Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Leola Anifowoshe.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Educate listeners on the science and solutions behind hair loss.
• Introduce Dr. Leola Anifowoshe’s work in functional medicine, trichology, and holistic hair restoration.
• Share her personal journey and expertise.
• Promote her clinic, products, and diagnostic approach to hair and scalp health.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Hair Loss is Treatable and Often Misunderstood

• Hair follicles may be dormant, not dead—where there’s life, there’s hope.
• Hair loss is often a symptom of deeper health issues, such as stress, inflammation, or liver dysfunction.

2. Holistic and Functional Approach

• Dr. Leola emphasizes testing over guessing.
• Her clinic uses microscopic scalp analysis, cell inflammation tests, and custom treatment plans.
• She avoids pharmaceuticals, relying on natural remedies and nutraceuticals.

3. Hair Loss as a Health Crisis

• Especially prevalent among Black women, often due to scarring alopecia from early perms.
• The American Hair Loss Association had not studied this demographic adequately.

4. Innovative Technology

• Her clinic developed a patented machine called the ResourciStation, which:
  • Diagnoses scalp conditions.
  • Removes debris.
  • Stimulates follicles.
  • Can transform salons into restoration centers.

5. Personal Story and Motivation

• Dr. Leola experienced hair loss due to sarcoidosis, a form of lupus.
• Her husband’s reaction to her baldness inspired her to create effective products.
• She was raised by blind family members, teaching her to rely on senses beyond sight, influencing her product development.

6. Product Highlights

• Ditch the Itch Shampoo: Detoxifies scalp.
• Smooth & Restore Conditioner: Nourishes hair strands.
• Awakening Complex: Stimulates dormant follicles using natural DHT blockers like pumpkin seed.
• Meltdown Scalp Oxygen Foam: Clears buildup and energizes follicles.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Where there’s life, there’s hope—as it relates to hair follicles.”
• “Hair loss is a bully. You can’t fight it with a butter knife.”
• “We don’t guess—we test.”
• “Hair loss is a whistleblower—it tells you something deeper is wrong.”
• “I kill men back their wives. I give women back their husbands.”
• “I was born on the 4th of July. I was born for this.”
• “You can’t out-give God. Create a vacuum effect—give something to get something.”

🌱 Emotional and Cultural Impact

• Dr. Leola’s work is deeply rooted in community healing, especially for underserved populations.
• She challenges mainstream dermatology and beauty standards, advocating for natural, culturally aware solutions.
• Her clinic offers telehealth, making her services accessible nationwide.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, January 7th, 2026. Subject: "New Year, New Body"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Tuesday, January 6th, 2026. Subject: "He Got A New Zip Code For Christmas"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. George C. Fraser.

Chairman & CEO of FraserNet, Inc.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Promote financial literacy, wealth-building strategies, and entrepreneurial thinking within the Black community.
• Share actionable steps for creating generational wealth and economic empowerment.
• Highlight FraserNet’s mission to foster networking, education, and business development for people of African descent.

Key Takeaways

1. Knowledge & Execution Are Critical

   • “My people perish for lack of knowledge”—Dr. Fraser emphasizes that progress requires knowledge and execution, not just protest.
   • Rejecting knowledge leads to stagnation; skill-building and financial education are essential.

2. Entrepreneurial Thinking vs. Entrepreneurship

   • Focus on taking ownership and responsibility for your life.
   • Entrepreneurial thinking can evolve into entrepreneurship, creating jobs and wealth for the community.

3. Black Economic Empowerment

   • By the end of the 21st century, Black people must become the #1 employer of Black people, mirroring other ethnic groups.
   • This requires sacrifice, planning, and multiple income streams.

4. Practical Wealth-Building Steps

   • Open a high-interest savings account and start with $100.
   • Buy stocks in companies you use (Nike, McDonald’s, Home Depot).
   • Open or maximize 401(k), IRA, or Roth IRA contributions.
   • Improve credit score by 20 points every six months until above 700.
   • Pay $50 above minimum payments on credit cards and loans to reduce payoff time.
   • Research term vs. whole life insurance—insurance is key for wealth transfer.
   • Start a 529 college plan or Roth IRA for children.
   • Gift U.S. Treasury bonds or indexed universal life policies for grandchildren.

5. Generational Wealth & Insurance

   • 60% of wealth transfer occurs through proper insurance planning.
   • Example: Indexed universal life policies can yield millions tax-free for future generations.

6. Seven Streams of Income

   • Earned income (jobs), Profit income (buying/selling), Interest income, Dividend income, Rental income, Capital gains, Royalty income.
   • Goal: Add a new income stream every year.

7. Mindset Shift

   • “The rich stay rich by pretending to be poor; the poor stay poor by pretending to be rich.”
   • Focus on winning, not looking like you’re winning.

8. Giving Wealth

   • Support Black-owned businesses, restaurants, salons, authors.
   • Volunteer, tithe, and donate to HBCUs.
   • Encourage and uplift Black men, women, and children.

Notable Quotes

• “We are suffering because we cannot see our problems clearly.”
• “Execution, execution, execution—protest without execution is meaningless.”
• “To be gifted, Black, and beautiful means nothing unless you are Black and powerful.”
• “Don’t quit your job until your side income covers twice your monthly expenses.”
• “White folks plan for three generations; we plan for Saturday night.”
• “Money attracts money—start with $100 in a savings account.”
• “There should not be a Negro in America with a single stream of income.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

President & COO (and owner) of OneUnited Bank, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass:

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Showcase OneUnited Bank’s role as the largest Black-owned bank and its commitment to financial empowerment.
• Educate listeners on digital banking solutions, financial literacy, and generational wealth strategies.
• Promote OneUnited Bank’s services and initiatives, including its youth financial literacy contest and “One Transaction” wealth-building concept.

Key Takeaways

1. Origins & Growth of OneUnited Bank

   • Started as a community bank in Boston, later acquired four Black-owned banks (Miami, LA, Boston) and merged into OneUnited.
   • Became the first Black-owned digital bank and now serves customers nationwide.

2. Digital Banking & Accessibility

   • Customers can open accounts online in minutes.
   • Features include:
     • Mobile check deposit (take a photo of your check).
     • Direct deposit with early pay (up to 2 days early, no fees).
     • Largest surcharge-free ATM network (100,000 ATMs, including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank).

3. Combatting Financial Deserts

   • Addresses lack of brick-and-mortar banks in Black communities and reliance on predatory check-cashing services.
   • Emphasizes that check-cashing services never improve credit scores and often harm financial health.

4. Financial Literacy & Wealth Building

   • Advocates automatic savings as a key wealth-building habit.
   • Introduced WiseOne, a tool that aggregates financial data to:
     • Track net worth, income, expenses.
     • Identify duplicate charges and suggest savings.
     • Provide debt-reduction strategies.

5. Youth Financial Literacy Initiative

   • “I Got Bank” Contest for ages 8–12:
     • Read a financial literacy book (free download available).
     • Submit an essay or artwork on what they learned.
     • 10 winners receive $1,000 savings accounts.

6. One Transaction Concept

   • Six key transactions to build generational wealth:
     • Homeownership (OneUnited offers $25K–$50K down payment assistance).
     • Life Insurance (affordable way to transfer wealth).
     • Investments (automatic contributions).
     • Profitable Business (entrepreneurship or side gigs).
     • Credit Score Improvement.
     • Savings (automatic transfers).
   • Focus on one transaction at a time for sustainable progress.

7. Economic Advice for Uncertain Times

   • Anticipates stagflation (inflation + rising unemployment).
   • Recommendations:
     • Hold on to your job (avoid unnecessary job changes).
     • Save more, spend less.

Notable Quotes

• “We were the first Black-owned digital bank—and now the largest Black-owned bank in the country.”
• “Check cashers only report to credit bureaus when you don’t pay them. That’s crazy.”
• “If it goes in your pocket, you’re more likely to spend it. Wealthy people automate savings.”
• “One transaction can make the difference between being wealthy or not.”
• “We have the largest surcharge-free ATM network in the country—100,000 ATMs.”
• “Hold on to your job. Start saving more and spending less.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, January 5th, 2026. Subject: "Her Special Healing Soup"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

A distinguished business executive, addiction counselor, minister, and author, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her book, The Hidden Hand: How Human Decisions Behind Rapid Technology Deployments Are Driving a Mental Health Crisis. She explores the effects of technology addiction and strategies for maintaining mental wellness in a hyper-connected world.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Technology Addiction & Its Impact

   • Social media and smartphone dependency are creating engineered addictions, leading to overstimulation, anxiety, and loss of focus.
   • Many individuals, including students and professionals, struggle with constant digital engagement, causing fatigue and decreased productivity.

2. Mental Health Crisis Linked to Technology

   • Increased tech usage has fueled mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and strained relationships.
   • Dr. Rushing’s work has identified a growing pattern of therapy-seeking individuals suffering from digital addiction.

3. Balancing Technology & Mental Wellness

   • Encourages strategic technology use—making sure digital tools complement life rather than consuming it.
   • FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) drives unhealthy behavior, keeping individuals perpetually "on", preventing rest and reflection.

4. The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

   • Historically, mental health was stigmatized, especially in Black communities, where therapy was less accessible.
   • Today, conversations about mental wellness are gaining traction, but challenges remain, particularly for executives managing silent struggles.

5. Taking Control of Digital Habits

   • Dr. Rushing advocates for setting personal boundaries, resisting external pressures to be constantly reachable.
   • Suggests one hour of daily unplugged time to reset, disconnect, and regain mental clarity.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Dr. Rushing’s book, The Hidden Hand, is available for purchase.
🔗 Website: DrJacquelineRushin.com

 #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 Ken Taunton.

Founder and president of The Royster Group, a nationally recognized, certified Black-owned professional staffing firm. Here's a breakdown of the key themes and takeaways:

🎯 Key Highlights from the Interview 🏢 About The Royster Group

• Founded in 2001, the firm specializes in:
  • Executive Search (C-suite to Director level)
  • Healthcare Staffing (physicians, nurses, ancillary staff)
• Operates nationally, serving both public and private sectors.

💼 Executive Search Insights

• Royster is a retained executive search firm, meaning they are hired by companies to find top-tier talent.
• Focuses on diverse, seasoned professionals with 7–10+ years of experience.
• Clients include major corporations like Home Depot, Merck, and Pfizer.
• Emphasizes the importance of diversity in leadership and actively includes women and people of color in candidate pools.

🏥 Healthcare Staffing

• Healthcare remains a high-demand field due to an aging population and workforce shortages.
• Royster recruits nationally and advertises through their website, conferences, and referrals.
• There’s a growing need for diverse healthcare professionals to reflect the population they serve.

🧾 Resume & Job Search Tips

• Resumes should be keyword-optimized to match job descriptions.
• Candidates should reach out to recruiters, follow up, and apply through multiple channels.
• Avoid vague resumes—include specific achievements and metrics.

🏆 Business Philosophy & Certification

• Thornton emphasizes the value of being a certified Black-owned business, not as a crutch but as a strategic advantage to gain access to opportunities.
• He acknowledges the challenges and scrutiny minority businesses face and the importance of capacity and execution.
• Advocates for mentorship, SBA resources, and relationship-building as keys to success.

📈 Entrepreneurial Journey

• Thornton transitioned from pharmaceutical sales and HR to founding his own firm after noticing a lack of diversity in executive placements.
• Started Royster with a bootstrap model—a desk, a phone, and determination.
• Now leads a $20M+ company and was named Small Business Person of the Year in Georgia.

#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 Gerron Duhon.

Purpose of the Interview

The conversation aimed to:

• Highlight the importance of financial literacy for young adults.
• Share Jerron Duhon’s personal journey from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Yale University and into holistic financial planning.
• Promote his book “The Purpose of Paper”, which focuses on building generational wealth and breaking harmful financial habits.

Key Takeaways

1. Personal Journey & Identity Shift

   • Jerron used football as a “meal ticket” to escape his hometown, but a concussion ended his athletic career, causing an identity crisis.
   • He pivoted toward financial education and wealth creation, emphasizing long-term planning.

2. Misconceptions About Wealth

   • Many young adults believe wealth comes quickly through gambling, sports betting, or flashy investments.
   • Social media fuels the desire to display wealth rather than build wealth, leading to poor financial decisions.

3. Financial Habits & Framework

   • Jerron introduced his AIMS framework:
     • Awareness: Know your current financial state.
     • Intention: Set clear goals and reverse-engineer steps.
     • Mindset Change: Focus on future self, not old habits.
     • Systems: Automate savings and investments to reduce reliance on willpower.

4. Faith and Finance Connection

   • Principles like self-control, patience, and hope—fruits of the spirit—are essential for financial discipline.
   • “Faith without works is dead” applies to money: belief must be paired with action.

5. Generational Wealth

   • Gerron stresses taking ownership of your financial future rather than leaving the burden to your children.
   • Investing should be strategic and long-term, not like playing the lottery.

6. Practical Advice

   • Start small but consistent (e.g., $150/month).
   • Use modern tools like Robinhood for stock investing.
   • Shift from being a consumer to an owner (invest in companies you use).

Notable Quotes

• “Football was my meal ticket… but I realized I didn’t dream far enough.”
• “We connect our financial decisions to display wealth instead of to build wealth.”
• “Faith without works is dead—just like in finances.”
• “Are you going to be the one that changes your generation, or will you leave that pressure on your children?”
• “Good advice is timeless.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.