Money Making Conversations Master Class

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sheila Michelle Foye. Her career began with the Gas Company here in Atlanta just before natural gas was deregulated. She began as an Office Assistant and moved lattice style into mission-critical senior leadership roles within organizations and across industries such as SunTrust Banks (Truist), CapGemini, Accenture, Cox, and healthcare giants such as Morehouse School of Medicine, Piedmont, and Grady. Foye leveraged her corporate knowledge gained over the years to become an award winning, respected successful Entrepreneur in Drug Testing and CLIA-waived Laboratory Testing. Drug Testing was chosen due to her oldest son’s murder (age 24), which was drug/ gang violence related and her family history of substance/alcohol abuse that made for a rocky road in life. Nearly two years into the business, Michelle was able to innovate and pivot Precis Screening by establishing a consulting arm that has now assisted more than 3,000 Entrepreneurs and counting. #BEST #AMI #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kier "Junior" Spates. Co-Host of Steve Harvey Morning Show and founded Kier's Hope to provide underprivileged individuals who suffer from Sickle Cell Disease to ensure they receive the medical, physical, and emotional attention they deserve. Suffering from sickle cell disease in silence is not uncommon in the African-American Community as there is a lack of knowledge of the disease. So, he created the Kier's Hope Foundation. The annual Kier's Hope 5K Fun Run and Walk and Junior Claus is an opportunity for families and those with sickle cell disease to gather and learn more about new treatments, spread awareness, and increase community engagement. Sickle Cell Disease is misunderstood as being contagious, an automatic death sentence, and that people with SCD can't do what "normal" people do! Kier is changing that narrative. #AMI #BEST #SHMS #STRAW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Annie Yatch.   Annie transitioned from her role as a Consultant for the Defense Intelligence Agency to become one of America's most prominent Team Leadership and performance Coaches. She is a remarkable transformational expert whose prowess extends from startups to multimillion-dollar enterprises. She expertly prevents costly mistakes, boosts revenue, and catalyzes lasting behavioral changes within teams to drive consistent and remarkable results. Talking Points/Questions *1. Northstar Leadership is a company driven to help already successful male entrepreneurs surpass revenue ceilings by redefining their leadership at home and in the office.2. What is trauma, and how does it affect the entrepreneur?3. What are the lies entrepreneurs tell themselves that reduce their ability to create wealth?4. Why is unlocking your trauma the key to more success and fulfillment in business?5. What are the top 3 leadership gaps for most entrepreneurs?6. How can entrepreneurs redefine success for themselves to feel more fulfillment each day?7. What are the biggest relationship issues that entrepreneurs face and how can they resolve them to be more connected to those they love?8. How can entrepreneurs keep their teams growing and inspired? With a track record of guiding businesses across various sectors, Annie has consulted with companies from ground zero to 1.2B in revenue. Her prowess extends from startups to multimillion-dollar enterprises, as she expertly prevents costly mistakes, boosts revenue, and catalyzes lasting behavioral changes within teams to drive consistent and remarkable results. Recognized as the Chief Transformation Officer for Influencers and Entrepreneurs, Annie has earned this title through her unparalleled ability to empower you to rewire the subconscious patterns that limit your net worth. Her methodology extends beyond the surface, aiming to dissolve deeply ingrained trauma patterns that hinder your growth. By helping you and your team overcome these limitations, Annie paves the way for achieving monumental goals with newfound ease and unwavering confidence. #BEST #SHMS #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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. 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. 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. 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. Future Plans April is developing Miss April’s Crown, an animated series teaching young entrepreneurs business skills through affirmations and mentorship. 📘 About the BrandAfro Unicorn is available at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon. #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Craig Calafati. The Executive Vice President and Director of Lending for Arkansas Capital Corporation, Arkansas Capital Corporation. A community development finance company that was chosen by SBA to receive one of the three new SBLC licenses and now offers flexible capital solutions nationwide to small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved minority communities. Company Description *Arkansas Capital Corporation (ACC) is a private, nonprofit lending corporation dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in Arkansas and surrounding states. ACC offers flexible capital solutions to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and economic and community development projects, emphasizing serving low-income, minority, and rural communities. Since 1957, ACC has partnered with commercial banks, government agencies, and others at local, state, regional, and national levels to deploy over $2.34 billion in capital financing. Talking Points/Questions *Talking points: If you don’t have a Business Plan you will not be successful. What is the purpose of Arkansas Capital Corporation? The SBA does not lend money. Instead, it provides guarantees so lenders are more inclined to lend money to small business owners. Small business owners should establish a line of credit with immediate access - especially for small businesses with payroll employees. Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to spend time with entrepreneurs who are already operating a successful business in your area of interest to gain valuable insights. Small business owners should always know how much money they need before speaking with a lender. #SHMS, #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Attorney Jalene Mack Widely known as “America’s Favorite Entertainment Attorney.” The episode focuses on protecting creative and business assets, avoiding scams, and building a solid foundation for success in the entertainment industry and beyond. 🎯 Key Themes & Takeaways 🔹 The Lure of the Bad Deal Jalene warns about scammers posing as producers or financiers in the entertainment industry. These individuals often: Claim to have access to major networks or funding. Ask creators to sign away rights or pay deposits under false pretenses. Lack a verifiable digital footprint (e.g., no IMDb, LinkedIn, or credible references). Rashawn emphasizes the danger of the “lottery mentality” — believing one deal will change everything. 🛡️ Legal Red Flags Never assign your copyright without legal review. Be cautious of contracts that require you to relinquish ownership or control. Escrow accounts can be manipulated if you don’t control the signature authority. Always verify the legitimacy of a deal and the people behind it. 🧠 Jalene Mack’s Top 10 Business Development Tips Identify Your Project Know what you’re creating (film, TV, product, etc.). Define the scope and format clearly. Make Sure You Have a Plan Create a business and finance plan. Know where your funding will come from and how it will be used. Form a Team Surround yourself with experts (lawyers, accountants, producers). Avoid “yes people” — you need honest feedback. Prepare a Budget Hire a line producer or financial expert. Account for everything: cast, crew, locations, marketing, etc. Form a Business Entity Establish an LLC or corporation to protect your personal assets. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) Required for tax and banking purposes. Open a Business Bank Account Keep personal and business finances separate. Protect Your Assets Register copyrights and trademarks. Use NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) to safeguard ideas. Contracts Always put agreements in writing. Hire an attorney experienced in your specific industry (e.g., film, music, TV). Marketing Don’t assume people will show up just because your product is good. Build a brand and promote it strategically. 📚 Jalene’s Book Title: The Business of Stage Screen and In Between A practical guide for performers, playwrights, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs. 🗣️ Final Thoughts Rushion praises Jalene’s decades-long expertise and her role in protecting creatives. Jalene encourages listeners to invest in legal protection and business planning to avoid costly mistakes.   #AMI #BEST #STRAW  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Stephanie Stuckey. The Chair of Stuckey’s. A pecan snack and candy company based in Wrens, GA. She is also the author of “Unstuck: Reviving an American Icon.” Stuckey’s growth lies in their partnership with almost 5,000 retailers nationwide that sell their delicious pecan snacks and candies. Questions About the Company’s History and Legacy: Stuckey's has such a rich history. Can you share what initially inspired the rebirth of the brand after all these years? How does social media on LinkedIn work? The Power of Marketing and Branding. What strategies did you implement to turn Stuckey’s around and bring it back to the forefront of the market? Acquiring a pecan manufacturing facility was a major step. How has owning this facility impacted your product offerings and business growth? What role does innovation play in the resurgence of Stuckey’s, especially in terms of product development and marketing? Questions About Branding and Marketing: Stuckey’s is known for its nostalgic appeal. How do you balance honoring that nostalgia while also appealing to modern consumers? How important has social media and digital marketing been in the rebirth of Stuckey’s? Questions About Leadership and Vision: What’s your long-term vision for Stuckey’s, and how do you plan to continue the momentum you’ve built? What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business? Questions About Partnerships and Community: How have partnerships with retailers and other brands contributed to the comeback of Stuckey’s? Stuckey’s has deep roots in Georgia. How important has the local community been in your company’s resurgence? Can you share any upcoming collaborations or new product launches that will be part of Stuckey’s comeback story? It all started with a borrowed Model A Ford and a $35 loan With that, W.S. “Sylvester” Stuckey, Sr. founded Stuckey’s as a roadside pecan stand along Highway 23 in Eastman, GA in 1937. With that Ford that he retrofitted to haul pecans and the loan (from his grandmother), W.S. drove around the countryside and bought pecans from local farmers to sell at his stand, along with local honey and souvenirs. His wife, Ethel, added her delicious homemade candies – southern delicacies like pralines, Divinities, and our iconic Pecan Log Rolls. Through grit and determination, the Stuckeys grew the stores from these humble beginnings to a roadside empire. At its peak in the 1960s, the little pecan company had become an integral part of the American road trip. It boasted 368 stores in over 30 states, each offering kitschy souvenirs, clean restrooms, Texaco gas, and of course, our famous candies. Stuckey’s also owned a candy plant in Eastman to allow for larger production of sweet treats, a trucking company, and a sign company that produced the 4,000 Stuckey’s billboards that dotted America’s highways. Stuckey’s merged with Pet Milk Co. in 1964 to add capacity and capital for the company to grow. Decline and Rebound W.S. Stuckey, Sr. died in 1977, the same year that Illinois Central Industries, a Chicago conglomerate, bought Pet Milk Co., and they began to close Stuckey’s stores across the country. Stuckey’s fell into a decline until 1984 when W.S. “Billy” Stuckey, Jr., son of the founder and a five-term Congressman from the 8th District of Georgia, acquired Stuckey’s and began to turn the company around. Under Billy’s helm, the Stuckey’s Express concept – or a store within a store – was launched, and the company expanded to over 115 franchises in 17 states. The Eastman candy plant continued operations by a third-party contractor but was shuttered in 2009 during the Recession, although Stuckey’s branded candies continued to be produced by outside vendors. In November of 2019, Ethel “Stephanie” Stuckey, Billy’s daughter, took over as CEO of Stuckey’s. In August of 2020, Stuckey’s acquired Front Porch Pecans, a pecan snack company that sells to domestic and foreign markets, including grocery channels in the Southeast U.S. With this merger, Stuckey’s gained management support with R.G. Lamar as new President to run Stuckey’s with Stephanie. In January of 2021, Stephanie and R.G. acquired a pecan manufacturing facility in Wrens, Georgia to drive growth of the company through snack and candy making. Later that year, they added a third equity owner, Ted Wright, a marketing professional based in Atlanta. Today, Stuckey’s is making a comeback, thanks to reinventing the brand as a pecan snack and candy company. They are once again making the delicious products that Ethel first made in her country kitchen, and Sylvester sold at his roadside stand. There are still 13 original blue roof Stuckey’s stores in operation. These stores are not owned or operated by the parent corporation but are licensed to sell our products and remain an important part of our past and story. Stuckey’s growth lies in o

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karon Joseph Riley. He co-stars in the popular The Black Hamptons series on BET+. His book navigates life's ups and downs and uncovers the importance of perseverance, resilience, and determination. It shares his insightful reflections entitled "Keep Pedaling: Things I Learned On My Bike." Whether facing steep inclines or unexpected detours, he learns to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. Through encounters with nature, encounters with others, and moments of solitude, he discovers the power of mindfulness and living in the present moment. "Keep Pedaling" is more than a self-help book; it's a roadmap for navigating life's twists and turns with grace and courage. Through Karon's heartfelt lessons and candid reflections, readers will find inspiration to overcome obstacles, pursue their passions, and savor the beauty of the journey itself. "Keep Pedaling" is a reminder that no matter where life takes you, as long as you keep moving forward, the possibilities are endless. Full-scale production company that has the capacity to take a film or television project from creation to distribution and all the production necessary in between #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jasmine Young. You would never have guessed that such a powerful, nationwide-spanning voice for the African American community began in small-town Jackson, Alabama, but that is precisely where Jasmine Young got her start. She is the Founder & President of The Financial Literacy Institute, a CPA by trade, and Founder of the Southern Heritage Financial Group in Atlanta, GA. In addition, she is also the Producer of the Black Wall Street Black Business Expo, which aims to empower and uplift the African American community in both the 21st century and beyond—Are you interested in hearing about her mission? Want to know more about her event and what it all entails? Well, tune in to the Money Making Conversation Master Class today to learn more! #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Dr. Michael Giles. Our Virtual Dosing Window™ allows patients to record their take-homes by using a phone or computer to scan the QR code on their methadone bottles and then recording a video of themselves dosing for their care team to review. This patented solution helps build trust between OTP patients and their care teams, empowering clinics with real-time insights to make informed treatment decisions. Sonara also increases patients’ likelihood of earning more take homes, which in turn improves program retention rates. Since starting Sonara in 2020, Dr. Giles has expanded the solution to a network of modernized, tech-enabled clinics in 11 states that provide accessible, patient-centered care for individuals struggling with OUD. Sonara® is on a mission to support OTP patients, with a remote dosing solution that makes it easier for people with opioid use disorder to commit to their methadone treatment programs, so they can get their lives back. Sonara provides OTPs with the confidence they need to approve more take-home doses responsibly, to improve the quality of life for patients and expand treatment accessibility for those who live farther away from clinics. Notable investors in Sonara include Mark Cuban and First Trust Capital. With Sonara, OTP patients can achieve their treatment goals without putting their lives on hold. To learn more about partnering with Sonara or bringing the Virtual Dosing Window to your OTP, visit sonarahealth.com/contact-us to get in touch. #STRAW #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Dr. Tiffany Bussey.   As the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC) Founding Director, Dr. Tiffany Bussey stands at the helm of profit-yielding partnerships bridging the gap between the supplier diversity initiatives at global brands and multi-million-dollar Black and brown businesses. An engaging dialogue with Dr. Bussey around the ways MIEC creates unique pathways to help minority businesses scale using what she calls the three Cs: Capital, Connections, and Contracts.  Here are some of the interview highlights: MIEC's engagement with 400 scalable, mid-size minority-owned businesses has been instrumental in creating 850 new Atlanta-based jobs, granting access to $34 million in new capital, and generating nearly $82 million in new revenue growth. MIEC's unique business education prepares minority business owners to obtain contracts with large firms seeking business-to-business partnerships with small to mid-size businesses. Atlanta is one of four national accelerator locations for The Clean Tech Infrastructure Academy at Goodwill, a new 4-week program designed to grow the electric vehicle workforce. At the academy, student workers are paid $15 an hour to learn how to install and maintain EV chargers, heat pumps, and solar panels. This training equips them for jobs in the growing electric vehicle industry, where maintenance techs can start earning $30 per hour.  About MIEC: ·  Since its inception, MIEC has garnered over $50 million in grants and contracts and positively impacted over 2,100 students. ·  MIEC incorporates a holistic approach to supporting the business leaders it serves, providing education, access to capital, procurement opportunities, mentorship, and student involvement. ·  125 minority-owned businesses participating in Ascend Atlanta have experienced an increase in revenue of $13.5 million and have gained access to $5.5 million in capital funding. #SHMS #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin Lee, Sr.    Here’s a summary and analysis of the interview between Dr. Justin Lee, Sr. and Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass, including its purpose, key takeaways, and notable quotes. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to: Highlight Justin Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multifaceted entrepreneur. Inspire listeners—especially from underserved communities—to pursue financial literacy, real estate ownership, and entrepreneurship. Share actionable insights on building wealth through real estate, construction, and strategic partnerships. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Overcoming Age Barriers in Real Estate Justin entered real estate at 24 and embraced being the youngest in the room. He used his youth and tech-savviness (e.g., TikTok, Instagram) to bring value to veteran professionals. “I started to network more in rooms that had more experienced people… let me break some of this new millennial technology into your business.” 2. Education and Credentials In three years, Justin became a licensed broker and earned a doctorate. He emphasizes continuous learning and certifications as keys to growth. “I also finished my doctorate degree, so I'm now Doctor Justin Lee.” 3. Social Media as a Business Tool He leveraged platforms like TikTok (90K followers) to market real estate and educate clients. He stresses that online presence must reflect professionalism. “Some people look better online than in person for a reason… make your business look the same way online.” 4. Addressing Homeownership Gaps in Communities of Color Justin discusses systemic barriers like lack of financial literacy and credit education. He offers free resources like Motivational Mondays and a podcast to educate aspiring homeowners. “Most of the time, our parents… would say, ‘Don’t use no credit card.’ Great advice, but kind of bad advice at the same time.” 5. Real Estate Syndication & Group Investing He formed a private investment fund with fraternity brothers and family to buy properties collectively. Focused on affordable markets like New Orleans East for high ROI. “Let’s develop a fund… Now we own over 150 apartment complexes and units.” 6. Amazon DSP Partnership Justin owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business with 42 trucks and 200+ employees. He recommends minorities apply for the program, which offers a \$10K grant. “They want someone who is willing to commit… not someone who has all this business experience.” 7. Construction Ventures Inspired by his mother’s post-Katrina property acquisitions, Justin entered construction. He now leads major commercial projects including schools, restaurants, and celebrity studios. “We ended up building out a restaurant… 10,000 square foot… I love this. This is my passion.” 8. Family Legacy & Early Exposure Raised in New Orleans by a single mother and grandparents, Justin learned property management as a child. His mother’s real estate investments post-Katrina laid the foundation for his career. “I knew how to write a lease at ten… file eviction at 12… manage property before high school.” 🗣️ Notable Quotes “If you don’t plan, you plan to fail.” “Let’s teach you to do it right. Let’s do it together.” “Knowledge was power… the one thing nobody can take.” “You learn a skill, you’ll eat forever.”   #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Angeanette Dowles. Homeownership is one of the critical aspects of the American Dream. However, that dream seems more like a fantasy than an attainable goal for many of us. Well, Angeanette Dowles of NACA is here to tell you that homeownership is achievable for all at an affordable rate too. For the rate of only a few months’ rent, people with even 420 credit scores you can purchase homes in the hundreds of thousands with little interest rates! It sounds too good to be true. Well, this is one time you’ll be happy to be wrong as it is just as good as it sounds. With Americans facing skyrocketing rents and climbing interest rates, NACA provides the best affordable homeownership program for low to moderate-income individuals and people of color. Homebuyers will receive one-on-one counseling from a HUD Approved NACA Counselor during this event, and many will get a same-day qualification for NACA’s Mejor en América mortgage to begin their housing search. All NACA services are free of charge. NACA has over $20 Billion for its unique mortgage, including $15 Billion from Bank of America. NACA’s Mejor en América Mortgage features no down payment, no closing costs, no fees, no mortgage insurance, and a below-market fixed interest rate. NACA is the nation’s largest HUD-approved nonprofit community advocacy and homeownership organization. #STRAW #AMI See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Shica Little. During COVID, Dr. Shica was laid off and decided to pursue her dream, and she created Vegan Cookies and Cookie Dough Mix. Dr. Shica's Bakery: Nationwide Roll-Out: Our Snack Cookies (Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Lemon, and Confetti Sugar. • Nationwide Retail- All HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls (throughout US and Canada)- over 4120 stores• Costco- We will start a Roadshow with Costco in the Culver City (near LAX) location next month. We'll be in-store sampling and selling our new snack cookies.• ISM Middle East/Dubai- Selected to be a speaker at the largest Snacks and Sweets Show in the Middle East, which is called ISM. • Canada Minority Program—Selected to participate in the trade show for the Minority Supplier program in Toronto, Canada.• Fundraising- We have a new fundraising opportunity for organizations to use our cookies to raise money. The fundraising link is on our website. #SHMS #STRAWSee 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. He is back and bringing another bottle of medication for your financial ills in the form of the “7 Main Streams of Income. "It's not how you start, it's how you finish, that God has great plans for each of us, we must simply listen for his voice, follow directions, overcome the obstacles, and stay the course. He is the Chairman and C.E.O. of FraserNet, Inc., a global networking movement that brings together diverse human resources to increase opportunities for people of African descent. He is also a renowned networking guru, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. He will discuss action plans for success and tips on developing your plans for success that you can use in your personal and business world through networking. 1. Help Black people build wealth that can be transferred inter-generationally. 2. Help Black people become the #1 employer of Black people in the 21st century 3. To facilitate the building of a global network of Africans throughout the diaspora whose focus is personal and business excellence and to use it to build partnerships, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. Don’t see the importance of financial literacy as an African American? Have thoughts about quitting your job? Are you confused about how High-Yield Savings Accounts and investing in Stocks can benefit you? Don’t understand the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses as an African American? No problem! Dr. Fraser is here to help you build your Black wealth checklist here on the Money Making Conversations Master Class podcast. #SHMS #STRAWSee 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. Dr. George C. Fraser is the Chairman and CEO of FraserNet, Inc., a company he founded over 35 years ago. He is a renowned networking guru, business leader, author, and entrepreneur who is regarded as one of the foremost respected authorities on entrepreneurship and building generational wealth and economic empowerment for the Black community. Got financial ills and in need of healing? Well look no further because Doctor George C. Fraser is in the house and ready to administer a prescription in money management! From the trap of only paying off your monthly minimum balance on your credit card to the pitfalls of buying things on sale and borrowing money, Dr. Fraser debunks many financial myths that can ruin your financial future while providing easy-to-swallow methods on how to build generational wealth. The information train doesn’t just stop there though. Dr. Fraser is also here to introduce us to the Power Networking Conference, a conference that he started 23 years ago to connect African American business across the diaspora and increase the value of Black dollars. #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ashley M. Fox. “Breaking News! Former Wall Street Banker, Ashley M. Fox, Tells All!” Ever wanted to learn how Wall Street operates? How the rich cultivate generational wealth for their descendants’ descendants? Why Ashley M. Fox left her lucrative job on Wall Street to start her company, Empify? How do properly invest in the Stock Market and actually see a return on investment? Well, the Money Making Conversations Master Class podcast has the scoop on all this information and more! Tune in today to hear this enlightening (and illuminating) exposé! #SHMS #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kiyana Pearson. Kiyana Pearson is a dynamic entrepreneur, scalp specialist, and innovator in the natural hair care industry. As the founder of Tress Clean, the first Black woman-owned hair wipes company, Kiyana has revolutionized scalp care with her innovative Braid, Loc & Scalp Refreshening Wipes. A graduate of Morgan State University, Kiyana's journey from Baltimore, MD, to Miami, FL, inspired the creation of a groundbreaking solution to a universal hair care dilemma. Faced with the challenges of maintaining her signature braids in Miami's relentless humidity, Kiyana's quest for innovation led to the development of Tress Clean’s Rinse-Free Braid, Loc & Scalp Refreshening Wipes. Drawing on her cultural identity and expertise in protective hairstyles, Kiyana identified a need for convenient, effective scalp and hair refreshment. Through meticulous research and development, she crafted a product that embodies her commitment to quality and holistic haircare. Tress Clean’s wipes are now a household staple, empowering individuals within the braid and loc community to maintain their styles while nourishing their scalps. As a recognized Scalp Care Specialist, Kiyana blends tradition with innovation, offering solutions that prioritize moisture, anti-fungal properties, and follicle protection. Her dedication to providing exceptional products underscores her mission to redefine haircare norms and empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty with confidence. #SHMS #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Sonia Fears. Sonia Fears of the Fears Group at Morgan Stanley, She is the First Vice President, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager, Alternative Investments Director, Global Sports, and Entertainment Director - All Black Wealth Management Team Sonia Fears of The Fears Group at Morgan Stanley; she is one of the leading financial experts in discussing stocks, savings programs, compounded interest portfolios, Name Image and Likeness and lines of credit. Sonia built a family practice at Morgan Stanley along with her two daughters. Sonis provides Alternative Investment opportunities, Retirement plans, and Entertainment and Sports financial consultations. #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed renowned real estate investor, financial expert, and creator of the REWealth Creation Summit.  Pastor Dexter B. Jenkins, a renowned real estate investor and financial expert and creator of the REWealth Creation Summit.  The REWealth Creation Summit is a unique opportunity for aspiring real estate investors, seasoned professionals, and anyone interested in securing their financial future through property investments. With a lineup of esteemed speakers and experts, this event aims to provide attendees with invaluable insights, proven strategies, and practical tips to navigate the real estate market and generate substantial wealth.  Dexter B. Jenkins is a faith-based financial mentor with more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. He is passionateabout helping families build generational wealth with easy-to-implement steps.Jenkins inspires and instructs hundreds of people with his podcast, programs,online courses, and books. A popular speaker on wealth building God’s way, he is an authority on faith and finance. What is The SHIP Method, and why is it the secret sauce to wealth building? What’s the correlation between faith and finances?  What is the inner game of wealth, and how does one play it? What is your new book coming out this fall about? How can a person in their 50s get wealth quickly?  What does a person need to know before becoming a real estate investor?  How important is it to know about real estate before investing in property? #SHMS #STRAW    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Lynn Richardson. Financial planning executive and fan-favorite Dr. Lynn Richardson returns to dispense invaluable information for the listeners! This time, she brings with her information on how to manage debt properly, how the Black community’s skepticism of the finance sector will only hurt them in the end, and the secret tax write-off that every family with a home-based business rarely takes advantage of employing their children in their business. That’s right, child labor is perfectly legal if you follow the right steps! Curious? Skeptical? Both? Well then, there is no better solution than listening to this episode of Money Making Conversations Master Class. #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. #BEST #AMI #SHMS #STRAW  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-NAACP Image Award-winning television producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Charlie Shabazz. Let them eat cake… BUNDT cake, that is! As the owner of a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise, Charlie Shabazz knows what it’s like to live life on the sweet side. However, did you know that Charlie didn’t plan on getting into the business of selling cakes at all? She actually started out in a career as a tax consultant who ended up pivoting out of the business due to unexpected happenstance. Listen as she shares the twist and turns that led her to franchising Nothing Bundt Cakes. We discuss how she overcame her fears, uprooted her life and let go of her safety blanket. From tax professional to store owner, pivoting when necessary in order to keep her dream alive. Charlie Shabazz left Philly as a CPA and worked as VP of a national bank. However, her plans quickly changed as she sought to capitalize on the opportunity. Tune in to this incredible story of perseverance and commitment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning TV Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews Greg Bowman and Ryan Richmond. They discuss how the business was founded and their partnership. The premiere gourmet Popcorn Remix flavors include Nacho, Crab Legs, Dill, Spicy Nacho Cheese, Pizza, Hot Wings & Ranch, Yellow Cheddar, Parmesan Garlic, Salt & Vinegar, Key Lime Pie, Cookies & Cream, Birthday Cake, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Heavenly Crunch, Snick A Roo, Caramel W/ Nuts, Heath Toffee Almonds, Strawberry Shortcake, White Chocolate W/Almonds, Banana Puddin And Uncle Ricks Buttered Pecan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviews Nephew Tommy, he is the host of OWN’s Ready for Love. OWN’S POPULAR LOVE AND RELATIONSHIP DATING SHOW, READY TO LOVE. He is TV host, radio host, philanthropist, entrepreneur and family man. The show has been Friday night's #1 original cable series among African-American women (18+) in 2022. “Ready to Love” is not your mother’s “let’s fall in love in thirty minutes or less” dating show; these are grown men and women in their 30’s and 40’s who are seeking the special relationship-of-a-lifetime that has eluded them thus far, and the baggage they each bring to the party is real. The old adage that “The course of love never did run smooth” is proven to be truer than ever when these eager singles come together to meet, date, cross-date, group-date and re-date, all in an effort to discover and claim “the one.” The romantic high drama is palpable from the moment that 18 attractive and successful women and men first set eyes on one another at the Mansion Mixer in Dallas that sets them all off on the bumpy road to love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interview Kier Spates. He is a Sickle Cell Warrior, and when he was diagnosed, he was told he would not live past 11 years. Today, he is a sickle cell survivor, Hollywood television writer, co-hosts the popular Steve Harvey Morning Show, hosts his radio show every Saturday in Atlanta, and is a touring stand-up comedian. He started his foundation called Kier's Hope for Sickle Cell survivors and hosts his motivational podcast, Living Your Life. Each week, join him and his board-certified medical co-host, Dr. Corey Hebert, as we meet incredible people who refuse to let a life-threatening illness hold them back from success. Plus, he talks with today's top medical, community, and entertainment influencers! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald recaps Value Proposition Episodes #1 and #2 and expounds on the following. Hire an accountant and HR Person before you start selling your product or open the doors to your business. Stay away from negative people. Finding Your Product’s place in the market place Set your goals immediately and make sure they are reachable Don’t wait around for an opportunity Knowing Your Work Environment Developing Your Voice Defining Your Visual Identity Grow your relationships See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Loni Love. Cohost of SiriusXM's Café Mocha, Loni Love hasn't taken the typical path to becoming America's favorite straight-talking girlfriend and comedian. She was not the child of Hollywood legends, and she never wore a size 00. Rather, she grew up in housing projects in Detroit, more worried about affording her next meal than going on a diet. When she moved to Hollywood after graduating college with an engineering degree, seeking to break out in the entertainment world, there was nothing that would convince her to eat the kale salads and quinoa bowls that her colleagues introduced her to, which looked to Love like "weeds my grandma used to pay me a dollar to pull from her yard."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Paris Fletcher. Paris founded Full Bloom to remind others that having a clear sense of self is imperative when facing adversity, rejection, and negativity. The teachings, resources, and guides shared on Full Bloom are created to foster that process of clarity and healing. Whether you are absorbing Paris’ inspirational TikToks or finding comfort in our website, we hope Full Bloom inspires and motivates you to bloom into the best version of yourself. Full Bloom is on a mission to help you bloom into your best self. We know all too well that self-reflection and inner growth are challenging. Full Bloom invites people to lean on the company for the support they need throughout every stage of their lives. Our ultimate goal is to provide guidance, resources, and the strength of a supportive culture to help you see and shine people's authentic light. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Attorney Ken Harris. Dark Trades is a controversial historical fiction novel that discuss "What if the South had won the Civil War?" Ken graduated from the University of North Carolina as an undergraduate and from law school. Harris has practiced law in North Carolina for over 30 years. He has handled and litigated personal injury claims across the state including to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Harris is a former NBA and NFL agent. He has handled various business matters for Earvin "Magic" Johnson for over 25 years. Harris has also represented and worked with notable entertainment figures like Mathew Knowles. Harris is currently the CEO of one of the largest minority energy marketers in the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews Chef Jernard Wells. He hosts "New Soul Kitchen" & "New Soul Kitchen Remix" on CLEO TV and leaves an indelible mark on Food Network & Cooking Channel shows. Beyond his culinary achievements, his collaborations with luminaries like Tyler Perry and NBA All-Star Brandon Ingram have been celebrated on prestigious platforms, including "Today Show," "Good Morning America," PEOPLE, and ESSENCE. He's fondly known as "The Family Chef," his creations satisfy appetites and inspire positive family connections. It's Thanksgiving and Christmas time at the dinner table, and we will be talking about his cookbook, Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cedric Walker. UniverSoul is a highly interactive combination of circus arts, theater, and music that spans genres including Pop, Classic R&B, Latin, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Gospel. It embraces and celebrates the unique and familiar aspects of pop culture globally by bringing them center stage with a cast of international performers. UniverSoul is rated as one of the top live family acts in America along with Cirque du Soleil. UniverSoul’s fresh approach to family friendly live entertainment has garnered it a coveted spot as one of Ticketmaster’s top ten most requested family events. UniverSoul was created 30 years ago as the brainchild of Atlanta concert and theater producer Cedric Walker. Cedric Walker, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, showed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, starting with his shoe shine business at six years old. His love for the circus grew as he and his brother would re-create the spectacles they witnessed, with Cedric even dreaming of running away with the circus to work as a maintenance man. In the 1970s, Walker's passion for entertainment led him to work with the Commodores and later become a promoter for the Jackson Five. In the 1980s, he organized the Fresh Festivals, the world's first Rap music tour in large arenas, featuring iconic rappers. By the mid-1990s, Walker and his team sought new family entertainment ideas, leading to the creation of The UniverSoul Circus in 1994, an urban family entertainment event under the big top. This groundbreaking venture showcased a variety of talents from black performers, ranging from hip-hop musicals to vaudeville acts, and animal performances, setting a new standard in live entertainment. Walker's dedication to this vision inspired performers worldwide to join the unique and successful circus venture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Shannon Denton co-founder of Wripple. Wripple is a marketing on-demand platform offering a private marketplace of vetted talent and software to manage freelancer relationships in one place. The platform's marketplace connects brands and ad agencies with highly skilled, on-demand talent for incredible speed, efficiency, and flexibility. Wripple, is poised to change the way brands secure talent for Marketing and Customer Experience project . Wripple'ss Agency Services Platform allows marketing teams to browse and hire highly vetted talent, all on-demand. This includes finding individual freelancers and a ready-made project team. It's a more modern and cost-effective solution to manage capacity and get outside digital expertise. The platform provides access to teams for over 50 projects and individuals spanning 25 roles across strategy, design, media, marketing, and technology. With more than 70 years of collective agency experience, our knowledge is embedded in our technology to drive fit-for-purpose talent matching your needs. So, my experiences have been divers. I have raised > more than $40M in Venture Capital, run and sold a start-up, led a $700M global company, built new business units, acquired several companies, built software products from scratch, and advised over 50 Fortune 500 companies on Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, Marketing, Media, and Technology Innovation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jasmine Young, founder and President of The Financial Literacy Institute, Inc. We will be discussing the 103rd anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre and the destruction of Black Wall Street in Oklahoma and how HBCUs prepare you for life. The Financial Literacy Institute, Inc. (TFLI). This 501(3) non-profit organization was developed to provide educational programs and resources to increase financial literacy in underserved and underprivileged communities globally. By trade, she is a CPA and founder Southern Heritage Financial Group, located in Atlanta, GA, which creates financial structures for families representing small business owners, sole proprietors, and seven-figure earning companies to build the road to generational wealth. Young’s mission is to "Spread Financial Literacy around the globe one family at a time.” Jasmine created. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews The Cycling Queen Who Cultivates Confidence, Tunde Oyeneyin. Tunde is a Peloton Instructor, New York Times Bestselling Author, Nike Athlete, and motivational speaker. Tunde Oyeneyin is a Texas native of Nigerian descent and currently resides in the New York City area with her dog Ceasar. Growing up, Tunde struggled with her body image and self-esteem, noting it took many years and hard work to get to a healthy place physically and mentally. Fitness offered Tunde a more extraordinary form of self-love, and she eventually realized it was her true calling to motivate people to join her in becoming the best version of themselves. She trusted her gut, took a leap of faith, and walked away from a lucrative 15-year career as a professional makeup artist and brand educator for some of the most coveted beauty brands in the World to become a cycling instructor in Los Angeles. She has been cycling ever since, and in 2019, she landed a prestigious role at Peloton Studios in New York City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Holly Cotton. She is a wellness expert, registered nurse, best-selling author, media personality, life coach, goal guru, and podcast host based in Houston, Texas. Holly earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing. She has used her medical knowledge to elevate her nursing career and become a renowned health and wellness authority. As an entrepreneur branding yourself, its important to present yourself to align with your branding. I have authored ten books host a podcast and a mental health advocate. When people look at my brand, I want them to see that you can go from being a cancer patient to a life survivor. You can survive anything life throws at you and become the strongest version of yourself inside and out. That pain will push you to your purpose so that you can be sexy and a mom. You can be a professional and still follow your entrepreneurial goals. I want to inspire and motivate women to live their dreams and stop settling for just living. I want to stay authentic to my mission of changing the world by empowering others to be their best self and highlighting their triumphs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-NAACP Image Award-winning television Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Craig Melvin. Craig Melvin, co-host of “The Today Show” and Author of “Pops: Learning to Be a Son and a Father.” He is on the show to discuss his new book “Pops: Learning to Be a Son and a Father.” It is the story of all the father figures in Craig’s life—including inspiring men Craig has met during his "Dads Got This Series" on NBC News’ TODAY. These experiences and encounters have shaped Craig's understanding of his role as a dad of two young children. https://www.moneymakingconversations.comhttps://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversationshttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/https://twitter.com/moneymakingconvhttps://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Craig Melvin. For Craig Melvin this book is more an investigation than a memoir. It's an opportunity to better understand his father; to interrogate his family's legacy of addiction and despair but also transformation and redemption; and to explore the challenges facing all dads--including Craig himself, a father of two young children. Growing up in Columbia, South Carolina, Craig had a fraught relationship with his father. Lawrence Melvin was a distant, often absent parent due to his drinking as well as his job working the graveyard shift at a postal facility. Watching sports and tinkering on Lawrence's beloved (but unreliable) 1973 Pontiac LeMans were two ways father and son connected, but as Lawrence's drinking spiraled out of control, their bond was stretched to the breaking point. Fortunately, Craig had a loving, fiercely protective mother who held the family together. He also had a series of surrogate father figures in his life--uncles, teachers, workplace mentors--who by their examples helped him figure out the kind of person and father he wanted to be. Pops is the story of all these men--and of the inspiring fathers Craig has met reporting his "Dads Got This Series" on the Today show. Pops is also the story of Craig and Lawrence Melvin's long journey to reconciliation and understanding, and of how all these experiences and encounters have informed Craig's understanding of his own role as a dad. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Alexiou Gibson. He grew his Sea Moss Business From Zero to Multi Millions in Less Than a Year. Black-Owned Sea Moss Brand Secured $600K 'Shark Tank' Deal With Kevin Hart and Mark Cuban. The Transformation Factory (TTF) is the passion of founder Alexiou Gibson. In his current role as CEO and President, he leads the company as a continuation of his own transformation from one seeking answers, to one providing answers. TTF is the culmination of his more than 10 years of battling health issues. He has used every disappointment, achievement, heartbreak, success, and learning moment to create the concept of TTF as a resource and inspiration for those trying to become their best selves. The TTF website will become is depository of information, tools, support communities and products. These are things that Alexiou feels would have helped him a great deal when he started his “Alexiou 2.0” journey. The good news is that “Alexiou 2.0” has culminated into The Transformation Factory – a place that will give everyone the tools they need to succeed on their own journeys.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interview Georgia native Ellia English. She has had an indelible impact in Television, Theater, Film, and the Jazz Clubs, from her memorable television roles as Auntie Rae on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Aunt Helen on The Jamie Foxx Show, Mary Lou Wentz on Disney’s Good Luck Charlie, and as Henny on Lifetime’s Movie of The Week Petals On The Wind. She is on the show to discuss her career, her upcoming YouTube show, and the final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackso. The HGTV power couple, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackso. They’re here to discuss their hit HGTV series, “Married to Real Estate,” and how their authenticity as a family on camera is the genuine article and not just an act they put on for the sake of T . Plus, you’ll get a behind the discussions on how this show began and the surprising history that Egypt has with me, Rushion McDonald.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Dr. Artesius Miller. Dr. Artesius Miller is recognized as a visionary leader in K-12 public education in Georgia who has dedicated his career to providing high quality educational options for families in low-income communities.He founded Georgia’s first state-approved, arts-focused charter school, Utopian Academy for the Arts, a decade ago to serve families in Clayton County when arts programs were being removed from the curriculum. The school was since named "Charter School of the Year" in 2023. Under Dr. Miller's leadership, the Utopian Academy Charter School Network now includes an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school in Clayton County, and a new satellite middle school in Fayetteville, Ga. that opened in August 2023 with statewide attendance zones. In addition to his role as CEO and Founder of the Utopian Academy Charter Network, Dr. Miller also serves as a leader in higher education. In 2024, he became the first African American to chair the state board of the Technical College System of Georgia. He most recently served as vice chair of the board after being appointed in 2019 by Gov. Brian Kemp. Dr. Miller also serves as an adjunct professor of education at Morehouse College, his alma mater. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Morehouse, and has a master’s degree in Education Leadership from Columbia University, and a doctoral degree in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia. He is a member of several organizations and has won numerous accolades, including the “Champion for Children” Award presented by the Georgia Charter Schools Association and the "Avante Garde Economic Development Award" from the Development Authority of Clayton County.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington, MD,    An internal medicine physician and medical billing expert. The discussion focuses on the complexities of health insurance, financial risks tied to medical expenses, and strategies to protect oneself from crushing medical debt. Key Highlights: Introduction to the Show:Rushion McDonald sets the stage for conversations about financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, and learning from successful professionals. Guest Introduction – Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington: She has extensive experience in primary care, psychiatry, and health insurance. She helps patients navigate medical billing and financial pitfalls in healthcare. She hosts What Your Doctor Wants You to Know, a podcast providing insights into healthcare and medical expenses. The Reality of Health Insurance: Even individuals with "great" health insurance are still at risk of massive medical debt. Deductibles reset annually, meaning someone who undergoes treatment at the end of the year may find themselves financially exposed when the new year begins. Medical expenses often lead to bankruptcy, making insurance literacy essential. Why People Avoid Insurance: Younger individuals often feel invincible and avoid paying for insurance. Unexpected accidents or illnesses can derail financial stability, even for the healthiest individuals. Steps to Avoid Medical Debt:Dr. Ellington outlines three steps to properly handle and negotiate medical bills: Step 1: Ensure the bill contains real CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes—many bills are sent without them, making it harder for patients to validate costs. Step 2: Research CPT codes online or use her Medical Bill Buster App to compare billed charges to Medicare rates (Medicare sets the most reasonable prices). Step 3: Negotiate with healthcare providers using Medicare pricing as leverage to reduce inflated charges. The Importance of Supplemental Insurance: Traditional health insurance doesn’t always cover major costs. Individuals, especially entrepreneurs and gig workers, should consider critical illness insurance, hospitalization insurance, and accident insurance as financial safeguards. Insurance vs. Other Mandatory Coverage: Unlike home or car insurance (which is legally required), health insurance is not mandatory in many cases, despite being equally essential for financial security. This creates a gap where uninsured individuals take on extreme financial risk when health issues arise. How to Contact Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington: Website: crushmedicaldebt.com Email: [email protected] Overall Takeaway: The discussion reinforces that health insurance should be viewed as a financial protection tool, not just a routine expense. Entrepreneurs, gig workers, and uninsured individuals need to take proactive steps in securing coverage and understanding how to negotiate medical bills effectively.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews the ever-popular Tamela Mann – a Grammy award-winning gospel singer, actress, businesswoman, and fan-favorite – returns to Money Making Conversations Master Class once more for an encore performance. In this episode, she discusses the reasons behind founding her line of shapewear for plus-sized women, the rise of female entrepreneurs, and how her devotion to her faith has helped shape her life and career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed T.D. Jakes.  A bestselling author, entrepreneur, and senior pastor of The Potter’s House. The discussion focused on faith-driven entrepreneurship, second chances, and building a lasting legacy. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Faith & Business Leadership Jakes emphasized that faith and business principles must work together for success. He shared insights on balancing ministry with entrepreneurship, highlighting his $500M+ film and media ventures. Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.) Jakes’ program has helped over 17,000 formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society. The initiative provides job training, housing assistance, and financial education to support second chances. Entrepreneurship & Wealth Building He stressed that motivation without information leads to frustration—entrepreneurs must learn business terminology. His book Soar: Build Your Vision from the Ground Up serves as a blueprint for success, breaking down corporate structures, financial literacy, and business strategy. The Wright Brothers Metaphor Jakes compared entrepreneurship to aviation, explaining that businesses must build their wings before taking flight. He encouraged entrepreneurs to view their business as a vehicle for financial freedom, not just a goal. 📘 About Bishop T.D. JakesBishop T.D. Jakes is a New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, and senior pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. His television ministry, The Potter’s Touch, reaches millions worldwide. He has produced Grammy-winning music and hit films, including Heaven Is for Real and Miracles from Heaven. His latest book, Soar, provides practical strategies for entrepreneurs.  #BEST #STRAW  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews Marc Morial. His "Gumbo Coalition" documentary explores the resurgence of white supremacy, the "Save Our Sons" program, and a family separated by Trump-era immigration policies streaming on HBOMax. He is one of the few national leaders with "street smarts" and "boardroom savvy" as the transformative President and CEO of the National Urban League—the nation's largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. We will discuss the Gumbo Coalition Documentary on Civil Rights Leaders Marc H. Morial & Janet Murguia. Directed by two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple, the acclaimed film chronicles the work of National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial and Unidos US President and CEO Janet Murguía throughout the Trump presidency, the racist mass shooting in El Paso, the COVID pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the uprising that followed, the 2020 elections, and the storming of the Capitol. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Melody Vaughn. Melody Vaughn Interiors (MVI) is more than a design firm; it's a venture born from the desire to craft spaces that heal. At MVI, they believe in harmonizing and tuning into the energy of a space to create homes of peace and beauty. Each house has its rhythm, and we ensure the décor beautifully reflects it. Through the infusion of color, thoughtful space planning, and elements of Feng Shui, MVI transforms every project into a human sanctuary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Derrick D. Hayes. The “Underdog Story”. Overcoming adverse beginnings to accomplish your dreams and make it in the world. This is the story that Big Dave Cheesesteaks’ founder Derrick Hayes shares as he guest stars on Money Making Conversations Master Class. Prepare to be uplifted with a tale of motivation and grit as Derrick recounts the decisions in his life that led him to become the man he is today and how he seeks to inspire those who come from backgrounds similar to his to stand up and do more for themselves. He has been featured on many magazine covers, including Essence Magazine. His vision for his restaurant, Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, began in 2014 as he aimed to merge his passion for community, food, and business. What started as a small water-ice shop in a 749 sq. ft Shell gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia 2016, has now augmented into the nationally known Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, a thriving cheesecake empire with store and mobile locations all across metro Atlanta. Hayes is also the founder of the David & Derrick Hayes Foundation & Co-Owner of the vegan cheesesteak concept "Dinkies" with Slutty Vegan ATL CEO & Vegan restaurant phenom Pinky Cole. In 2021, Hayes's passion for community & food landed him an illustrious spot as a Forbes 2021 Next 1000 Honoree. Let's discuss his journey into Big Dave's Cheesesteaks being "Bigger Than Food." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer interviewed Chef Marcus Samuelsson. When you hear someone utter the words “Culinary History of America”, the phrase “Black Excellence” is not the first thing that comes to mind. While Black cooks have played a major role in shaping the landscape of America’s culinary culture, their history and accomplishments continue to be told in the dark, underrecognized by the wider world. Well, here to shed some light on this hidden history is Red Rooster’s very own Head Chef, Chef Marcus Samuelsson, through his book, The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food: A Cookbook. Make sure to bring your good eating pants and your academia caps to this episode of Money Making Conversations Master Class as we do a deep dive into the culinary history of America and the role that the African diaspora played in shaping it. The James Beard award-winning chef says his flagship restaurant, Red Rooster, became his "haven" during the height of pandemic. Working with José Andrés' World Central Kitchen organization, Samuelsson converted the restaurant to a community kitchen. Over the course of six months, Red Rooster served more than 200,000 meals to first responders and others in need. "It was a place for me when our world was so ripped apart and no one knew what to do," he says. Samuelsson says feeding the community during the pandemic also changed the way he thought about his industry. "The word 'restaurant' actually means to restore your community. And in the worst of times, I think that the restaurant, the hospitality industry really stepped up," he says.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Chairman and C.E.O. Dennis Earls and Vice President Mikåel Pyles of the Haltere Group. Haltere Group offers access to high-value real estate assets once reserved for large investors. They are committed to reshaping real estate opportunities for Black communities. The interview explores Haltere Group's distinctive approach to empowering Black communities in cities nationwide. Share sophisticated insight into real estate investments within dynamic markets. We uncover Haltere Group's unique company culture and unwavering commitment to empowering minority communities through financial education and real estate investment opportunities tailored for experts and novices. Discuss the impact of the "H.O.W. With Haltere" Podcast, an extension of the company's mission and vision, and the transformative potential of real estate syndication through exclusive conversations with successful individuals from pro sports, business, and entertainment. HBCU connection – Tuskegee University project, some founders and team members are HBCU alums, and some attended an HBCU for one or more years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.