would serve her with divorce papers after he moved out. Instead, he said he wanted to move back in with her and go to counseling. But, things aren't going so well. Listen to her the letter and Steve & Shirley's responses!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Founder and president of The Royster Group, an executive staffing agency established in 2001. Ken shares the challenges he faced while building his business, from early struggles to scaling for success. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship in entrepreneurship and how guidance from experienced leaders can make all the difference. Ken also offers valuable insights on navigating the competitive world of executive staffing. His journey is a testament to perseverance, strategic growth, and the power of strong professional relationships.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.