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

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

President of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC). Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Breaking Barriers in Construction

• Monique Strong is a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated and white-dominated industry.
• She leads NABWIC’s Atlanta chapter, advocating for leadership, equity, and professional development for Black women in construction.

2. What “Construction” Really Means

• Construction isn’t just hard hats and manual labor—it includes:
  • General contracting
  • Project management
  • Estimating
  • Safety coordination
  • Architecture and engineering
  • Business ownership and development

3. Legacy and Inspiration

• Monique’s passion for construction was inspired by her grandfathers and her grandmother, who helped build the home she grew up in.
• Her journey includes a degree in engineering from Clark Atlanta University and further training in construction management.

4. Challenges and Triumphs

• Faced skepticism from family and industry peers.
• Overcame stereotypes and isolation as a young Black woman in construction.
• Emphasizes the importance of knowing who you are and embracing your identity as a woman in the field.

5. The Power of Mentorship and Community

• NABWIC provides a supportive network for women at all stages of their construction careers.
• Weekly calls, mentorship, and shared resources help members grow and succeed.

6. Why Diversity in Construction Matters

• Diversity reflects the makeup of the country and brings innovation and detail-oriented excellence to the field.
• Inclusion in leadership and contracting opportunities is essential for equity and community development.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You don’t have to be hard. You just have to be hungry.”
• “We are the unicorns people are looking for.”
• “I like to take something that’s nothing and make it something.”

🎯 Advice for Women in Construction

• Get involved with a community like NABWIC that supports your growth.
• Seek mentorship from women at all stages—beginning, middle, and end of their careers.
• Embrace your uniqueness and use it to lead and innovate.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview on Money Making Conversations Masterclass with Rushion McDonald and Jocelyn Pearson aimed to:

• Share Jocelyn’s journey of graduating debt-free by securing $126,350 in scholarships.
• Educate families on how to avoid student loan debt through her proven system, The Scholarship System.
• Dispel myths about scholarships and provide actionable steps for parents and students.

Key Takeaways

1. Scholarship System Approach

   • Jocelyn developed a six-step process to simplify scholarship applications and avoid overwhelm.
   • Focus on breaking the process into small, manageable steps rather than a vague “go get money” directive.

2. Common Myths Debunked

   • Too early or too late to apply: Start by junior year; it’s never too late—even college seniors can apply.
   • Only perfect students or low-income families qualify: Many scholarships don’t require high GPA or athletic ability.
   • All good scholarships are gone: Smaller, local scholarships ($500–$5,000) add up over time.
   • It takes too much time: With a system and reusable materials, effort decreases each year.

3. Avoiding Scholarship Scams

   • Beware of “easy,” “enter to win,” or sweepstakes-style scholarships—they often sell personal data.
   • Real scholarships require effort and personalization.

4. Role of Parents

   • Parents should help with planning and identifying legitimate scholarships but not complete applications for students.
   • Committees can detect when parents write essays.

5. AI in Scholarship Applications

   • Jocelyn warns against copy-pasting AI-generated essays.
   • Her platform introduced TESS, an AI assistant for ethical guidance and support.

6. Financial Aid Basics

   • Submit FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify; some colleges and states require it.
   • Combine all sources—government aid, institutional aid, and private scholarships.

7. For Current College Students

   • Check with financial aid offices, academic departments, and organizations for scholarships available after freshman year.

8. Entrepreneurial Journey

   • Jocelyn turned her passion into a business by starting with a book, building an email list, and launching webinars.
   • She emphasizes persistence and ignoring naysayers.

Notable Quotes

• “I had to accumulate my way to getting college paid for—the mere mortals’ way to going to college without tons of debt.”
• “Most families want scholarships, but they get stuck in the overwhelm.”
• “There’s no big red easy button—but with clear steps, it feels less daunting.”
• “We’re saying no to the broken system… It takes, on average, 21 years to pay off student loans.”
• “With great power comes great responsibility—AI can help, but only if used ethically.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand.

🎙️ Interview Summary: Mowbray & Cherina Rowand Purpose of the Interview

To showcase the entrepreneurial journey of Mowbray and Cherina Rowand, co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival.

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins

• Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school.
• Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation.
• Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015.

2. Business Philosophy

• Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others.
• Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer.
• Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR.

3. One Stop Taxes

• Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations.
• Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model.
• Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely.

4. Virtual Tax Model

• Designed for convenience and accessibility.
• Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person.
• Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage.

5. Franchise & Training

• Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding.
• Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use.
• Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares).

6. Black Tax Festival

• Combines networking, education, and recognition.
• Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards.
• Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals.

7. Expansion & Diversification

• Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic.
• Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks).
• Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR.
• Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success.
• Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth.
• Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition.
• Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand.
• Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta.
• Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.”
• “The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.”
• “We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.”
• “We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.”
• “We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.”
• “Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.”
• “We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.”
• “We bought a yacht in the Dominican Republic to rent for experiences.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

A successful barber and entrepreneur, founder of The Fade Shop and creator of At Ease hair and skincare products.

Purpose of Interview:
To share the guest’s journey from military service to becoming a nationally recognized barber and business owner, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit, community involvement, and mentorship within the barbering industry.

🧭 Purpose & Themes

1. Entrepreneurship & Branding

   • The guest founded The Fade Shop in 1996 while serving in the military.
   • Created At Ease product line to address common grooming issues like razor bumps.
   • Emphasized the importance of branding, product development, and wearing multiple hats as a business owner.

2. Community & Mentorship

   • Deep involvement in community service, including back-to-school events and holiday giveaways.
   • Mentors youth and barbers through the OG Barber Conference.
   • Believes barbers play multifaceted roles: mentor, counselor, fashion consultant, and more.

3. Cultural Impact of Barbershops

   • Barbershops are described as cornerstones of the community.
   • They serve as safe spaces for conversation, advice, and personal growth.

4. Career Path & Passion

   • Initially wanted to be a Greyhound bus driver but found passion in barbering during military service.
   • First celebrity client was Usher Raymond.
   • Advocates for passion-driven careers: “Would you do it for free?”

🔑 Key Takeaways

• “If you look good, you feel good. You feel good, you do good. You do good, you get paid.”
• “Barbering is more than just a haircut—it’s about care, connection, and community.”
• “You can always work for them, or you can work for you.”
• “It’s okay to be a copycat—just copy the right cat.”
• “Your network is your net worth.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “I joined the military to learn how to drive. Once I started driving, I hated it.”
• “My first celebrity client was Usher Raymond—before I even had a license.”
• “We’re not just barbers. We’re mentors, consultants, and community leaders.”
• “Mentorship is planting positive seeds. Somebody is always watching.”
• “I do this for free—that’s how much I love it.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed April Showers.

Founder of Afro Unicorn, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to share how she built the first Black woman-owned, fully licensed character brand in major retail. With over $20 million in sales, Afro Unicorn celebrates diversity and empowers women and children of color.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Origins of Afro Unicorn

   • April was inspired by a friend's repeated reference to her as a "unicorn," highlighting her extraordinary ability to balance multiple businesses and raise two children.
   • Noticing existing unicorn imagery lacked representation, she created Afro Unicorn to uplift young girls of color.

2. Challenges & Early Growth

   • Despite facing personal hardships—including her son's hospitalization and several family losses—April remained committed to her mission.
   • Her persistence led to a viral moment where a young girl wearing an Afro Unicorn shirt caught Walmart’s attention, resulting in a licensing deal.

3. Licensing & Expansion

   • Instead of manufacturing herself, April strategically partnered with licensees to distribute Afro Unicorn merchandise.
   • Within a year, she secured 45+ licensing agreements, expanding into books, bedding, hair care, party supplies, and more.

4. Business Strategy & Advice

   • Trademarking Afro Unicorn early, hiring an accountant and lawyer, and writing a business plan were critical to her success.
   • She advises entrepreneurs to visualize success, stay consistent, and never quit.

5. Future Plans

   • April is developing Miss April’s Crown, an animated series teaching young entrepreneurs business skills through affirmations and mentorship.

📘 About the Brand
Afro Unicorn is available at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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

Founder of Good Girl Chocolate:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview centers on:

• Dr. Carr’s personal health journey and transformation.
• The creation and mission behind Good Girl Chocolate.
• Empowering women through health, wellness, and entrepreneurship.
• Educating listeners on plant-based lifestyles and moderation.

🍫 Key Takeaways 1. Personal Health Transformation

• Dr. Carr was placed on blood pressure medication at age 16 and weighed nearly 300 pounds by age 30.
• She struggled with hormone issues, fibroids, and self-esteem.
• A shift to natural health and lifestyle changes helped her lose over 80 pounds and reverse her health issues.
  • Quote: “I asked my doctor, why do I have to take medicine? I’m 16. She said, so you don’t have a stroke at 30.”

2. Empowerment Through Education and Action

• Her chapter in the book Open Your Gifts is titled “Are You Ready to Free Yourself?” and focuses on triumph over health challenges.
• She emphasizes the importance of self-worth, personal power, and leading with your gifts.
  • Quote: “I felt like a hypocrite… I can’t tell anyone how to live healthy when I’m 300 pounds.”

3. Creation of Good Girl Chocolate

• Born from her need for a sweet treat during a raw diet.
• Uses clean, plant-based ingredients: coconut sugar, no dairy, soy, or gluten.
• Supports various lifestyles: vegan, paleo, Whole30, and diabetic-friendly (with sugar-free options).
  • Quote: “It’s called Good Girl Chocolate because you can eat it every day and still say you’ve been good.”

4. Moderation Is Key

• Dr. Carr stresses that even plant-based foods should be consumed in moderation.
• She advises against overindulgence and promotes balance in diet and lifestyle.
  • Quote: “Just because it’s plant-based doesn’t mean you should eat a whole wagon full of potato chips.”

5. Recognition and Growth

• Good Girl Chocolate has been featured in Grammy and Oscar gift bags.
• Received a grant from Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation.
• Opened a brick-and-mortar store in Oklahoma’s Penn Square Mall.
  • Quote: “I saw my chocolate on the list and cried. It was confirmation I’m doing something right.”

6. Support Network and Faith

• Credits her parents, sorority sisters (Alpha Kappa Alpha), and friends like Kim Coles for their support.
• Attributes her success to faith and strong relationships.
  • Quote: “Your network is your net worth… I believe in God. God is first in my life.”

🌟 Notable Moments

• Rushion McDonald’s enthusiastic endorsement of the chocolate.
• Dr. Carr’s emotional reaction to Beyoncé’s support.
• The emphasis on storytelling behind the product, not just its taste.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Nina Sossamon-Pogue.

A former elite gymnast, Emmy-winning news anchor, bestselling author, and resilience expert.

Here’s a summary of the key themes and insights from the episode:

🎙️ Guest Introduction: Nina Sossamon-Pogue

• Former USA Gymnastics team member and Emmy-winning news anchor.
• Author of This Is Not the End and host of the podcast This Seriously Sucks.
• Focuses on helping people navigate life’s toughest transitions with resilience.

🧠 Mental Health & Daily Routines

• Nina emphasizes the importance of gratitude, mindfulness, and limiting early phone use to start the day with clarity.
• Rushion shares his own structured morning routine and how it helps him manage stress and stay productive.

💪 Resilience and Personal Growth

• Nina defines resilience as the ability to adapt positively and grow stronger from adversity.
• She encourages people to reflect on what’s going right, what needs attention, and how to move forward with purpose.

🧍‍♀️ Body Image, Athletics & Social Media

• Nina shares her experience with body dysmorphia and bulimia during her gymnastics career in the 1980s.
• She discusses the long-term impact of being judged by appearance in both sports and television.
• Offers advice to parents and young athletes on navigating body image in the age of social media.

📘 Her Book: This Is Not the End

• Written for people facing major life setbacks—job loss, injury, grief, or personal failure.
• Nina shares five personal “this is the end” moments, including:
  • Not making the Olympic team.
  • Career-ending knee injury.
  • Losing her job as a news anchor.
  • A traumatic accident at age 37.
• The book provides seven strategies and a four-step framework (T.H.I.S.) to help readers move forward:
  • Timeline: Gain perspective on your life journey.
  • Humans: Lean on others—don’t go it alone.
  • Isolate: Focus on the present moment.
  • Story: Reframe your internal narrative to stay empowered and hirable.

🎧 Podcast Highlight

• Nina’s podcast This Seriously Sucks features guests who’ve overcome major life challenges.
• She highlights Joe Delagrave, a Paralympian and coach, whose story of resilience and transformation deeply inspired her.

💬 Closing Thoughts

• Rushion praises Nina’s authenticity, voice, and ability to connect.
• Nina encourages listeners to embrace their “this” moment and remember: “This is not the end.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Friday, December 19th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "You Sent My Wife Pictures" | Ask The CLO | "Take A Hint" Gifts | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Voicemail | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Muscle Marvin" | Strawberry Letter - "Trying To Get Through The Holidays" Parts 1-2 | Sidepiece Christmas Party | Social Media Advice | TBT - Men Want Good Gifts | 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 Jackson Dunbar.

📝 Summary of the Interview

Jackson Dunbar, founder of WellMad Atlanta—a coalition of psychiatric, medical, psychology, counseling, and special education providers—joined Rushion McDonald to discuss the urgent need for accessible mental health care. Drawing from his personal experience with chronic pain and mental health struggles, Dunbar shared insights into the systemic issues affecting mental health access, especially for Black and Brown communities. The conversation covered suicide prevention, the impact of COVID-19, the shortage of child psychiatrists, and the importance of building a strong care team. Dunbar emphasized the power of communication, hope, and proactive mental health management.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

• To raise awareness about the mental health crisis and lack of access to care.
• To share Jackson Dunbar’s personal journey and how it shaped his mission.
• To promote WellMad Atlanta as a resource for mental health support.
• To encourage men, especially Black men, to seek help and break stigma.
• To highlight the importance of team-based care and individualized treatment plans.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Mental Health Access Crisis

• There are fewer than 10,000 child psychiatrists in the U.S.
• Many providers don’t accept insurance due to payment delays and system hacks.
• Quote: “Three out of five children have a mental health diagnosis, but there’s not enough psychiatrists.”

2. Impact of COVID-19

• Demand for mental health services rose nearly 100%.
• Many older providers retired or stopped accepting patients due to health risks.
• Telemedicine expanded access, especially in underserved areas.

3. Suicide and Chronic Pain

• Suicide often stems from loss of hope, especially in chronic pain patients.
• Dunbar shared his own struggle with suicidal thoughts due to untreated nerve damage.
• Quote: “I couldn’t sleep. I had to drink vodka shots just to get a few hours of sleep.”

4. Building a Mental Health Team

• A strong care team includes a psychiatrist, psychologist, PCP, rehab specialist, and more.
• Smart goals help patients regain functionality and purpose.
• Quote: “How do I make money when I can’t work? That’s where Smart goals come in.”

5. Stigma in Black Communities

• Many Black men avoid seeking help due to fear of appearing weak.
• Dunbar advocates for breaking this stigma and embracing mental health care.
• Quote: “We’re the first to fight for this country, but the last to get help when we return.”

6. WellMad Atlanta’s Reach

• Serves Georgia residents virtually, including college students and rural communities.
• Offers culturally competent care and prioritizes accessibility.
• Quote: “As long as your Wi-Fi is tight, we’re good.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “The person going through challenges is focused on what they’ve lost. That’s a dark place.”
• “Insurance companies offered payday loans to doctors instead of paying them.”
• “Vacationing was miserable—until I rented a scooter and felt like Iron Man.”
• “Mental health isn’t just one month a year. It’s every day.”
• “You can’t make money if you’re not mentally or physically right.”

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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