Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin M. Lee.

Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase Dr. Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multi-industry entrepreneur.
• To inspire listeners with strategies for wealth-building through real estate, construction, and logistics.
• To encourage financial literacy, ownership, and collaboration within underserved communities.
• To issue a call to action for minorities to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP and real estate investment.

Key Takeaways

1. Early Career & Education

   • Started young in real estate, embraced discomfort in rooms dominated by older professionals.
   • Leveraged millennial tech skills (social media marketing) to help veteran brokers grow.
   • Earned a doctorate degree and became a licensed real estate broker.

2. Social Media as a Business Tool

   • Built a strong presence on TikTok (90K followers) and other platforms.
   • Helped older real estate firms thrive by creating digital visibility.
   • Emphasized that “business must look as good online as in person.”

3. Financial Literacy & Homeownership

   • African-American communities often lack foundational financial knowledge.
   • Key barriers: misunderstanding credit, fear of debt, and lack of exposure to ownership benefits.
   • Advocates teaching the difference between good debt (real estate) and bad debt (consumer credit).

4. Real Estate Process

   • Initial onboarding: credit score, income, tax filing.
   • Connect clients with lenders, secure pre-approval, then negotiate and close within 30–45 days.
   • Uses property tours as motivation even for those not yet approved.

5. Pooling Resources for Wealth

   • Industry dominated by white men and foreign investors who use syndication.
   • Dr. Lee created a private family fund with fraternity brothers and friends.
   • Acquired 150+ apartment units and commercial properties by pooling resources and forming LLCs.

6. Amazon DSP Opportunity

   • Owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business (42 trucks, 200 employees).
   • Offers minorities a chance to apply for DSP with $10K grant.
   • Taught him true CEO skills: HR, payroll, compliance, and scaling operations.

7. Construction Business

   • Entered construction after experiencing exploitation in fix-and-flip projects.
   • Learned the business side (permits, change orders) and got licensed.
   • Built major projects like a 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant in Atlanta.
   • Advocates for Black representation in construction, an industry dominated by whites and Hispanics.

8. Personal Background

   • Raised in New Orleans during Katrina by a single mother and grandparents.
   • Mother invested FEMA checks into real estate, teaching him property management and renovation skills early.
   • Believes knowledge is power and emphasizes planning and consistency.

Notable Quotes

• On embracing discomfort:
  “I learned to embrace the uncomfort and make it one of my biggest strengths.”

• On social media:
  “You have to make your business look the same way online as in person.”

• On financial literacy:
  “Real estate is always going to be good debt. Bad debt is the Macy’s card.”

• On collaboration:
  “Pooling resources shows how far we can go and how fast we can go—but together.”

• On planning:
  “If you don’t plan, you plan to fail. All you have to do is stick to the plan.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

A seasoned financial literacy educator and coach. Laura shares her deeply personal journey into financial education, sparked by a lack of preparedness in her own life and a family experience that resulted in the loss of generational wealth. Through candid storytelling and practical advice, she empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures with strategic planning, budgeting, and mindset shifts.

🧭 Key Themes

• Financial Empowerment: Building financial literacy to live life on your own terms.
• Generational Wealth: The importance of estate planning and legacy preservation.
• Budgeting & Cash Flow: Identifying spending leaks and creating emergency funds.
• Mindset Over Age: Rejecting age as a limitation to financial or personal growth.
• Community Impact: Educating underserved communities and promoting financial independence.

🗂️ Episode Outline

1. Introduction by Rushion McDonald

   • Purpose of the show and encouragement to learn from others’ success stories.

2. Meet Laura Finney

   • Financial coach and educator with a mission to empower through financial literacy.

3. Turning Point at 50

   • Laura’s wake-up call after her 50th birthday and the realization of financial unpreparedness.

4. Family Legacy Lost

   • A powerful story of losing family land due to lack of a will, now replaced by an Amazon facility.

5. Common Financial Mistakes

   • Taking advice without personalized planning.
   • Misunderstanding retirement and financial independence.

6. Advice for 30s and 40s

   • Pay yourself first.
   • Avoid inaccessible savings vehicles.
   • Start planning early.

7. Budgeting Tips

   • Cut back on dining out, personal care, and entertainment.
   • Build emergency funds—even starting with $1/day.

8. Financial Misconceptions

   • Living for today vs. planning for tomorrow.
   • The myth of “having time” to save later.

9. How Laura Works with Clients

   • Initial consultation → personalized interview → strategic financial roadmap.

10. Closing Thoughts

    • Encouragement to take control of your financial future and live life on your terms.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Nobody’s really retiring. We’re not great-grandma on the porch with lemonade anymore.”
• “Don’t let age define how you live your life.”
• “Everything starts with a budget.”
• “You can’t chase money. You have to plan for it.”
• “If you can save a dollar a day, you can build an emergency fund.”

👤 About the Guest: Laura Finney

Laura Finney is a financial literacy educator with over eight years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in delivering personalized financial literacy programs, workshops, and one-on-one consultations. Her mission is to help individuals and families achieve financial stability and long-term success through education, strategic planning, and empowerment.

📞 Contact Laura Finney

• Website: LauraFinneyEnterprises.net

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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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.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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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

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

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

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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

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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"

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