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

A trailblazer in private aviation and author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You.

✈️ Key Topics Discussed 1. Stephanie Chung’s Career Journey

• Started as a baggage handler.
• Rose to become President of JetSuite and Chief Growth Officer at Wheels Up.
• One of the few African American women to lead in private aviation.

2. Understanding Private Aviation

• Private jets offer flexibility and convenience—you fly on your schedule.
• Access to 5,000+ airports vs. 500 for commercial airlines.
• Used not just by celebrities, but also high-net-worth individuals and for humanitarian missions.

3. Ally Leadership Philosophy

• Today’s workforce includes six generations, diverse ethnicities, genders, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Leadership must evolve to meet people where they are.
• The book emphasizes inclusive leadership beyond race and gender.

4. Leadership Lessons

• Importance of human connection and empathy.
• Knowing your team beyond their job titles—understanding their lives and motivations.
• Listening is as important as speaking.

5. Generational Differences in the Workplace

• Millennials and Gen Z value work-life balance and flexibility.
• Older generations often driven by fear of being replaced or missing opportunities.
• Leaders must bridge these gaps with understanding and adaptability.

6. The Role of Fear

• Fear can hinder growth, especially in older generations.
• Fear of technology, being replaced, or taking time off.
• Good leadership helps alleviate fear and fosters collaboration.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “You don’t have to be a celebrity to fly private. Most people who do, you’ve never heard of.”
• “Ally leadership is not just about race or gender—it’s about everyone.”
• “If it’s a problem with millennials, we raised them. Look in the mirror.”
• “The differentiator isn’t just your product—it’s the human connection.”
• “Decisions are made by people who look left, right, and forward—never behind. Stay in their line of sight.”

#BEST

#SHMS

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

💼 Business Overview

• Henry’s Soul Café: A family legacy restaurant founded in 1968 by Jermaine’s father. Jermaine expanded the brand while honoring its roots.
• Culinary Institute: Created to train and mentor youth in the culinary arts.
• Film & Talent: Produces films (Strange Love, Trophy Wife, Legendary with Earthquake) and manages comedians and entertainers.
• Real Estate: Active developer and investor in the DMV area.

💡 Key Insights

• Legacy & Mentorship: Inspired by his father’s generosity and work ethic, Jermaine emphasizes giving back and mentoring youth.
• Multiple Streams of Income: Jermaine diversified his career across food, entertainment, and real estate.
• Community Impact: Employs and mentors local youth, often becoming a father figure and role model.
• Soul Food Philosophy: Describes soul food as “cooked from the heart,” rooted in African American history and Southern traditions.
• Mumbo Sauce Origin: Shared the cultural history of D.C.’s iconic mumbo sauce and consulted McDonald’s on its rollout.

🧠 Business Wisdom

• “It’s not about what you acquire, it’s about what you help others acquire.”
• “Kids emulate what they see. Be the example.”
• “You don’t have to be the star to be the one who delivers the value.”

📦 Bonus Highlights

• TV Appearance: Featured on OWN’s Great Soul Food Cook-Off as one of the top 8 soul food chefs in the U.S.
• McDonald’s Collaboration: Consulted on the cultural authenticity of mumbo sauce for a national campaign.
• Faith & Focus: Attributes his success to staying grounded, being trustworthy, and having a heart for service.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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

President and CEO of the Business Consortium Fund (BCF) and Triad Investments. Here's a summary of the key points discussed:

🎙️ Episode Highlights 🌟 About BCF and CDFIs

• BCF is a nonprofit lender and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
• CDFIs are designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and exist to serve underserved communities.
• There are about 2,000 CDFIs across the U.S., working in small business and affordable housing sectors.

💼 Mission and Services

• BCF provides capital and support to minority-owned businesses, especially those with B2B models.
• They focus on relationship-based lending, helping clients through business cycles rather than writing off loans quickly.
• Since 1987, BCF has originated $228 million in loans and financed 950 minority business enterprises.

🧭 Application Process

• Applicants need to provide:
  • Three years of tax returns
  • Credit score
  • Bank statements
  • Cash flow analysis
• BCF emphasizes transparency and trust in the application process.

💡 Financial Advice for Entrepreneurs

1. Know your industry – Understand the specific requirements of the sector you serve.
2. Know your credit score – Monitor and improve it as needed.
3. Don’t take on debt you can’t repay – Ensure your business cash flow can support loan repayment.

🤝 Community Engagement

• BCF relies heavily on word of mouth and community trust.
• They encourage early relationship-building, even before financing is needed.

📍 Location and Access

• BCF is physically based in New York but lends nationwide.
• Website: bcfcapital.com

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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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 Blerd 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 Blerd 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

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

A co-owner of Perfect Note, a dinner supper club with locations in Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia. The conversation is a rich blend of entrepreneurship, community service, music, and food culture.

🎶 About Perfect Note

• Concept: A dinner supper club offering live music and Southern cuisine, catering to a mature audience (ages 30+).
• Locations: Birmingham, AL (original) and Marietta, GA (Atlanta metro).
• Atmosphere: Grown folks’ vibe—no hookah, no club chaos, just good music, good food, and good company.

🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏾 Founders & Origins

• Co-owned by Tremayne Thompson and his wife Karen (hence “TK Productions”).
• Started as gospel concert promoters in Chicago.
• Moved to Alabama in 2008 after a family loss and launched Perfect Note in Bessemer with a Gerald Albright concert.
• Initially operated out of a banquet hall, setting up and breaking down everything themselves.

📈 Growth & Expansion

• Perfect Note evolved into a full-fledged venue in 2016.
• Expanded to Atlanta due to demand from patrons traveling from Georgia to Alabama.
• Featured in the Huffington Post as one of the top 100 businesses to visit in the U.S.

🍽️ Food & Hospitality

• Offers Wednesday–Saturday dinner service and Sunday brunch with live music.
• Website: perfectnoteliveatl.com
• Tremaine’s culinary journey began at Waffle House, where he learned speed cooking and kitchen management under pressure.
• Emphasizes quality and consistency in food service, even during high-volume events.

💬 Philosophy & Community Impact

• Business is rooted in service, not profit.
• During COVID, they pivoted to drive-up service with $5 meals, feeding the community.
• Believes in mentorship and sharing knowledge freely with aspiring entrepreneurs.

🗣️ Key Takeaways

• Mentorship is vital: Learn from those who’ve walked the path.
• Serve first: Community support follows genuine service.
• Plan wisely: Dreams need operational structure and financial planning.
• Create culture: Music and food unite people across demographics.

#SHMS #STRAW # #AMI

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The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Thursday, August 14th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open - Giving Up | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "Relationship Departure" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Couples That Gossip Together | Roscoe Wallace  | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Repo Man" | Strawberry Letter - "Has He Crossed The Line With His Play Sister?" Parts 1-2...and 3 | Social Media Advice | Ready To Love Update | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing Remarks

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

Shares his journey from a music executive to entrepreneur and author, emphasizing resilience, faith, mentorship, and personal branding.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Career Evolution & Entrepreneurship

• Benny Pough transitioned from top executive roles at major labels (Motown, Def Jam, Epic, ROC Nation) to founding Diverse Media, a multi-tiered entertainment company.
• His pivot was driven by a desire to pursue personal dreams and create impact beyond corporate success.

“I left every job at the top… because I’m a believer in not just talking about it, but being about it.”

2. Life-Changing Car Accident

• Benny recounts a near-fatal car crash that inspired his book “On Impact”.
• The experience led to deep reflection on mortality, purpose, and legacy.

“At that moment, God put a book inside of me called On Impact, which takes you through my journey from 11 years old delivering newspapers to modern day.”

3. The Book: “On Impact”

• Acronym: IMPACT = Intuition, Mastery, Pivot, Authenticity, Connection, Teamwork.
• Each chapter ends with a “hit list” for readers to apply lessons to their own lives.

4. Faith and Resilience

• Benny emphasizes the role of faith in overcoming adversity and staying grounded.
• Rashawn shares his own health challenges (collapsed lung, cancer) to highlight the importance of perspective and purpose.

“Belief in the Almighty and belief in yourself is really important. Everything else is secondary.”

5. Mentorship and Giving Back

• Benny credits mentors like LA Reid and Dedra Tate for shaping his career.
• He stresses the importance of long-term relationships and pouring into others.

“People pour into you. You make sure that you’re able to give something back when it’s time to drink.”

6. Personal Branding

• Benny shares a childhood story about being teased for his last name “Pough” and how it motivated him to make his name matter.
• He insists on being called “Benny Pough” to reinforce his brand identity.

“That was the point when I decided to brand myself and make sure my name mattered.”

7. Value Over Money

• Both Benny and Rashawn discuss how value creation leads to financial success, not the other way around.
• Rashawn shares how he earned his role as executive producer by showing initiative, not chasing money.

“If you create value in any situation, somebody’s going to pay you some money.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Fear is a good thing because unknown is a good thing.”
• “You don’t need a life-threatening event to pivot.”
• “A strong belief in what you want to do will be tied to the goals you put in place to achieve your dream.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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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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The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Thursday, August 14th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open - Greatest Music Era l | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "Your Wife's Birthday" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | National Guard In D.C. | Denzel Washington Calls Out Jerry Jones  | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Relationship Departure" | Strawberry Letter - "I'm In The Middle Of Some Mess" Parts 1-2 | Tommy Filling In For Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Spirit Airlines | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing Remarks

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