Ask The RTLO & Junior - 09.25.25

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Yahya Muhammad. Topic: Entrepreneurship, legacy, and community impact through his ice cream business, Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream Yahya Muhammad shares his journey from tasting unforgettable homemade ice cream as a child to founding one of Chicago’s most beloved ice cream brands. His story is one of perseverance, cultural pride, and community service, rooted in faith and inspired by family and fraternity. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview Highlight Yahya’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream. Inspire small business owners and creatives to pursue their passions despite obstacles. Showcase the importance of community engagement and mentorship. Celebrate Black excellence and cultural legacy through food and service. 🔑 Key Takeaways 🍨 The Origin Story Inspired by a woman selling homemade ice cream in Avalon Park, Chicago. Spent six years perfecting his own recipe. First flavor: Honey Cinnamon Graham Cracker “I had no idea it would take about six years to learn how to make it.” 🎓 Education & Influence Holds a Master’s in Sociology from Western Illinois University. Influenced by teachings of Elijah Muhammad and Minister Louis Farrakhan. Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, which instilled discipline and perseverance. “I learned principles… immutable principles that I’ve been striving to apply.” 🚗 From Trunk to Storefront Started selling ice cream out of the trunk of his car in 1996. Grew from renting a room in a beauty salon to multiple storefronts. Now operates in Bronzeville, a historic Chicago neighborhood. “I didn’t even have a business license… I just believed.” 🏆 Signature Flavors Known for nostalgic, Southern-inspired flavors: Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Vanilla Banana Pudding Georgia Peach Cobbler Bourbon Butter Pecan Southern Black Walnut “Our goal is to take you right back down memory lane.” 💡 Business Philosophy Focuses on customer experience over product. Staff are trained as helpers, not just workers. Emphasizes service, quality, and pricing — but prioritizes service. “The food is not the number one thing. The number one thing is the service.” 🌍 Community Impact Grew up in an underserved area of Chicago. Hires from the community and mentors youth. Dedicated the business to his late sister, Shawn Michelle, who inspired his culinary journey. “I want to be a part of that inspiration… to give the baton to the next generation.” 📈 Expansion Plans Looking to expand to Atlanta, calling it “the Mecca.” Envisions taking the brand nationwide while maintaining its cultural and community roots. “The future of Shawn Michelle’s is to be national.” 💬 Memorable Quotes “Faith over fear — I believed, I committed, I accepted the challenge.” “You have to see something different to be something different.” “I don’t have workers. I have helpers.” “I want to be a part of that that helps give them a new idea.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Charisse M. Williams. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To explore Charisse Williams’ journey from law and nonprofit leadership to becoming a certified leadership and wellbeing coach. The interview highlights her work with women of color through her brand Everyday Yellow Sanctuary, her book The Joy of Thriving While Black, and her mission to help others reclaim joy, clarity, and purpose. 🧠 Interview Summary 1. Background & Career Path Charisse is a lawyer by training who transitioned into nonprofit leadership. Her coaching journey began after a donor offered to pay for her to receive coaching, which transformed her life. She now helps women of color overcome burnout and reconnect with their purpose. Quote: “That coach was transformative for me… it planted the seed that maybe I would like to be the guide I wish I had.” 2. Everyday Yellow Sanctuary A community for trailblazing women of color to find joy and support. Inspired by her color-coded calendar where yellow represents joy and fun. Trademarked the brand after a branding expert recognized its potential. Quote: “Every day there has to be yellow… even a moment of joy in every single day.” 3. Coaching Philosophy Coaching is a partnership to help clients achieve specific goals. Focuses on asking the right questions to help clients unlock their own answers. Emphasizes clarity, confidence, and joy as outcomes. Quote: “Where are you now? Where do you want to be? What’s getting in the way?” 4. Mental Health & Social Justice 2020 was a turning point for Black mental health awareness. Her book was inspired by the trauma of witnessing police violence and the need for joy as resistance. Quote: “I was literally having nightmares about encounters with the police… I saw the hashtag Black Joy… and I got a download: write a book called Thriving While Black.” 5. Age & Fear Charisse started her business at age 48 and encourages others not to let age be a barrier. Most of her clients are in their 40s and 50s, seeking transformation and fulfillment. Quote: “It is not too late and you are not too old.” 6. Burnout & Overperformance Burnout is common among women of color due to societal pressure to overperform. Differentiates high performance (healthy ambition) from overperformance (driven by unworthiness). Quote: “Overperformance is trying to outrun unworthiness… we need to do some unlearning.” 7. Dream in Color Visioning Framework A tool to help clients articulate what a meaningful life looks like across multiple dimensions: career, relationships, joy, spirituality, etc. Encourages intentional planning and action toward that vision. Quote: “Pain pushes until the vision pulls.” 8. Community & Accountability The sanctuary offers weekly check-ins, goal setting, and accountability. Research shows that writing and speaking goals increases success rates dramatically. Quote: “If you have a vision, a plan, and accountability, your success can go up by 95%.” ✅ Key Takeaways Coaching is transformative and helps unlock clarity and purpose. Joy is essential and should be intentionally cultivated daily. Mental health matters, especially for communities of color. Age is not a limitation—transformation can happen at any stage. Burnout is real, and overperformance is often rooted in deeper issues. Community support and accountability are powerful tools for growth. Intentional living through frameworks like Dream in Color can lead to lasting change. 📚 Resources & Links Website & Community: charissemwilliams.com/community Book: The Joy of Thriving While Black – available on Bookshop and other retailers. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Laura Finney. A seasoned financial literacy educator and coach. Laura shares her deeply personal journey into financial education, sparked by a lack of preparedness in her own life and a family experience that resulted in the loss of generational wealth. Through candid storytelling and practical advice, she empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures with strategic planning, budgeting, and mindset shifts. 🧭 Key Themes Financial Empowerment: Building financial literacy to live life on your own terms. Generational Wealth: The importance of estate planning and legacy preservation. Budgeting & Cash Flow: Identifying spending leaks and creating emergency funds. Mindset Over Age: Rejecting age as a limitation to financial or personal growth. Community Impact: Educating underserved communities and promoting financial independence. 🗂️ Episode Outline Introduction by Rushion McDonald Purpose of the show and encouragement to learn from others’ success stories. Meet Laura Finney Financial coach and educator with a mission to empower through financial literacy. Turning Point at 50 Laura’s wake-up call after her 50th birthday and the realization of financial unpreparedness. Family Legacy Lost A powerful story of losing family land due to lack of a will, now replaced by an Amazon facility. Common Financial Mistakes Taking advice without personalized planning. Misunderstanding retirement and financial independence. Advice for 30s and 40s Pay yourself first. Avoid inaccessible savings vehicles. Start planning early. Budgeting Tips Cut back on dining out, personal care, and entertainment. Build emergency funds—even starting with $1/day. Financial Misconceptions Living for today vs. planning for tomorrow. The myth of “having time” to save later. How Laura Works with Clients Initial consultation → personalized interview → strategic financial roadmap. Closing Thoughts Encouragement to take control of your financial future and live life on your terms. 💬 Notable Quotes “Nobody’s really retiring. We’re not great-grandma on the porch with lemonade anymore.” “Don’t let age define how you live your life.” “Everything starts with a budget.” “You can’t chase money. You have to plan for it.” “If you can save a dollar a day, you can build an emergency fund.” 👤 About the Guest: Laura Finney Laura Finney is a financial literacy educator with over eight years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in delivering personalized financial literacy programs, workshops, and one-on-one consultations. Her mission is to help individuals and families achieve financial stability and long-term success through education, strategic planning, and empowerment. 📞 Contact Laura Finney Website: LauraFinneyEnterprises.net #BEST #AMI #STRAW #SHMSSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dexter B. Jenkins. The uploaded document features an insightful conversation with Dexter B. Jenkins, a real estate entrepreneur, financial strategist, and pastor, on Money Making Conversations Masterclass hosted by Rashawn McDonald. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics and highlights: Key Themes & Highlights Overcoming Fear in Real Estate Jenkins explains that fear is the biggest obstacle for first-time buyers. He emphasizes education and networking as tools to overcome fear. Faith & Financial Success He discusses the intersection of faith and wealth creation, referencing biblical principles. Jenkins highlights how faith can guide financial decisions and real estate investments. The Real Estate Wealth Creator Blueprint Jenkins shares his personal journey as a second-generation real estate investor. He outlines strategies for building wealth through real estate ownership. The Importance of Partnerships He stresses the value of teaming up with others to invest in real estate. Jenkins explains how clear roles and agreements can prevent conflicts in partnerships. Common Myths About Real Estate Investing He debunks the misconception that large amounts of money are required to invest. Jenkins highlights programs like VA loans and FHA loans that make real estate accessible. Financial Literacy & Generational Wealth He advocates for financial education to ensure wealth is preserved and passed down. Jenkins discusses mentorship and how learning from experienced investors can accelerate success. About Dexter B. Jenkins Dexter B. Jenkins is a faith-based financial mentor, pastor, and real estate investor. He is the author of The Real Estate Wealth Creator Blueprint, which provides strategies for overcoming fear, financial limitations, and inexperience in real estate. Through his work, Jenkins helps individuals build generational wealth by combining faith, financial literacy, and strategic investing. #BEST #STRAW #SHMS    Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Coach Gregory Green. Head men’s and women’s tennis coach and REACH advisor at Tuskegee University. Here's a summary of the key themes and highlights: 🎙️ Guest: Coach Gregory Green Former college football player and coach at schools like Alabama State, Kentucky State, Savannah State, and UAB. Currently coaching tennis at Tuskegee University and mentoring student-athletes. 🧠 Key Topics Discussed 🏈 NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and College Athletics NIL has transformed college sports, allowing athletes to earn money through endorsements and sponsorships. Power Five schools (like Ohio State and Michigan) have massive NIL collectives, sometimes offering millions to high school recruits. HBCUs and smaller programs are participating but on a smaller financial scale. NIL deals are often driven by alumni and corporate partnerships. 🔁 Transfer Portal Explained as a tool for athletes to transfer schools without sitting out a year. While it offers flexibility, it also raises concerns about commitment, development, and long-term planning. Athletes risk losing scholarships if they enter the portal without securing a new opportunity. 🎾 Tuskegee Tennis Program Coach Green leads a successful program with high academic and athletic performance. His teams have won championships and maintained top GPAs in the region. Emphasizes holistic development—athletics, academics, and career readiness. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mentorship & Parental Advice Encourages parents to let student-athletes make their own college decisions. Stresses the importance of attitude and effort as the only two things athletes can control. Advocates for intrinsic motivation and resilience in the face of adversity. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Anne Lester. A financial expert and former head of retirement solutions at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. The discussion focused on saving strategies, financial psychology, and overcoming behavioral biases to achieve long-term financial success. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Overcoming Financial Mistakes Lester shared that despite managing billions in assets, she made every financial mistake possible early in her career. Her book, Your Best Financial Life, combines 30 years of asset management experience with lessons from her own financial missteps. Saving Strategies & Behavioral Hacks She emphasized that saving is possible at any age, but requires commitment and planning. A key strategy: Save at least half of every raise to prevent lifestyle inflation. Emergency Funds & Smart Spending Lester advised building an emergency fund of 3-6 months’ expenses before investing. She outlined three questions to ask before tapping into emergency savings: Is this truly an emergency? Do I absolutely need to spend this money? Do I need to spend it right now? Subscription Detox & Hidden Expenses Many people unknowingly overspend on subscriptions, leading to financial waste. Lester recommended avoiding auto-renewals, using a credit card with an upcoming expiration date, and rotating streaming services to cut costs. Investing vs. Traditional Savings She clarified that long-term savings should be invested, not kept in low-interest accounts. Retirement funds should be diversified across stocks and bonds for growth. 📘 About Anne LesterAnne Lester is a financial strategist, speaker, and author, known for her expertise in retirement planning and behavioral finance. She spent over 30 years at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, leading retirement solutions and helping individuals build financial security. Her book, Your Best Financial Life, provides practical strategies for saving, investing, and overcoming financial biases.   #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michaela Merrick.   🎙️ Interview Summary: Michaela Merrick on Money Making Conversations Masterclass 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Michaela Merrick, founder of Pretty Little Tacos, and her entrepreneurial journey from launching a food truck during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a thriving Creole-Mexican taco brand in Atlanta. The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing resilience, creativity, and family support. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Origin of Pretty Little Tacos Inspired by a short-lived cooking show called Pretty Little Cooks. Launched in May 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Offers unique taco varieties including vegan options and dessert tacos like peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake. 2. Entrepreneurial Spirit Michaela did not attend culinary school but learned through experience and family influence. Her mother encouraged her to pursue the food truck idea, even waking her up to go buy one. Her father and brother are chefs, and her daughter is her biggest fan and motivator. 3. Challenges Faced Started with little to no money and reinvested daily. Faced licensing and permitting issues due to government shutdowns. Was misled by commissary kitchens lacking proper permits, resulting in financial loss. Her first food truck was stolen, but she bounced back with a new one. 4. Growth and Expansion Operates three locations in Atlanta: Colony Square, Union City (inside a gas station), and Moreland Avenue. Plans to expand into more gas stations and possibly mass production while maintaining quality and authenticity. 5. Business Philosophy Focuses on customer experience and generous portions. Requires all staff to sign NDAs to protect recipes and business integrity. Encourages staff to learn and grow, even if they aspire to start their own businesses. 💬 Notable Quotes “I didn’t really have a choice… it was survival.” – On launching her business during the pandemic. “You have to be resilient. You can’t give up.” – On overcoming obstacles. “My daughter is my biggest fan… I want her to understand she can do anything.” – On her motivation. “I thrive off competition… I level up every time.” – On the competitive food truck industry. “Business supersedes relationships… protect yourself always.” – On the importance of NDAs and business integrity.   #AMI #STRAW #BEST #SHMS  Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tim Mercer. Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.: 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing. 🗝️ Key Takeaways Background & Journey Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances. His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship. Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy The term “bootstrap” symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Mercer emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight—it requires grinding, planning, and faith. Importance of a Business Plan A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth. Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning. Cadence Ventures, Inc. A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors. Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral. Government Contracting Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business. He stresses that while it’s complex and paperwork-heavy, it’s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses. Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech’s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process. Success Requires Sacrifice Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice. His book’s first chapter, “See the Glory, Don’t Know the Story,” encapsulates this message. 💬 Notable Quotes “If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won’t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won’t do.” — Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Tim Mercer “You can only make as much as the customer that you have.” — Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts “See the glory, don’t know the story.” — Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Charlie Shabazz.  🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to: Showcase Charlie Shabaaz’s journey from CPA to bakery franchise owner. Inspire listeners to overcome fear and pursue entrepreneurial dreams. Educate the audience on franchising, financial discipline, and community engagement. Highlight the importance of adaptability and vision in business success. 🧠 Key Takeaways 1. From CPA to Cake Boss Charlie is a Temple University graduate with a master’s in taxation. She worked in corporate accounting before pivoting to entrepreneurship. Her transition was sparked by a desire to fill a community need in Tucker, GA. “I was committed to bringing a bakery… I was kind of on the hook.” – Charlie Shabaaz 2. Overcoming Fear and Taking Leaps Charlie moved from Philadelphia to Atlanta with no job contract—just faith. She offered to work for free to learn business taxes, showing initiative and humility. Her story emphasizes that fear is natural, but planning and persistence are key. “I took a temp job. It took a leap of faith.” – Charlie Shabaaz“Fear drives so many people from reaching their ultimate dream.” – Rushion McDonald 3. Franchise Journey Initially planned a pie business, but pivoted to Nothing Bundt Cakes after discovering the brand. She researched and connected with the franchise team, ultimately choosing it over another bakery concept. “I Googled bakery franchise… and it morphed into Nothing Bundt Cakes.” – Charlie Shabaaz 4. Financial Discipline & Real Talk Despite being a CPA, Charlie shared her own struggles with money and credit card debt. She used spreadsheets and strategic payments to eliminate debt. “I had a spreadsheet… I was committed to the $200 here, $250 there.” – Charlie Shabaaz 5. Community Engagement & Leadership Charlie is active in local business associations and chambers of commerce. She believes in giving back to the community and building relationships. “Businesses come to communities and take… I want to give back.” – Charlie Shabaaz 6. Franchising Explained Franchising is about buying a proven business model. The founders of Nothing Bundt Cakes created a replicable system that franchisees can follow. “You buy the blueprint… once you prove the concept can be done by anyone, anywhere.” – Charlie Shabaaz 7. Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs Charlie attributes her drive to her mother’s encouragement and the desire to break out of North Philly. She highlights how Black women are the fastest-growing segment in entrepreneurship. “Our mothers are the backbone of why we’re so successful.” – Charlie Shabaaz 💬 Memorable Quotes “I didn’t bake. I used to just cut the cookie roll and spray the pan.” “You don’t have to be a baker. You just have to have the passion and the ability to work hard.” “Know what you’re good at and what you’re not good at.” 🌟 Impact of the Interview This episode resonated deeply with listeners, sparking live call-ins from aspiring entrepreneurs. It served as a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and community-driven business. #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.