Money & Relationships - 10.23.25

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Danielle Jeter. Founder of AOA Events and PR and Women in Media Global: 🎙️ Guest Introduction Danielle Jeter is a proud Spelman College graduate. Founder of Women in Media Global, impacting over 15,000 women and students since 2012. Based in Miami, originally from Philadelphia. 🧠 Entrepreneurial Journey Started in event planning and radio promotions. Transitioned into public relations after repeated client requests. Founded Affairs of ISIS Events, later rebranded to Affairs of Influence (AOA Events and PR) due to public perception issues with the name “ISIS.” 🔁 Rebranding Lessons Rebranding was prompted by client feedback and public confusion. Took a strategic approach: consultations, think tanks, redesign of all brand assets. Resulted in a more relatable and inclusive brand identity. 📣 Strategic Communications Focuses on external communications to connect clients with their target audiences. Emphasizes the importance of attention economy—competing with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts. Advocates for short-form, impactful messaging. 🧩 Brand & Brand Activation Brand = Reputation, not just logos or colors. Brand activations create emotional connections through experiences (events, kiosks, partnerships). Smart activations happen where the audience already is (e.g., Formula 1, festivals). ❌ Common Mistakes Not budgeting for marketing. Trying to appeal to everyone instead of focusing on a niche audience. Ignoring feedback from clients or social media comments. 💼 Client Onboarding Process Free discovery calls. Intake form to understand goals and pain points. Services offered on a retainer basis. Encourages clients to allocate 10–30% of profits to marketing. 📈 Marketing & Sales Accelerator Danielle offers a 6-week accelerator program for startups and growth-phase businesses. Emphasizes the importance of marketing systems and sales strategy. 🎧 Women in Media Global & Podcast Created to address the lack of female representation in media. Hosts conferences and a podcast called The Woman Speaks Show. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube. #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 Tonya Millions Fitch. Founder of Astra Wellness in Macon, Georgia. Key Highlights: 🌟 About Astra Wellness Name Origin: “Astra” means “star” in French, symbolizing guidance—just as stars guided explorers and enslaved people seeking freedom. Mission: To guide individuals toward optimal health, happiness, and beauty. 👩‍⚕️ T0nya’s Background Over 25 years in healthcare, including 12 years as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist. Inspired to start Astra Wellness after her father, a Vietnam veteran suffering from PTSD and chronic pain, lacked access to proper nutritional care during COVID. 🏥 Services Offered IV hydration therapy Medical weight loss Facials, chemical peels, body contouring Anti-aging treatments including ozone therapy, infrared sauna, massage, Botox, and fillers Functional medicine focused on root-cause treatment and prevention 📈 Business Growth Started in a 650 sq ft space; now expanding to a 3,000 sq ft commercial building. Received strong community support and referrals from medical professionals. Offers a one-stop wellness center model. 💡 Entrepreneurial Insights Initially believed a good credit score was enough for a loan—learned the importance of: A solid business plan Debt-to-credit ratio Financial projections Showing business income Built a relationship with a banker who helped her navigate the loan process. 🧬 Health Philosophy Emphasizes treating from the inside out. IV infusions bypass the digestive system, allowing 100% absorption of nutrients. Helps with depression, insomnia, dementia, skin/hair issues, and more. 96% of clients report feeling better immediately after treatment. 🌐 Contact Information Website: www.astrawellness.com Phone: (478) 200-7575 Social Media: Astra Wellness on Instagram and Facebook #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 Robert Gould. Youngest developer in the U.S. to lead a $300 million community development project in partnership with the City of Savannah. 🏗️ Legacy Savannah Project Scope: 65-acre, $300 million transformational community development. Focus Areas: Residential Housing: Senior and workforce housing. Innovation Center: 24/7 programming for tech and career development. Indoor Recreation Facility: Community engagement and wellness. Mission: Not just building structures, but transforming lives and legacies. 🌊 Big Tide Summit Founder: Robert Gould Purpose: Career exposure and training for Georgia students. Impact: Grew from 20 students to over 7,000 in 3 years. Focus Areas: Tech, arts, media, construction, and entrepreneurship. Website: bigtide.org (free for schools) 💡 Key Messages & Advice 1. Fear and Identity Embrace fear as a signal of purpose. “There’s only one you”—your uniqueness is your power. 2. Exposure is Everything 60% of success is based on exposure (Forbes). Being in the room matters—access changes lives. 3. Workforce Development Trends Start early. Prioritize exposure and appearance. Explore trades (construction, tech, plumbing, etc.). Seek mentorship. Embrace AI and future technologies. 4. Trade vs. Degree Trades are now high-income, high-impact careers. College is valuable, but not the only path. Ownership and entrepreneurship are key to wealth. 5. Pitching and Communication Know your audience and tailor your message. Don’t just pitch ideas—pitch dreams. Respect yourself and others in every room you enter. 🔁 Vision for the Future Expand the Legacy Savannah model nationwide. Continue building access and opportunity for underserved communities. Use platforms like Big Tide to bridge education and real-world careers. #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 Zahra Karsan. A psychologist, life coach, and author of Six Weeks to Happy: The Ultimate Roadmap to Retrain Your Brain for Better Health, Greater Abundance, and Long Lasting Peace and Happiness. Key Highlights from the Transcript: Fear and the Subconscious Mind: Zahra explains how fear, often rooted in the subconscious, can block personal growth and happiness. She emphasizes that 95% of our behavior is driven by subconscious patterns, which are survival-based and often limiting. Five Core Limiting Beliefs: These include feelings of not being good enough, not being deserving of love, or not being capable of success. These beliefs are common across all demographics, from teenagers to CEOs. Daily Routines and Stress: The conversation touches on how most people wake up stressed and reactive, rather than intentional. Zahra and Rushion discuss the importance of starting the day with purpose and calm to rewire the brain for success. Health and Happiness Connection: Chronic stress is linked to numerous health issues. Zahra advocates for mindfulness and emotional regulation as tools to improve both mental and physical health. Tools and Resources: Happiness Planner: A free tool to help individuals assess what brings them joy and identify gaps in their current lifestyle. Life Block Quiz: A playful assessment to uncover subconscious fear patterns and how they affect relationships, wealth, and self-worth. Website: sixweekstohappy.com #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 Dr. Melanye Maclin (Dr. Mac). A celebrity dermatologist and founder of Innovative Hair Technology. Dr. Mac shares her journey of balancing motherhood, caregiving, and entrepreneurship, while passionately advocating for health awareness in the Black community—especially regarding the dangers of chemical hair straighteners. The episode is both inspirational and educational, highlighting resilience, purpose, and the importance of inner and outer wellness. 🧭 Episode Outline: 1. Introduction Rashawn introduces the show and Dr. Mac. Emphasis on living your own success story. 2. Dr. Mac’s Background Founder of Innovative Hair Technology (1999). Developed science-based hair supplements and products for men and women. Known for her “Ask Dr. Mac” segments offering free dermatology advice. 3. Career Pause for Family Dr. Mac discusses stepping back from her career to care for her daughters and later her mother, Dr. Watson, after a stroke. Her brother, Dr. Melvin Macklin, helps care for their mother. 4. Legacy and Inner Beauty Advocates that “outer beauty is a reflection of an inner you.” Focus on mental wellness and beautifying the brain before the body. 5. Health Advocacy: Hair Relaxers and Cancer Dr. Mac has warned for 25 years about the dangers of chemical hair straighteners. Discusses the FDA’s proposed ban and the link to hormone-related cancers. Shares alarming statistics about Black and Latina women’s exposure to harmful products. 6. “Good Hair” Documentary Dr. Mac’s involvement in Chris Rock’s Good Hair. Her advocacy caught the attention of producers and led to a pivotal interview. 7. Turning Down “The Doctors” Dr. Mac declined a co-hosting opportunity on The Doctors to prioritize her family. Emphasizes that success can be paused and resumed. 8. Closing Reflections Rushion and Dr. Mac reflect on mutual respect and shared mission. Encouragement to lead with purpose and give back to the community. 💡 Key Takeaways: Family First: Dr. Mac’s story is a testament to prioritizing family without giving up on long-term goals. Health Over Beauty: She urges women to reconsider harmful beauty practices in favor of long-term health. Community Impact: Her work is rooted in service—especially for those without access to dermatological care. Resilience: Even after stepping away, Dr. Mac returns with renewed energy and purpose. 🗣️ Notable Quotes: “Outer beauty is a reflection of an inner you. True beauty begins within.” “We are dying earlier—dying to be beautiful.” “Is it straight hair today or grandchildren tomorrow?” “I might have been suffering in silence, but I have tons of great support.” “Keep those chemicals off of my baby’s hair. All the babies are my babies.” “You can love your family and still come back and have a career and keep winning.” #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 Thomas Barnes. A technology entrepreneur and franchise owner, shares his journey from corporate IT to owning an Experimax store, specializing in Apple product sales, service, and repairs. He discusses entrepreneurship, customer service, hiring strategies, and the challenges of competing in the tech repair industry. Segment Breakdown & Key Highlights Introduction & Background Host Rushion McDonald introduces Thomas Barnes as Atlanta’s Technology Guru, highlighting his love for math and science that led him into the tech industry. Thomas reflects on his 30+ years in IT, working with Fortune 50, 100, and 500 companies, and his decision to become a business owner during the COVID-19 pandemic. Entrepreneurial Journey & Franchise Ownership Shares his motivation to own a business instead of working for others, officially becoming an Experimax franchise owner in 2021. Explains his research process, initially exploring food and beverage franchises before discovering the Apple-focused Experimax model. Highlights the brand's niche market—specializing in Apple product repairs and sales, leveraging his tech and business expertise. Challenges & Competitive Strategy Discusses the difficulty of hiring skilled technicians, emphasizing the need for Apple expertise but openness to training individuals with Android/Windows experience. Introduces John Goldwasser, his store manager, who is proficient in both Apple and Android technology. Differentiates Experimax from Apple Stores, offering shorter wait times, personalized service, and no mandatory appointments. Competes with local repair shops, emphasizing his store’s established reputation and specialized expertise. Customer Service & Business Growth Emphasizes treating employees with respect to ensure loyalty and a strong team culture. Discusses customer acquisition costs and his strategy of actively networking and promoting his store. Highlights customer experiences, mentioning loyal Apple users seeking alternatives for repairs and upgrades. Entrepreneurship & Lessons Learned Stresses the importance of faith, resilience, and risk-taking in business. Encourages entrepreneurs to step out on faith and not fear challenges. Talks about the importance of a business plan, sharing his experience of developing financial projections for securing loans. About Thomas Barnes Atlanta-based technology entrepreneur with 30+ years in IT. Franchise owner of Experimax Sandy Springs, specializing in Apple product sales, service, and repairs. Passionate about customer service, mentorship, and business growth. Advocate for entrepreneurship, faith-based leadership, and strategic planning. Thomas’ journey showcases determination, business acumen, and a commitment to providing quality tech services. His Experimax store serves as a go-to alternative for Apple users, offering expert repairs and personalized customer experiences. Want to learn more? Visit Experimax Sandy Springs or follow Thomas Barnes' business updates online. #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 Dr. George C. Fraser. A renowned networking expert and CEO of FraserNet. Here's a breakdown of the key insights and themes: 🔑 Key Highlights & Takeaways 🧠 Financial Wisdom & Wealth Building Dr. Fraser shares three foundational rules for financial freedom: Rent/Mortgage ≤ Weekly Income – Live within your means. Borrow Money Only to Make Money – Avoid debt for depreciating assets. As Income Increases, Cost of Living Should Stay the Same or Decrease – Invest the difference. He also outlines six habits that keep people broke: Not talking about money No emergency fund Impulse purchases Buying unnecessary sale items Paying bills late Improper use of credit cards 🏛️ WINDS Wealth Building Centers Created to combat financial illiteracy in Black America. Focus on mindset, habits, values, and solutions. Curriculum includes: Psychology and emotions around money Delayed gratification Four pillars of intergenerational wealth: Wealth management Real estate ownership Business development Entrepreneurship 🌍 Power Networking Conference & Fraser Nation A virtual nation concept launched before the pandemic. Offers access to: Black professionals and business owners Intellectual capital Products and services across the Pan-African diaspora Promotes virtual workshops, summits, and coaching. 💼 Entrepreneurship & Passive Income Encourages Black Americans to sell, not just buy. Suggests a multi-stream income strategy: Use 9–5 income to fund a side hustle. Use side hustle profits to invest. Let investments eventually replace your job income. 💬 Quotes & Wisdom “Stop living above your means. Stop living within your means. Live below your means and invest the rest.” “If you bake cookies, put them in a box, put your name on it, and sell it.” “There should not be a Black person in America with a single stream of income.” #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 Dr. LaToya Gilmore. A licensed professional counselor with 20+ years of experience. Topic: Her book Communication Skills for Healthier Boundaries and her journey in mental health. 2. Dr. Gilmore’s Career Path Started in mass communication, switched to psychology after a friend's suggestion. First psychology class sparked her passion. Emphasizes the importance of curiosity and self-awareness in career transitions. 3. Mental Health and Career Change Discusses fear of change and how to overcome it. Encourages self-assessment and assertive communication. Talks about blocking external opinions to follow personal truth. 4. Mental Health in the Black Community Pandemic brought mental health to the forefront. Black professionals increasingly seeking therapy for trauma, stress, and work-life balance. Her practice is 95% African-American professionals. 5. HBCU Experience Attended Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University. Highlights the affirming and empowering environment of HBCUs. Importance of representation and academic excellence. 6. Book Discussion: Communication Skills for Healthier Boundaries Focuses on effective communication and healthy boundaries. Addresses rigid vs. absent boundaries and their impact on relationships and self-worth. 7. Therapy Practice Model Transitioned from in-person to fully virtual practice. Offers flexibility for clients and shares her own experience with therapy. 8. Entrepreneurship Lessons Graduate school didn’t teach business fundamentals. Learned about insurance, legal structure, and accounting on the fly. Advocates mentorship and using resources like ChatGPT (with caution). 9. Betting on Yourself Shares her transition from full-time professor to private practice. Advises strategic planning and exit strategies over impulsive quitting. 10. Parenting and Child Development Warns against premature diagnoses in children. Encourages education on developmental stages and adapting parenting strategies. 11. Future of Mental Health Education Advocates normalization of mental health as part of routine healthcare. Notes increased visibility in media, faith communities, and public discourse. 12. Boundaries in Social Settings Shares how she handles unsolicited therapy requests at social events. Emphasizes professional boundaries and offers referrals when needed. 13. Closing Website: www.lovesupportguidance.com Social media: Instagram @DrGilmoreShares Encouragement to lead with gifts and keep winning. 💡 Key Takeaways Self-awareness is the foundation for personal and professional growth. Mental health is health—it should be normalized and prioritized. Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships and self-care. Entrepreneurship requires preparation beyond passion—legal, financial, and structural knowledge is key. Representation matters—HBCUs provide affirming environments that expand possibilities. Parenting requires education, not assumptions—developmental quirks aren’t always disorders. 🗣️ Notable Quotes “You have to allow your voice to be above the external voices and opinions.” “The individuals around you are not mind readers.” “The pandemic put us on the forefront of mental health… you had to sit at home with your own thoughts.” “Everyone is not going to be my client, but I do have resources.” “Mental wellness is just another leg of healthcare. That’s all it is.” “Don’t quit because you’re mad. Have an exit strategy.” “Boundaries can be rigid or absent—both can disrupt your life.”   #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 #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 Rod Griffin. Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To educate listeners on fraud prevention, identity theft, credit management, and financial literacy. The conversation aims to empower individuals—especially those in underserved communities—to take control of their financial health using tools and resources provided by Experian. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Fraud & Identity Theft Awareness Identity theft is increasingly sophisticated, often driven by AI. Quote: “The currency of today isn’t necessarily cash—it’s information.” 2. Experian’s Role Experian is one of the three major credit bureaus. Offers tools for fraud detection, identity verification, and credit monitoring. Quote: “We help protect people from fraud and identity theft… and help them improve their financial lives.” 3. Understanding Credit Scores Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with categories from “Poor” to “Excellent.” Key factors: payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit, and recent activity. Quote: “Banks like people who are boring. Just pay the bills on time and keep balances low.” 4. Free Resources Free credit reports available weekly via AnnualCreditReport.com. Experian offers free monitoring, alerts, and FICO scores. Quote: “There’s no real reason to pay for a credit report today.” 5. Establishing & Rebuilding Credit Tools like Experian Go and Experian Boost help users build or rebuild credit using non-traditional data (e.g., rent, utilities, streaming services). Quote: “You can go from no credit history to having a report and score in the 630 range—in minutes.” 6. Financial Savviness Being financially savvy means controlling your money, not letting it control you. Use credit cards strategically for rewards and pay balances in full. Budgeting and goal-setting are essential. Quote: “Start from a goal perspective… What do you want to do in life?” 7. Insurance Savings Experian’s auto insurance marketplace helps users compare and save. Average savings: ~$800/year. Quote: “We’ll monitor for you… and tell you if we find a better rate.” 8. Practical Tips Audit monthly bills for hidden charges. Use loyalty programs and coupons to save on groceries and gas. Quote: “I shop so much I get free food… $6, $8, $9 savings add up.” 🧠 Final Message Rod Griffin emphasizes that financial literacy is about empowerment. By understanding your credit, using available tools, and setting clear goals, you can take control of your financial future. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.